Jah Works Mamma

 

Natural Ites & The Realistics - Picture On The Wall [CSLP 18 UK 1985 24-Bit FLAC]

I tend to default to the On-U Sound label for my reggae posts, however today I will defer and talk about a British reggae act who achieved the verges of mainstream crossover without commercialising their sound, with a little bit of extra help from a couple of BBC radio DJs.

The Natural Ites came from Nottingham, releasing their debut single Picture On The Wall in 1983. The single was preceded by a session for John Peel who championed the band and the single on his show. This album was recorded over a number of sessions with a variety of producers and eventually released  in 1985. The band re-recorded the bass parts of the debut single and re-released it in a new sharper mix as a single, which with Peel and Janice Long's help reached the fringes of the UK mainstream charts. This new found success earned the band a slot on Channel's popular The Tube music tv show.

This was a definitive right song at the right time moment as the band found new fans among indie music fans, reggae lovers and pop music buyers alike, with its uplifting feel-good melody. It wasn't quite enough to ensure follow-up success when the album suffered from a restricted distribution so sales were relatively low. The band held continued popularity among reggae aficionados until they disbanded in 1990.

Here is that album with all the crackle and sibilance you would normally expect with any cheap quality eighties pressing. The version of the title track is the original 1983 mix of that single. Enjoy ....and hopefully it will bring back some good memories of fine times in British independent music.

A1 Love & Understanding

A2 Lion Inna Jungle

A3 Gwan Go Do it

A4 Sunshiny Days

A5 Jah Works Mamma

B1 Picture On The Wall

B2 I Want Your Love

B3 I'm In The Mood

B4 Black Roses

B5 Ain't Gonna Stop