Reviews

Artist: Zion Train
Album: Dub Revolutionaries - The Very Best Of
Label: Demon
Tracks: ? 2CDs
Website: http://www.wobblyweb.com/zt/

Dub reggae may not be the most obvious genre of music to get written about in a site based primarily around folk and acoustic music. However, exceptions have been made in the past (and almost certainly will be in the future) and it would be churlish to ignore a release as good as this greatest hits package from Zion Train.

Reading the small print this compilation was put together by two "lifelong Zion Train colleagues" and this makes for a very personal album. There is a mix of album tracks, singles, limited editions (and a Peel Session) all of which highlight the strength of Zion Train: the ability to keep the essence of dub - a strong spine to a track with other sounds swirling and floating ethereally around - with a willingness to experiment with dance music such as on the epic 'Eagle Ray'.

Musically it is impossible to criticise this collection there is enough on here to appeal to long time fans and new comers alike but the album notes for each individual track made me wish for more background information - but I'm greedy like that.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes

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