Primarily featuring vocalists who reggae innovator Augustus Pablo worked with during the early '80s, Rockers All-Star Explosion also showcases the heavy and dark-hued rockers sound Pablo forged in the early '70s, with his expert organ work and the signature "Far East" sound of his melodica figuring prominently in the mix. And in spite of the rise of the more secular dancehall phase of reggae in the '80s, Pablo kept to his Rastafarian-informed roots sound, continuing to focus on cultural/spiritual themes in his work. This "dread" style is heard on fine vocals such as Sister Frica's "One in the Spirit" and Junior Delgado's "Away With the Fussing and Fighting," as well on harmony cuts like Tetrack's "Love and Unity" and Asher & Trimble's "Humble Yourself." Rounding out the set are a couple of engaging instrumentals and a minor-mood singjay (a mix of DJ toasting and singing) cut by Jah Bull. The fine dub-inflected backing is provided by Jamaican studio luminaries like bassist Robbie Shakespeare, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith, and trombonist Vin Gordon (who, along with Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar, is a veteran of the famed Studio One house band the Revolutionaries).
SIDE ONE:
1) AUGUSTUS PABLO - JAH IN THE HILLS
2) JAH BULL - WHAT A TRIBULATION
3) SISTER FRICA - ONE IN THE SPIRIT
4) ASHER & TRIMBLE - HUMBLE YOURSELF
5) TETRACK - LOVE & UNITY
SIDE TWO:
1) JUNIOR DELGADO - AWAY WITH FUSSING & FIGHTING
2) RICKY GRANT - FREEDOM SOUNDS
3) AUGUSTUS PABLO - STRAIGHT TO ETHIOPIA
4) DELROY WILLIAMS - YOUR MIND
5) YOUR MIND DUB
6) NORRIS REID - BLACK FORCES
