The all-star band Smoke and Mirrors Sound System is back, this time paying tribute to Big Audio Dynamite's iconic album "No. 10, Upping St." Originally released in 1986, this album marked the final reunion of Mick Jones and former Clash bandmate Joe Strummer, who co-produced the album and co-wrote five of its nine songs. Adding to the mix was the legendary Don Letts, who, known for his work with The Clash, provided co-lead vocals and handled the sampler. Almost 40 years later, the album's innovative blend of reggae, hip-hop, and dance music not only holds up but also highlights how ahead of its time it truly was. Now, John Roy has gathered a who's who of the ska and reggae communities to put a unique spin on these amazing tunes. Plus the songs get a full dub treatment on the second LP of the release that just takes the songs to an entirely other level. If you missed the album the first time around, don't let it slip by you again.
Available on opaque orange and yellow 12" vinyl with deluxe gatefold jacket.
Tracklist
A1. C'Mon Every Beatbox
A2. Beyond The Pale
A3. Limbo The Law
A4. Sambadrome
B1. V Thirteen
B2. Ticket
B3. Hollywood Boulevard
B4. Dial A Hitman
B5. Sightsee MC
C1. Hollywood Boulevard Dub
C2. Sightsee MC Dub
C3. C'Mon Every Beatbox Dub
C4. Beyond The Pale Dub
D1. V Thirteen Dub
D2. Dial A Hitman Dub
D3. Ticket Dub
D4. Ice Cool Killer Dub
D5. Sambadrome Dub
Now y’all know I’m a forward looking kind of guy so there’s really been no call to listen back to Big Audio Dynamite. But Smoke & Mirrors Sound System broke that chain with this refix of our second album released almost 40 years ago. Their 21st century take on 'No.10 Upping St.' reminded me of how special that period of the band’s life was, capturing as it did the moment Mick n’ Joe creatively fell in love again. And yours truly along with Leo, Greg and Dan had front row seats to what’d be their last true collaboration.
Listening to 'No.10 Dubbing Street’ left me feeling proud of what we delivered back in 1986 n’ touched by the fact that some four decades later it’s managed to captured the imagination a whole new audience. On a personal note I got to say I’m particularly proud of the fact that I got to write some tunes with Strummer & Jones - I mean how cool is that! Thank you Smoke & Mirrors Sound System for re-enforcing the quality of the original tunes whilst putting a whole new spin on ‘em - respect bredrin’.
- Don Letts, The Rebel Dread
