Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart:
Molam Dub

As you know, there are loads of records that sample ethnic music, or use them here and there to add that exotic touch. But this set is not an appropriation, it's a collaboration. In the one corner, you have Molam Lao, Laotians with their singing, whooping, bells, and drones. Playing a type of music that we're told is a thousand years old. In the other corner you have Wobble and his mates who have a listen to what the Laotians are up to, and then add the most perfect Jamaican dub beats, bass, and studio trickery. The result is something, that's completely new but is also undeniably Molam and obviously dub. The whole thing is just alive. It's the most interesting and catchy record I can think of. Amazing and impossible to ignore. I recommend playing it on the sly when you have people over, and wait to see what they say. I've sold three copies like that.

All the singers and players are in top form, but honourable mention must go to the man called Chris Cookson who's responsible for most of the delicious skanking beats that complement Wobble's bass, and some gorgeous guitar work too. Wobble's bass lines are just gorgeous too, including a few that are not a million miles from his classic ‘Metal Box’ work. ( I swear I keep hearing ‘Careering’). The CD runs for almost 70 minutes. The first 10 tracks make up the main body of the recording. The 11th is an extended dance mix. And for extra value, the 12th track, ‘Hill Music’, doesn't noticeably feature the Laotians, but is similar to the Deep Space ‘Beach Fervour’ Spare CD with. Mark Saunders is in on Drums. If you only buy one Laotian Dub record this year, this should be it.