DR ALIMANTADO - BEST DRESSED CHICKEN IN TOWN

A seminal roots reggae classic and the debut album from Jamaican deejay Winston “Dr. Alimantado” Thompson. Released in 1978 on Greensleeves (and later on his Keyman label), it compiles his most powerful self-produced singles from 1972–78, recorded at iconic studios like Black Ark, King Tubby’s, Channel One, and Randy’s  . Featuring engineering by Lee “Scratch” Perry, King Tubby, Philip Smart, Maxie McKenzie, and Pat Kelly, the album blends dub-heavy soundscapes with Alimantado’s toasting over classic vocal rhythms—for example, Horace Andy’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” on the title track, and Gregory Isaacs and Jackie Edwards on others  .

Praised by fans and critics alike—called “one of the finest albums from reggae’s golden age” by The Independent—it earned unexpected acclaim among UK punk audiences following Johnny Rotten’s endorsement  . A cornerstone of reggae and dub, this vinyl pressing pulsates with warm analog bass, sharp studio effects, and cultural resonance.

🎵 Tracklist (Original LP, 1978)

Side A

• Best Dressed Chicken in Town

• Just The Other Day

• Poison Flour

• Gimmie Mi Gun

• I Killed The Barber

Side B

6. Unitone Skank

7. Can’t Conquer Natty Dreadlocks

8. Ride On

9. Plead I Cause

10. I Shall Fear No Evil