Deluxe Studio One Dub Boxset Vol. 1: Five classic Dub Albums from the Vaults

There’s something special coming out of the Studio One vaults. Deluxe Studio One Dub Boxset Vol. 1 collects five of the twelve original dub albums credited to Dub Specialist, bringing together some fine examples of the label’s remarkable riddim catalogue. The boxset is limited to just 500 individually numbered copies and includes a special-edition slipmat. All five LPs have been newly remastered and originally appeared in 1974. Included are Hi Fashion Dub Top, Better Dub, Dub Store Special, Ital Dub, and Mellow Dub.

By the time the Studio One dub album series got underway, talented recording engineer Sylvan Morris had already left the label’s legendary Brentford Road studio in Kingston. So it’s quite possible that label boss Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd himself was behind the mixing, using the name Dub Specialist. Whatever the case, the real attraction of these albums lies less in the actual dub techniques and more in the outstanding riddims. And what riddims they are! Played by Studio One’s legendary house bands, including Sound Dimension, New Establishment, Soul Vendors, Soul Brothers, Soul Defenders, and Brentford All-Stars, they provide a solid foundation that rarely disappoints.

Of the five albums, Dub Store Special stands out for its particularly strong riddim selection. Hi Fashion Dub Top is perhaps the most entertaining listen, while Mellow Dub delivers plenty of heavy reggae riddims, topped off with a version of the Wailers’ early ska classic Cry To Me. Ital Dub leans heavily towards quality lovers rocksteady, and Better Dub rounds things off with another selection of tried-and-tested Studio One classics.

The dub treatments vary throughout the five albums. Quite a few tracks stay close to their original instrumental versions, with only subtle touches added to the mix. Others make much more effective use of the mixing desk, offering proper examples of dub at work.

Still, that’s part of the charm. These albums are a reminder of just how strong the Studio One riddim catalogue was, even when stripped down to its instrumental foundations. A very welcome release for Studio One collectors and dub enthusiasts. Just don’t wait too long if you want a copy. With only 500 copies available, they’re unlikely to hang around.