Alongside UK reggae bands 'Steel Pulse, Aswad, Black Slate and Misty In Roots' was 'Matumbi. This is their first and and for me their best album and surprisingly it is still OOP.Originally formed in 1972, it took them until 1978 to release their first album 'Seven Seals'. A real blend of reggae, soul, funk and pop produces some really catchy numbers. I'm sure a few reggae purists may criticize this but hey who cares, I've always liked it.
As the covers are interesting and also the lyrics are printed I have added high resolution scans as well.
So try it out and leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Ripped from glorious (green) scratched vinyl
Band: Matumbi
Label: Harvest
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Guide Us Jah
2. Hook Deh
3. Hypocrite
4. Bluebeat and Ska
5. Empire Road
6. Music In The Air
7. All Over This World (Money)
8. Rock
If you like this then again your in luck, although this album is OOP in its entirety, the following best of has taken tracks from all of their three albums:
11 comments:
I remember these being on Revolver doing Empire Road I think. Cheers Gary I'm gonna grab this one.
Cheers Longy, I think your gonna like this one.
Thanks Gary
I've not owned a copy of this for (too) many years. Dennis Bovell was a very talented producer and multi-instrumentalist and is very highly regarded by me...
Blue Beat & Ska is a must have tune for any reggae collection!
The late 70's/early 80's British reggae sound, although maybe not as rootsy as their JA counterparts, to me is just as important and valid.
;)
Thanks for the comment Rod. I love this album, I agree with your comment on bluebeat and ska, I have to say there's not a track on this album I don;t like, and side a every track is outstanding.
Fantastic record. Been wondering why the label has passed this one by for reissue.
Anybody know where one can find the incredible Point of View which has also been passed by? Man, I love that record!
thanks for the comment anon. Baffles me to,
For your question try Rod over at Land Speed Sonic (link in the sidebar) he's knows shed loads on reggae
Sorry for two gushing comments in as many days. But this is great! Never heard of them before (only just started getting into the whole reggae/ska thing in the last 6 months). As you say, probably not one for the purists, but a lovely light touch.
Thanks again.
Ian
Don't apologize Ian, it's always good to see someone else find new music and really enjoy it.
This one is a gem and I'm glad you like it.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I consider this a classic and priceless. I have always loved the album. My college roomate had (has) the vinyl. I have long ago transfered it to digital for preservation. It is all the more special because it is so rare. I was once in St. Thomas at a small record store and the owner was just blown away I had the album and even knew of it. All songs are great, but "Hook Deh" and "Rock" are incredible.
I consider Matumbi's album seven seals one of the greatest reggae albums of all time I'm especially fond of the songs : Hypocrite and Bluebeat& Ska It remains as fresh and engaging as the first time I listened too it back in the late 70's I'm proud to have it in my collection Winedoug
Hi DCPete thanks for your comment, its a beutiful albuum and should be everyones colleciton (vinyl, CD or digital - any format will do)
Hi Winedoug thanks also for taking the time to comment, as above you are right to be proud to have this one.
Post a Comment