King Tubby & Friends: Rod of Correction Showcase
features tracks recorded from 1974 to 1979. What makes this collection of songs significant is the fact that all the tracks bear the seal of
King Tubby
. Not only did
Tubby
engineer all these songs, but he mixed them as well. Also, he and
the Aggrovators
provided much of the instrumental backing. Despite the presence of many
reggae
heavyweights, including
Augustus Pablo
,
Touter
Scully
Brad Osbourne
Tommy McCook
Bobby Ellis
Chinna Smith
, and
Ronald Robinson
, it's
that really stand out here. Consisting of
Carlton Barrett
Sly Dunbar
Carlton "Santa" Davis
Robbie Shakespeare
Aston Barrett
Tony Chin
maintained melodically interesting rhythms that were frighteningly steady. Unlike many groups playing Jamaican music at the time, the bands featured on this collection were not influenced by American and British
pop
music. More often than not, the tempos were higher -- closer to the danceable side of things. A testament to the power and might of the Rastafarian god,
"Jah Jah the Conqueror"
is a rhythmic juggernaut, featuring the vocals of
Linval Thompson
and the instrumental support of
. Other standout tracks on this compilation are
"Dub of Rights"
and
"Brother Marcus Dub,"
which treat the listener to the silken vocals of
Johnny Clarke
. One of the least inspiring tracks is
Pablo
's
"Forever"
; although a fairly bouncy tune, it has an excessive lightness to it that makes it less compelling. Overall, though, this is an excellent collection of songs, and a shining example of
's golden touch. ~ Qa'id Jacobs