Wayne Smith - Youthman Skanking (2024) [Hi-Res]

The early 1980s were the pinnacle of the ‘Waterhouse’ style of singing
(sometimes referenced as the ‘Youthman' style) associated with the generation from Jamaica's Kingston 11 area where producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James built what would go on to become one of the most revered reggae & dancehall studios of all time, located at 38 St. Lucia Avenue.

Then known as "Prince Jammy," he and Wayne Smith (along with Noel Davey) would revolutionise music via the mega-hit, "Under Mi Sleng Teng" in 1985. In 1982, this underground classic, Youthman Skanking, hit the streets via a series of singles and an LP on London's Black Joy label. Released just three years before "Sleng Teng," the sound couldn't have been in more stark contrast. This was the heavy, roots reggae sound of the dancehalls of the era. In every sense, this was 'dancehall' music in 1982.

The musicians on these sessions include the High Times players, featuring guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith, keyboardist Tony "Asher" Brissett, drummer Basil "Benbow" Creary and bassist Christopher Meredith, providing the dread riddims for Prince Jammy to create a sparse, skeletal mix, drenched in echo and soaked in reverb.

The original vinyl LP of Youthman Skanking has been a highly sought-after collector's item on the second-hand market for decades. Now in 2024, VP Records and King Jammy present the definitive remastered edition of this classic LP, which has been meticulously restored from two different reel-to-reel transfers by mastering engineer Billy Polo co-ordinated by VP’s Director Of Catalog Development Carter Van Pelt.

Tracklist:
01. Wayne Smith - Solve The Situation (03:33)
02. Wayne Smith - Eden Out Deh (04:09)
03. Wayne Smith - Losing You (04:06)
04. Wayne Smith - No More Will I Roam (04:01)
05. Wayne Smith - It Soon Be Done (03:52)
06. Wayne Smith - Youthman Skanking (04:03)
07. Wayne Smith - Take A Trip (04:22)
08. Wayne Smith - Live Honestly (03:48)
09. Wayne Smith - Ism Skism (04:07)
10. Wayne Smith - Ain't No Me Without You (03:31)