In the early '80s when "artist meets artist" clash albums were becoming a popular format for reggae releases, producer and label owner
Henry "Junjo" Lawes released
Roots & Culture on his Jah Guidance imprint. This
Culture meets
Don Carlos effort is simply a one side
Culture, one side
Don Carlos affair since the two acts never collaborate. What's even more important is that this edition of
Culture does not feature leader
Joseph Hill.
Hill, the most identifiable member of the group, was at the time using the
Culture name himself for a solo career, but here it refers to remaining members Kenneth Lloyd Dayes and
Albert Walker. They do a fine job delivering laid-back, spiritual roots music like the opening "Tell Me Who Jah" and an even better job with the lighter, uplifting tunes like "Rub a Dub Train" and "Jah Tabernacle" which is delivered over the always pleasant "Three Blind Mice" riddim. The
Don Carlos side features early versions of later hits like "Hog & Goat" and "Say You Will Be My Baby" -- better known as "Ride on Christine" -- along with the light dancehall vibe of "Rub a Dub Queen" which brings reminders of his massive hit "Laser Beam." Solid grooves and good tunes but without
Hill and the Channel One versions of the
Carlos hits, this fringe release is best suited for the reggae faithful, not the casual fan. ~ David Jeffries