Time Has Come b/w Solomon Dub Ossie Dellimore
Released in the summer of 1997, "Time Has Come" marks a crucial early chapter in the story of Easy Star Records. This 7-inch vinyl single by Ossie Dellimore captures the foundational ethos of the label during its inaugural year. Before the imprint became globally recognized for its ambitious full-length tribute albums and extensive artist roster, its roots were firmly planted in producing authentic, heavy-hitting Jamaican reggae tailored specifically for sound systems and dedicated vinyl selectors.
The A-side, "Time Has Come," serves as a potent showcase of Dellimore's compelling vocal delivery and deep roots sensibilities, driven by a tight, classic reggae arrangement. On the flip side, "Solomon Dub" strips the rhythm down to its core, featuring foundational collaborative work with the Easy Star All-Stars. This B-side provides a heavy, atmospheric dub counterpart that perfectly balances the vocal track, highlighting the label's early commitment to traditional dub mixing techniques.
As part of the original ES-000 catalog series (specifically ES-004), this physical-only release represents a defining era of grassroots reggae culture. Pressing these tracks exclusively on 45 RPM vinyl wasn't just a format choice; it was a deliberate nod to the traditional mechanics of reggae distribution and DJ culture. Today, the single stands as a defining stepping stone that helped build the sonic foundation of the Easy Star legacy.