Linton Kwesi Johnson - Forces of Victory (Black History Month)

Format: 2 x LP
Catalogue No.: 3587173
Release Date: 06 Oct 2023
Genre: Reggae Classics/Ska

In 2003 David Bowie included Forces of Victory in a list of his 25 favourite albums – Confessions of a Vinyl Junkie…


“… some of the most moving poetry to be found in popular music. The quite achingly sad “Sonny’s Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)” is alone worth the price of admission … this must be one of the most important reggae records of all time. I gave my original copy just recently to Mos Def, in whom I see connections to Johnson, thinking I had already got it on CD. Dammit, I haven’t. So now I’m searching high and low for a copy”


Having exploded onto the UK scene in 1978 with the dark, angry masterpiece, Dread Beat & Blood, Brixton ‘dub-poet’ Linton Kwesi Johnson returned in April 1979, with Forces Of Victory – the record that cemented his growing reputation as a major talent.
Produced by LKJ and Dennis ‘Blackbeard’ Bovell and featuring his Dub Band providing the infectious grooves, the record contains some of Johnson’s most memorable songs/poems, such as the heartbreaking prison story of injustice, Sonny’s Lettah, the challenging, anti-racist Fite Dem Back, and the jazz-tinged single Want Fi Goh Rave.
LKJ was featured in the recent Steve McQueen film ‘Uprising’, about the 1981 New Cross fire that led to civil unrest, and ‘Small Axe’, McQueen’s series of stunning films about the experiences of West Indian immigrants in London.
The album is dramatic and intense to the point of claustrophobia – featuring both wry observation and deep political conviction, delivered in LKJ’s unmistakable Jamaican patois. Not simply one of the most important reggae records of its time, it’s one of the most important reggae records ever recorded.
Now expanded featuring a second disc of dub versions and extended mixes as well as enhanced artwork, gatefold sleeve and printed inner bags.
Remastered at Abbey Road, and released on heavyweight vinyl.
Out of print for many years.

“A homegrown reggae classic”

LP1 - Side A
Want Fi Goh Rave
It Noh Funny
Sonny's Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)
Independent Intavenshan

LP1 - Side B
Fite Dem Back
Reality Poem
Forces Of Vicktry
Time Come

LP2 - Side A
Want Fi Goh Rave (Ext.) 12” single version
Funny Dub
Iron Bar Dub

LP2 - Side B
Brain Smashing Dub
Reality Poem (Ext.) 12” single version
Victorious Dub

***

'Black Story tells the history of our iconic UK Black musical icons. UMR want to celebrate not only the culture; but the scenes, the sounds and the artists which shaped UK Music, giving flowers to the incredible Black artists in our archives.
We seek to deliver these influential (and sometimes little known) Black artists from our repertoire to an audience who may never have experienced them before, to elevate their music, share stories and, in turn, gain new fans to preserve the legacy of Black music

More From This Artist: Linton Kwesi Johnson