Megawatt Dub matches the work of
reggae music's best loved studio pioneers:
the Upsetter himself,
Lee "Scratch" Perry, and
dub organizer
Osbourne "King Tubby" Ruddock for an imaginary
dub duel. Accompanied by some of the finest
rocksteady/
reggae sessionmen of their time (including drummer
Sly Dunbar, keyboardist
Winston Wright, and bassist/guitarist
Earl "Chinna" Smith), the pair deconstruct the form, fleshing out echo-laden drum and bass, only to strip the mix down to its bare bones once again.
Tubby's "versions" come across as more spacious structures when heard next to the slightly clouded fidelity of the
Perry tracks on hand. If one were forced to announce a winner, the latter might have the edge, causing more aural confusion on the likes of "Rainy Night" and "Open the Gate" (reworking of one-time
Congo Watty Burnett's material). More traditional,
Tubby sticks to tried and true effects, punctuating drum patterns with echo and reverb rather than cluttering the sound with them. As usual, the faders are worked with the skill of a master. The duo shares compositional credit for the playful whiplash rhythm "Splash Dub." Only the added tracks by
"Prince" Phillip Smart (recorded at
Burnett's studio years later) seem unnecessary.
Smart began his career as one of
Tubby's earliest mixing disciples, making him a witness to the music's formation during the mid-'70s. Unfortunately, his contributions (slick, synthesized "versions" of "Copycat" and "Forever") feel lifeless and out of place against the work of his contemporaries. Long out of print until Shanachie packaged these tracks for official release, the rare material makes Megawatt Dub an attractive purchase for avid
dub fans. But while the quality is consistent, both producers reached greater sonic heights elsewhere. ~ Nathan Bush, All Music Guide
