Eastman Dub is a reworked mix of
dub versions of the 1977 album
Let's Get Started, which in its original form stands as one of
Augustus Pablo's finest albums. Though
Eastman Dub doesn't quite compare to
Let's Get Started, it represents an intriguing approach to
dub that is unique to
Pablo but not surprising given his penchant for innovative arrangements and productions. The
dubs on this record only occasionally retain the original vocals. The absence of these beautiful harmonies, sung by
Tetrack, makes the music significantly thinner. Furthermore,
Pablo's melodica is barely a presence. As a result, the bass parts often bear a weight they were not meant to carry. But in spite of this, some of the songs work very well. The title track, for example, uses the original vocals intermittently to good effect, and the percussion on
"Only Jah Jah Dub" is perfect.
Eastman Dub takes some unconventional risks in its versions, but it's well worth hearing for the times when those risks pay off. ~ Ben Tausig
