We Are Getting Bad: The Sound Of Phase One

We Are Getting Bad: The Sound of Phase One
Reviewed by Sadie O., 7/17/08
Great old roots rock Reggae, including versions and dubs, from a small but quality studio in the late 70’s. Those were the days – even the second string studios were making killer sounds! All rarities, some of them quite quirky, all sounding great.
No FCCs detected. All tracks are fine roots Reggae; 10 is a standout.
1. 5:52 ***downtempo and swingy bubble, pretty harmonies, Rasta lyrics. Includes a pleasing dub.
2. 3:12 **dubby riddim, classic sounding toast, bits of harmonies – what Reggae’s supposed to be, in one tidy package.
3. 3:15 **dub of already dubby track 2, only bits of vocals, prominent nyahbinghi drumming.
4. 6:07 **downtempo, swingy and soulful, falsetto vocals and harmonies. Includes dub.
5. 3:22 **simple skank, sweet baritone vocals, farfisa!
6. 3:31 **dub version of track 5, just bits of vocals.
7. 3:13 **very dubby and downtempo bubble with prominent toast and bits of singing.
8. 3:16 **another version of track 7, prominent drum and bass, few vocals.
9. 6:07 **bouncy, groovy skank, lovely version of the old doo-wop classic. Includes the dub.
10. 6:17 ****rather uptempo bubble, falsetto tale of being stood up (all night!), includes dub and amusing toast (I was going take you out for curry goat, but noOOOOoooo…)
11. 2:34 **midtempo simple and swingy skank, pretty tenor vocals, old-timey soul ballad.
12. 3:08 **dub of track 11 with smooth-jazzy sax. No vocals.
13. 3:25 ***midtempo dubby skank with bits of female(?) vocals and classic toast – great stuff.
14. 3:23 **instrumental version of track 13.
15. 3:50 **very dubby skank with horns, Rasta toast.
16. 6:09 ***short intro, then midtempo bubble with farfisa, one of the best vocal trios. Includes thick, meaty dub.
17. 7:00 ***bouncy and sweet syncopated skank, very 60’s pop feel. I’m pretty sure this is a doo-wop cover, too. Includes dub and toast by a fine mystery DJ.
18. 5:39 **thunder intro, downtempo skank with toast and tiny bits of sweet vocals. Toast throughout most of track and dub.