13. CultureTwo Sevens Clash

When we were all getting into reggae, I remember hearing John Peel playing the dub version of the title track of this. It was a really great version, really trippy, and then I just went and bought the record. I think they’re the greatest of the vocal reggae groups. I really like Joseph Hill, the lead singer, he’s just got a lovely voice. On the title track and another one called ‘I’m Alone In The Wilderness’ he’s preaching in a sense, citing what sounds like Old Testament scripture. It’s really fucking great. I’m not a religious person, but I can understand the joy of devotion, particularly when in that joy of devotion there’s an implicit defiance. It has monumental gravitas, I feel, but that comes simply from his voice and the expression of what he’s feeling through the words of the song, something that means so much to him. I see its power. It always sounds really fresh, beautifully produced and beautifully song. It’s a truly great record, and a really well-presented statement of intent.