Noel Ellis – Noel Ellis LP

Description

Noel Ellisfeatures six dub-loved, heavy yet ethereal tracks, with contributions from OG reggae maestros Jackie Mittoo, Willi Williams, and Johnny Osbourne. The eponymous classic lost full-length includes the hugely influential Rocking Universally, whose rhythmic influence was Willi Williams Armagideon Time (covered by The Clash). The poignantly autobiographical Memories (about Noels upbringing in Jamaica) is a highpoint as well. Stop Your Fighting was a universal anti-materialism/war plea that we should still heed today, while Marcus Garvey was delivered in Noels playful style, despite a solemn rallying cry of Africa it must be free

Noel Ellis evoked a transcendent majesty, and the albums economical performances were a blessing compared to certain overproduced recordings of the era. Tasteful keys, varied percussion, essential echo, conquering dub changeovers, and Noels impeccable mic control gave an otherworldly twist to Summers remarkable drum and bass sound. It was an end-to-end burner for midnight tokers and cool rulers alike.