You Gotta Fight The Power

Dreadzone celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. Initially a duo of Greg Roberts (Big Audio Dynamite) and Tim Bran (who I knew of from his work with Julian Cope as Branno Of Gwernsey), Greg has remained the constant through three decades, along with former BAD bassist Leo Williams, who joined early on. 

The Dreadzone collective has seen an impressive number of people over the years, some briefly, some for a longer journey: Earl Sixteen, Alison Goldfrapp, MC Spee as well as former BAD compadres Dan Donovan, Mick Jones and Don Letts. The current line up for the 30th anniversary live shows is Greg Roberts, Leo Williams, Earl Sixteen, Bazil aka James Bainbridge and Blake Roberts (Greg's son).

 

I saw Dreadzone at the Bristol Community Festival aka Ashton Court Festival in July 1995. Sadly, none of the dates on their recent "Part 1" tour were relatively nearby but I'd be tempted to see them if "Part 2" offers up some accessible locations.

A new album will be landing this year. In the meantime, here's an hour-long selection of Dreadzone tracks and remixes to whet your appetite.

Older and Dubwiser indeed.

 

1) Zion Youth (Dreadzone Mix): Dreadzone (1995)

2) Gangster (She Is Danger Remix By Lena Cullen & Maya Jane Coles): Dreadzone (2010)

3) Lookee Here (Dreadzone Remix): Transglobal Underground ft. Natacha Atlas & Heitham Al-Sayed (1994)

4) The Good The Bad And The Dread (The Bad) (Remix By Tim Bran): Dreadzone ft. Alison Goldfrapp (1993)

5) Video Games (Lana Dub Rey) (Dreadzone Remix): Lana Del Rey (2012)

6) Stupid Girl (Dreadzone Dub Version): Garbage (1996)

7) Africa (Single Version): Dreadzone (1993)

8) Brazen 'Weep' (Dreadzone's Instrumental Mix): Skunk Anansie (1997)

9) Fight The Power 95: Dreadzone (1995)

You Gotta Fight The Power (1:00:41) (Box) (Mega)