Hugh Mundell’s Book Of Life

[@Muzik_head]

Peace Doug... great spotlight. I don't have any Hugh Mundell in the library, but will check him out; especially after understanding the circles he was in, from Robbie, Steelie and Clevie, to Jammy, Augustus Pablo and Junior Reid. "Speak the Truth" is some vintage Junior Reid. Stay solid.

[@FatCityVinyl]

Do check out Africa Must Be Free if you get a chance Pat, an essential piece for sure as a collaboration between Mundell and Pablo. A relatively short career in the case of Hugh unfortunately, but certainly well connected to many other figures of note and worth investigating for his own compact body of work. Thanks for stopping by, cheers!

[@skunknightjahsound5484]

one of the best voice from jamaica give thanks to augustus pablo to producting him is so shame he was shooting ......

[@FatCityVinyl]

One can only imagine what music he would have kept on creating had his life not been so tragically cut short...give thanks for what he did leave behind...

[@johnsreviewsofmovies6289]

thanks for opening another journey to explore

[@FatCityVinyl]

It's a bit of a tease I'm afraid isn't it, showing things you then can't find...the Africa Must Be Free album at least must be available to download somewhere I'm sure...

[@immaterialimmaterial5195]

Yeah!!! The music and the voice of Hugh Mundell touch a spiritual depth.

[@FatCityVinyl]

Absolutely 🙏

[@fabiocarvalho9046]

Hugh Mundell best of the best RIP

[@FatCityVinyl]

For sure! Legend...

[@AuthenticSelector64]

General Echo... Jacob Miller....Hugh Mundell.... Tenor Saw....Major Worries.... Garnett Silk....Tragic deaths.... in Jamaica they still mourn about dem...

[@FatCityVinyl]

Saw a list once of all the reggae artists who passed prematurely, it was depressingly long...good they are still remembered, at least...

[@CoreysChannel]

You're feelin' it! I'm feelin' it! A nice surprise this afternoon. Thanks for the info, tunes and vibes Doug!! ~Corey

[@FatCityVinyl]

Cheers Corey! I had to get around to spotlighting Hugh sooner or later. Definitely was feeling it, the only way to show music of this significance. Thanks for checking it out, take care ✌️

[@Paneeks1960]

Anyone who was mentored by the great Augustus Pablo has got to be worthy of one listen after another. Good evening Doug. This was one of your best artist profiles to date. The info that you put into the first five minutes alone helped me to recognize Hugh's background and talent. It really came together when you were displaying the music that he released in that short span of time. I am aware and have listened to "Africa must be free by 1983". I cannot believe that he was only seventeen when it was released. ,. once again your reggae collection shined. Most of us are lucky to have one or two releases from some of the prominent Jamaican reggae artists like Hugh. You had them all. Really sad ending to his life. Just when he was starting to get some national attention he was senselessly and sadly taken down. Give yourself a pat on the back for this one. You truly shined and I truly enjoyed it Doug. I will grab one of his albums this weekend. Since I am not going to RSD tomorrow because there is nothing truly worth going for. Except for maybe Uroy's "Creation Rebel" and Thundercat's "Golden Age of Apocalypse". Have a great weekend brother Doug. Thanks for posting this one. It was tops~ Rob/Boston

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you Rob! It is amazing to think he recorded that Africa Must Be Free album at so young an age. There are very few reggae artists I have everything by - Hugh Mundell due to his tragically short life has one of the smaller discographies. Even with him apparently there is a posthumous album he was working on at the time of his death that I don't have. But most artists I at least have enough to make these videos work, I'm glad they are appreciated. I didn't go to RSD either but I am hearing good things about that U Roy release. I would have to check but it may contain material previously put out by the same label that I already have. As I write it has rained heavily overnight and our yard is flooded again for the second time in two weeks. So far it is not as bad as last time and I believe the rain is supposed to slow down by this afternoon. Hopefully things dry out and drain then. All the best Rob, thanks for tuning in to this special spotlight, talk soon!

[@Paneeks1960]

@@FatCityVinyl I hope that the rain has dissipated a bit Doug. I have been thinking of you guys. Sending some positivity your way. No matter how many miles separate us we still got to support each other when it comes to the crazy weather~ Rob

[@FatCityVinyl]

@@Paneeks1960 Thanks for the kind thoughts Rob. The water has already come down a lot from this morning, so hopefully no more is on the way. Best wishes, cheers!

[@chrisp6820]

Thanks Doug!! Great Video, Hugh Mundell Africa must be free by 1983 DUB was one of the first records that got me loving Reggae Music.

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you 🙏 it took me a little longer to come around to Jammy's style of mixing - less dramatic and more dry than the Tubby's approach that perhaps I was more accustomed to. Pretty hard to go too wrong with material of that calibre though!

[@icemonAesDana]

first time here....enjoyed....very well informed...One Love

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you 🙏 very much appreciated and welcome to the channel! ❤️💛💚

[@Ambie86]

Told you I would watch this ;) I can’t ever get over your eloquence and how well spoken you are. It’s amazing. I really hope the rain stops for you soon; that has to be rough! Xo Ambie

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thanks! I'm glad somebody thinks I'm eloquent, all I hear is the ums and ahs lol. Still raining, supposed to taper off by this afternoon but so far not as bad as last time! Take care, talk soon!

[@bobizes2892]

*Rastafari Kedusan Girmawi Kedamaw'e Haile Selassie I JAH Almighty First...Negusa Negas...Ababa Jon Hoy...Extol H.I.M...that rideth uponthe heavens by his name JAH & Rejoice before H.I.M...For the Lord Most High is terrible...He is a great King over all the earth...Save Lord let the aking hear us when we call...Selah...I.N.R.I...Long live Hugh Mundel RIP...Mis Gaan Naam...Good Artist review...Keep up Jah good works...JAH gave the word & great is the company of I & I that publish ìt...Tenayistilign...Salaamta... Ameyn & Ameyn...*

[@FatCityVinyl]

Give thanks…apprecilove the encouragement! One love ❤️💛💚

[@tracyhunter8347]

Nice video

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you!

[@MrJohngolby1]

At last, someone has taken the time to appraise the wonderful Hugh Mundell, many thanks for your insight Doug, great work as always. Being a super huge Augustus Pablo fan I hope you can find the time to do a spotlight on Pablo's massive discography. I went to Honest John's in Notting Hill a few days ago thinking they couldn't possibly have a Pablo CD that I don't have but indeed they did and of course I bought it - the curse of the collector !!

[@FatCityVinyl]

Pablo, like Lee Perry (who I am really going to have to tackle at some point now) has an immense catalogue that is off putting to try and wrap a video around, to say the least! I will get to him at some point but those big icons of reggae are intimidating to translate into a reasonably compact episode. I did have an idea a while back on collaborating with a friend who has some Pablo bits I don't to try and spotlight the man and his music. Hugh Mundell tragically is more approachable, his catalogue small in size but immense in significance, glad you enjoyed!

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

Mundane Mindell, ouch. At least the public liked it. It’s nice how Pablo mentored him and then he began to mentor Reed. Very nice. Another tragic death in the world of reggae. Jamaica is such a violent world but then the US can be too. Great overview on an artist that I don’t know much about.

[@FatCityVinyl]

An unfortunately glib remark by the journalist, wonder if she regretted it later on...each one teach one is something of a central precept in Rasta and reggae music so you see that cycle of paying it forward happening with Mundell being mentored by Pablo and then carrying it on to Reid...who ended up having a pretty successful career himself and is still active, his debut album recently got repressed and the new edition has just arrived at my house. Particularly in those years there is a terrible toll on reggae artists as poverty, politics, drugs and the availability of guns wreaked havoc on the island. Cheers Steve!

[@lendasdoreggae]

Toujours une bonne leçon les vidéos de Doug ! Juste de la gratitude pour l'énorme savoir transmis ! succès Doug!

[@FatCityVinyl]

That is much appreciated, thank you 🙏❤️✌️

[@christianborlenghi9285]

Big up Doug! Keep up the good works! :-)

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@matthewmthunzi6423]

Very informative this was a phenomenal roots radics rockers prodigy...iam not surprised Joe Gibbs was intrigued by this Youth man ( Jah Levi) ....you got a heavy vinyl collection there my man.

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you! Very hard to find anything by the great Hugh Mundell but I have the essential classics at least...phenomenon is right, who knows how much incredible music he would certainly have created had his life not been senselessly taken...blessings and appreciation for watching 🙏

[@sneakybeaky3932]

Damn that brother was such a great artist his voice was so catchy and good love da song “My mind” such a great hit. Great video my brother🙌

[@FatCityVinyl]

Yeah I love those kind of more reflective and thoughtful roots songs like My Mind...a one of a kind artist taken away too soon! Much appreciated, thank you 🙏

[@sneakybeaky3932]

@@FatCityVinyl real talk my brother🙌stay safe

[@FatCityVinyl]

@@sneakybeaky3932 You as well, one love ❤️

[@wantlistrecords]

Your intro music is banging Doug. Every time it kicks in I wish it was longer. "Africa Must Be Free..." was one of the first Reggae records I bought, somewhere around 1983-84. It changed me. Nice to see someone spotlight Hugh's brief career. Cheers

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you! I did deliberate on the right length for the intro - didn't want it to go on too long and feel like it was dragging so I ended up keeping it fairly brief. Astonishing really that a record he made while still so young turned out to be such a universally acclaimed classic - just on a whole other level really. Appreciate you tuning in, cheers!

[@seekingathread]

Great work Doug! I do not have any Hugh Mundell, a shortcoming it looks like for sure. I know what to do....Hope you are well

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thanks Dom! Africa Must Be Free is an essential for sure, track that one down and start from there 👌

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Hi Doug. I'm sure I've said it before, but Augustus Pablo is an artist I've long meant to check out. Mundell is a name I know by association but nothing beyond that. I always smile when I hear the name David Rodigan, as he made a truly embarrassing appearance in Dr Who in 1988, playing a medieval-style ruffian called Broken Tooth, complete with huge back-combed 'wildman's wig'. I read somewhere that he agreed to do it as he thought being in Dr Who would bring him some career kudos, but by then the show was in decline and his appearance is probably something he now brushes under the carpet. Nice spotlight as usual!

[@FatCityVinyl]

Hi James - I've long thought I should do a spotlight on Pablo but he's one of those major artists who are intimidating to tackle, especially as his output has facets as both artist in his own right, and a prolific producer of others. Mundell being just one of many he was associated with but certainly a highlight. Rodigan's place in history is quite assured these days, though he does have his detractors who basically paint him as an opportunist type taking credit for himself. Interesting to think of him doing a part on Dr Who though if I recall his roots were in acting and he fell into the radio thing somewhat by accident. Combining the two perhaps with his flashy stage persona as celebrity reggae DJ/presenter. Cheers!

[@deancronin6934]

Only vaguely familiar with Hugh Mundell, amazing deep dive as usual, and that opening track was 🔥🔥🔥 I’ll definitely be checking out his stuff Bless Up Doug!

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thank you! Definitely check out Africa Must Be Free at the very least - a prodigiously talented artist who was unfortunately taken away before he was able to become too well known internationally...

[@hippydjkit9913]

Did not know about his tragic death......pity.....a very talented Jamaican artist.....big thanks for presenting his records and talk about him Doug.....subscribed haha.....hats off my friend.......

[@FatCityVinyl]

Thanks Kit...such a miserable and senseless way for him to die with so many years of life and music ahead...we can never know what might have been...a shining light in Jamaican music for sure in his brief time on earth...subbed you back haha...

[@iriereggaevibes1553]

REALLY BIG RECORD...I HAVE SOME HUGH RECORDS.HARD TO FIND .CLASSICS. 🎶🎶🎵🎼🎼🎧🎤🎧📻📻🎵🎵

[@FatCityVinyl]

Very hard to find Hugh records these days...Africa Must Be Free is an essential classic for sure!

[@AuthenticSelector64]

Top Ten Roots oriented Reggae Singers 1. Bob Marley 2. Peter Tosh 3. Bunny Wailer 4. Burning Spear 4. Jimmy Cliff 5. Jacob Miller 6. Horace Andy 7. Johnny Clarke 8. Hugh Mundell 9. Garnett Silk 10. Luciano

[@FatCityVinyl]

Good to see (somewhat) more modern singers like Garnett & Luci bubbling in there...

[@indasky88]

So his Only video footage available on youtube is of the 1 in the hills with Agustus Pablo and the interview?!!!

[@FatCityVinyl]

Must be more out there somewhere that will perhaps be made public one day...

[@nctwaidumela]

What is the name of the song playing at the start of this video?

[@FatCityVinyl]

I get a lot of comments on that! It is called Touch Dung, you can listen in full here and I think it is on some streaming services as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baDGpqmje9yFaNk

[@michealbaskerville8832]

🤘🏿👑👽🤘🏿✨🛸

[@FatCityVinyl]

🙏🙌✌

[@YK-ux3xh]

👏👏👏👏it’s me yuki 😸😸

[@FatCityVinyl]

Hi Yuki 😎❤️✌️

[@indasky88]

Look what i see written under his 'Mundell' album;... Junjo Lawes ruled the dancehalls in the early '80s, with a huge militant sound laid down to fiery perfection by the Roots Radics. The producer's incendiary riddims supported Jamaica's biggest stars and launched a new generation of toasters straight to the top of the charts. This musical shift was accompanied by a thematic change as well, as lighter lyrical fare came to the fore. Many roots artists found the times tough, but not Hugh Mundell, who was young enough to ride this stylistic swing with ease. In 1982, the young star hooked up with Lawes and the Radics for the masterful Mundell album, with the producer providing his best riddims and creating superb versions that still stand the test of time. For "Rasta Have the Handle" and "Tell I a Lie," Lawes lit up the backing with soulful brass solos from Felix "Deadly Headly" Bennett, with Nambo Robinson's trombone in support, and beautifully in counterpoint with Mundell's own emotive vocals and cultural themes. Both of those are militant rockers numbers; in contrast, there's the bubbly, bouncy "Jah Music," the bright backing further lit by the exuberant horns. Winston Bope Bowne's lovely, lilting, lead guitar is the focal point of the romantic "24 Hours a Day," a song whose delicate flavor Lawes offsets with a taut rhythm. Gladstone Anderson's elegant piano work highlights "Red Gold & Green," while overhead Mundell showcases his most soulful vocals. Although "Handle" was the single, it was "Jacqueline" that was obviously built for the dancehalls, with its staccato rhythm, stripped down arrangement, and dubby aura, all of which pushes Mundell towards the more clipped vocal styling that had now taken hold. Even the album's two least substantial numbers, "Your Face Is Familiar" and "Going Places," have such magnificent riddims that they could never be considered throwaways." -

[@indasky88]

Bless up. Respect fat city. Peace from St Lucia 🇱🇨

[@FatCityVinyl]

@@indasky88 Nice pice of writing...where did you find it...had Hugh in mind of late, must listen to him again soon...cheers from Canada ✌

[@AuthenticSelector64]

These Roots singers didn’t indulge in making many love songs....

[@FatCityVinyl]

Too much Babylon to chant down...

[@deanflight1]

Augustus Pablo ripped hugh off didn't pay him what he owed . He might be talented but his a rip off artist ONELOVE ♥️

[@FatCityVinyl]

Sadly it is the same old story in reggae, time and time again...

[@code-rednine]

natural voice n talented youth, gone too soon,RIP, 1 of my favourite track is (run revolution a come)covered by #briggypaul check it out

[@FatCityVinyl]

Will look out for that! Another massive tune on the same rhythm as Run Revolution is Paul Blackman - Earth Wind & Fire, was lucky to score the 12" of that for a good deal a while back. Cheers ❤️

[@vinylrichie007]

Hugh Mundell is an artist I’m not familiar with.

[@FatCityVinyl]

Think he only made it to the U.S. for that one tour otherwise he might have become better known over here...