Music enthusiasts and reggae fans have reason to celebrate as VP Records announces a 40th-anniversary edition of Barrington Levy’s album Prison Oval Rock on January 31.
This re-release not only pays homage to a pivotal moment in reggae history but also offers listeners an expanded, remastered collection with 39 tracks, including alternate mixes, dubs, and edits.
The story of Prison Oval Rock traces back to the early 1980s, when Isaiah Laing of Sting promoters Supreme Promotions hosted a dance at Spanish Town Prison Oval, just steps away from the Spanish Town Adult Correctional Centre. The event featured Jamaican producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes’ Volcano Sound system, known for its exclusive dubplates and top-tier DJs.
In preparation for the dance, Barrington Levy, already a rising star on the Jamaican music scene, recorded a special acetate track for Volcano Sound. The performance that night left an indelible mark on attendees, laying a rock-solid foundation for Levy’s career.
Levy himself fondly remembered the historic event: “Da dance deh was a huge dance over Prison Oval, believe you me, my Lord, it shot!” Due to overwhelming demand, the track evolved into a single and later a full album, released in 1985 under Junjo’s Jah Guidance label.
The 40th-anniversary edition promises to be a treasure trove for reggae lovers, meticulously compiled and remastered to capture the essence of the original while introducing new layers of sound. Produced by Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes and backed by Roots Radics, the album was originally recorded at the legendary Channel One studio.
Barrington Levy’s contributions to reggae are unmatched. Rising to notoriety in 1979 as an advanced talent, he was among the first to seamlessly translate the raw energy of dancehall into recorded music. His ability to capture both the jubilant celebrations and introspective moods of the genre set him apart from his peers. Over the years, Levy’s music has matured and cemented his status as one of Jamaica’s most enduring and influential vocalists.
The anniversary edition of Prison Oval Rock is a reminder of Levy’s extraordinary talent and the album’s enduring impact on reggae music.
