Rastafari Dub [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Ras Michael is a unique figure amongst world class and internationally commercially popular reggae artists. His music is based on roots rhythms, African drum and bass and is referred to as the Nyabinghi sound.

Imagine going way up into the hills, miles from the nearest civilized townships in Jamaica, and confronting percussionists sitting in a large circle and playing their different hand built style drums for hours on end and chanting to African rhythms centuries old. Often, these hypnotic ceremonies go on for several days and nights at a time without stopping, new drummers filling in when a drummer falls out from fatigue.

Ras Michael's special style bordering on religious frenzy, occultism, voodoo, black magic and mysticism is related to the energy of drum and bass, which frequently causes the dancers to achieve states of exaltation and go into ritualistic convulsions.

Ras Michael, since the early '60's, has released over twenty records on Shananchie, VP, SST, Trojan and Live & Learn. Perhaps the most sought after and difficult for the collector to find is "Rastafari Dub", which was first released in 1972 as a private white label LP pressing in a limited edition, timed to coincide with the release of the full "Rastafari".

Product Description
From the All Music Guide:
As the formerly cassette-only ROIR label continues to slowly reissue its catalog of classic punk, reggae and ska titles on CD, hidden treasures are coming to light again, some for the first time in years. Ras Michael, one of the foremost exponents of traditional Nyabinghi drumming and chanting, recorded his Rastafari album in 1972, and a dub version of that album was released simultaneously in a limited edition. Scraps of it have turned up from time to time, some on legitimate releases and some not, but ROIR's cassette reissue in 1989 was the first complete and fully-licensed release since the original vinyl first came out. It's too bad the non-dub version isn't included as well (there's plenty of space on the disc), but this CD is still a treasure. Ras Michael and his crew of drummers are joined by reggae demigods Carlton "Santa" Davis (drum set), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Tommy McCook (flute), Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar) and others! , and the fusion of electric, urban reggae and organic, rural Nyabinghi drumming is perfect. Particular highlights include the dub versions of "None a Jah Jah Children No Cry" (recommended especially in conjunction with its vocal version) and the very dry and heavy "In Zion." — Rick Anderson

Rastafari Dub,Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus,Roir,Nyahbinghi,Pop,Reggae,Reggae Music,Roots Reggae- Nyabinghi Drumming. Features Peter Tosh, Robbie Shakespeare, Tommy McCook, Chinna Smith & more... (ROIR)
Rastafari Dub
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Very nice dub set.
  • Reggae Got Soul
Rastafari Dub
Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus
Manufacturer: Roir
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JCHU
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

  1. None A Jah Jah
  2. Children No Cry
  3. Truth And Right
  4. In Zion
  5. Sufferation
  6. Give Love
  7. New Name
  8. Birds In The Tree Tops

Album Description

From the All Music Guide:
As the formerly cassette-only ROIR label continues to slowly reissue its catalog of classic punk, reggae and ska titles on CD, hidden treasures are coming to light again, some for the first time in years. Ras Michael, one of the foremost exponents of traditional Nyabinghi drumming and chanting, recorded his Rastafari album in 1972, and a dub version of that album was released simultaneously in a limited edition. Scraps of it have turned up from time to time, some on legitimate releases and some not, but ROIR's cassette reissue in 1989 was the first complete and fully-licensed release since the original vinyl first came out. It's too bad the non-dub version isn't included as well (there's plenty of space on the disc), but this CD is still a treasure. Ras Michael and his crew of drummers are joined by reggae demigods Carlton "Santa" Davis (drum set), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Tommy McCook (flute), Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar) and others! , and the fusion of electric, urban reggae and organic, rural Nyabinghi drumming is perfect. Particular highlights include the dub versions of "None a Jah Jah Children No Cry" (recommended especially in conjunction with its vocal version) and the very dry and heavy "In Zion." — Rick Anderson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Very nice dub set........2003-01-11

This dub doesn't disappoint! Buyers should be aware however that this album is NOT just dub versions of songs from Ras Michael's "Rastafari"- it also includes tracks from "Kibir-Am-Lak". According to the Rough Guide to Reggae, it collects the best tracks from both of those albums.

The sound quality of these dubs is clear and deep; they are truly a pleasure to listen to. The liner notes are pretty useless however, as they contain just as much MIS-information about the album as correct info. (I refer here to the text written by Elena Oumano, as well as the recording date. The info about producer and musicians seems to be correct.)

5 out of 5 stars Reggae Got Soul.......2001-06-19

Rastafari Dub is a far cry from mainstream reggae. It pulls deep into it's tribal roots and emerges as a box. A huge box. Once you step in side this box you are in a forest. You're path is the bass and drums, you have a guide in Peter Tosh's guitar and Ras Micheal comes down like thunder, while the backup singers are like rain. While this may sound really weird and loosey goosy or somthin, listen to the album and try to find a better way to describe it, you cant (unless you wish to describe the pyrotechnics of the bass and sound like a stiff who didn't even get the point) The Album is amazing, it is the first album I have ever listened to that frustrates me. You always feel that there is something more. That you are missing something. If you don't have the album i urge you to get it. You will never understand it from samples or reviews. If you don't like the album and wish to mark it poorly I urge you not to because it is one of those albums that is like a Poem for an english class that cannot be graded for it was never really assigned. And if it was assigned it would have gotten an F becuase the teacher was to stuck up to admit that he didn't understand it either. I can't say that I think you (the reader of this) will like this, but one things for sure, you'll be confused as hell after it breaks down everything you know about music.
Calling Rastafari
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Tight band
  • Very nice Spearsman very nice
  • Hanging on
  • Very Very Good
  • still going strong
Calling Rastafari
Burning Spear
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DubDub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000JMCM
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

  1. As It Is
  2. Hallelujah (Extended Mix)
  3. House Of Reggae
  4. Let's Move
  5. Brighten My Vision
  6. You Want Me To
  7. Calling Rastafari
  8. Sons Of He (Extended Mix)
  9. Statue Of Liberty
  10. Own Security
  11. Holy Man (Extended Mix)

Amazon.com

It's been a long time since Burning Spear released an album as thoroughly rootsy as this--the opening track even quotes from his own classic "Slavery Days." And rarely has his music, which has always been locked into a hypnotic groove, sounded so upbeat, punctuated with bouncing horn lines--it's almost as if he's announcing that he's back, and happy to be here. While his voice isn't quite the instrument it was in the late '70s, it's still strong and supple, and there's plenty of vocal support--almost a return to the days of Burning Spear (the band) in the use of call-and-response singing. Even his writing seems to have taken a rootsier turn (as evidenced by the album title). All in all, Spear's best in years. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Tight band.......2006-02-21

Simply put, this cd is good. Great songs with a great band. Tight drums and bass with a nice horn section. This gets 4 stars from me because I'm sure everyone would agree that his older stuff is where it's at.

Not a classic, but by all means, a tight album.

5 out of 5 stars Very nice Spearsman very nice.......2005-08-17

Ahhhh "Calling Rastifari" is but a refreshing misty breeze that will uplift and crack any cold face with a smile. Do yourself a favor and add this to your Spear collection. If new to spear, although this album is rightious, I would recommend strongly first getting "Fittest of the Fittest" or "Hail H.I.M." for Spears finest work of rocksteady riddims. Just saw Spear at the O.C. Reggae Fest, he was hot! Keep the Spear burning man! One Love. Peace.

3 out of 5 stars Hanging on.......2000-12-30

Legends never die, and Winston Rodney is one of the finest. However, they sometimes fade, such as is the case with Burning Spear. I hold this band second only to the Wailers in terms of all-time Reggae Greats. However, see if you can find the original self-titled album and you will agree there is no comparison in quality. "Marcus Garvey" and "Harder than the Rest" are also some of the finest reggae albums ever put forth. In my opinion, Burning Spear has become t0o focused around pleasing the pop-culture base and mass-touring and has lost some of the emotion and force its ealier music contains. "Calling Rastafari" is still better than 90% of the reggae on the market, but is not up to Burning Spear Standard. Three Stars.

5 out of 5 stars Very Very Good.......2000-10-09

This cd is a classic. This is a must have. I loved his last cd but in my opinion, this is even better.

4 out of 5 stars still going strong.......2000-09-18

Every time I see a new Burning Spear release, I have to smile and get it, as Winston Rodney is still the heartbeat of roots reggae, and it appears he has no intention of quitting any time soon- nor should he. His voice, still pure and beautiful after all these years, is still a staple in my apartment, and will always be as such.

This new release is quite good, with Winston's voice in good form, and using the call and reply method he uses so well. For me "Hallelujah" and "House of Reggae" are the best tracks on here.

This cd is not a bad introduction to the Prophet for the uninitiated, but he/she would be better served finding the classic lps "Marcus Garvey," (one of the greatest reggae lps ever made) "Garvey's Ghost," "Man in the Hills, " "Dry and Heavy," and "Social Living," all of which are readily available and are must listens.
Rastafari Dub
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Rastafari Dub
    Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus
    Manufacturer: Roir
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0000059XT
    Release Date: 1993-06-18

    Tracks:

    1. None a Jah Jah Children
    2. Truth and Rights
    3. In Zion
    4. Sufferation
    5. Give Love
    6. New Name
    7. Birds in the Treetop
    8. No Happens
    Ites Massive
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Ites Massive
      Ooklah the Moc
      Manufacturer: Ghetto Circus
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000059RTH
      Release Date: 2003-06-03

      Tracks:

      1. Blessed
      2. Creator
      3. Sound Creation
      4. Haunted House
      5. Live Love
      6. Fafa Island
      7. No More Tears
      8. Herbal Meditation
      9. Spliff Mood
      10. Dance Ram
      11. Melvin's Surprise
      12. Humble Vibes
      13. Upon This Land
      14. Pidgeon Peas
      15. Children Free
      16. Dub Ramification
      Calling Rastafari
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Surprisingly good
      • THe sickest roots music
      • Best roots compilation ever!
      Calling Rastafari
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Nighthawk Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000003901
      Release Date: 1997-09-30

      Tracks:

      1. Calling Rastafari - Culture
      2. Small Axe - Gladiators
      3. 4000 Years - Mighty Diamonds
      4. Herbs Pirate - Itals
      5. Bongo Red - Gladiators
      6. Dem A Payaka - Culture
      7. My Thoughts - Gladiators
      8. Harbour Shark - Wailing Souls
      9. Jah Glory - Itals
      10. This Time - Culture

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good.......2004-09-15

      From the liner notes:

      "'Calling Rastafari' is an anthology of Rastafarian roots reggae recorded primarily during a three-day period in early February '81 at the Harry J Studio in Kingston, Jamaica...

      ...When Culture arrived (at the studio), lead singer Joseph Hill looked broadly about and, seeing the Gladiators, Wailing Souls, Mighty Diamonds and Itals, said "Dis yah a roots session."

      That's all you need to know. Every cut is a previously unreleased, yet amazing version. The three Culture tracks alone make it an incredible album.

      There are some pretty cheesy reggae compilations out there, but this CD is one of the best roots albums I've heard.

      5 out of 5 stars THe sickest roots music.......2002-07-05

      If you are lucky to have stumbled onto this CD here on in a store get it! A word to the wise the cheapest reggae cds are often the best.. this roots session is so sick, culture, wailing souls, gladiators, itals, mighty diamonds, i mean come on, the two dubs are pretty sick too. the only problem i think is that although 'herbs pirate' is so sick i think they should have put on another itals song cause 'herbs pirate' is pretty well known, maybe same goes for 'bongo red' (think i have 4 versions of that song) but the cd as a whole outshines any flaws. the culture section is excellent, "my thoughts" is sick, habour shark...anyways it all rocks

      5 out of 5 stars Best roots compilation ever!.......2000-04-01

      A righteous skanked out jam session by some of reggaes finest musicians. I have not found these tracks/versions anywhere else. I have owned this on LP for 12 years and now it is finally on cd, a good thing because my vinyl was wearing out(and Flea scratched it). Give thanks and praises. Jah Liveth.
      King Tubby's Rastafari Dub (1974 - 1979)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        King Tubby's Rastafari Dub (1974 - 1979)
        King Tubby
        Manufacturer: Clocktower
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        DubDub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B0002ZDVEA
        Release Date: 2004-08-24

        Tracks:

        1. King of the Arena Dub
        2. No Partial Dub
        3. Crazy Bald Head Dub
        4. Living Dub
        5. Rastafari Dub
        6. Heartless Dub
        7. Yard Dub
        8. Destroy Dub Style
        9. Book of Numbers Dub
        10. Natty Roots Man Dub
        11. Sunny Dub
        12. Jam Style Dub
        Rastafari Dub
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Rastafari Dub
          Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus
          Manufacturer: Roir
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B00004SEUH
          Release Date: 1999-05-11

          Tracks:

          1. None a Jah Jah Children
          2. Truth and Rights
          3. In Zion
          4. Sufferation
          5. Give Love
          6. New Name
          7. Birds in the Treetop
          8. No Happens
          Rastafari Plus Dub
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Rastafari Plus Dub
            Ras Michael
            Manufacturer: Lagoon
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
            ReggaeReggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B00004SI7J
            Release Date: 1995-08-08

            Tracks:

            1. Give Love
            2. Give Love (Dub Version)
            3. Sufferation
            4. Sufferation (Dub Version)
            5. In Zion
            6. In Zion (Dub Version)
            7. None A Jah Jah Children
            8. None A Jah Jah Children (Dub Version)
            9. Truth & Rights
            10. Truth & Rights (Dub Version)
            11. Mr. Brown
            12. Glory Down
            13. It Is No Secret
            Chant Rastafari
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Chant Rastafari
              Dub Station & Shaka Black
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

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              ASIN: B000G8PCI6
              Release Date: 2006-05-16

              Tracks:

              1. Addis Ababa
              2. You Say
              3. Chant Rastafari
              4. Pickup (Live)
              5. Man Of Rasta (Live)
              6. Teardrops (Live)
              7. Walkdrops (Live)
              8. Treat Her Right (Live)
              9. Road Rage (Live)
              10. Jah Alone (Live)
              11. This Way (Live)
              Calling Rastafari
              Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
              • Tight band
              • Very nice Spearsman very nice
              • Hanging on
              • Very Very Good
              • still going strong
              Calling Rastafari
              Burning Spear
              Manufacturer: Heart
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              DubDub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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              1. Our Music
              2. Free Man
              3. Hail H.I.M.
              4. Creation Rebel
              5. Live In Paris: Zenith '88 (2CD)

              ASIN: B00002DETY
              Release Date: 1999-10-13

              Tracks:

              1. As It Is
              2. Hallelujah [Extended Mix]
              3. House of Reggae
              4. Let's Move
              5. Brighten My Vision
              6. You Want Me To
              7. Calling Rastafari
              8. Sons of He [Extended Mix]
              9. Statue of Liberty
              10. Own Security
              11. Holy Man [Extended Mix]

              Amazon.com

              It's been a long time since Burning Spear released an album as thoroughly rootsy as this--the opening track even quotes from his own classic "Slavery Days." And rarely has his music, which has always been locked into a hypnotic groove, sounded so upbeat, punctuated with bouncing horn lines--it's almost as if he's announcing that he's back, and happy to be here. While his voice isn't quite the instrument it was in the late '70s, it's still strong and supple, and there's plenty of vocal support--almost a return to the days of Burning Spear (the band) in the use of call-and-response singing. Even his writing seems to have taken a rootsier turn (as evidenced by the album title). All in all, Spear's best in years. --Chris Nickson

              Customer Reviews:

              4 out of 5 stars Tight band.......2006-02-21

              Simply put, this cd is good. Great songs with a great band. Tight drums and bass with a nice horn section. This gets 4 stars from me because I'm sure everyone would agree that his older stuff is where it's at.

              Not a classic, but by all means, a tight album.

              5 out of 5 stars Very nice Spearsman very nice.......2005-08-17

              Ahhhh "Calling Rastifari" is but a refreshing misty breeze that will uplift and crack any cold face with a smile. Do yourself a favor and add this to your Spear collection. If new to spear, although this album is rightious, I would recommend strongly first getting "Fittest of the Fittest" or "Hail H.I.M." for Spears finest work of rocksteady riddims. Just saw Spear at the O.C. Reggae Fest, he was hot! Keep the Spear burning man! One Love. Peace.

              3 out of 5 stars Hanging on.......2000-12-30

              Legends never die, and Winston Rodney is one of the finest. However, they sometimes fade, such as is the case with Burning Spear. I hold this band second only to the Wailers in terms of all-time Reggae Greats. However, see if you can find the original self-titled album and you will agree there is no comparison in quality. "Marcus Garvey" and "Harder than the Rest" are also some of the finest reggae albums ever put forth. In my opinion, Burning Spear has become t0o focused around pleasing the pop-culture base and mass-touring and has lost some of the emotion and force its ealier music contains. "Calling Rastafari" is still better than 90% of the reggae on the market, but is not up to Burning Spear Standard. Three Stars.

              5 out of 5 stars Very Very Good.......2000-10-09

              This cd is a classic. This is a must have. I loved his last cd but in my opinion, this is even better.

              4 out of 5 stars still going strong.......2000-09-18

              Every time I see a new Burning Spear release, I have to smile and get it, as Winston Rodney is still the heartbeat of roots reggae, and it appears he has no intention of quitting any time soon- nor should he. His voice, still pure and beautiful after all these years, is still a staple in my apartment, and will always be as such.

              This new release is quite good, with Winston's voice in good form, and using the call and reply method he uses so well. For me "Hallelujah" and "House of Reggae" are the best tracks on here.

              This cd is not a bad introduction to the Prophet for the uninitiated, but he/she would be better served finding the classic lps "Marcus Garvey," (one of the greatest reggae lps ever made) "Garvey's Ghost," "Man in the Hills, " "Dry and Heavy," and "Social Living," all of which are readily available and are must listens.

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