Nightdoctor
Menelik
Nightdoctor's instrumental "Menelik" is a track that was originally recorded almost as an afterthought but in the years
since, has become recognised as a sound system classic. Its re-release is long overdue and as a bonus we've included an
unreleased alternative mix from Chris Lane, an early dubplate only mix and "Return of Menelik" Nick Manasseh's later
updated take on the track.
In 1981 Nightdoctor met with Chris Lane who had recently started Fashion Records, and it was decided that the band
should record a lovers rock tune as that style was doing particularly well at the time. The band set about writing what
was to become original A side "Romancin'" and Chris suggested a militant instrumental would be a good choice for the B
side and that's how "Menelik" came to be chosen. With some financial backing from The Specials drummer John "Brad"
Bradbury and help from The Specials manager Rick Rogers, the band set up a brand-new label Race Records to handle this
and similar releases.
On release, A side "Romancin'" did well for an independent reggae release receiving plenty of airplay. Meanwhile the B
side started to find its own following in dancehalls being taken up by Jah Shaka and becoming a sound system staple.
Nearly forty years after its release copies of the original 12" are highly sought after and can fetch over 100.
This four-track release not only makes the original version of "Menelik" available at a reasonable price, but also
includes two sound system friendly unreleased mixes and as an extra bonus Nick Manasseh's 1989 update "Return of
Menelik" featuring Danny Red and Lidj Ishu
Price
Genre
Format
12" - 1 disk
Release
29-06-2018
Label
Item-nr
515257
EAN
5052571076866
Availability
In stock
Tracks
Title
Artist
1
MENELIK (ORIGINAL 1981 MIX)
2
MENELIK (ORIGINAL 1981 UNRELEASED ALTERNATIVE MIX)
3
MENELIK (ORIGINAL DUBPLATE MIX)
4
RETURN OF MENELIK FEATURING DANNY RED & LIDJ ISHU