Josie Wales* – Ruling LP

Inspired in equal parts by gangsterism and the exceptional talent of U Roy on King Tubby’s sound system, Josie Wales left gang violence behind to toast on U Roy’s Sturgav sound system at the dawning of the 1980s; after a popular set of albums for Junjo Lawes, Michael Chin and George Phang, the excellent Ruling was produced by singer Tristan Palmer and released on Ossie Thomas’ Black Solidarity label in 1986. Josie is on fine and commanding form throughout, equally at home on spongy Roots Radics rhythms and early digital tracks built by Steely and Clevie. An exceptional slice of mid-1980s dancehall – all killer no filler!

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