compiled by, sleeve notes Mike O'Connor
design Keith Davey
project manager, compiled by Danny Keene
remastered by Nick Watson
sleeve notes Don Letts
54 track 3CD clamshell box focusing on the period of time between 1975-1982 when reggae influenced and inspired punk in the UK. Featuring key tracks by The Clash, Burning Spear, Generation X, Culture, Public Image Ltd, Steel Pulse, The Specials, Dennis Brown, Ruts, Madness, Black Uhuru and many more. Plus a selection of obscure gems from the likes of 4th Street Orchestra, African Stone, Basement 5, Electric Guitars, Sir Horatio, Talisman, The Pop Group and Black Symbol. Front cover image from the photo library of legendary photographer Syd Shelton. 28-page fully illustrated booklet containing a foreword sleevenote by Don Letts AKA The Rebel Dread plus notes on each track with relevant sleeve illustrations.

In the words of Don Letts AKA The Rebel Dread: “Looking back, I see it as a turning point, a cultural crossroads when different genres collided, giving birth to something entirely new. It was a celebration of diversity and a rejection of homogeneity. Its impact has it rippled through the years, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and shaping the landscape of alternative music. The fusion of punk and reggae became a blueprint for bands seeking to break free from the constraints of genre. As DJ at The Roxy (the UK's first live punk rock venue) I was lucky enough to sees these ideas blossom to become what we now call the 'punky reggae party' and forty-five years later its message is still in full effect.”

Project co-ordination for Cherry Red by Danny Keene.
Compilation by Danny Keene and Mike O'Connor
Foreword sleevenote by Don Letts aka The Rebel Dread
Track by Track sleeve notes by Mike O'Connor
Front cover image courtesy of Syd Shelton
Design by Keith Davey at altmarkcreative.com
Mastering by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering

With thanks to Adam Velasco, Iain McNay, Matt Bristow, John Reed, Lorne Murdoch, Paul Robinson, Jon Roberts, Rob Duly, Matt Ingham, Richard Martin, Eddy Ball, Jon Sidwell, Jack Clough, Melanie O'Toole, Maria Bohan, Martina Elliott, Lucy Thompson, Chris Allan, Grant McLennan and Irina Shtreis and all at Cherry Red Records.

Forty-odd years in the dreaming; two years in the making: Roots Rock Rebels - the crucial 'punky reggae' compilation.

Special thanks to Gary Crowley for his unwavering support and the intro to Cherry Red. Massive thanks to John Reed & co-compiler Danny Keene (and the CR team) for believing in it and making it real. Sincere thanks and respect to Don The Rebel Dread Letts for his sleeve notes and Syd Shelton for the iconic front sleeve image. Thanks to Lee McPhail; Selena Dion at Eleven Management and, of course, an extra special mention for Mrs O for her patience and support. - Mike O'Connor

Barcode: 5013929117891 (Scanned)
Barcode: 5 013929 117891 (Text)
Matrix / Runout: MATCD00003152 CA CRCD3BOX178CD1 @@ 170524 1129 (CD1)
Matrix / Runout: MATCD00003153 CA CRCD3BOX178CD2 @@ 170524 1108 (CD2)
Matrix / Runout: MATCD00003154 CA CRCD3BOX178CD3 @@ 170524 1148 (CD3)
Mastering SID Code: IFPI LY88 (CD1)
Mastering SID Code: IFPI LY88 (CD2)
Mastering SID Code: IFPI LY88 (CD3)
Mould SID Code: IFPI 12A5 (CD1)
Mould SID Code: IFPI 12A5 (CD2)
Mould SID Code: IFPI 12A5 (CD3)
Other: CRCD3BOX178 - 1 (CD1 catalogue number)
Other: CRCD3BOX178 - 2 (CD2 catalogue number)
Other: CRCD3BOX178 - 3 (CD3 catalogue number)