Dub Pistols - Speakers & Tweeters

DJ’s urban melting pot welcomes ex-Special Terry Hall

Barry Ashworth’s Dub Pistols rode in on the big beat boom of the mid-90s and, while never scaling the heights of fame enjoyed by compadres like Jacques Lu Cont and the Chemicals, kept it on the street and in the sweaty clubs (as well as real, it must be said). With breaks now formulated into a ravey racket, Ashworth gets full marks for growing older disgracefully and widening his scope to encompass ska, reggae and, predominantly here, hip-hop. To this end, TK Lawrence and Rodney P lend their London rhyming skills to a number of solid grooves with naggingly melodic hooks.

The album is notable for the appearance of former Specials and Funboy Three singer Terry Hall on four tracks, including covers of the Stranglers’ Peaches and a vibrant take on Blondie’s Rapture. Most excitingly, Hall revisits his old group’s Gangsters with gusto and is not too proud to join Lawrence on another catchy ska-fest, Running From The Thoughts. Another standout is You’ll Never Mind, which bases its lustrous disco-boogie on a Gamble & Huff classic, but also includes a sample from reggae veteran John Holt. A diverse inner-city stew with attitude, and entertaining sleevenotes from Mr Nice himself, Howard Marks.

Sunday Best | CD 16

Reviewed by Kris Needs
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