PRINCE FAR I レコード& CD

Review: On this reissue of a Mighty Two instrumental classic, Prince Far I rides the rhythmic hand dealt by 'The Deck Of Cards', making for a dazzling reminder of the collaborative synergies between dub legends Michael Williams, Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson. Released under Gibbs' contemporary imprint, which lends posterity to his work, 'Deck Of Cards' is a shockingly well-shuffled suit (not skimping on the jokers, either), with many trademark quirks and idiosyncrasies, such as an on-beat trumpet bubble, abounding on the infectious instrumental version. Far I's vocal, which captures our immediate attention, is just as righteous and steadfast as its backbone.

Review: Following on from the CD version of this reissue, 17 North Prada now follow it up with a welcome vinyl edition. Prince Far I worked with Joe Gibbs's house band The Professionals on Under Heavy Manners, his 1976 full-length recorded at Gibbs's studio in Kingston, Jamaica. His messages throughout his career were always focussed on social and political issues and lend this album its extra lyrical edge on top of the killer rhythms. Gibbs composed all of the tracks bar one from Errol Thompson and it is generally considered one of his finer works. Snap this one up now because it will soon disappear again.