18th August 2023

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READY NATTY DREADIE1
Dillinger (1976)

Winro SOL 1125
matrix: CN - 3138 - A // CN 3138 - B

Natty Ten To One (Ten To One); Babylon Bridge (Pretty Looks); Dub Them Rasta (I'm Just A Guy); Babylon Fever (Fever); Ready Natty Dreadie (Creation Rebel) // Fountain On The Mountain (Real Rock); Leave The Area (Bangarang); Set Jah Jah Children Free (Mojo Rock Steady); Jamaican Collie (Full Up); Killer Man Jaro (Freedom Blues)

The original Jamaican issue (in stereo, where the right channel favours the vocal) was released on a blank Winro label and includes the title track Ready Natty Dreadie (replaced by Natty Kung Fu on subsequent issues). The sleeve was lithographed in Jamaica by Stephensons. ((Click sleeve to enlarge.))

One of the truly great DJ albums, supported by some of the best foundation rhythms (in italics), and certainly worthy of a place in anyone's collection. Note that the original release (very difficult to find) is the only one that actually includes Ready Natty Dreadie. Subsequent reissues replace the title track with Natty Kung Fu (despite what it might say on the sleeve or the label).

Ten To One (Ten To One); Babylon Bridge (Pretty Looks); Children Of Today (I'm Just A Guy); Babylon Fever (Fever); Natty Kung Fu (Freedom Blues) // Fountain On The Mountain (Real Rock); Leave The Area (Bangarang); Set Jah Jah Children Free (Mojo Rock Steady); Jamaican Collie (Full Up); Killer Man Jaro (Freedom Blues)

Jamaican reissue, also in stereo (with the right channel favouring the vocal), retitled TEN TO ONE on the label. Side 1 track 5, Ready Natty Dreadie (or Natty Dread as it appears on the label) is actually Natty Kung Fu. Dub Them Rasta is renamed Children Of Today. The sleeve carries the 'Lithographed in Jamaica by Stephensons' credit. ((Click sleeve to enlarge.))

READY NATTY DREADIE2
Dillinger

Studio One SOL 1125
matrix: SOL 1125 AA // SOL 1125 BB

Natty Ten To One (Ten To One); Babylon Bridge (Pretty Looks); Children Of Today (I'm Just A Guy); Babylon Fever (Fever); Natty Kung Fu (Freedom Blues) // Fountain On The Mountain (Real Rock); Leave The Area (Bangarang); Set Jah Jah Children Free (Mojo Rock Steady); Jamaican Collie (Full Up); Killer Man Jaro (Freedom Blues)

Jamaican reissue with the same tracks as above, but in a more orthodox mono mix. There are no printer credits on the sleeve. ((Click sleeve to enlarge.))

BABYLON FEVER
Dillinger (1977)

United Artists

The same tracks as READY NATTY DREADIE1 (but in a different order) were due to be released in the USA on the United Artists label as BABYLON FEVER, 'Anthology of Reggae Collectors Series Vol.3'.

Although test pressings and artwork were produced, the album does not seem to have received a commercial release.

 

 

The distinctive sleeve illustration is by Steve Smith.

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babylonfever300
BabylonFeverTestPresslabel

BABYLON FEVER
Dillinger (1977)

United Artists UA-LA 795-R
matrix: UA-LA-795 A KENDUN

Babylon Bridge (Pretty Looks); Dub Them Rasta (I'm Just A Guy); Babylon Fever (Fever); Nattie Dreadie (Creation Rebel); Fountain On The Mountain (Real Rock) // Leave The Area (Bangarang);; Set Jah Jah Children Free (Mojo Rock Steady); Jamaican Collie (Full Up); Killer Man Jaro (Freedom Blues); Natty Ten To One (Ten To One)

Test pressings were produced in 1977, housed in a plain white sleeve with the track list attached with tape. ((Click sleeve to enlarge.))

Thanks to Buster Brakus for the information and illustrations.

READY NATTY DREADIE2 (aka TEN TO ONE)
Dillinger

Forward / Studio One SOL 1125
matrix: Dillinger Side 1 // Dillinger Side 2

CN3138winro200
Dillingerforward200
tentooneblackwhite200
tentooneredgreencream200
dillinger200
SOL1125redyellow200
SOL1125black200