Social Living Riddim – Unknown Label

Produced by Burning Spear, Karl Pitterson and Winston Rodney, Social Living dates from 1978 and sits firmly in the late-70s roots era that defined Spear’s catalogue. The set is anchored by Burning Spear’s Social Living and the dub cut Pit Of Snakes, with the pair tying the riddim to that warm, meditative, militant sound that runs through his work from the period. Karl Pitterson’s involvement is especially fitting here, since he was part of the production team behind the original release and the surrounding dub work. It’s a recognisable roots foundation with a heavy, spacious feel, built for deep bass, echo and the kind of restrained arrangement that made Burning Spear’s 1978 material so lasting.