Search - Gladiators :: Trench Town Mix Up

Classic Roots Harmonies!

Kevin Blake | Farmingdale, ny USA | 12/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was released in 1976 and is the trio's debut(even though they recorded a slew of massive single for studio one). For those who enjoy the harmonies of groups such as Israel Vibrations & The Abysisinians will no doubt add this to their list of crucial recordings. The vocals are split up between Albert Griffiths and Clinton Fearon. Both of them are not the greatest vocalist's but together they are massive! I think my two favorite songs here are "looks is deceiving" which Albert Griffiths compiles rural Jamaican probverbs to make his point. My other favorite is "Eli Eli" which is aslo fronted by Albert Griffiths with Clinton Fearon echoing in the background. This CD contains two Marley covers "Soul Rebel" and "Rude Boy Ska". In case you didnt know Clinton Fearon left the group in 1985 and is still making solid material with The Boogie Brown Band."

A reggae masterpiece! Simply Essential!

Kevin Blake | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the late 1980's I purchased The Gladiator's LP "On the Right Track". Big mistake. I did not like this album as I thought it was weak and irritating. The result was that for 10+ years I stayed away from The Gladiators all together. Another big mistake. I finally bought "Trenchtown Mix Up" after reading the review in the Rough Guide, and I have since been kicking myself for ignoring it all this time. Every song is perfect and the musical backing and production by Prince Tony is stunning. A cornerstone reggae album on par with The Congos "Heart of the Congos", Sylford Walker's "Lambsbread" and Burning Spear's "Marcus Garvey". A perfect, hard driving, rootsy mix of the heroic and the spiritual."

A quick dose of roots reggae in punklike form.

Elan Bodwick | las vegas | 03/13/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a seminal album one that transferred well to the punk scene in London and helped influence the Clash the pistols and others. Its pure roots reggae but alittle slicker and shorter- and includes the stunner Soul Rebel. This album is quick and propulsive- with most songs dancing around the 3 minute mark at true Jamaican pace but seems to blow by despite being 11 or 12 tracks. Im not implying that the songs are fast at all- its the spirit and the mixing of the songs down to an almost poplike form instead of six minute mantras. Great vocals great tunes and relevant lyrics make this a must own for all reggae fans especially considering this is a classic among the last dying days of the height of reggae-Bom MArley excluded. The cover captures the mood at the time not only in Kingston but in London as well. A must have!"