Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 03/17/1998
Run Time: 44:07
Fear of a Green Planet represents a slightly bizarre episode in the ongoing
Dub Syndicate project; for one thing, it's on the
Shanachie label instead of
On-U Sound, the band's home base. Second of all, it is rumored to be an alternate mix (by regular producer
Adrian Sherwood) of an
On-U release titled
Mellow & Colly (mixed by
Scientist), though there are contradicting reports in that regard (another version of the story has the alternate mix released under the title
Fear of a Green Planet, but on the
Lion & Roots label with two bonus tracks). In any case, this is one of the most satisfying
Dub Syndicate albums in years. The mainly instrumental tracks walk that familiar fine line between strictly traditional
roots reggae and
avant-garde craziness that
Sherwood and
Dub Syndicate helped to define back in the 1980s, and the grooves (courtesy of drummer
"Style" Scott and bassist
"Flabba" Holt are darker and heavier than ever. The guest musicians are particularly distinguished this time out as well --
Bill Laswell contributes basslines on several tracks, and singjay pioneer
Big Youth sits in on three others. Highlights include the spare and eerie
"Hey Geoff" and the melodica-powered
"Greater David." Highly recommended.
~Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
;)
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