GRED5024: Quite literally the subbiest (the most subby?) tune I have heard in dubstep TO DATE, the latest instalment in the Greensleeves Dubstep series comes from Deep Medi’s very own V.I.V.E.K. (the dots, compulsory).

Musically, in terms of the actual remixing of ‘Fally Ranking’ by Johnny Osbourne, the edit is relatively simple, but to be honest, it really doesn’t matter, this works wonders. Subtlety in dance music means a lot. Basslaced and natty dread rootsy retaining those old school cowbells, with a beautiful palette of crisp, playful percussion nicely woven in, this is powerful, rolling music. 

Have a listen, but if you don’t have any low end, you’re only hearing a fraction of the vibe:

Johnny Osbourne - Fally Rankin (V.I.V.E.K. Dub Version)

and here’s the original from the 1980 LP ‘Folly Ranking’:

Johnny Osbourne - Folly Ranking

…and I hear you asking, as I did, ‘what does folly ranking mean?’, well here’s a discussion on the patois.

What’s more exciting, Chapter 1 of the collection has just been released on CD. This would suggest that a whole succession of vinyls are to be pressed…too bad I’m in Asia and you can’t get shit out here (apart from ordering online of course). 

All sorts of big producer names on there such as Mala, LD and Cluekid, with tunes previously unreleased (but showcased in an assortment of big mixes on xlr8r and Boiler Room). Strangely, Kromestar’s banger ‘Here We Come’ which came out in 2007 on Southside Dubstars label (their eleventh release at the time), has now been replaced on this CD by his really terrible comically bouncy fanfare-esque grating synth remix ‘Here I Come’, as in the name of the original Barrington Levy tune. 

Regardless, big, big tings a gwan!

Previous articles on preceding Greensleeves Dubstep vinyls here and here. 

And for the those who are really geeky; technically, the Horsepower Productions remix of Elephant Man ‘Log On’ (GRED849) was the first in the above series, but as it was 2002, the term ‘dubstep’ hadn’t fully evolved, so it remains more of a underground garage kinda ting. First heard it on the SubFM Cyrus History Lesson (22/08/07). Better late than never..

Beautiful, thought provoking tune from London producers Vision & Sines (Jamie Rodigan aka Dasha & Kulture Blak). Smooth RnB style vocals from German ska/reggae singer Sara Lugo. That synth line really is so good, combined with some raw percussive sounds, it works a treat. Wish there was more dubstep out there like this, tunes that get good memories racing. Positive, emotive vibes with melodic intelligence.

Above: Sara Lugo performing

It’s on a similar tip to Kromestar’s remix of ‘On & On’ Ft. Erykah Badu. Both share a nice portion of wobble, but used with sensitivity to great effect. More of the same mi beg! Hope this gets a pressing soon.

Erykah Badu - On & On (Kromestar Remix)