Judge Dread – The Skinhead Reggae Albums 1972-1976 (Pressure Drop/Cherry Red, 2023)
This engaging 4CD boxed set collection masterfully gathers Judge Dread’s four studio albums, released between 1972 and 1976, spanning a remarkable 70 tracks.
Within this trove of auditory delights, you will find not just the celebrated studio offerings, but a treasure trove of 27 non-album tracks, including a slew of chart-topping singles and B-sides.
Gorgeously packaged in a clamshell box, this anthology comes adorned with a booklet that features detailed liner notes, offering profound insights into the life and times of this reggae luminary. Notably, the booklet includes all relevant records, unveiling fascinating rare pictures.
The journey commences with the first disc, Dreadmania – It’s All In The Mind, a Trojan Records gem launched in 1972. This audacious album contains the Top 20 smashes ‘Big Six’ (No.11) and ‘Big Seven’ (No. 8), now enhanced with the inclusion of two non-LP B-sides, tantalizing our musical senses even further.
The second disc, the Trojan Records-released Working Class ‘Ero, highlights the unforgettable No.14 hit ‘Big Eight.’ As if that weren’t enough, this disc has the added treat of six rare non-LP single sides, with the magnetic ‘Molly’ 45 adding an extra layer of sonic indulgence.
Onwards to disc three, the revered Bedtime Stories album, a 1975 gem that ascended to No. 26 on the charts. Herein lie the hits ‘Je T’Aime (Moi Non Plus)’ (No.9) and ‘Big Ten’ (No.14), dancing alongside nine scintillating bonus tracks, with the long-lost ‘Anna’ and ‘Escape From The Planet Of The Apes’ making their long-awaited debut on the CD format.
Finally, the fourth disc is none other than the legendary Last Of The Skinheads album, featuring the chart-stirring ‘Y Viva Suspenders’ (No.27) and ‘Winkle Man’ (No.35). Furthermore, it includes ten bonus tracks, encompassing hits like ‘Christmas In Dreadland’ (No.14), ‘Up With The Cock’ (No.49), and the chart-climbing ‘5th Anniversary EP’ (No.31).
Judge Dread, born Alexander Minto Hughes, an icon of English reggae and ska, was a trailblazer. He attained the unprecedented feat of becoming the first white recording artist to conquer the reggae charts in Jamaica. Unapologetically bold, his songs exuded an audacious blend of sexual innuendo and double entendres, drawing the BBC’s keen eye and earning him the dubious distinction of being the most banned artist of his time.
However, controversy only served to fuel his meteoric rise, catapulting him to the echelons of reggae stardom. Amidst the vivacity of his career, he reached unparalleled heights, trailing only the iconic Bob Marley in reggae album sales throughout the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Renowned for his lewd, yet charismatic renditions of nursery rhymes coupled with the hypnotic allure of reggae music, Judge Dread held sway over the hearts of countless admirers.
Judge Dread had a successful music career, with several chart hits in the UK, and was known for his lewd versions of nursery rhymes set to reggae music. He also wrote songs and had interactions with other notable musicians like Elvis Presley.
Judge Dread died from a heart attack after a performance in 1998.
Buy The Skinhead Reggae Albums 1972-1976 .
Author: Dymond
