Name: The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume Two
Brand: Various

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

rarc019cd

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "rarc019cd"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Discs

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2016-05-17

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Shellshock

Tax rate GB

UPC / Barcode

5052571066027

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "5052571066027"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Various

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

Reggae Archive

Reggae Archive Records release 'The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume Two' showcasing some genuine rebels in the guise of musicians, playing the finest in English reggae. Volume Two starts off in exactly the same way as its predecessor with Handsworth's biggest musical exports, the legendary Steel Pulse and 'Bun Dem', originally released in 1977 on the Tempus label and produced by the legendary Dennis Bovell; it's a track that deserves wider exposure. Our first act new to the series are Natural Mystique with their 1982 single 'Generals' whilst tracks 3, 4 and 5 round off the missing A and B sides from some of the most popular artists we included last time with Iganda's 'Mark Of Slavery', Carnastoan's 'Sweet Melody' and yet another Generals, this one from Musical Youth featuring the same line up that caused so much surprise and positive feedback with their inclusion on Volume One. 'Africans' from Bass Dance featuring a second appearance from former Steel Pulse guitarist / vocalist Basil Gabbidon, is the first of four previously unreleased tracks. The other three that have managed to have been tracked down on long forgotten tapes, are Leicester's Groundation with 'Rebel' recorded a few years before 'Fa Ward' which we included last time, 'Cannot Take It Away'; another lost gem from Handsworth's Mystic Foundation and 'Equalisation' another lost slice of early eighties roots from Wolverhampton's Capital Letters. The late Linton Haughton is another new name with his scarce Shield label 12" cut 'Hustling Man'. Also making their first appearances, are Afrikan Star with "Run And Hide" originally issued in 1980 on Black Vinyl Records and from the Crucial Music stable, Sledge Hammer with 'Ruled By The Stone' released as a 7" single on the Crucial Music Inc. label. The remaining three tracks are provided by label favourites and key players in the Birmingham scene, Black Symbol, Sceptre and Eclipse and showcase songs from the individual albums we've previously released by each band. This album is British roots reggae at its finest, steering its own course and not looking over its shoulder at what was happening in Jamaica. It's the perfect complement to Volume One adding another chapter to the story of British reggae and how it developed in its Midlands heartland, a story we will be continuing to explore and expand with future volumes.2LP - Double LP in Gatefold SleeveCD - With Booklet.

The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume Two

Music GB