Eek-A-Mouse – Wa-Do-Dem

Superb Eek at his best, love the bonus tracks, but prefer the original track running order

Got an early press of this CD, no SID codes just SH48006 3/92 1DA5 runout, which makes sense 'cause I bought in 1992

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Top Ten material and Eek-A-Mouse his magnum opus. Nice lyrics and beautiful dubby music combined. This together with Mikey Dreads WW3 belongs to the very best of The Roots Radics.

Highly recommend!

Originally released by Greensleeves in 1982, WA DO DEM holds up well as a classic from the time when roots was heading for the dancehall, and thanks to the throbbing, austere production of Junjo Lawes, it doesn't sound the least bit dated some 40+ years later. This 2012 pressing is impressive, with pure, deep low end, and a very clear, crisp soundstage. My copy was purchased new and plays like a champ, with no noticeable surface noise.

The meeting of studio genius and rodent, overseen by a man in a lab coat, a monarch, and a missionary, Wa-Do-Dem insured the DJ was no one-hit wonder. Eek A Mouse had hooked up with producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes in late 1980 on a pair of singles which barely served notice of what was to come. A re-recording of "Wa-Do-Dem" (originally produced by Linval Thompson), rocketed the DJ to the top of the dancehall rat pack, leading to a string of hits. 1982's Wa-Do-Dem gathered up a clutch of these, with the Greensleeves reissue adding two more cuts from the period. The Roots Radics lay down the kind of deep roots sound that was swiftly becoming Lawes trademark, while Scientist, King Tubby, and Barnabus took their places behind the mixing desk. The result was one of the most astonishing DJ albums of ever recorded. Eek had one of the most distinctive, and oddest, styles of the time, although today, it's a bit difficult to see what all the fuss was about. But that merely proves his impact upon the scene, his innovative "sing-jay" style, a perfect blend of singing and DJ-ing, was so quickly imitated that it was soon the norm. An aneoidal vocal quality, clipped delivery, and a propensity for strung out nonsense syllables gave Eek a decidedly non-Jamaican sound, and surrounding it with minor key rootsy melodies and a dubby mix, accentuated an unusual oriental-esque atmosphere. It's no wonder then that the DJ was originally dismissed as a novelty act (or perhaps it was sheerly down to the mouse costume), but underneath the jokey, furry exterior was a man with a message. "Operation Eradication" was inspired by the death of Eek's friend, DJ Erroll Scorcher, while "Ganja Smuggling" takes a serious look at this very subject. From the religious to the lovelorn, beyond the silly syllables, the DJ was full of intelligent and pithy observations. And when he wasn't, á la the title track, those same syllables made for infectious sing-alongs that reverberated across Jamaica and beyond. For too long, Eek has been dismissed as one of the more bizarre tangents of an underrated subgenre. Wa-Do-Dem, with its seething rhythms, simmering melodies, and spot on toasts in a unique fashion, proves otherwise.

This LP is hands down one of the best releases from the Volcano label. Every single tune on this album is SUPERB! Also another album that has reached millions of new Reggae fans! Big up to all those involved, including the King Mr.Hilton!

incredible reissue ! i don't know about the OG pressing but the reissue sounds cristal clear with very good level in the volume

Great album from the mouse. Over 50 euros for the cassette tape??? What a joke, some people have no idea what they try to sell...

No frills packaging to match original release, presumably. Inner sleeve has smooth surface, possible clay content? Some static on removing the album for the first time, but no rub wear on the trip across the Atlantic.
The pressing is accurate sound with high signal and very low surface noise. Classic reggae album, buy with confidence.
side note: should The Soundmasters be given remaster credits? They pressed this as evidenced by the runout, but there is no such credit on the cover.

Doubtful UK provenenance as it reeks of a Jamaican pressing to me. Also my be entirely official as label was original producer's Junjo Lawes, all depends on what rights were retained I guess. But yes they have used a scan of the Greensleeves issue Cd to create the record. Perhaps they mastered it straight off the cd too?