JOE GIBBS & THE PROFESSIONALS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: For some reason, the mighty dubs of Joe Gibbs and musical collaborator Errol Thompson have never been as widely celebrated as the pair's multitude of vocal recordings, many of which became colossal hits in their native Jamaica. This fine double-disc set from Doctor Bird aims to set the record straight, delivering a wealth of 'versions' and dub mixes recorded and released between 1975 and '78, all featuring Gibbs and Thompson's usual studio band, the Professionals. It's all top-tier dub - think skeletal arrangements, booming bass, effects-laden percussion and echoing vocal snippets - with 30 of the 48 tracks on show appearing on CD for the very first time. In other words, it should be a must-have for all dub enthusiasts.

Review: The Joe Gibbs label is busy reissuing some classic and often fairly sought-after roots tunes from back in the day and next up is this one which comes on a limited run of 45rpms. It kicks off with Junior Murvin who is of course best known for his iconic 'Police & Thieves' tune used in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Her hit is his tough vocal cut 'Cool Out Son' from the late 70s gets served up and is sure to get put through its paces on plenty of big systems this summer. On the flip is a fine dub from The Mighty Two.