Dub Chapter One, or: Give the drummer some ...and the bass player, too

As with much of reggae, the origins of dub are hazy (what were they smoking? Oh, right...) Essentially, dub versions were on the flip side of singles, usually the single hit stripped of vocals. The producer got 2 releases (while only paying for one) and using the studio, he could boost the bass, bring the guitar fore or aft -- and then play them at the sound system parties (imagine a bookmobile set up with big speakers, turntables, all the latest 45's). Then add what we now call rappers, then toasters, who'd talk/rap over the track with commentary on the original lyrics, whatever was in the news, film critiques -- anything was game. What we now call dub usually refers to the remixed, non-vocal version, although several of my favorite dub releases have the original vocals wafting through. Try "Planet Mars" (Mighty Diamonds) or "Garvey's Ghost" (Burning Spear) for a taste. Next...more dub sounds!