If anything could be said to have assured the future of dub, it was the decision to release full-length albums dedicated exclusively to the nascent genre. The first began appearing in 1972, with
Prince Buster's
Message Dubwise among these originating sets. Mixed down by Carlton Lee, the highly innovative ten-track strong album highlights
Buster's strengths as a producer, as well as his distinctive style. And although some of the dubs are invariably bass led, including the title track and the bouncy "Jet Black,"
Buster was drum mad, and so the percussion is often pulled to the fore, notably on the crash, bang, wallop of "Why Am I Treated So Bad" and the nyahbinghi-fied "Sata a Miss Gana," one of the most evocative numbers on the set.
Surprisingly, Lee rarely employed any effects or reverb on the drums or bass, preferring to utilize them on the instruments, drawing out notes and chords instead. And most of the tracks featured plenty of instrumentation, from the melodica led "Java Plus" across the smooth organ passages of "Saladin," and even on the heavy, heavy dub of the moody proto-roots of "Swing Low." "Mississippi" is the exception, a fabulous version of the "Full Up" riddim that pulls the percussion, drum and bass to the front of the mix, than splatters slivers of instrumentation on top.
The rather unimaginatively titled "Big Youth" closes the set, with the DJ plugging
Prince Buster and preaching peace over a medley of recent
Buster productions. The perfect closing for a groundbreaking set. ~ Jo-Ann Greene