#8 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires
Scientist
Year
1981
Genre
Reggae/DubLabel
Greensleeves
Format
Vinyl LP
“Hopeton Brown was 18 when he started at King Tubby's studio. The title is perfect — this music is an exorcism. The dub mixing is surgical. Greensleeves pressing.”
Scientist is the production and engineering alias of Hopeton Brown, a legendary Jamaican reggae producer and mixing engineer who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Brown earned his moniker through his innovative studio techniques and scientific approach to dub reggae production. He became renowned for his work at the Channel One Studios in Kingston, where he engineered and produced numerous classic dub albums, particularly those featuring the Roots Radics band as his backing ensemble. His prolific output included albums like 'Scientist and the Roots Radics' (1981) and 'Scientist Meets the Space Invaders' (1981), which are considered cornerstone releases in dub reggae. Brown's meticulous attention to detail, creative use of studio effects, and remix work established him as one of the most influential dub engineers of his generation.
Style
Scientist specializes in dub reggae, characterized by heavy use of studio effects, echo chambers, reverb, and creative tape manipulation. His sound combines deep bass lines with spacious, echoing vocals and instrumental passages, creating an experimental, psychedelic approach to reggae.
Significance
Scientist is highly significant to vinyl collectors for pioneering the dub reggae sound of the 1980s and demonstrating how studio engineering could be treated as an instrument itself. His albums are essential collectibles that document a golden era of Jamaican reggae production and dub experimentation.
Released in 1981, 'Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires' showcases Jamaican dub engineer Scientist (Hopeton Brown) at the height of his creative powers. Working primarily at King Tubby's studio in Kingston, Scientist crafted instrumental dub versions of existing riddims, applying his signature production techniques: heavy reverb, echo chambers, and dramatic vocal snippets that evoke a horror-movie atmosphere. The album's concept—treating dub mixing as a supernatural battle—was entirely Scientist's invention, blending his technical mastery with theatrical imagination. Rather than remixing existing vocal tracks, Scientist created original instrumental compositions that captured the essence of early 1980s roots reggae while pushing dub into avant-garde territory. The project epitomizes the creative freedom and low-budget innovation that defined the Kingston studio scene during this period.
Historical Context
By 1981, dub reggae had evolved from a technical afterthought into a fully realized artistic genre. Scientist emerged alongside other innovative engineers like Prince Jammy and Tubby's protégés, each competing to develop distinctive sonic signatures. This album arrived as reggae globally dominated popular music, with Bob Marley's recent death (1981) casting a shadow over the island's music scene. 'Evil Curse of the Vampires' found a receptive audience among reggae purists and experimental music listeners, establishing Scientist as a major figure in dub's second generation. The album's critical reputation has only grown, cementing Scientist's legacy as one of reggae's greatest technical innovators.
Pressing Notes
Originally released on the small Jamaican label Greensleeves Records, this album appeared in multiple pressings throughout the 1980s. Early pressings are highly sought after by collectors, particularly original Jamaican presses and early UK releases on Greensleeves. The album has been reissued several times on CD and vinyl by various labels. Collectors should note that early pressings occasionally suffer from quality control issues common to small Jamaican labels of the era—groove wear and pressing variations are not uncommon. Reissues vary in mastering quality; research specific reissue editions before purchasing if you're seeking optimal sound quality. Original copies command premium prices due to the album's cult status and influence on subsequent dub and experimental music.
Own this record? Track it in your collection.