This record is another fine example of dub’s ability to evolve, mutate and reincarnate in different forms. Whilst sitting broadly within the spectrum of 80’s electronic pop Colourbox stood out from many of their contemporaries by being heavily influenced by reggae and dub. Signed to iconic British indie label 4AD this 12” was one of their last releases before morphing (with the help of A.R. Kane) into M|A|R|R|S and scoring a worldwide hit with ‘Pump Up The Volume.’

The lead track on this 12” is a cover of Jacob Miller’s ‘Baby I Love you So’ which was originally produced by the mighty Augustus Pablo and released on his label Pablo International in 1975. Interestingly however it is the dub version of that track that has possibly gone on to become even more well known than the original – ‘King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown.’ As the title track to one of the greatest dub albums of all time it has been for many (including myself) the entry point into the world of 70’s Jamaican dub representing the musical meeting point between two key figures within the genre – producer and musician Augustus Pablo and engineer and dub mixer King Tubby.

Colourbox keep the distinctive thunderous bassline of the original and reapply it within the context of synth driven 80’s electronic production with singer Lorita Grahame taking on the role of delivering Jacob Miller’s heartfelt vocals. The result is a mesmerising mix of reggae, dub, post-punk and synth-pop that pays respectful homage to the original whilst successfully placing it into a completely different musical framework and context.

The B-side is also well worth checking out as it is home to the sample driven electro-dub instrumental ‘Looks Like We're Shy One Horse’ which featured on Weatherall’s outstanding compilation ‘Nine O’Clock Drop’ (just read the tracklist on that one for yet another example of the genius of Weatherall).

The record offers the further advantage of being widely available at a decent price on the second hand market and when you throw in the added bonus of a sleeve designed by the legendary (and now also sadly departed) graphic designer Vaughan Oliver it’s probably the best tenner you’ll spend this year.

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