| Details / Tracklist: |
1.1 What's Yours1.2 Population1.3 Hail Dread1.4 Words Sounds and Power1.5 Fools and Their Money1.6 Zion1.7 Sentry1.8 Good Luck My Friends1.9 Population Dub1.10 Words Sounds and Dubwise1.11 Coarsing Oil Inna Fire1.12 Apartment C |
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| Description: | Kingston Sounds present a reissue of Knowledge's debut album Hail Dread, originally released in 1978. The group Knowledge and Tapper Zukie's stories are intertwined through their location in the Rema area of Kingston. Tapper Zukie took the band under his wing and helped get this classic album Hail Dread a worldwide release back in 1979. When it first hit the record shelves, Knowledge's lineup included Anthony Doyley, Delroy Folding, Earl MacFarlane, Mike Smith, Michael Samuels, and later Paul Freeman. The group's debut release was Make Faith (1978) with Tapper Zukie introducing the band as his protégés, beginning a winning formula. The band released many of their early singles on Tapper's Stars imprint, and they were produced by Tapper himself. This culminated in Tapper getting the band a deal with a major label A&M making Knowledge the first reggae band to be signed to the label. A&M were keen to work with Tapper as an artist and producer. They even motioned Tapper to be backed by one of their other signed bands, The Police, for a UK tour. Tapper thought that being backed by a band named after such an establishment would not be a wise idea and declined the offer. But the connection did lead up to one of Jamaica's great vocal groups getting their debut album, again produced by Tapper Zukie and released on this major label. Sadly the relationship was short lived and the album Hail Dread would be their only release on A&M. Hail Dread is one of roots reggae's classic '70s releases and shows the group and their producer at the height of their powers. Proof is in the listening. CD version includes four bonus tracks."Hail Dread" is a CD release by the artist Knowledge, presented by the label KSTS. This album offers a deep, roots-oriented sound that is clearly grounded in classic Jamaican traditions, with a strong emphasis on conscious lyrics, spiritual themes, and a heavy, hypnotic groove. The tracks are characterized by warm basslines, organic drum patterns, and a spacious production that leaves plenty of room for vocals and subtle melodic motifs, evoking the golden era of roots and dub while maintaining a timeless quality. Listeners can expect a coherent musical journey that unfolds track by track, with a consistent mood of reflection, resistance, and inner strength. The CD format underlines the album's role as a collectible, physical document for aficionados who value sound quality and a tangible connection to the music.
Knowledge, as presented on this release, stands for thoughtful, message-driven music that draws on the roots tradition--lyrics focus on social consciousness, spirituality, and dignity, delivered in an understated but emotionally intense style. Within the broader roots and reggae landscape, Knowledge has earned recognition among dedicated listeners for a sound that is both authentic and uncluttered, reflecting a deep respect for foundational styles without bending to short-lived trends. "Hail Dread" captures this approach in a concentrated form, offering a body of work that appeals to collectors of classic-inspired roots music as well as to new audiences discovering this sound.
The manufacturer and label KSTS is dedicated to high-quality, carefully curated releases, with a focus on preserving and presenting music in a form that respects both artist and listener. Instead of mass-market flood releases, KSTS concentrates on selected titles, which underlines a curatorial claim: each project is chosen for its musical substance and cultural relevance. Production, pressing, and packaging are handled with attention to durability and fidelity, making KSTS releases particularly attractive for collectors and fans of physical media who value consistent sound quality and reliable manufacturing standards.
Overall, "Hail Dread" on CD is aimed at listeners who appreciate roots-based, conscious music with a strong atmosphere and carefully developed arrangements. It is a release that invites repeated listening, allowing the subtleties of the production and the lyrical content to unfold over time. In combination with the quality-oriented work of KSTS, this CD becomes more than just a carrier of songs--it is a well-crafted piece for anyone who values depth, authenticity, and the classic album experience. |
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| No. of tracks: |
12 |
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| Manufacturer No.: |
KSCD071 |
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Product Safety
Responsible Person for the EU:
Ten Dance Media GmbH
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gpsr@tendance.de |
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World Music
19.499
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