Planet Dub

(Planet Dog/Mammoth)
by Joshua Brown

For starters, I’m fast becoming convinced that the British ambient/techno/acid dub label Planet Dog can do no wrong. Pedestals like this can be a little dangerous (case in point: Seattle), but for now, I’m willing to place my bets. The latest installment in the Dog catalog is a double CD compilation of epic proportions that features recent and legendary acts who pay homage to the wellspring from which fresh young genres such as trip hop, jungle, and techno flow: dub reggae. On Planet Dub, new facets of chill and relaxed intelligence are touched upon and explored by layering otherworldly washes of sound atop the primitive, tropical beat. Groups who are rising further and further into prominence in today’s club scene such as Eat Static (with members of Ozric Tentacles), Astralasia, 100th Monkey, and Children of the Bong, sit comfortably in the mix alongside older scensters such as the Rhythmites, Rootsman, and the Disciples. I’ve played this compilation, which is over two hours long, end to end a few times already and I’ve yet to grow tired of its length. Believe it or not, I have trouble imagining anyone not enjoying this music. Planet Dub is a must for reggae fans, and even for some people who can’t stand reggae.