It’s 1979 and the final shots from the Roots cannon are being fired, courtesy of rhythm-section assassins Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Backed by the Roots Radics band, Poor And Clean propels Gregory’s pained cries for equality over a high-pressure military drumbeat. Squelchy“wah-wah” effects are reminiscent of Eek-A-Mouse’s Ganja Smuggling, whilst the guitar skank remains on the on-beat, making a rhythm which blurs the lines between Reggae, Early Dancehall and meditative religious chanting. Originally released on the Cash And Carry label, as well as The Lonely Lover LP, an elusive 12” mix of Poor And Clean can be found on the U.S. Revue label, with a brilliant extended dub.
Also listen to:
Sly & Robbie – Poor & Clean Dub
Eek-A-Mouse – Ganja Smuggling
Gregory Isaacs – Motherless Children