Were it not for Germany's minimal techno pioneers Basic Channel, all traces of Bronx transplant Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes'storied Wackies label might have disappeared into the ether. Barnes and Basic Channel have reissued many of the label's strongest recordings, including overlooked scorchers from Horace Andy and Sugar Minott and excellent tracks from little-known artists like Junior Delahaye and the Love Joys. But for many Wackies enthusiasts, the re-release of Prince Douglas'1980 Dub Roots has been the biggest coup.

One of Wackies'most sought-after records, Dub Roots is a brilliant, sturdy and surprisingly melodic album of first-class heavy dub spearheaded by Wackies engineer Douglas Levy and the label's in-house players. The highlight is the apocalyptic “March Down Babylon Dub,” featuring Bullwackie going all fire-and-brimstone over an unnerving reanimation of Steel Pulse's “Handsworth Revolution.” From the melting synths and delicate skank of “Jam Love Dub” to Wayne Jarrett's fiery turn on “Tongue Shall Tell Dub,” from the sly guitar line of “Tribesman Dub” to the haunted melody of “Sunshine Dub,” Dub Roots is a dense, stirring masterpiece.