Joe Gibbs was one of the most influential and prolific producers to come out of the Jamaica Reggae scene in the 70s and 80s. Together with sound engineer Errol Thompson, Gibbs produced over 100 Number 1 hit reggae singles. During the late 60s popular Jamaican hit singles began to be modified with echo, remixing and overdubs, resulting in the "Reggae Dub" genre that we are familiar with today.
During the 70s full-length Dub albums began to appear, initially in small specialist pressing, but eventually hitting the UK rock charts. The UK New Wave "Punk" scene in particular took notice of Dub during the late 70s, with bands such as the Clash collaborating with artists like Lee Scratch Perry.
Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson's collaborations were initially released on four highly influential LPs - the "African Dub All-Mighty" series. Long deleted and sought-after on vinyl, these four albums can occasionally be found collected on CD (complete with original pops and clicks). I was lucky to pick all four up on a double-CD set a few years ago. Although now reaching mainstream popularity, Dub is still unusual enough as a genre not to sound dated. These albums are as weird and wonderful now as they ever were. Enjoy either on their own, or with a "smokey" accompaniment.
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