The Profound Appeal of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and a Popular Classic
If you know the music genre called dub, chances are you’re a serious music lover who frequents record shops.
While it’s a genre derived from reggae, it’s also a production method, and its world is incredibly deep and profound.
This article focuses on classic, essential albums recommended for beginners, while also highlighting releases that trace the roots from authentic Jamaican roots dub to UK dub, as well as works in post-punk and new wave that bear dub’s influence.
Even those who usually listen mainly to rock will find plenty to enjoy—so be sure to check it out!
- The deep world of dub music: classic albums where you can experience the sonic magic born from reggae.
- What is DUB? A Beginner’s Guide to Dub Music!
- The world of rocksteady born in Jamaica — a roundup of must-hear classic tracks to get you started
- Must-Listen for Beginners: Legendary Reggae Albums You Should Hear at Least Once — A Collection of Popular Records
- [Reggae] Introducing Classic Dub Tracks | Featuring Japanese Reggae and International Reggae!
- Japanese reggae bands, plus bands that incorporate reggae-influenced styles.
- Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz
- [For Beginners] Introducing Recommended Overseas Reggae Bands and Groups!
- [Foreign Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and a Recommended Pick
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Classic post-punk hits from Western music: a roundup of popular tracks you should listen to first
- Masterpieces, fan favorites, and new 21st-century staples for reggae beginners
- From the UK! The Allure of Grime — Essential Albums and Fan Favorites to Start With
The Profound Allure of Dub: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Picks (51–60)
Bald Head Bridge &DubCulture & Ranking Joe
Culture is a Jamaican roots rock reggae trio formed in 1976, initially performing under the name African Disciples.
Their debut album in the roots reggae style, Two Sevens Clash, released in 1977, was selected as Jamaica’s Best Album.
Bald Head Bridge & Dub is a roots reggae dub track from a vinyl release issued in 1977 on the Errol T Records label.
ILLEGAL DUBDUB TRIO
Dub Trio is a dub rock crossover band formed in 2000 in Brooklyn, New York.
Paying homage to Jamaican sound engineer King Tubby’s dub style, their sound is characterized by a blend of elements from electronic music, rock, punk, and heavy metal.
Willow Tree DubDuke Reid
Duke Reid, born in 1915, was a Jamaican music producer, DJ, and record label owner.
In the late 1950s, he launched his own sound system called Duke Reid’s Trojan, and in 1967 he established his own label, Treasure Isle, in the United Kingdom.
With the emergence of ska and rocksteady, he helped bring Jamaican music to the world and made major contributions to the later development of reggae music.
In 2007, he was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government.
Willow Tree Dub is a track included on the album Treasure Dub, released by Treasure Isle Records.
JAVA JAVA JAVA JAVA (Instrumentals ,Dubwise & Versions) – E.T. SpecialIMPACT ALLSTARS
IMPACT ALLSTARS’ “JAVA JAVA JAVA JAVA,” released by Randy’s, is the first legendary dub album in history.
Its title is taken from Augustus Pablo’s signature track “Java,” which became the first hit on the IMPACT label, and it includes “Level Rock.” As a foundational dub album, it’s a must-have, and the album’s style spans early reggae, dub, and instrumental.
Guiding DubIMPACT ALLSTARS
Impact All Stars is a group made up of members considered “all-stars,” formed under the sub-label Impact, itself part of Vincent Chin’s label Randy’s—which, along with Lee “Scratch” Perry and others, supported the dawn of dub.
They’re an essential group for anyone looking to understand reggae dub.
From their classic album Java Java Java Java, the track I recommend is Guiding Dub.
It’s a perfect song for experiencing the early days of reggae dub, so be sure to check it out.
