Different: The Singles Collection 1977-1981

British reggae artist Dennis Bovell had his own sensibilities when it came to production. Active in the same vibrant era in the late 70s that created some of reggaes most lasting sounds, his take on reggae and dub was a little more reined in than his Jamaican contemporaries like King Tubby or Lee "Scratch" Perry. While his production was less chaotic, with clearer details and space made for every rebound of echo and thunderclap of reverb, Bovells style wasnt lacking in excitement or daring. The anthology collection Different: The Singles Collection 1977-1981 zeros in on his unique and wide-ranging style as a studio mastermind, presenting Bovell productions originally released as singles that run the gamut from roots reggae tunes to lovers rock to a strange reggae-fied proto-disco sound as the 70s shuffled into the 80s. The tracks are arranged so that the original vocal version of any given song is followed directly by its various versions. For instance, the first tune, Errol Dunkleys tough and moody minor-key roots burner "A Little Way Different," is followed not just by a standard dub version (especially since the original 12" single mix breaks down to a dubby section at its midway point), but a dub instrumental with a lively harmonica overdub, a version titled "Positive Vibrations" where deejay Pebbles toasts over the instrumental, and "Compelled," a drastic remix where vocals are removed completely and the horn section takes the lead. Angeliques "Cry" is a light and dreamy tune thats part lovers rock, part disco; Good Breeds "Heights" brings a psychedelic rock influence into its otherwise rootsy arrangement; and tunes like Janet Kays charting hit "Silly Games" and Delroy Wilsons "Hooked on You" bring in airy, gentle grooves that hint at the soft rock and disco trends happening at the end of the 70s. In particular, the blissful synths and overzealous drum fills of the instrumental dub version of "Hooked on You" are a perfect midway point between reggae and disco. Ultimately, Different lives up to its name as Bovell approaches the mood and styling of every track here a little bit differently. Though the collection only spans five years, theyre some of reggaes most important years, and Bovell didnt just embrace the transformations the genre was undergoing at the time but pushed them further forward. ~ Fred Thomas