One Step Dub

by Matthew Hilburn While Augustus Pablo is the genius behind what is probably the best dub record ever, King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown, One Step Dub, with Junior Delgado, falls decidedly flat and arch. Wailing rock guitar and dub just don't mix, even if that guitar is played by the legendary Earl "Chinna" Smith. The phaser effects on the drums are also annoying. Delgado, largely famous for bland lovers reggae, has to take most of the blame here, as dub was never meant to be a sentimental form. Even the keyboards sound cheesy and cloying. If it wasn't for a few moments on "In the Red Dub" and "Riot Dub," this overproduced attempt at more accesible dub would be one step away from the trash can.