Linton Kwesi Johnson – Bass Culture (Vinyl LP, 1980, Mango MLPS 9605, Keel Pressing)

Why This Record Matters
Bass Culture is a central work of Linton Kwesi Johnson’s dub poetry, combining his politically focused writing and vocal delivery with Dennis Bovell’s reggae and dub production. The album includes “Inglan Is A Bitch,” “Reggae Fi Peach,” and the title track, with musicians including Rico Rodriguez, John Kpiaye, Jah Bunny, and Dick Cuthell. Recorded at Gooseberry Sound Studios in London, it helped establish dub poetry as a distinctive meeting point between spoken word and reggae.

Collector Note
This 1980 U.S. Mango MLPS 9605 stereo edition is a Keel Mfg. Corp. pressing. The supplied runouts include the Keel identifiers, while STERLING on Side B identifies lacquer cutting at Sterling Sound.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
Media: VG+
Sleeve: VG+

Technical Details
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Keel Pressing
Label: Mango – MLPS 9605
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Reggae
Style: Dub Poetry

Matrix / Runout
Side A: A-1 ◁ MLPS-9605-A K1
Side B: A-1 ◁ MLPS-9605-B K1 STERLING

Tracklist
Side A
A1 Bass Culture – 6:04
A2 Street 66 – 3:43
A3 Reggae Fi Peach – 2:40
A4 Di Black Petty Booshwah – 3:34
Side B
B1 Inglan Is A Bitch – 5:25
B2 Loraine – 4:07
B3 Reggae Sounds – 3:10
B4 Two Sides Of Silence – 2:12

Shipping & Handling
Ultrasonically cleaned using a Degritter Mark II prior to shipping.
Stored in protective inner and outer sleeves.
Shipped with vinyl protection and cardboard reinforcement.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.