Nice work by Makasound, which lets us (re)discover through this "Rocking Vibration" 17 tracks by Linval Thompson, recorded between 1975 and 1979 at Channel One. One for the enthusiasts.
The French label Makasound has embarked on an immense and meticulous task of reissuing forgotten or little-known albums. Delighting roots reggae fans, their previous efforts notably allowed us to rediscover the Meditations' album "Guidance", a roots gem left in the drawers for far too long. Now it is the turn of the singer-producer Linval Thompson to benefit from their perseverance, after having profited from the work of Blood & Fire ("Ride on dreadlocks 1975-77", in 2000). The reissue of this "Rocking Vibration" gathers 17 tracks recorded between 1975 and 1979. Seven tracks have thus been added to the original 1978 album, among them Don't push me around, the deejay version of Mr Bossman with Ranking Trevor. Although we already knew some of the tracks (Never Push Your Brother and Just Another Girl are taken from the album "I Love Marijuana"; Mr. Bossman, No Confusion and Give Thanks and Praises from the album "Six Babylon"), we won't deny ourselves the pleasure of hearing these tracks straight out of Channel One.
Polished rhythms
The characteristic sound of the Hookim brothers is easily recognisable, joined on this album by the most renowned musicians: Aston "Familyman" Barret, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Leeroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Ansel Collins and Skully Sims. Plenty to allow Linval Thompson's airy voice to deliver his conscious messages. From Dangerous Position to More Power (whose extended version runs to nearly seven minutes with a furious drum finale), the rhythms are polished but sometimes suffer from Linval Thompson's rather unvaried vocal melodies. The only exception to Channel One's sonic hegemony on this "Rocking Vibration", Natty Pressure Them was recorded at the Black Ark and closes the album on a terrific skank, dear to Lee Perry. A telling detail of the work put in by Makasound: the booklet lets you follow the lyrics of almost all the tracks. Enough to delight the enthusiasts. The others will prefer his productions.
