A cult cornerstone of underground dub and roots reggae, Calling One Thousand Dreadlocks is a rare and powerful compilation originally produced by Clement Bushay in 1975 and released on Chalwa Records in 1978. Featuring heavyweight artists like Dennis Alcapone, Dave Barker, Augustus Pablo, Skin Flesh & Bones, The Cimarons, and dub legend King Tubby, this album is an electrifying snapshot of the mid-70s roots explosion—bridging Jamaican studio wizardry with the rising UK reggae underground.
Arranged by Alton Ellis and mixed at King Tubby’s iconic studio in Kingston, as well as at TMC Studios in Chalk Farm and SWM Studios in the UK, this LP represents a rich transatlantic collaboration that shaped the future of dub and sound system culture. The original pressing became a collector’s holy grail due to its low distribution and unique blend of Kingston muscle and London grit.
Reissued in 2024 by Lantern Records in a limited edition vinyl pressing, this version faithfully restores the original tracklist while opening a new chapter for this obscure roots classic. The deep dub mixes, conscious vocal cuts, and psychedelic instrumentation make this a vital release for reggae historians and crate diggers alike.
Recommended For:
Collectors of rare roots and dub vinyl, fans of Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, and Alton Ellis, UK reggae archivists, sound system selectors, and those seeking the deep, spiritual energy of 1970s reggae culture.
