JAH WOBBLE Schallplatten & CDs

Review: For the very first time on vinyl comes Presents The Light Programme, Jah Wobble's extraordinary 1997 descent into downtempo and beat science. Released on his now-defunct 30 Hertz label, The Light Programme showcased an excellent cast of musicians, including Can drummer Jaki Liebezeit, Wire's Clive Bell, conga player Neville Murray, guitarist and synthesist Mark Ferda and the harpist Zi-lan Liao. The Light Programme is an intensely effulgent but at times vitreous record, with Wobble seemingly embracing the worldbeat vogue of the time with a keen, albeit naive fervour. When the tracks aren't so clear cut or obviously mixed, things get more interesting; 'One In 7' is the oddball of choice here.

Review: Sound Metaphors sub label Thank You continues to explore lesser known niche records from visionary artists of the 80s by revisiting this single from Jah Wobble. 'Blow Out' is a shoe-in for any Balearic set worth its salt, pairing boxy drum machine rhythms with wistful keys and some blue-eyed soul vocal turns for a meandering ride through prime mid-decade sonic territory. Bleepy where it counts, just a little dubby around the edges and smooth up top, it's a refined, long form cut which sounds great with a modern remaster. Backed with the instrumental version on the flip, it's a no-brainer for diggers who might have balked at paying top whack for an original 85 edition.