Dub: The Sonic Revolution of the 1970s and Beyond
When we were kids growing up in London during the 1980s, dub reggae was part of the fabric of our cultural backdrop. It was a perfect soundtrack to the bleak, high-inflation late 70s and early 80s and it's no surprise the influence it had on both rock (The Clash etc) and dance music (Massive Attack etc) alike. From thundering basslines rattling through community centres to the echoes of reverb spilling out of record shops, dub music became the soundtrack of a city finding its voice. Now, with over 100 dub vinyl records freshly released on Car Boot Soul Records, we’re diving into this legendary genre—its roots, evolution, and influence.
What is Dub?
Dub reggae emerged in Jamaica during the late 1960s and early 1970s, pioneered by innovative sound engineers remixing the B-sides of reggae records. These mixes often stripped away vocals, amplifying basslines and drum patterns (known as riddims) while layering effects like echo, reverb, and delay. The result? A hypnotic, otherworldly sound that redefined what music could be.
Unlike traditional reggae, dub was less about melodies and lyrics and more about exploring textures, rhythm, and space. This experimental approach set the foundation for what would become one of the most influential musical styles in history.
Dub’s Evolution
By the early 1970s, dub music had transformed from an experimental offshoot of reggae into a full-blown genre, with pioneers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry leading the charge. In their hands, the mixing console became an instrument, and the studio was a playground for sonic exploration.
Dub reggae didn’t stop in Jamaica. By the late 1970s, it had taken root in London, where it resonated with the city’s Caribbean communities. Sound systems like Jah Shaka’s brought dub to life at warehouse parties and blues dances, while producers like Mad Professor experimented with the genre in new and exciting ways.
This innovative energy led dub to influence a wide array of genres, from post-punk and electronic to house and drum & bass. Its ethos of experimentation and raw creativity continues to inspire musicians across the globe.
Dub’s Influence
The impact of dub on music is monumental. Production techniques like looping, sampling, and heavy use of audio effects became standard tools in modern music. Genres like jungle, dubstep, trip-hop, and techno can trace their origins to dub’s revolutionary methods.
Culturally, dub was a voice for the voiceless, a sonic expression of resistance and identity. Its DIY spirit also empowered other movements, from punk to hip-hop. Dub isn’t just a genre—it’s a global movement that redefined what music could mean.
10 Classic Dub Albums You Need to Hear
If you’re new to dub or simply looking to expand your collection, here are ten classic dub albums available now in our dub vinyl records collection. Each one represents a milestone in dub music history:
The Upsetters – Super Ape (1976)
A masterpiece by Lee "Scratch" Perry, Super Ape pushes the boundaries of dub reggae with its surreal production, haunting rhythms, and psychedelic layers.
Keith Hudson – Rasta Communication (1978)
Known as "The Dark Prince of Reggae," Hudson’s Rasta Communication blends roots reggae with raw, introspective dub, delivering a spiritual yet edgy experience.
Phillip Fullwood & Winston McKenzie – Words in Dub (1979)
This under-the-radar gem combines meditative riddims with spoken word, creating a unique, reflective atmosphere.
The Upsetters – Blackboard Jungle Dub (1979)
Widely considered one of the first dub albums, this collaboration between King Tubby and Lee Perry set the gold standard for the genre.
Scientist – Introducing Scientist – The Best Dub Album in the World... (1980)
Scientist’s debut album showcases his futuristic approach to dub, with tracks that feel like sonic adventures into space.
Augustus Pablo – Original Rockers (1982)
Featuring Pablo’s signature melodica, this ethereal album merges roots reggae and dub with unmatched creativity.
Jah Shaka Meets Mad Professor – At Ariwa Sounds (1984)
A heavyweight collaboration, this album fuses Jah Shaka’s militant dub style with Mad Professor’s polished studio techniques.
Sly & Robbie – A Dub Experience (1985)
This iconic rhythm duo delivers deep grooves and innovative production, showcasing why they’re legends in dub and reggae.
Why Dub Still Matters
Dub isn’t just music; it’s a philosophy. It’s about breaking rules, experimenting, and finding beauty in the unexpected. For many of us, dub reggae was the backdrop of our youth and an important stepping stone for many into electronic dance music.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, our collection of over 100 classic dub vinyl records is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the sound that changed music forever.
Explore and buy dub records online today at Car Boot Soul Records. Let the basslines carry you into the world of dub, where every echo tells a story.