Linval Thompson: Rock Solid Seventies Reggae

Title: I Love Marijuana

Label: Music On Vinyl

Hardly subtle, is it? A multi-talented producer, song-writer and performer, this comparatively little known (in broader terms at least) man from Jamaica is a multi-talented reggae artist. Linval Thompson’s work within the field of dancehall reggae has been fruitful, influential and much respected.

For this 11 track LP, released in 1978, Thompson displayed a distinctive vocal confidence and a certain amount of arrogance in his delivery that blended well with his inherent charm. For this album, he worked with a production assistant, Henry “Junjo” Lawes at the Channel One studio with the assistance of drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace and Wailers’ bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett.

Yes, the LP is roots reggae-based but there are dub-like constructions too that pop up including a later dub variant of the title track called Jamaican Colley (Version). No real surprise perhaps when the album was mixed at King Tubby’s studio. That title track would become a hit single which encouraged Thompson to bring the LP over to England to be introduced to Trojan.

Mastering is wonderfully primitive but Music on Vinyl has presented it in the best light possible. Even though this LP was released in 1978, the cut sounds like a mono pressing because the entire output groups itself tightly around the stereo image and never strays left or right. What you might lose in terms of expansive mids and broad, character bass, there remains a well disciplined suite of frequencies here. There’s no edgy treble, mids or wooly bass to be concerned about. What this pressing does give you is a tight and structured sound. Tremendously coherent, the King Tubby production is notable for its accentuated bass frequencies which are dominant and add a slightly dub-like tone without being bloomy. This numbered edition is limited to 1,000 copies worldwide and is presented on orange vinyl.

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