Massive Dread

Massive Dread - Strictly Bubbling - UFO - 1982

Dennis James/Massive Dread's debut album was released when most of the known reggae world - was in the grip of 'Yellow Fever'. Even that though could not stop 'This Is Massive' (Included here) being a huge reggae hit. A big favourite on the Metermedia sound system, he could always come up with a set of lyrics that were wild and were wrapped up in popular melodies of the past. This album a six track showcase set produced by Valerie Chang-Cowan, lacks the melodies but is still very very wild. Just look at the sleeve!

Massive Dread - It's Massive - Upfront - 1983

Bubbling is now the style that lies between deejaying and singjaying. And little Massive Dread is the first of the bubblers. He has an island vocal style meaning that he sounds like he comes from one of the many islands in the carribean. It sounds calypso influenced more than anything else, except it's much slower than calypso less frantic vocally, relaxed. Everytrack on 'It's Massive' is a joy to listen to, produced by the Wailing Souls using one of two tracks from their 'Inchpinchers' LP.