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‘Dole Age: The 1981 Reggae Collection’ (LP, Bristol Archive Records) Hot on the heels of the essential ‘Bristol Reggae Explosion’, Bristol Archive drop another crucial set of vintage roots. Applying the imported reggae sound to a multicultural, politically conscious outlook, Talisman’s four classic sides – ‘Dole Age’, ‘Free Speech’, ‘Run Come Girl’ and ‘Wicked Dem’ – are all here, along with seven beautifully restored live recordings that capture the band at the height of their considerable powers. Best of all is ‘Words of Wisdom’ – 14 minutes of strident bass and brass, thunderclap drum rolls and African-flavoured lead guitar – topped off with an electrifying vocal performance from frontman Des. Will this collection finally get them the recognition they deserve? Let’s hope so. (Adam Burrows) Copyright Adam Burrows 2011 |
THE BIG GIG
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Gary Numan
Mike White muses on the missing link between Kraftwerk and NIN. The same year as ‘Alien’, three years before ‘Blade Runner’, awkward, acne-ridden 21-year-old Gary Webb wrote a song called ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’. It sounded…23.04.2012 READ MORE -
Philharmonia/Ashkenazy
You have to feel sorry for any young pianist braving a Chopin concerto under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy. Poacher turned gamekeeper, Ashkenazy’s glittering career as a pianist was kick-started by success at the Warsaw Chopin…23.05.2012 READ MORE
























































































































































































































