Gregory Isaacs Meets Max Romeo - Showcase Vol. 1

Global Beats - GB4LP

The tracks on this latest Global Beats' showcase album, produced by Mafia and Fluxy, have been chosen for their relevance and enduring ability to liven up any roots session. They're timeless, but then we're talking about profound message songs; vocal performances steeped in authenticity, and deep, heavy rhythms that effortlessly blur any distinctions between reggae's old and new schools. The full force of such regal backdrops can be heard at it's best in the dub mixes that accompany each track, making this album even more irresistible to selectors and serious collectors alike. In terms of character, lifestyle and demeanour, there was a world of difference between these two Jamaican reggae legends. Gregory Isaacs's arsenal of tender love songs, coupled with impeccable dress sense, earned him a fervent female following but there was darker side to the Cool Ruler's talents, as featured here. Down The Line is about police harassment and Wah Dee a convict's lament, whilst Motherless Children, which he first voiced for Sly and Robbie, is a stark and chilling account of the inequality that continues to divide us. Max Romeo is strictly low-key by comparison but he has the same gift, and is no less outspoken when it comes to speaking truth to power. He's a graduate of Lee "Scratch" Perry's Black Ark whose breakthrough hit was a bawdy ditty banned by the BBC, and nothing at all like the insightful roots songs and social commentaries that later came to define him. He's advocating repatriation to Africa on The More The Merrier and No Peace, whilst Reverend is a scathing attack on organised religion, and voiced over another of Mafia and Fluxy's thunderous rhythms.

Side A:
Gregory Isaacs - Down the Line 03:44
Dub Down the Line 03:42
Gregory Isaacs - Motherless Children 04:04
Motherless Dub 04:04
Gregory Isaacs - Wah Dee 03:34
Wah Dub 03:46

Side B:
Max Romeo - Reverand 03:29
Reverand Dub 03:39
Max Romeo - More the Merrier 03:29
Dub the Merrier 03:48
Max Romeo - No Peace 04:00
No Peace Dub 04:02

• We are a small independent record store that's been selling new vinyl records in Melbourne, Australia since 2011
• All delivery orders are shipped for $8.95 with Australia Post and include tracking
• Pickup is availble from 461 High St Northcote. This is a free option during checkout
• We go to extreme lengths to make sure our customers are happy
• We use the best mailers available with lots of space for corner protection, and we make sure orders are packed tightly to avoid seam splits
• We ship almost all orders within 1 business day (excluding special or preorder products)
• If there are any issue with an order due to damage, delivery issues or faulty discs we cover all costs associated with replacing and/or returning items
• We're happy to give free expert advice about turntables and hi-fi including setup and playing issues
• If you want to get in touch, email info@thornburyrecords.com. If you would like to talk to us on the phone, send an email requesting a call back