The Wailing Souls* – Wailing Souls

Yes they are different but the record sounds so much better compared to the cd

This issue plays true and clean if you can get one in decent condition. Truly great artists and LP with that ‘Studio 1’ sound

The mix is still different from the CD release. Especially noticeable on the extended versions, all in stereo.

This is easily their best album. It's the Wailing Souls backed by Sound Dimension recorded in the late 60s. Every track is solid and most likely original tunes and not versions of earlier riddims. This album is so ahead of its time no wonder it wasn't released until 6 years later! Burning Spear's now classic first LP had a similar history. Just goes to show how far ahead Studio One was.

The Y2K re-issue of this wonderful album is worth investigating as it features several extended mixes, though this is not reflected in the credits which are the same as on the original issue LP.

This neglected classic from 1974 gets a timely reissue in both CD and vinyl formats. The original vinyl release is quite difficult to find and something of a collectors' item so this will be welcomed by more than a few Studio One aficionados.

The CD is supplemented with two bonus tracks, Things & Time and Without You, and includes extended versions of Back Out With It and Row Fisherman; whereas the vinyl reissue comes without the two bonus tracks but with extended versions of Back Out With It, Real Rock and Got To Be Cool. It is unusual (even for Studio One) that the two formats should be so different.

This, according to the label, is a re-press from the 2000's.

Classic Early Reggae from Studio One, recorded in '69 and '70, but not compiled and released until '75. On first hearing it, it sounds similar in style to the Bob Marley and The Wailers releases from the same time, but sonically and lyrically not quite as potent. That said there's some decent stuff here: "Back Out With It" is the most abiding tune, "Real Rock", "Got to Be Cool", "Pack Up", "Can't Catch Me", "Things & Time" and "Without You" are all also strong enough, so whilst this isn't essential, it's still probably a welcome selection in most Reggae collections.