FAR I For Iver
Adjua Dubb | Gaithersburg, MD United States | 03/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Prince Far I one of the most overlooked and over deserved artists of the twentieth century, put out a great mass of music, his sturdy delivery is one of the most triumphant champion voices of this era. No one compares to the one Far I. Dubwize is yet another album full of great music, however, this album differs because its less of Far I's haunting chants, but more of his jolting dubs. Far I who was also a great producer developed some great dub music to the ites of creation. This album displays just how creative he was, and his dubs are distinctive and trance like. You'll love this one, R.I.P one Far I."
Thirteen Dubs, Three Toasts; ALL Prince Far I
Jasper | New England | 11/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The 1979 LP "Cry Tuff Encounter Pt. 2 - Prince Far I In Dub," mixed by none other than Prince Jammy, is the cornerstone of "Dubwise." ALL nine tracks from that classic set are here (although two are alternative mixes) along with four more excellent dubs, and three equally exceptional Prince Far I toasts. Cry Tuff 2 has long been hailed as one of the Prince's top dub sets, and not for nothing; menacing killer bass meets rich, deep, tripped-out dub featuring the likes of Sly & Robbie, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Bingy Bunny, Bongo Herman and Santa Davis. Some fine echoing horns come courtesy of Dirty Harry and Don Drummond Jr. (Vin Gordon), and some moody melodica (uncredited) snakes through several tracks. Far I's three toasts; the intensely rhythmic chants of "Throw Away Your Gun" and "Jah Do That," and his hypnotic recitation of "No More War" are easily among his best, and the rhythms are deep, funky, and tuff.
The only criticisms one could level at this set are the exclusion of two of the original "Cry Tuff" mixes (in favor of alt. versions), and the fact that a few tracks come from the 1980 Prince Far I LP "Showcase In A Suitcase," which we'd really like to hear in its complete form. Another thing is that some of the tunes are misnamed, though a quick trip to princefari.com can help the listener sort this out. On the plus side, we have a few tracks that were previously unreleased and, again, EVERY track is killer. Sound quality is superb, with all the tracks having been digitally remastered from the original tapes. If you like heavy grooves, bad-ass toasts, or mind-bending dubs, this will be one of your favorite recordings. "Dubwise" is a ridiculous bargain - almost a full hour of dense, enveloping sounds, and there's not a weak moment on it. Essential Far I fi true."