Monday, July 14, 2008

Scientist - Dub In The Roots Tradition (1996)

Scientist is my personal favorite dub musician. Overton Browne, the gentleman that calls himself Scientist, was a mere 18 years old when he when he cut his first album for Roots Tradition. He indeed brought attention to himself via his considerable talents at the age of 16. Despite his age, the Jamaican youth hit all the notes correctly. Dub In The Roots Tradition is a set of songs recorded in the 70s that Scientist did with the help of Don Mais, his early discoverer. The album is amongst the mellowest and most pleasant collection of songs I've gotten a chance to indulge in. It is crafty and humorous how even in a nearly completely instrumental album the few words to be found in the form of song titles are so memorable. All but a handful have a reference to the genre itself, like the stunning "Dub Bible" or the wittily named "See A Dub Face." "African Daughter Dub" is one that breaks the instrumental tilt found througout much of the album, but does nothing to drag it down. In fact, I find it one of the best songs with some absolutely trippy vocals. In what i perceive as a gesture of humility, Scientist entitled the first track "King Tubby's Answer" thus giving a nod to the legendary innovator of dub and Browne's early benefactor. My friend tells me he's be sampled frequently, and this hardly is a surprise. The way it sounds so very unpretentious and welcoming makes it accessible to even those unfamiliar to dub, and not a track of it is a real remix (however you feel about that). I will likely be posting his 1980 album in the near future too, as I often recommend both albums to friends.

To be had here (160 kbps):
Scientist - Dub In The Roots Tradition

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