Respect To Studio One

Performer: Various Artists
Producer: C.S. Dodd; Coxsone Dodd
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Recorded at Studio One, Kingston, Jamaica. Includes liner notes by Chris Wilson. Liner Note Author: Chris Wilson. Recording information: Studio One Recording Studio, Brentford Road Kingston, J; Studio One, Kingston, Jamaica. Editors: Chris Wilson; Chris Wilson. Photographer: David Corio. Studio One was to Jamaican music a combination of Motown and Stax-Volt, creating hit after hit, stretching the nascent sound of the island further. Studio One helped spearhead the Ska revolution in the 60's, later moved forward into reggae, eventually laying the groundwork for Dancehall. This means much of today's reggae, from Terror Fabulous to Dawn Penn, is an extension of what began over 35 years ago. Founder Clement "Coxsone" Dodd was reggae's Phil Spector, its Berry Gordy and its Dick Clark all wrapped into one; he provided the studio, musicians to record with, chose the material, co-wrote it, and then brought it to the public at his sound system dances. He was in control of every aspect of making a hit record from beginning to end. RESPECT TO STUDIO ONE is a good introduction to the Studio One legend, but is only the tip of the iceberg. The set strikes a balance between the different styles found in Jamaican music, touching on moments like the apocalyptic vision of Willie Williams' "Armagideon Time," the vocal stylings of groups like The Heptones, as well as DJs like Michigan & Smiley. The record ends with a string of ska, including a Skatalites rendition of "I Should Have Known Better." This is, quite simply, one of the keys to understanding the development of Jamaican music from 1955-1995.

Q (3/95, p.124) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...it's a very fine collection....[Studio One] remains one of the most important labels in the history of popular music." Vibe (11/94, p.137) - "...a generous selection of ska and early reggae, representing much of the studio's most significant work...crucial to any reggae collection..."

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