Second Light [Collector's Edition, Double CD]

It's been said that the proof of any bands' talent is in the second album; Dreadzone had a mammoth task to just keep up with 360degrees, the first album.
But they did, albeit with a strangely effective blend of Olde English samples combined with their usual inspiring use of dub. Second Light is like a spliff - fuelled trek across the English Countryside, taking in caves, oceans and sailors (could just be me!)with Mr. Kipling at your side. Theres an even more spititual feel about this album; it is so chilled out it just fills you with a sense of peace and well being. I can't say enough good things about Dreadzone, so when i found out they would no longer be touring "as a band" (we lose money) it was something of a blow. However, if you live in London you can catch Greg at his DUBWIZER sessions at various locations.

Explaining Dreadzone to people is really tricky. The second you tell them it's reggae, it's like the blinkers come on & whatever you say on the subject will be ignored as most people's impression of 'Reggae' is Sean Paul & 'Mr Lover-Lover'!

This is such a pity as I just wish they would understand how awesome Dreadzone can be & how broad the church of Reggae is (if it is Reggae at all...)

This album is a case in point as it is filled with excellent music which has survived the test of time. Like The Fat of the Land, Leftism or Jagged Little Pill, the content has lost none of its power & its influence seems to stretch throughout late 90's dance.

Furthermore, go to see them live (or listen to Dreadzone Live at Sunrise) & songs like 'Little Britain' & Zion Youth are up there with the best of modern times. Curiously you will also discover that songs that sound cluttered & imperfect on here (e.g. 'Captain Dread') have been evolved to become polished perfection.

And yet this album isn't celebrated with the greatest, despite its abundance of diverse sounds (e.g. A Canterbury Tale), meaning that only a select few know about it.

Originally my attitude to this was that it was good to keep the secret. This is true, but given the lame state of music nowadays, I have a better idea:

With books, authors often print new editions to keep them up to date. My suggestion on this album is that Dreadzone should publish a second edition (including the re-recorded editions of all the songs), which will take the brilliance of this album, fuse it with the gradual improvements made through the live shows & then present the finished product to a whole new generation.

In this way, people could understand how amazing this album is & see great music with a fresh, unblinkered pair of eyes. If there is any justice in the charts, then songs like 'Little Britain', Shining Path & the evolved versions of 'Captain Dread' & Zion Youth (Dreadzone Mix) should wipe the floor with anything X factor provides & us loyal fans will have the pleasure of saying "I told you so!"

Sound a good idea? If it does, then make sure you ask Dreadzone at their next Gig & if we succeed, then it will be worth all the effort...

Alternatively, you could just buy this album & experience the brilliance of what this edition has to offer. Still, it'd be good if it did happen, wouldn't it?

P.S. As I'm such a huge fan of this album, I decided to write reviews of each of my favourite MP3's off of it. In order they are:
Little Britain
A Canterbury Tale
Captain Dread
If you want to try before you buy, then I seriously recommend the 1st two (together, because of the sample at the end of 'Little Britain') for a flavour of the album.

Keep going back to this CD AND IT'S FANTASTIC SOUNDSCAPES TIME AND TIME AGAIN.It is one of those albums that you just have to put on again as soon as the last track has finished. Loved the single Little Britain when I first heard it and was amazed to hear them sample a 'Neo Geo' track of Ryoichi Sakamoto(of Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence fame). If you like a bit of chilled out dub, then this is your baby!