Mikey Dread (real name the more prosaic Michael Campbell) was reggae’s renaissance man, equally adept as a DJ, toaster, vocalist and producer – he is probably best known for his work with The Clash on their Sandanista triple.
This Transparent Red, 180gsm edition revisits the golden age of dub, with the legendary Mikey Dread centre stage. At The Control Dubwise was originally released in 1979 and saw Dread dubbing his debut solo LP Dread At The Control (out on the same label a month ago). Laid down at the mythological Channel One Studios, the cast list reads as a who’s who of dub luminaries, including Augustus Pablo, Sly & Robbie and Earl Smith.
Dub-hungry aficionados will now be awaiting the reissue of his classic African Anthem (The Mikey Dread Show Dubwise).
8/10
Gary Tipp