The Fire Next Time

Just got word that the mighty Blood and Fire label is no more.

I figured something was up when I went to their message board a week ago, and the whole site was down. This evening I received word from the US publicist that they have called it quits. The global downturn in disc sales was a prime factor in this sad story.

It's likely that any roots reggae fan in the world has purchased or heard music from this label. Blood and Fire played a critical role in spreading the wealth of 70s reggae to new audiences - in beautiful packages no less. They raised reggae reissues - and reissues in general - to a new standard of scholarship, sound quality and design.

I suggest you snap these up while they're still around:

The Congos - Heart Of The Congos
Jackie Mittoo - Champion In The Arena
Various - Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown
I Roy - Don't Check Me With No Lightweight Stuff
The Abyssinians And Friends - Tree Of Satta

Like the late great Strut, it will take years to fully appreciate the legacy of this label.