Bongo Red＜限定盤＞

This superb collection, which consists primarily of rare tracks, shows Albert Griffiths and his band at the height of their powers in the early to mid-'70s. The core of the album is fifteen tracks recorded at Clement Dodd's Studio One, and there's a surprising variety of sound in evidence, from the drum machine-driven version of "Roots Natty" to the dark and reverb-drenched setting of "Bongo Red." While the Gladiators were a harmony trio along the same general lines as the Mighty Diamonds and Culture, they distinguished themselves from their peers by being accomplished instrumentalists as well; they play with a tight assurance that underscores their vocals nicely. As a special bonus, this album is appended by two songs ("Time" and "Ungrateful Girl") recorded with Lee Perry at his legendary Black Ark studio. "Ungrateful Girl," in particular, shows a powerful synergy between the Gladiators and the Upsetter; the singing is top-rate and Perry achieves a guitar sound that is both perfect and slightly bizarre. This is an unusual but essential reggae document. ~ Rick Anderson