Name: Creation Rebel
Brand: Johnny Clarke

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

Groove Attack

Total Cap

Format detail

2LP Gatefold Sleeve

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2018-07-06

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

VP42201

UPC / Barcode

54645422017

Artist

Johnny Clarke

Label EU

17 North Parade

Genre EU

Reggae / Dub

Johnny Clarke, born on January 12th, 1955 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned artist who rose to fame in the 70's. Collaborating with producer Bunny Lee proved to be a turning point in his career. With an impressive repertoire of militant "dread" tunes and love songs, Johnny Clarke quickly became a favorite among discerning dancehall patrons worldwide. He skillfully covered classic Jamaican standards by artists like John Holt and Bob Marley.
Continuing his success, Clarke worked with various producers including Errol Thompson and King Jammy. In the mid-80s, he ventured into the UK music scene and recorded at Ariwa Studios with Mad Professor. Throughout the 90s, he collaborated with Fashion Records, Jah Shaka in the UK, and hitmaking production duo Steely & Cleevie.
Influenced by artists such as Junior Delgado and Yabby You among others, Johnny Clarke has left an indelible mark on reggae music. His unique style continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

17 North Parade is an imprint of VP Records, established in 2007. The label takes its name from the second location of Randy's Record Mart at 17 North Parade in Kingston, Jamaica, which was founded in 1962. Previously located at 36 East Street, this iconic record store played a significant role in the downtown Kingston music scene during its prime.

As a label, 17 North Parade focuses on reissuing material that falls outside of the mainline VP Records and Greensleeves Records brands and catalog history. They bring to light music that was produced during the heyday of downtown Kingston's vibrant music scene, contemporaneous with Randy's Record Mart.

With an extensive collection of *artists* and performers under their roster, 17 North Parade offers a diverse range of reissued albums for music enthusiasts to explore. Their commitment to preserving and sharing these historic recordings ensures that fans can experience the rich musical heritage rooted in Jamaican culture.

John Holt, both as a member of the Paragons and as a solo artist, had established himself as the master of pop with a multitude of love, love lost, and other typically pop-themed hit singles. However, with Police in Helicopter, the singer reinvented himself as a more contemporary, cultural artist. The title track, a Jamaican smash, set the defiant tone, threatening, "If you continue to burn up the herbs, we're going to burn down the cane fields." "Last Train From the Ghetto" and "Reality" are cultural/Rastafarian statements of intent, while "I Got Caught" is a warning about the consequences of misdeeds. The Roots Radics provide the rootsy accompaniment, with producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes adding his signature deep roots/dubby production, with that sublime tinge of dancehall which gave the record a totally contemporary sound. Of course, Holt didn't totally break with his past, and the rest of the record contains lighter-themed material. Hit bound "Fat She Fat" and "Private Doctor" were equal to any of the singer's previous classics, only the musical style has changed. In fact, the deepest roots track of all is "Beach Party," the perfect thematic follow-up to the Paragons classic "On the Beach." "I Got Caught," which one expects to be rootsy, is virtually rocksteady, abetted by the Tamlins' sweet backing vocals and accompanied by a flock of chirping birds. Lawes also had a field day with the saccharine "Sugar &amp; Spice," drawing in elements of rocksteady while littering the track with contemporary electro effects. The album is a masterpiece of aural illusion, as the band slide out the fat rhythms and reggae riffs, and Lawes transforms them before our eyes. Deep roots with a twist, wave a wand and, abracadabra, Holt's songs are no longer considered MOR pop, but now appeal to a more serious audience. Police is a true classic album on which a great vocalist and songwriter comes of age.

Creation Rebel

Music EU