BLACK UHURU レコード& CD

Review: Although it is widely regarded as a classic album, Black Uhuru's Brutal has never before been available to buy on vinyl. The 1986 work features the undeniably legendary likes of Sly and Robbie as Black Uhuru's leader, with Junior Reid on vocals, Roots Radics man Tyrone Downie on keys and mixing done by the masterful Jim Fox at Lion and Fox. This version has been newly remastered so packs a perfect raw roots punch with all the heavy low ends landing nice and correct and the vocals cutting through perfectly.

Review: While not one of Black Uhuru's most celebrated albums, Brutal is nonetheless a significant set - one that received a 'best reggae album' nomination following its release in 1986. In keeping with the period, it updated their soulful roots reggae sound for the 1980s by wider use of electronic instrumentation (synthesisers in particular), a high-profile collaboration with Arthur Baker (the grandiose, club-ready 'Great Train Robbery', which boasts many of Baker's production tricks of the period), a surprising amount of eyes-closed rock style guitar solos, and some proper bottom-end action courtesy of Sly & Robbie. Highlights include the reggae-boogie of 'City Vibes', the weighty and dubbed-out 'Dread In The Mountain', and the ear-catching closing cut.