This one falls into the growing category of records I’ve come across that are effectively 12” remixes of Jamaican reggae tracks released on UK labels. Usually longer in duration, more dubwise in production and presented discomix style with the vocal running straight into the dub they are perfectly suited for my own more dub leaning musical tastes. In this case it’s ‘Love To Share’ by Jamaican vocal group Carlton And The Shoes that gets the 12” discomix treatment. Originally appearing on their 1978 Studio One album ‘Love Me Forever’ this 12" version was released a year later in the UK via Dennis Brown’s DEB imprint and uses the same rhythm but slows it down and ups the bass. The result is a sound that is more in line with the heavy roots and dub that was getting played out on UK sound systems at the time and I’m guessing that was the target market for these kind of 12”s.
The juxtaposition of sweet romantic vocals and tough bass heavy roots production proves an irresistible combination capturing the best from both the worlds of lovers rock and roots reggae. The thumping trance inducing bassline seamlessly links the vocal section with the dub before it disappears deep into the mixing desk paying homage to the master King Tubby himself with its liberal use of the high pass filter. It’s one of those tunes that as soon as it comes to an end I find myself on autopilot picking the needle up, moving it back to the start and listening to it over and over again. Truly mesmerising and magical stuff.
