REGGAE

Rip It Up, Issue 32, 1 March 1980, Page 12

REGGAE

Four discs up for scrutiny this time around, and in front by a country mile are the magical Gladiators, whose succession of fine albums on Virgin's Front Line label have provided some of the most iry riddims in recent years. Their latest work, Sweet So Till, is pure joy, from its dazzling cover to the surpassing harmonies contained therein. Griffiths, Fearon and Sutherland have made their happiest, sexiest album to date. Jah Music is not all clenched fists and righteous indignation, as the Gladiators prove on this delightful platter. On the same label comes the Front Line Vol 111 sampler, continuing the trend set by its predecessors. It shows well what the label’s wide variety of artists are achieving, and encourages further buying. Let’s not lose the opportunity to capitalise on this, and make sure the whole albums are released. Tracks in this selection include “Lonely Girl” by the truly fine Gregory Isaacs, whose voice is as sweet as melting honey. The Gladiators’ “Get Ready” is already available here on the Naturality set, reviewed in the last roundup and well worth the greenbacks. You’ll also find contributions by the erratic Twinkle Brothers, The Abyssinians and the Mighty Diamonds, whose best work still only turns up occasionally in the import bins. Those who love a dub and a toast get I Roy, U Roy, Prince Far I and Sly Dunbar, who is better in the background than trying to record his own albums. Culture also get a track from their latest release, International Herb, which has emerged here on the strength of their previous two best-known works. Those acquainted already with this trio will need no further urging, even though it’s a lightweight by comparison. Let’s hope they find a new deal, and soon. Dennis Brown, whose tracklist spreads over many years, has a reputation second to none, having produced some phenomenal singles with Studio One and Joe Gibbs, and three pacesetting albums for Lightning, DEB and Third World Records. But sadly his latest, Words of Wisdom (Atlantic) fails to live up to expectations. Gibbs is again in control and has a major hand with the material, but the songs are too similar, as are the arrangements. Better check out the Live at Montreux, now here on import, which shows Brown in full cry. Duncan Campbell