Third World, TWS 929
UK 1978
 
Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): TWS-929-A-1
Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): TWS-929-B-1
 
Media: VG
Sleeve: VG+
 
Some light hairline scratches to the vinyl which don't affect play. Some shelf wear and cracks to the laminate on the back cover of the sleeve but overall very well kept.
 
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All pre-owned vinyl is professionally cleaned with a Project VC-E record cleaner before shipping
 
 
When your debut is an acknowledged masterpiece, what do you do for a follow-up? If you're the Meditations, you just carry on recording another stream of classic songs. Like its predecessor, Message From the Meditations, Wake Up bundled up another batch of singles as well as new, unreleased songs. The set was recorded over a two-year period mostly at Harry J Studio, although some tracks were also done at Federal, and this time around the set has an even greater album feel than its predecessor, possibly because the backing musicians remained the same throughout. The team of drummer Mickey "Boo" Richards and bassist Val Douglas created a surprisingly relaxed rockers-style rhythm fueled by Richards' lovely, loose sound and sharp, but not overly busy or clattery, beats and Douglas' versatile basslines, which swung from phat, throbbing roots to stealthier steppers-style riffs. Guitarist Billy Hall normally handled both rhythm and lead, although occasionally he was joined by Willy Lindo. His style was unusual for the time, eschewing the flourishes and searing solos that were then de rigueur and preferring, like the rhythm section, a more subtle approach, making his musical point with just a few smoky notes or biting chords. Together this core -- buttressed by a variety of pianists and organists, but normally Harold Butler and Earl "Wire" Lindo -- created insistent rhythms, but with laid-back atmospheres that were supple enough to encompass militant numbers and sweet love songs. Although Dobby Dobson once again took the production credit, one can be sure that Ansel Cridland had a strong voice during the recording. Wake Up contains a greater breadth of stylings than its predecessor, although again the arrangements remain in rocker mode. Across the nyabinghi-flavored "Nyah Man Story," the breezy "Get Left," the Bob Marley-inspired "Turn Me Loose," the Motown-esque "Stoning Me Away," and on to the funky title track, the album presents the myriad possibilities of reggae. Every song is a classic -- a clutch were huge hits and each was worthy of attention. All three of the Meditations contributed songs and lead vocals to the set and everyone is superbly delivered, with the harmonies a continual delight. It's no wonder that with two masterpieces under their belts, the trio virtually ruled the roots scene during the late '70s - Jo-Ann Greene (AllMusic)
 
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