This was certainly one of the more exciting releases to come my way in 2011. I won’t for a minute pretend to have got my head around all the different versions of these oft classic riddims . . .
Invasion of the Mysteron Killer Sounds in 3-D (Dancehall Digital Dub)
Various artists, compiled by Kevin Martin (The Bug) and Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz Records)
On Mysteron Killer Sounds Soul Jazz supremo Stuart Baker and Kevin Martin, aka the Bug, explore the link between the experimental digital dub of 20 years ago and contemporary styles including dubstep, electronica and grime et al. Taking their cue from King Jammy’s 1985 epic ‘Under Me Sleng Teng’, the duo weave new tracks from digital natives such as Federation and Stereotyp with sought after mixes from the likes of Roots Manuva and the South Rakkas Crew, and masterful riddims from legends such as King Jammy and Sly Dunbar. This 35 track double album colossus (with limited edition graphic novel) pits Martin’s picks against a selection of Baker’s. Martin’s CD is the more adventurous, kicking off with Stevie & Clevie’s ‘Streetsweeper’ and standouts include Federation Sound’s ‘Flatlands (Brooklyn Dub Mix)’ and Lenky’s bhangra-infused ‘Diwali Riddim’. Baker’s mix is more dancefloor friendly where South Rakkas Crew’s ‘Red Alert’ competes with King Tubby’s ‘Fat Thing Version’ for attention. We’ll heading for the Baker soundsystem.
