Creation Rebel Riddim
That Winston Rodney is one of the giants of reggae music is indisputable. Since he started his professional career in 1969, he has recorded scores of classic performances and only a handful of disappointing ones. "Creation Rebel" is just one of his many classic songs, and is a remarkable performance that features the arrangement and bass playing of Leroy Sibbles. Spear's voice seems half lost in a trance, evoking a sublime emotional and spiritual power that is both healing and uplifting. Other Studio One cuts include Prince Jazzbo's commentary on Spear's lyrics, "Creation Skank”, and the Wailing Souls’ "Without You”. But the best cut after Spear's tune is Dillinger's "Ready Natty Dreadie" which includes a very effective synthesizer overdub and an excellent performance from Dillinger. It is a pity that this recording is so unknown as it was never issued on 45 and only appears on the Winro edition of the "Ready Natty Dreadie" album, being replaced by "Natty Kung Fu" on the Studio One and Forward editions. Each edition of the album is mixed differently. Bunny Lee recorded the riddim in 1975 with The Aggrovators for a pleasant cover of "Creation Rebel” by Johnny Clarke. This recut was also used for toasting cuts from U Roy, "Version Of Creation", and Tapper Zukie, "Ital Pot”, and a lovely instru-dub cut from Tommy McCook, "Creator Of Dub”. The following year Bunny Lee re-recorded the riddim at Channel One with The Revolutionaries and issued good cuts from Leroy Smart, "Jah Helps The Man", and The Revolutionaries' instru-dub "Seven Million Dollar Man". This recut of the riddim was also used for Junior Delgado's excellent "Devil's Throne". Around this time Spear re-recorded "Creation Rebel" as "It's A Long Way Around", and then Freddie McKay also recorded a cover of the song. Another cut to the riddim is Leroy Brown's "Stand Up Strong" from his album "Color Barrier". Leroy's soulful delivery of this majestic roots song ensures that this recording is a winner. Read the full article
