An essential and inspired reissue here from VP Records of Keith Hudson's epic 1975 LP "Torch Of Freedom" that contains both mixes of the album - the original JA version on Keith's own Mamba label and the later UK version released via Atra Records.
The record itself is home to some undisputed Hudson classics such as the untouchable "Turn The Heater On" (Ian Curtis' favourite reggae tune that was beautifully and movingly covered by New Order in their 1982 session for John Peel), the haunting "Like I'm Dying" (which appears here along its epic dub which was never present on the original pressing) as well as characteristically unique synth-soul-reggae of "Lost All Sense of Direction."
Both mixes on offer here have their own charms. The original JA version has a rawer and more stripped back sound whilst the Atra version (remixed by Syd Bucknor at Chalk Farm Studios) offers a more expansive and polished sound. To be honest it's tough to choose a favourite between them and thanks to this reissue you don't have to - you get both!
Tracklist:
Mamba Mix
A1 Torch Of Freedom
A2 Freedom Movements
A3 Lost All Sense of Direction
A4 Jah Jah
A5 Five Minutes Of Your Time
A6 My Time
B1 Don't Look At Me So
B2 Turn The Heater On
B3 So Cold Without You
B4 Don't Let The Teardrops Fool You
B5 I Lock The Key From My Heart
B6 Like I'm Dying
Atra Mix
C1 Lost All Sense of Direction
C2 Jah Jah
C3 Don't Look At Me So
C4 Look At Me
C5 Don't Let The Teardrops Fool You
C6 Teardrops
C7 Like I'm Dying
C8 Crying
D1 Turn The Heater On
D2 So Cold Without You
D3 Five MInutes Of Your Time
D4 My Time
D5 Torch Of Freedom
D6 Freedom Movements