Classic Selection, Vol. 1

Dub Syndicate is a reggae collective with a constantly shifting lineup that revolves around the rhythmic nucleus of drummer Lincoln Valentine "Style" Scott and bassist Errol "Flabba" Holt (who are perhaps better known as the rhythm section for Roots Radics). Other members regularly featured include On-U Sound mainstays Skip McDonald (guitar) and Carlton "Bubblers" Ogilvie. Equally important to the band's sound, however, is the production style of On-U label chief Adrian Sherwood, whose signature sound brings together a bass-heavy roots sound with such decidedly avant-garde twists as found sounds and spoken-word vocal samples. Classic Selection Vol. 1 compiles several previously released singles and album tracks along with 11 previously unavailable recordings, and features vocals from Bim Sherman, the bizarre poet Andy Fairley, and numerous other unidentifiable sources (one track uses a repeated sample of someone saying "Good things are happening with intercommunications, baby"). As is usually the case with Dub Syndicate albums, Sherwood's production prowess is a central figure in the sound. All tracks were recorded between 1984 and 1988, and all are excellent.