Living Dub, Volume 2

Living Dub, Vol. 2 was originally released on LP in 1980 as a dub version of Burning Spear's Hail H.I.M. album. But as with Living Dub, Vol. 1, this 1993 CD reissue ought to come with a bit more explanation on its packaging than it has. This is not really a reissue of the original dub album at all, but rather a reconceptualization of it, with entirely new dub mixes by Barry O'Hare taking the place of the original ones by Sylvan Morris. It also adds a dub version of "Bad to Worst" (from Fittest of the Fittest) and a different version of "Civilized Reggae" from that found on the O'Hare version of Living Dub, Vol. 1. (Strangely, no dub version of "Jah See and Know" is included.) Whatever its failings as an accurate reissue, though, as a musical experience this album gets by just fine. On Hail H.I.M. Burning Spear was backed by a band that was, for all intents and purposes, the Wailers, and their trademark dry, solid groove is in full effect throughout the proceedings. And as with Living Dub, Vol. 1, only the most tight-lipped traditionalist would find fault with O'Hare's mixes. Recommended.