THE UPSETTER レコード& CD

Review: A slept-on roots gem from the mid-70s gets a timely reissue, perfect for warming up those cold winter days. Originally produced by Hector Wright at Lee "Scratch" Perry's legendary Black Ark Studios, this timeless piece showcases the vocal harmonies of The Blue Bells. A-side 'Come Along' features a captivating blend of soulful vocals and uplifting melodies, while the flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the arrangement to reveal its hypnotic depths. Originally released in 1976, this repress makes a rare gem accessible once more.

Review: Having a cut a record as early as 16 years old, Junior's talents were identified quickly and he went on to be a prolific roots rockers vocalist with a busy career through the 70s and 80s. One of those who heard and recorded him then was Lee "Scratch" Perry and this record was one of their collaborative standouts, pairing a driving rhythm with a powerful, catchy lead vocal and uplifting background harmonies all elevated by the unmistakable warmth of the Black Ark studio's production. It's a timeless piece of classic reggae, making it instantly memorable and irresistibly singable. Side-2 transforms the track into a dub showcase. Layers of echo, reverb and vocal snippets create a spacious, hypnotic atmosphere, with the rhythm section taking the lead. The interplay between the faintly retained chorus and effects adds depth while maintaining the song's original spirit. This reissue highlights the enduring appeal of both the original roots cut and its dub reinterpretation.