Gunshot Riddim – Midnight Rock

Gunshot sits a little apart from the looser various-producer versions of the same rhythm because this Midnight Rock set keeps the focus tight, with Jah Thomas handling the production and a clean early-’80s sound that leans on Roots Radics muscle. Anthony Johnson’s “Gunshot” sets the tone, and the cut then moves through sharp chanter-toasting from Jah Thomas, Linval Thompson’s “Gun Talk, ” and Philip Frazer’s “Morning Mr. Officer, ” each one riding the same clipped, militant groove. The riddim has that dry, percussive reggae pulse Midnight Rock used so well in this period, with the bass carrying most of the weight while the drums stay brisk and restrained. Even the lighter moments, like Michael Palmer’s “Happy Merry Christmas, ” keep the arrangement locked into a hard-edged, no-frills stride that runs straight through to “Gun Fe Puh Dungh. ”

Gunshot Riddim Tracklist:

1. Anthony Johnson – Gunshot
2. Cujo Ranks – Yuh Friend Them Boots Yuh
3. Da’ville – It’s Over Now
4. Danny English – Bigga Bus This Year
5. Early B – Take Up Your Bible
6. Early Cunningham – Name And Number
7. Jah Thomas – Lyrics For Sale
8. King Rolex & Anthony Johnson – Everyday A Shot Dem Buss
9. Linval Thompson – Gun Talk
10. Michael Palmer – Happy Merry Christmas
11. Philip Frazer – Morning Mr. Officer
12. Roots Radics & Midnight Rock C – Gun Fe Puh Dungh