Sly & Robbie: Taxi Gang In Discomix Style 1978-1987 (180g) Vinyl 2LP

Before you rush in screaming about how these tracks nor their original versions are actual disco music, consider the fact that in Jamaica, “disco” refers to the extended 12-inch single with the dub version tacked on the end. Having said that, these recordings are from that fertile period were dancehall was going digi, so you’ll get helpings of some lesser known Taxi records inna computerized style in addition to some of the finest examples of Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare’s massive rhythm section. Most of which have never been available on a vinyl pressing this nice, and were previously only found on various Jamaican pressings of characteristically questionable quality. There’s no Chaka Demus & Pliers here, but instead you’ll find Sly, Robbie and their arsenal of singers and deejays interpreting American soul classics, making for some of the heaviest dancehall dubs to ever come out of the Taxi camp, even though they haven’t necessarily attained the same status as “Murder She Wrote” (token-reggae-record-played-by-hip-hop-DJ status). Home T-4’s cover of The Stylistics’ “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” is a huge slice of Jamdown street soul, but also check out Tinga Stewart’s “Rainy Night In Georgia,” Jimmy Riley’s version of “Sexual Healing” and Dennis Wilson’s unbelievably cool version of Marvin’s “Inner City Blues.” Double 180g vinyl pressing housed in deluxe gatefold jacket with 20-page booklet containing extensive liner notes, and each track includes the extended dub mixes. What more could you ask for? Recommended.

• 180g double vinyl pressing
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• 20 page booklet
• limited edition
• music label: Cree Records 2018

reviewed by big dumb man 05/2018