To those with an interest in Ghanaian music, Essiebons—a label founded by producer Dick Essilfie-Bondzie in 1959 and still going strong today—represents a vital piece of its country's contemporary musical DNA. With a catalogue rich in enormously collectable 7" singles and more than a generous clutch of equally desirable LPs, Essiebons assembled—during the '70s and '80s in particular—an enviable roster of innovative acts, many of whom (including the likes of Ebo Taylor and Rob) have enjoyed recent acclaim amongst Western listeners by virtue of various reissues, in addition to continued output in the form of touring and, in some cases, even new recorded works.
Germany's Analog Africa have, of course, long played a role in bringing labels such as Essiebons to the attention of Western listeners who may previously have been unaware of such outfits—so it seems only fitting that Essiebons Special 1973-1984, the latest in Analog Africa's long-running series of signature compilations, should focus exclusively on the label's output during a period that arguably represented its halcyon days.
True to form, Analog Africa have assembled a truly remarkable collection here; for anyone familiar with the label's previous work, it should go without saying that there's nothing approaching a letdown amongst the fourteen compositions included here but, even by their rarefied standards, Essiebons Special is an auditory treat. In addition to previously-released cuts from a broad selection of artists and bands, a full six tracks here—including some of the compilation's best material—are previously unreleased. Regardless of any given composition's status, however, one thing remains true throughout Essiebons Special's full runtime: these are must-hear compositions performed with enviable style, verve and determination.
It's the passion with which these pieces are performed that stands as perhaps their single greatest attribute—though the nimble musicianship and daring arrangements are undeniably arresting. Perhaps one of the most compelling releases within the Analog Africa catalogue—which, as the label's fans will know, is saying a lot—Essiebons Special 1973-1984 stands as 2021's most essential archival release.
No strangers to issuing high-quality vinyl LPs, Analog Africa have predictably released another superb vinyl edition with Essiebons Special. Spread over two approximately mid-weight slabs of wax, both LPs sit flat on the platter in the case of our example, being free of the warping which can at times affect new releases—and which has become increasingly common in a music industry sagging under the weight of unprecedented demand and strained infrastructure. No such issues are presented here, however (and nor have they been on any other Analog Africa title we've seen) and the surfaces of these LPs are likewise impressive, boasting strongly lustrous sheens. Thankfully, audio is equally impressive; as always with Analog Africa, the original recordings have been impressively remastered and sound great—with snappy drums, full basses and impactful vocals. The records themselves also play very cleanly, with no surface noise at all in the case of our copy.
Packaging has always been a strong-point for Analog Africa and, true to form, Essiebons Special proves to be another beautifully presented release. Issued in a striking gatefold sleeve, the cover has been manufactured from sturdy cardstock and feels great in-hand, with print quality being likewise impressive. The inner gatefold spread has been given over to further eye-catching photography, with the back cover offering a tracklisting and credits. The barcode has been included on a hype-sticker attached to the shrinkwrap—rather than having been printed onto the cover itself—and the records are pleasingly found in a pair of high-quality polylined inner sleeves. Best of all, though, an LP-sized booklet is included, offering both in-depth liner notes and rare images of the artists included on the compilation.
Arrestingly presented and artfully compiled, Essiebons Special 1973—1984 ticks every conceivable box for what constitutes a great archival release at this point in time. Combining assiduous research and a genuine love for the artists they work with, Analog Africa have once again shown their peers exactly how to piece together a breathtaking compilation.
