Producer and label owner Augustus "Gussie" Clarke is well respected for his pre-dancehall work -- most notably for bringing the world Big Youth's grand album Screaming Target -- but once Wayne Smith's "Under Me Sleng Teng" changed reggae for good with its synthetic rhythms, Clarke signed up for the revolution and his career began to thrive. It was then that his Music Works studios began to crank out a series of hit singles, both in Jamaica and the U.K., most of which land on Greensleeves' excellent compilation 12" Rulers. Better yet for the collector, these are the less frequently heard 12" mixes, meaning the cool groove of Gregory Isaacs' "Rumours" is allowed ample leg room, while J.C. Lodge's big hit and compilation staple "Telephone Love" appears in a different version than usual. Other key tracks include the Isaacs and Dennis Brown collaboration "Big All Around," which is as massive as its title suggests, along with the all-star "Pirates' Anthem," which sings the praises of offshore broadcasters. The Mighty Diamonds' "Mr. Bodyguard" is a great example of how the rootsy harmony group survived and at times embraced the digital age, plus there's the first version of Shabba Ranks' breakthrough single "Mr. Lover Man," which was originally a vehicle for the sweet-voiced Deborahe Glasgow. With "John Law," "Twice My Age," and "Dancehall Good to We" still to go, it becomes pretty clear that the album is all killer and no filler, but what's most amazing is how Clarke dropped all these immortal tracks in just four years. A handful of impatient novices might be put off by the fact that most everything here breaks the six-minute mark, but otherwise this is that rare compilation that can satisfy newcomers and veterans alike with its prime ragga in proper versions. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
12" Rulers: Gussie Clarke
10/09/2007 | Greensleeves
All Music Guide Review
12" Rulers: Gussie Clarke Track Listing
Credits of 12" Rulers: Gussie Clarke
- Robert Lyn
- Synthesizer
- Courtney Michael Small
- Engineer
- Steven Stanley
- Mixing
- Nadine Sutherland
- Vocals (Background)
- Mikey Bennett
- Vocals (Background)
- Steely Johnson
- Bass
- Tony McDermott
- Design, Illustrations
- Kevin Metcalfe
- Mastering
- Leonard Chin
- Author
- Dave Hendley
- Author
- Brian Gold
- Vocals (Background)
- Harry Hawke
- Liner Notes
- Pam Hall
- Vocals (Background)
- Rass Brass
- Horn
- Cleveland "Clevie" Browne
- Percussion, Drums, Vocals (Background)
- Danny Browne
- Synthesizer, Bass, Guitar
- Dalton Browne
- Guitar
- Augustus "Gussie" Clarke
- Producer, Author
- Dean Fraser
- Horn, Vocals (Background)
- Tony Gold
- Vocals (Background)
- Sylvester Gordon
- Engineer
- J.C. Lodge
- Vocals (Background)











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