On-U Sound present a crucial reissue campaign of key albums by Creation Rebel, the original On-U Sound house band. Vinyl reissue of five much sought after albums, most of which have been out of print for over 40 years. Originally conceived by Adrian Sherwood as a dub outfit to make his first album, Creation Rebel evolved to become the live backing band for Prince Far I, produced a string of classic records in the late 70s and early 80s, and recently returned from exile in space with a triumphant comeback set. A sublime set of roots, vocal and dubbed out instrumental magic, ‘Close Encounters Of The Third World’ is a real lost gem in the treasure-filled Creation Rebel back catalogue. A true cross-Atlantic collaboration – initial rhythm tracks were laid down in London in 1978, with horns and vocals overdubbed at Channel One in Jamaica, before bandleader Crucial Tony returned to London with the tapes for the album to be mixed by a visiting Prince Jammy. Originally released on pre-On-U Sound label Hitrun, and the second album to be released by the group chronologically. Unavailable for 45 years, ‘Close Encounters Of The Third World’ has been carefully pieced back together for this new edition, featuring extended 12” disco mix versions of ‘Beware’ and ‘Natty Conscience Free’, recut by Frank Merritt at The Carvery.

Includes new sleevenotes by reggae scholar David Katz that tells the story of the album in full, plus digital download card included.