King Tubby didn't make any bad records in the '70s. Even his less appreciated digital era isn't worthy of the scorn it receives.
Rastafari Dub is another classic '70s dub album in the impressive Clock Tower catalog. On this record,
King Tubby works his effects magic on the vocals of the era's best singers.
Johnny Clarke's "King of the Arena" opens the album with small tastes of smooth vocals echoed, reverbed, and dropped in to create the thick
King Tubby sound. Those who enjoyed
Jacob Miller's vocals on King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown will appreciate
Rastafari Dub for its up-front use of the original vocal tracks. The production is in the finest roots tradition, and only falls short of King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown because the originals don't have the godlike perfection that
Augustus Pablo and
Jacob Miller brought.
Rastafari Dub is
King Tubby at his best, working behind the boards with the best material available to him at the time. The album has no shortcomings other than its former obscurity. The Clock Tower catalog is so deep with talent and gems that it was a relief to see an album like
Rastafari Dub officially reissued in 2004. ~ Matt Whalley