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LP
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RR 393LP
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Inspired in equal parts by gangsterism and the exceptional talent of U Roy on King Tubby's sound system, Josey Wales left gang violence behind to toast on U Roy's Sturgav sound system at the dawning of the 1980s; after a popular set of albums for Junjo Lawes, Michael Chin, and George Phang, the excellent Ruling was produced by singer Tristan Palmer and released on Ossie Thomas' Black Solidarity label in 1986. Josey is on fine and commanding form throughout, equally at home on spongy Roots Radics rhythms and early digital tracks built by Steely and Clevie. An exceptional slice of mid-1980s dancehall -- all killer no filler!
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GREL 076LP
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2022 repress. Reissue, originally released in 1984. "Josey Wales scored his first hit with producer Henry 'Junjo' Lawes, and more followed, with most gathered up on his debut album, Outlaw. Backed by the Roots Radics' superb versions of a stream of melody-strewn classics, and enhanced by Lawes' dubby, militant production, the DJ arrived in style. However, for his follow-up, Wales was now self-confident enough to strike out on his own. Co-producing with the little-known Mickey Pep, No Way Better Than Yard is an amazingly self-assured set. Its predecessor was laced with the Radics' sweetest sounds, with the arrangements conjuring up much of the sparkle of the originals. And even though the High Times Band was also set loose on melody-strewn gems from the past, they laid down much tougher backings than the Radics that in their own way better suited the DJ's own style. Only on the title track does the group slip into more luxurious stylings, but even so, Wales deliberately eschews singing along with the rich melody. Because of this music, 'It Have fe Sail' straight into the dancehalls, and the DJ wants to toughen it up yard-style. That number is one of the roughest on the set, and 'Eden a Try' the most threatening, as Wales forcefully clarifies just who is the toughest of the tough. Within, he sends the heathen running for cover, 'Yu Too Greedy' adamantly tells off a grasping girl, while 'Drug Abusing' provides an equally powerful warning. Wales is just as insistent in love, and 'The World Is Like a Mirror' is a lesson in resoluteness, with the band laying down a relentless rhythm. But it's the DJ's love for his homeland and its sound systems that blazes across 'Yu Wrong fe Send Come Call Me.' Faith fires 'Jah Jah Move' and the anthemic 'Zion Home,' the latter an irrepressible standout on a set stuffed with classics. A masterful album that takes the DJ to new heights, with Wales now fully matured into one of the top toasters of the decade." --AllMusic
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GREL 055LP
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2022 repress. Reissue, originally released in 1983. "Toaster Josey Wales (born Winston Sterling) came up during the early days of dancehall, honing his craft with DJ innovator U-Roy's Stur-Gav sound system. Sharing the spotlight with other successful DJs during the first half of the '80s (the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Yellowman were his peers), Wales, he boasted a hoarse tone born out of the gruff, rockstone tradition of mike work; it's a lineage that also boasts such stellar figures as Prince Jazzbo, Shabba Ranks, and Bounty Killer. For this, his debut, Wales is surrounded by producer Henry 'Junjo' Lawes' top-notch mixes and the dread rhythms of the Roots Radics band. Wales thrives among the varying tempos, delivering quality cuts like his early hit, 'Let Go Mi Hand,' and the singjay track 'Music Diseases.' A highlight of the many impressive DJ titles released during dancehall's golden years." --AllMusic
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