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Roots Rock Rebels (When Punk Met Reggae)

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Roots Rock Rebels (When Punk Met Reggae) --- 2024-07-19

54 track 3CD clamshell box focusing on the period of time between 1975-1982 when reggae influenced and inspired punk in the UK. Featuring key tracks by The Clash, Burning Spear, Generation X, Culture, Public Image Ltd, Steel Pulse, The Specials, Dennis Brown, Ruts, Madness, Black Uhuru and many more. Plus a selection of obscure gems from the likes of 4th Street Orchestra, African Stone, Basement 5, Electric Guitars, Sir Horatio, Talisman, The Pop Group and Black Symbol. Front cover image from the photo library of legendary photographer Syd Shelton. 28-page fully illustrated booklet containing a foreword sleevenote by Don Letts AKA The Rebel Dread plus notes on each track with relevant sleeve illustrations. In the words of Don Letts AKA The Rebel Dread: “Looking back, I see it as a turning point, a cultural crossroads when different genres collided, giving birth to something entirely new. It was a celebration of diversity and a rejection of homogeneity. Its impact has it rippled through the years, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and shaping the landscape of alternative music. The fusion of punk and reggae became a blueprint for bands seeking to break free from the constraints of genre. As DJ at The Roxy (the UK's first live punk rock venue) I was lucky enough to sees these ideas blossom to become what we now call the 'punky reggae party' and forty-five years later its message is still in full effect.” Project co-ordination for Cherry Red by Danny Keene. Compilation by Danny Keene and Mike O'Connor Foreword sleevenote by Don Letts aka The Rebel Dread Track by Track sleeve notes by Mike O'Connor Front cover image courtesy of Syd Shelton Design by Keith Davey at altmarkcreative.com Mastering by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering With thanks to Adam Velasco, Iain McNay, Matt Bristow, John Reed, Lorne Murdoch, Paul Robinson, Jon Roberts, Rob Duly, Matt Ingham, Richard Martin, Eddy Ball, Jon Sidwell, Jack Clough, Melanie O'Toole, Maria Bohan, Martina Elliott, Lucy Thompson, Chris Allan, Grant McLennan and Irina Shtreis and all at Cherry Red Records. Forty-odd years in the dreaming; two years in the making: Roots Rock Rebels - the crucial 'punky reggae' compilation. Special thanks to Gary Crowley for his unwavering support and the intro to Cherry Red. Massive thanks to John Reed & co-compiler Danny Keene (and the CR team) for believing in it and making it real. Sincere thanks and respect to Don "The Rebel Dread" Letts for his sleeve notes and Syd Shelton for the iconic front sleeve image. Thanks to Lee McPhail; Selena Dion at Eleven Management and, of course, an extra special mention for Mrs O for her patience and support. - Mike O'Connor