Trojan Dub Massive: Chapter One
Bill Laswell · 2005
64 min · 18 tracks · jazz
A hypnotic blend of deep basslines, echoing rhythms, and atmospheric textures that redefine classic reggae into modern dub.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cocaine Start here — This track showcases Laswell's skill in creating a gripping atmosphere through layered soundscapes while paying homage to reggae's roots.
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Blood Dunza version — A standout remix that encapsulates the essence of dub, featuring intricate effects and heavy reverb that enhance the original's emotional weight.
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Roots Man Dub — This track exemplifies the foundational elements of dub music with its compelling bassline and rhythmic experimentation, pushing sonic boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong production techniques within a cohesive dub framework, though it may not stand out significantly in the broader genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of deep basslines that anchor each track, creating a hypnotic groove.
- Echoing rhythms and layered atmospheric textures are prevalent, often building gradually over the course of several minutes.
- Many tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections with minimal melodic variation, emphasizing rhythmic interplay and sound manipulation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- hypnotic bass lines that groove
- steady flow for relaxed listening
- wave-like pacing with variety
- deep exploration of rhythmic roots
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Revived interest in dub music, marking a significant point in Laswell's career.
- Themes
- hypnotic basslines· reggae roots exploration· atmospheric soundscapes
- Career context
- Released in 2005, Trojan Dub Massive: Chapter One is part of Bill Laswell's extensive exploration of dub music and follows his influential work in the genre throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. At this point in his career, Laswell had established himself as a key figure in merging various musical styles, notably through collaborations with reggae artists and his previous projects like the iconic 'Dub Side of the Moon'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tackhead· Herbie Hancock· Thievery Corporation
Tracklist
- 1 Cocaine Start here 4:12
- 2 Herb 4:12
- 3 Don't Think About Me (I'm Alright) version 3:10
- 4 Blood Dunza version 3:23
- 5 Man a Warrior 4:10
- 6 Leggo Beast 3:34
- 7 Roots Man Dub 2:37
- 8 Acapulco Gold 3:53
- 9 Concentration ver. 3 3:17
- 10 Lover's Skank (Spangler's Clap) 3:52
- 11 Jah Jah Children Dub 3:55
- 12 Negre Africa Dub 2:49
- 13 Out of Order 5:49
- 14 Miss Know It All 3:24
- 15 Fist of Fury 3:08
- 16 The Alien Aborts 3:14
- 17 Stop the Dubbing 2:31
- 18 Keep Cool Babylon 3:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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