Doctor Bird Records to release ‘Niney The Observer’ Collection

Judge Knott

One of the often neglected producers of early reggae at the time of the original Skinhead boom years, Niney The Observer has been criminally overlooked in favour of the likes of Lee Perry, Harry Johnson and Bunny Lee.

Doctor Bird Records have finally decided to do the man justice with this two CD collection of his very early material. Entitled ‘Lightning & Thunder’ it’s the first in a planned series of releases of Niney’s material from the crucial period in JA music from the late sixties through to the early/mid seventies.

As this is the material from his earliest recordings and productions, it comes as no surprise that there is the occasional missed moment amongst the gems, but the diamonds heavily outnumber the dross. That said, fans of that era will perhaps be more familiar with his material than they realise – Cocaine Doctor, Music Police, Message To The Ungodly and of course his classic Blood & Fire all feature on the first of disk, while Hiding By The Riverside, Reggaematic and Wet Panty feature on the second, the last somewhat unfortunately nestled up against Discharge No.2 in a bit of bad selecting!

To be released on 9th February 2024, this collection is a great introduction to the work of an often forgotten producer and his earliest work.

You can pre-order now at:
Niney The Observer Presents Lightning And Thunder! Various Artists, 2CD – Cherry Red Records