Cool Rasta
is essentially an updated DVD audio version of
the Heptones
' 1973
Book of Rules
album, with the smooth and spooky
"Cool Rasta"
and
"Dreadlock"
added, along with a handful of rare
dub
mixes, all done in stellar 5.1 surround sound. The original sessions were produced by
Harry Johnson
(
Harry J
), and although some of these tracks now seem a little flat and uninspired,
"Book of Rules,"
in particular, are standouts, ranking easily among the best numbers
ever recorded. There are two
mixes of
"Rules"
included here (one is titled
"Ganja"
), and it is interesting to see the subtle changes that happen in these versions. The additional tracks fit remarkably well with the original cuts, making an interesting album even more so. ~ Steve Leggett