This review was excerpted and published by The All Music Guide: see the review on their site.King Tubby Rod of Correction album cover

Artist: King Tubby
Genre: Dub
Album Title: King Tubby & Friends: The Rod of Correction Showcase
Label: Abraham / Clocktower Records
Catalog Number: CTLP876
Release Date: 1974-1979
Rating: 4.5 /5

King Tubby & Friends: Rod of Correction Showcase features titles recorded during a golden period of years for all types of music - and art in general: 1974 to 1979. What makes this collection of songs even more thick with significance is the fact that they were all either recorded at Channel One studios or at King Tubby’s studio. As you might guess of a compilation that bears his name, King Tubby was heavily involved in these songs. Not only did he engineer the recording of these tracks, but he mixed them as well. Give thanks for that because it’s a good thing to be able to pump King Tubby’s music.

The instrumentation of these songs is partly provided by King Tubby & The Aggrovators. Musicians also included were Augustus Pablo, Touter, Scully, Brad Osbourne, Tommy McCook, Bobby Ellis, Chinna Smith, and Ronald Robinson. History has proven that each of those artists are skilled and accomplished. However, the sound of the Aggrovators fascinates this listener with few [but identifiable] exceptions. Made up of Carlton Barrett, Sly Dunbar, Carlton ‘Santa’ Davis (drums), Robbie Shakespeare, Aston Barrett (bass), and Tony Chin (guitar), the Aggrovators seem to be able to maintain rhythms eerily unwavering in timing and melodically interesting in structure. These songs are not influenced by American and British pop music as is often found in some of the other groups playing Jamaican music at the time. The tempos are higher more often than not: on the danceable side of things. Apparently it was not meant for one to just sit around” while listening to King Tubby & Friends: The Rod of Correction Showcase.

A testament to the power and might of the Rastafarian god, “Jah Jah the Conqueror” is an impressive song and features the vocals of Linval Thompson backed by the collective musicianship of the Aggrovators. The introductory drum fill, and the minor sounds made by the guitar and piano/organ, give the unavoidable feeling of doom as they toll like panicked bells of a church steeple in danger. These musicians warn the listener of the impending appearance of Jah. Thompson soulfully preaches “come let’s praise unto Jah, Jah Jah is the Conqueror….” This crests into a deep groove built by the whole band whose depth may initially surprise you. After you get over the shock, the sway of this song’s rhythm will pull you in while Thompson’s vocals guide the way through the stereo reverberation that surrounds his voice. The drums in this track, while few and include only the sounds of a hi hat, a snare and a kick drum, drive the whole experience, dropping out and crashing in just at the right times.

The piece that inspired this listener the least was Augustus Pablo’s “Forever” in which he plays the [keyboard-slash-woodwind-type-of-instrument] Melodica backed by a powerful rhythm section. Although a fairly bouncy tune, there is also an excessive and airy lightness to the song which may be due to the high register of sounds the Melodica creates, but makes it less serious.

Another standout track in this compilation is “Dub of Rights,” which treats the listener to the silken vocals of Johnny Clarke. As one can also hear in Clarke’s other performance on “Brother Marcus Dub,” he sings in what seems like effortless breaths. Very sure of his voice in both songs, Clarke takes the lead on “Dub of Rights” after a funky Aggrovators introduction. With harmonizing so sweet it could put you to sleep, one has to be careful not to close their eyes while Johnny’s crooning. But then the inspiring lyrics of revolution are heard: “look how long they brought us down there, kept us in bondage, right through these hairs … stand up and fight for your right my sister! STAND! stand! stand!” (That’s supposed to be a voice slowly fading out.)

An excellent collection of songs to have. These are consistent examples of King Tubby’s touch. To let it be known, Rod of Correction gets many spins on the turntable in my yard.

Track Listing:

  1. Jah Station (by Johny Lover)
  2. Jah Dub (by Brad Osbourne)
  3. Bad Man Comes and Goes (by Rod Taylor)
  4. Rod of Correction Dub (by Ossie All Stars)
  5. Jah Jah the Conqueror (extended mix) (by Linval Thompson)
  6. Forever (Melodica) (by Augustus Pablo)
  7. Forever Dub (Drum & Bass) (by Augustus Pablo and King Tubby)
  8. Dub of Rights (by King Tubby & The Aggrovators with Johnny Clarke)
  9. Chant to Jah Version (by Tower Unlimited)
  10. Blessed Dub (by King Tubby & The Aggrovators with Horace Andy)
  11. Brother Marcus Dub (by King Tubby & The Aggrovators with Johnny Clarke)