MAX ROMEO – Open The Iron Gate 1973 – 77

Landmark Reggae recording from 1975 which ‘Revelation Time’ forms the core of this revolutionary album. This re-issue adds 4 bonus tracks such as the ultra-rare ‘Valley Of Jehosaphat’ and the epic 12″ mix of ‘Melt Away’. Produced by Max Romeo, who after making his debut in 1967, round about the time when Max Smith cannily became Max Romeo. Max never looked back, recorded at Black Ark studios, his musician roll-call including Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Carlton Barrett, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Lee Perry and Tommy McCook. Romeo’s early lightweight material was soon superseded by socially and politically aware themes. ‘Revelation Time / Hammer’ & ‘Sickle’ stands strong against dreadlock trimming in prison, ‘Warning warning / Version’ spits on all moneyed fatcats, while ‘No Peace’ has a direct openess to the vocal, typical of Romeo’s airy, deft delivery. Also features ‘Fire Fe The Vatican’ and ‘Melt Away’, mighty reggae music.

• 1 Every Man Ought To Know
• 2 Revelation Time / Hammer And Sickle
• 3 No Peace
• 4 Tacko
• 5 Blood Of The Prophet Parts 1 & 2
• 6 Warning Warning / Version
• 7 A Quarter Pound Of I’cense
• 8 Three Blind Mice
• 9 Open The Iron Gate Parts 1 & 2
• 10 Valley Of Jehosaphat / Version
• 11 Fire Fe The Vatican
• 12 Melt Away (12″ Version)