On first thought, a collection of dub mixes of classic tunes by
Bob Marley & the Wailers seems like a reggae fan's dream come true. Originally released exclusively in digital form in 2010,
In Dub, Vol. 1 collects mostly previously unreleased dub mixes from the vaults, with some newly crafted ones as well. The versions vary widely in style. The digital delay flutter of "One Love/People Get Ready Dub" or "Three Little Birds Dub" suggests post-'80s studio trickery, and "Waiting in Vain Dub" has more subdued grit in classic '70s dub style. There's nothing as raw and saturated as the pioneering '70s productions of
King Tubby or
Lee Perry, though dub champion
Scientist contributes a new mix of "Lively Up Yourself" (known here as "Lively Up Your Dub"), heavy with stereo-panned delay, triggered drums, and fragmented horns. ~ Fred Thomas