A New Chapter Indeed!!!, 23 Sep 2007
If ever there was a dub album produced that offered a radical new vision to a dying genre, without a shadow of a doubt, this was it. Recorded over 25 years ago, A New Chapter in Dub more than stands the tests of time; sublime production and a remarkable collage of sounds highlight the true dexterity of Aswad's song-writing talents and arrangements.

In Dub Fire, A New Chapter kicks of with an imperious statement of intent, opening with a short snatch of electronic sounds, followed by an unforgetable horn riff and an instantly memorable and distinctive bass-line. The album then embarks on a remarkably evocative and varied selection of songs and soundscapes, each composition characterised by astonishing snatches of echo unexpectedly jumping forth. Even where A New Chapter occasionally leans towards the soul style that characterized Aswad's later releases, the hard-edged politicized lyrics and dramatic production twists continually remind you that your ears are immersed in the midst of a surreal and exotic masterpiece. Following the mesmeric and exotic eeriness of Shining Dub, the album culminates in two breathtaking pieces in Natural Aggression and Ghetto in the Sky; characterized by spacey driving percussion lines, majestic horn-riffs and conscious lyrics, you are left in no doubt that Aswad have served their time as true ambassadors of reggae's frontline.

Whilst many purists will dismiss Aswad for their chart-topping efforts merely a couple of years later, this should simply stand as a further testament to their inventiveness and genius; make no mistake, this album places Aswad places in the pantheon of true modern musical visionaries. That this album probably didn't get the commercial recognition that it merited really is the musical world's loss. In many respects, the rest of the world is still catching up! Respect.


Awesome - Aswad at their creative peak., 01 Jun 2004
This is one of the truly great reggae / dub albums ever released. I remember originally buying my vinyl copy in 1979 (i think) from a store on Shepherds Bush Green. I took it home and slapped it on the turntable as i got ready to go out for a Saturday evening. It has such a 'feelgood' sound. Aswad went on to much more commercial success, but this was at its time a groundbreaking album. And is a must for any fan of dub.

A New Chapter Indeed!!!, 23 Sep 2007
If ever there was a dub album produced that offered a radical new vision to a dying genre, without a shadow of a doubt, this was it. Recorded over 25 years ago, A New Chapter in Dub more than stands the tests of time; sublime production and a remarkable collage of sounds highlight the true dexterity of Aswad's song-writing talents and arrangements.

In Dub Fire, A New Chapter kicks of with an imperious statement of intent, opening with a short snatch of electronic sounds, followed by an unforgetable horn riff and an instantly memorable and distinctive bass-line. The album then embarks on a remarkably evocative and varied selection of songs and soundscapes, each composition characterised by astonishing snatches of echo unexpectedly jumping forth. Even where A New Chapter occasionally leans towards the soul style that characterized Aswad's later releases, the hard-edged politicized lyrics and dramatic production twists continually remind you that your ears are immersed in the midst of a surreal and exotic masterpiece. Following the mesmeric and exotic eeriness of Shining Dub, the album culminates in two breathtaking pieces in Natural Aggression and Ghetto in the Sky; characterized by spacey driving percussion lines, majestic horn-riffs and conscious lyrics, you are left in no doubt that Aswad have served their time as true ambassadors of reggae's frontline.

Whilst many purists will dismiss Aswad for their chart-topping efforts merely a couple of years later, this should simply stand as a further testament to their inventiveness and genius; make no mistake, this album places Aswad places in the pantheon of true modern musical visionaries. That this album probably didn't get the commercial recognition that it merited really is the musical world's loss. In many respects, the rest of the world is still catching up! Respect.


Awesome - Aswad at their creative peak., 01 Jun 2004
This is one of the truly great reggae / dub albums ever released. I remember originally buying my vinyl copy in 1979 (i think) from a store on Shepherds Bush Green. I took it home and slapped it on the turntable as i got ready to go out for a Saturday evening. It has such a 'feelgood' sound. Aswad went on to much more commercial success, but this was at its time a groundbreaking album. And is a must for any fan of dub.

Roots memories, 29 Aug 2006
I agree with the other reviews this is a fine album. In fact it must be one of the best live reggae albums available.Comparable to the great Misty In Roots- Live at Countervision album.
It may be a bit raw in its sound but this just adds to capturing the marvellous carnival atmosphere. This marks a happy time when roots rockers ruled reggae before its sad decline into ragga /drum'n'bass and (a little sadly)Aswad hit the charts with some soft reggae pop tunes that didn't really represent the sound they perfected after many years slogging on the road in the late seventies/early eighties.Bands simply do not get this good without doing the rounds live for many years!Aswad deserved there success so I would not dis them for 'selling out' as some roots fans would claim.
I had ther pleasure of seeing Aswad then and they were magical. I think the tight horn section alone could have brought down the walls of jericho-magical!
Buy this and be educated in fellins irie and rockin!!!!!

The greatest live album of all, 08 Aug 2006
I've never heard a live album as good as this. And while that may seem a bit backhanded as a compliment - live albums are usually regarded as a contractual obligation rather than a high water mark of quality after all - this is also one of the finest reggae albums you could hope to buy.

I saw Aswad a couple of times during this period, and they were magnificent. And this album captures it completely. With ecstatic crowds and a super-tight band behind them, you'll believe you're there in that Notting Hill crowd, whooping with the rest.

[...]

ASWAD live and direct, 21 Oct 2005
I was given this record as a gift not long ago, and i must say it is one of the finest reggae records i have heard. I bought more ASWAD records after but nothing was ever as good this - it seemed they were at the height of their career when they bought it out. It's far more pure than their later stuff which is indulged in electric drums and synths which quite frankly dont suit the music.

If you are a first time buyer i suggest you buy this album as it is TRULY great.

Classic live record, 29 Dec 2000
This record goes straight in to the top ten list of classic reggae records. At the time of this live concert Aswad was at the peak of their special dub reggae. Earlier years saw releases like "New Chapter", "New chapter of Dub" and "Not Satisfied". Lead singer Brinsley Forde had also appeared in the film "Babylon" together with the unbelieveable track "Warrior Charge".

Live and Direct is recorded live at the Notting Hill Carnival in London 1983 in front of an extatic crowd well familiar with Aswad songs. The album starts with "Not guilty" and it is crystal clear that this is reggae is at the highest possible level. Aswad delivers new versions of older songs and almost every song has a section of unbelievable live dub. The audience continues to scream through every song and is delighted when Brinsley annonces "Special request to the Ladbroke Grove, Paddington and Brixton Possees". A truely wonderful Hornsection sparks with brand new hornparts never heard before on the studio albums. Live and Direct has the combination of an extremely well-rehearsed band with spontanous "bring it down.. and dub dub dub..." all over the place. Special highlights of the show are "African Children" and "Drum and Bass line". A true classic. Don't you dare miss it.

A New Chapter Indeed!!!, 23 Sep 2007
If ever there was a dub album produced that offered a radical new vision to a dying genre, without a shadow of a doubt, this was it. Recorded over 25 years ago, A New Chapter in Dub more than stands the tests of time; sublime production and a remarkable collage of sounds highlight the true dexterity of Aswad's song-writing talents and arrangements.

In Dub Fire, A New Chapter kicks of with an imperious statement of intent, opening with a short snatch of electronic sounds, followed by an unforgetable horn riff and an instantly memorable and distinctive bass-line. The album then embarks on a remarkably evocative and varied selection of songs and soundscapes, each composition characterised by astonishing snatches of echo unexpectedly jumping forth. Even where A New Chapter occasionally leans towards the soul style that characterized Aswad's later releases, the hard-edged politicized lyrics and dramatic production twists continually remind you that your ears are immersed in the midst of a surreal and exotic masterpiece. Following the mesmeric and exotic eeriness of Shining Dub, the album culminates in two breathtaking pieces in Natural Aggression and Ghetto in the Sky; characterized by spacey driving percussion lines, majestic horn-riffs and conscious lyrics, you are left in no doubt that Aswad have served their time as true ambassadors of reggae's frontline.

Whilst many purists will dismiss Aswad for their chart-topping efforts merely a couple of years later, this should simply stand as a further testament to their inventiveness and genius; make no mistake, this album places Aswad places in the pantheon of true modern musical visionaries. That this album probably didn't get the commercial recognition that it merited really is the musical world's loss. In many respects, the rest of the world is still catching up! Respect.


Awesome - Aswad at their creative peak., 01 Jun 2004
This is one of the truly great reggae / dub albums ever released. I remember originally buying my vinyl copy in 1979 (i think) from a store on Shepherds Bush Green. I took it home and slapped it on the turntable as i got ready to go out for a Saturday evening. It has such a 'feelgood' sound. Aswad went on to much more commercial success, but this was at its time a groundbreaking album. And is a must for any fan of dub.

Roots memories, 29 Aug 2006
I agree with the other reviews this is a fine album. In fact it must be one of the best live reggae albums available.Comparable to the great Misty In Roots- Live at Countervision album.
It may be a bit raw in its sound but this just adds to capturing the marvellous carnival atmosphere. This marks a happy time when roots rockers ruled reggae before its sad decline into ragga /drum'n'bass and (a little sadly)Aswad hit the charts with some soft reggae pop tunes that didn't really represent the sound they perfected after many years slogging on the road in the late seventies/early eighties.Bands simply do not get this good without doing the rounds live for many years!Aswad deserved there success so I would not dis them for 'selling out' as some roots fans would claim.
I had ther pleasure of seeing Aswad then and they were magical. I think the tight horn section alone could have brought down the walls of jericho-magical!
Buy this and be educated in fellins irie and rockin!!!!!

The greatest live album of all, 08 Aug 2006
I've never heard a live album as good as this. And while that may seem a bit backhanded as a compliment - live albums are usually regarded as a contractual obligation rather than a high water mark of quality after all - this is also one of the finest reggae albums you could hope to buy.

I saw Aswad a couple of times during this period, and they were magnificent. And this album captures it completely. With ecstatic crowds and a super-tight band behind them, you'll believe you're there in that Notting Hill crowd, whooping with the rest.

[...]

ASWAD live and direct, 21 Oct 2005
I was given this record as a gift not long ago, and i must say it is one of the finest reggae records i have heard. I bought more ASWAD records after but nothing was ever as good this - it seemed they were at the height of their career when they bought it out. It's far more pure than their later stuff which is indulged in electric drums and synths which quite frankly dont suit the music.

If you are a first time buyer i suggest you buy this album as it is TRULY great.

Classic live record, 29 Dec 2000
This record goes straight in to the top ten list of classic reggae records. At the time of this live concert Aswad was at the peak of their special dub reggae. Earlier years saw releases like "New Chapter", "New chapter of Dub" and "Not Satisfied". Lead singer Brinsley Forde had also appeared in the film "Babylon" together with the unbelieveable track "Warrior Charge".

Live and Direct is recorded live at the Notting Hill Carnival in London 1983 in front of an extatic crowd well familiar with Aswad songs. The album starts with "Not guilty" and it is crystal clear that this is reggae is at the highest possible level. Aswad delivers new versions of older songs and almost every song has a section of unbelievable live dub. The audience continues to scream through every song and is delighted when Brinsley annonces "Special request to the Ladbroke Grove, Paddington and Brixton Possees". A truely wonderful Hornsection sparks with brand new hornparts never heard before on the studio albums. Live and Direct has the combination of an extremely well-rehearsed band with spontanous "bring it down.. and dub dub dub..." all over the place. Special highlights of the show are "African Children" and "Drum and Bass line". A true classic. Don't you dare miss it.

The Aswad we Know and Love, 18 Aug 2007
This is the Aswad album to own if you only have 1.

Unlike the later more commercial offerings, this album is a true heavyweight and set the standard for British reggae. It was the first on the CBS label and definitely their best. Their original style, along with orchestral backing and unique harmonies provided the backdrop many film soundtracks in the 80s.

Best of British Reggae, 02 Oct 2002
How often have you bought a new copy of a favourite old album only to find that it now sounds nowhere near as good as you rememeber? Happily with this album, the above statement couldn't be further from the truth!
New Chapter sounds every bit as good as it did when I last heard it over 16 years ago. In outline: no weak tracks; an accomplished mix of dancehall, lovers and roots; tuneful vocals; tight rhythms (especially from the horn section).
I can think of no better place to start an Aswad collection than with this album. If you like this CD why not try its dub counterpart or anything else by Aswad from about this period or earlier.

A New Chapter Indeed!!!, 23 Sep 2007
If ever there was a dub album produced that offered a radical new vision to a dying genre, without a shadow of a doubt, this was it. Recorded over 25 years ago, A New Chapter in Dub more than stands the tests of time; sublime production and a remarkable collage of sounds highlight the true dexterity of Aswad's song-writing talents and arrangements.

In Dub Fire, A New Chapter kicks of with an imperious statement of intent, opening with a short snatch of electronic sounds, followed by an unforgetable horn riff and an instantly memorable and distinctive bass-line. The album then embarks on a remarkably evocative and varied selection of songs and soundscapes, each composition characterised by astonishing snatches of echo unexpectedly jumping forth. Even where A New Chapter occasionally leans towards the soul style that characterized Aswad's later releases, the hard-edged politicized lyrics and dramatic production twists continually remind you that your ears are immersed in the midst of a surreal and exotic masterpiece. Following the mesmeric and exotic eeriness of Shining Dub, the album culminates in two breathtaking pieces in Natural Aggression and Ghetto in the Sky; characterized by spacey driving percussion lines, majestic horn-riffs and conscious lyrics, you are left in no doubt that Aswad have served their time as true ambassadors of reggae's frontline.

Whilst many purists will dismiss Aswad for their chart-topping efforts merely a couple of years later, this should simply stand as a further testament to their inventiveness and genius; make no mistake, this album places Aswad places in the pantheon of true modern musical visionaries. That this album probably didn't get the commercial recognition that it merited really is the musical world's loss. In many respects, the rest of the world is still catching up! Respect.


Awesome - Aswad at their creative peak., 01 Jun 2004
This is one of the truly great reggae / dub albums ever released. I remember originally buying my vinyl copy in 1979 (i think) from a store on Shepherds Bush Green. I took it home and slapped it on the turntable as i got ready to go out for a Saturday evening. It has such a 'feelgood' sound. Aswad went on to much more commercial success, but this was at its time a groundbreaking album. And is a must for any fan of dub.

Roots memories, 29 Aug 2006
I agree with the other reviews this is a fine album. In fact it must be one of the best live reggae albums available.Comparable to the great Misty In Roots- Live at Countervision album.
It may be a bit raw in its sound but this just adds to capturing the marvellous carnival atmosphere. This marks a happy time when roots rockers ruled reggae before its sad decline into ragga /drum'n'bass and (a little sadly)Aswad hit the charts with some soft reggae pop tunes that didn't really represent the sound they perfected after many years slogging on the road in the late seventies/early eighties.Bands simply do not get this good without doing the rounds live for many years!Aswad deserved there success so I would not dis them for 'selling out' as some roots fans would claim.
I had ther pleasure of seeing Aswad then and they were magical. I think the tight horn section alone could have brought down the walls of jericho-magical!
Buy this and be educated in fellins irie and rockin!!!!!

The greatest live album of all, 08 Aug 2006
I've never heard a live album as good as this. And while that may seem a bit backhanded as a compliment - live albums are usually regarded as a contractual obligation rather than a high water mark of quality after all - this is also one of the finest reggae albums you could hope to buy.

I saw Aswad a couple of times during this period, and they were magnificent. And this album captures it completely. With ecstatic crowds and a super-tight band behind them, you'll believe you're there in that Notting Hill crowd, whooping with the rest.

[...]

ASWAD live and direct, 21 Oct 2005
I was given this record as a gift not long ago, and i must say it is one of the finest reggae records i have heard. I bought more ASWAD records after but nothing was ever as good this - it seemed they were at the height of their career when they bought it out. It's far more pure than their later stuff which is indulged in electric drums and synths which quite frankly dont suit the music.

If you are a first time buyer i suggest you buy this album as it is TRULY great.

Classic live record, 29 Dec 2000
This record goes straight in to the top ten list of classic reggae records. At the time of this live concert Aswad was at the peak of their special dub reggae. Earlier years saw releases like "New Chapter", "New chapter of Dub" and "Not Satisfied". Lead singer Brinsley Forde had also appeared in the film "Babylon" together with the unbelieveable track "Warrior Charge".

Live and Direct is recorded live at the Notting Hill Carnival in London 1983 in front of an extatic crowd well familiar with Aswad songs. The album starts with "Not guilty" and it is crystal clear that this is reggae is at the highest possible level. Aswad delivers new versions of older songs and almost every song has a section of unbelievable live dub. The audience continues to scream through every song and is delighted when Brinsley annonces "Special request to the Ladbroke Grove, Paddington and Brixton Possees". A truely wonderful Hornsection sparks with brand new hornparts never heard before on the studio albums. Live and Direct has the combination of an extremely well-rehearsed band with spontanous "bring it down.. and dub dub dub..." all over the place. Special highlights of the show are "African Children" and "Drum and Bass line". A true classic. Don't you dare miss it.

The Aswad we Know and Love, 18 Aug 2007
This is the Aswad album to own if you only have 1.

Unlike the later more commercial offerings, this album is a true heavyweight and set the standard for British reggae. It was the first on the CBS label and definitely their best. Their original style, along with orchestral backing and unique harmonies provided the backdrop many film soundtracks in the 80s.

Best of British Reggae, 02 Oct 2002
How often have you bought a new copy of a favourite old album only to find that it now sounds nowhere near as good as you rememeber? Happily with this album, the above statement couldn't be further from the truth!
New Chapter sounds every bit as good as it did when I last heard it over 16 years ago. In outline: no weak tracks; an accomplished mix of dancehall, lovers and roots; tuneful vocals; tight rhythms (especially from the horn section).
I can think of no better place to start an Aswad collection than with this album. If you like this CD why not try its dub counterpart or anything else by Aswad from about this period or earlier.

good albulm though not roots, 26 Sep 2006
I'm been an Aswad fan from way back in the 80's always loved there music great inspiration to me to bad Brinsley not there any more but this album is good the Aswad sound is there keep up the good works good to see a new album from them after a few years when is there going to be the uk london shows reunion tour :) that be nice.
bless & respect,
Dill

A New Chapter Indeed!!!, 23 Sep 2007
If ever there was a dub album produced that offered a radical new vision to a dying genre, without a shadow of a doubt, this was it. Recorded over 25 years ago, A New Chapter in Dub more than stands the tests of time; sublime production and a remarkable collage of sounds highlight the true dexterity of Aswad's song-writing talents and arrangements.

In Dub Fire, A New Chapter kicks of with an imperious statement of intent, opening with a short snatch of electronic sounds, followed by an unforgetable horn riff and an instantly memorable and distinctive bass-line. The album then embarks on a remarkably evocative and varied selection of songs and soundscapes, each composition characterised by astonishing snatches of echo unexpectedly jumping forth. Even where A New Chapter occasionally leans towards the soul style that characterized Aswad's later releases, the hard-edged politicized lyrics and dramatic production twists continually remind you that your ears are immersed in the midst of a surreal and exotic masterpiece. Following the mesmeric and exotic eeriness of Shining Dub, the album culminates in two breathtaking pieces in Natural Aggression and Ghetto in the Sky; characterized by spacey driving percussion lines, majestic horn-riffs and conscious lyrics, you are left in no doubt that Aswad have served their time as true ambassadors of reggae's frontline.

Whilst many purists will dismiss Aswad for their chart-topping efforts merely a couple of years later, this should simply stand as a further testament to their inventiveness and genius; make no mistake, this album places Aswad places in the pantheon of true modern musical visionaries. That this album probably didn't get the commercial recognition that it merited really is the musical world's loss. In many respects, the rest of the world is still catching up! Respect.


Awesome - Aswad at their creative peak., 01 Jun 2004
This is one of the truly great reggae / dub albums ever released. I remember originally buying my vinyl copy in 1979 (i think) from a store on Shepherds Bush Green. I took it home and slapped it on the turntable as i got ready to go out for a Saturday evening. It has such a 'feelgood' sound. Aswad went on to much more commercial success, but this was at its time a groundbreaking album. And is a must for any fan of dub.

Roots memories, 29 Aug 2006
I agree with the other reviews this is a fine album. In fact it must be one of the best live reggae albums available.Comparable to the great Misty In Roots- Live at Countervision album.
It may be a bit raw in its sound but this just adds to capturing the marvellous carnival atmosphere. This marks a happy time when roots rockers ruled reggae before its sad decline into ragga /drum'n'bass and (a little sadly)Aswad hit the charts with some soft reggae pop tunes that didn't really represent the sound they perfected after many years slogging on the road in the late seventies/early eighties.Bands simply do not get this good without doing the rounds live for many years!Aswad deserved there success so I would not dis them for 'selling out' as some roots fans would claim.
I had ther pleasure of seeing Aswad then and they were magical. I think the tight horn section alone could have brought down the walls of jericho-magical!
Buy this and be educated in fellins irie and rockin!!!!!

The greatest live album of all, 08 Aug 2006
I've never heard a live album as good as this. And while that may seem a bit backhanded as a compliment - live albums are usually regarded as a contractual obligation rather than a high water mark of quality after all - this is also one of the finest reggae albums you could hope to buy.

I saw Aswad a couple of times during this period, and they were magnificent. And this album captures it completely. With ecstatic crowds and a super-tight band behind them, you'll believe you're there in that Notting Hill crowd, whooping with the rest.

[...]

ASWAD live and direct, 21 Oct 2005
I was given this record as a gift not long ago, and i must say it is one of the finest reggae records i have heard. I bought more ASWAD records after but nothing was ever as good this - it seemed they were at the height of their career when they bought it out. It's far more pure than their later stuff which is indulged in electric drums and synths which quite frankly dont suit the music.

If you are a first time buyer i suggest you buy this album as it is TRULY great.

Classic live record, 29 Dec 2000
This record goes straight in to the top ten list of classic reggae records. At the time of this live concert Aswad was at the peak of their special dub reggae. Earlier years saw releases like "New Chapter", "New chapter of Dub" and "Not Satisfied". Lead singer Brinsley Forde had also appeared in the film "Babylon" together with the unbelieveable track "Warrior Charge".

Live and Direct is recorded live at the Notting Hill Carnival in London 1983 in front of an extatic crowd well familiar with Aswad songs. The album starts with "Not guilty" and it is crystal clear that this is reggae is at the highest possible level. Aswad delivers new versions of older songs and almost every song has a section of unbelievable live dub. The audience continues to scream through every song and is delighted when Brinsley annonces "Special request to the Ladbroke Grove, Paddington and Brixton Possees". A truely wonderful Hornsection sparks with brand new hornparts never heard before on the studio albums. Live and Direct has the combination of an extremely well-rehearsed band with spontanous "bring it down.. and dub dub dub..." all over the place. Special highlights of the show are "African Children" and "Drum and Bass line". A true classic. Don't you dare miss it.

The Aswad we Know and Love, 18 Aug 2007
This is the Aswad album to own if you only have 1.

Unlike the later more commercial offerings, this album is a true heavyweight and set the standard for British reggae. It was the first on the CBS label and definitely their best. Their original style, along with orchestral backing and unique harmonies provided the backdrop many film soundtracks in the 80s.

Best of British Reggae, 02 Oct 2002
How often have you bought a new copy of a favourite old album only to find that it now sounds nowhere near as good as you rememeber? Happily with this album, the above statement couldn't be further from the truth!
New Chapter sounds every bit as good as it did when I last heard it over 16 years ago. In outline: no weak tracks; an accomplished mix of dancehall, lovers and roots; tuneful vocals; tight rhythms (especially from the horn section).
I can think of no better place to start an Aswad collection than with this album. If you like this CD why not try its dub counterpart or anything else by Aswad from about this period or earlier.

good albulm though not roots, 26 Sep 2006
I'm been an Aswad fan from way back in the 80's always loved there music great inspiration to me to bad Brinsley not there any more but this album is good the Aswad sound is there keep up the good works good to see a new album from them after a few years when is there going to be the uk london shows reunion tour :) that be nice.
bless & respect,
Dill

Aswad 25 Live, 15 Jun 2002
A Live Album recorded at Subterania celebrating the British Reggae Band's 25th Anniversary. Although no longer featuring the vocal talent of Brinsley Forde, the sweeter voice of Drummie Zeb is there to perform a selection of hits and album tracks from their huge collection. Bass guitarist Tony Gad provides backing vocals and also the lead on a couple of tracks, showing why Aswad still are the best live reggae act the UK has ever produced.

Tracks include their two biggest hits "Don't Turn Around" and "Shine" as well as the ever popular "Roots Rocking".

Turn up the bass and enjoy!!