A comprehensive reissue campaign has been announced for the key albums by Creation Rebel, the original On-U Sound house band. The series encompasses out of print UK Dub Reggae albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s, all highlighting early production work from the mixing desk of Adrian Sherwood.
Five albums are being repressed on vinyl, with reproductions of the original sleeve artwork, and new inner sleeves containing detailed liner notes and archival photos.
Alongside the individual LP reissues is a 6CD anthology box set, called High Above Harlesden 1978-2023 in tribute to the working class area of North-West London where the band started out.
This activity comes right after the band’s first new album in over forty years, 2023’s Hostile Environment. The album appears as the final disc in the CD boxset to bring the group’s story up to date.
These reissues follow on from comprehensive archival releases that the On-U Sound label has dedicated to African Head Charge, Dub Syndicate and New Age Steppers, all of whom share members with Creation Rebel.
The albums included in the reissue campaign are:
Dub From Creation (1978)
Seminal first studio work by revered dub producer Adrian Sherwood, engineered by Dennis Bovell. Featuring drums from Eric ‘Fish’ Clarke of the Black Roots Players and brother of reggae superstar Johnny Clarke.
Close Encounters Of The Third World (1978)
The most sought after title in the Creation Rebel catalogue, partly recorded at Channel One studio in Jamaica and mixed by Prince Jammy in London. Secondhand copies in decent condition command an astronomical price.
Rebel Vibrations (1979)
Featuring drummer Lincoln “Style” Scott from the legendary Roots Radics, unavailable since original release, a righteous collection of heavy basslines and big tunes, originally released on pre-On-U Sound label, the highly collectable Hitrun.
Starship Africa (1980)
A true dub classic – backwards tapes drenched in interplanetary sound effects, ghostly voices from beyond the stars and ringing percussion. Featuring members of the Roots Radics, Misty In Roots and Prince Far I’s Arabs. Recently voted #1 in Mojo Magazine’s How To Buy… On-U Sound feature as their most recommended release in the entire catalogue.
Psychotic Jonkanoo (1981)
Featuring backing vocals from John Lydon (The Sex Pistols, Public Image Limited), and displaying a markedly experimental UK approach to traditional Jamaican roots reggae, resulting in a distinctive hybrid sound that still sounds fresh.
Hostile Environment (2023)
The triumphant comeback set by a band returning from a 40+ year exile in outer space. The trio of Crucial Tony, Eskimo Fox and Magoo reunite with producer Adrian Sherwood to create a modern spin on their heavyweight dubwise rhythms.
High Above Harlesden 1978-2023
A 6CD anthology box set containing all of the above albums, plus 36 page booklet with photos and sleevenotes, and 7 bonus tracks.
