"If I Follow My Heart" directly relates to the iconic reggae song by Dennis Brown, released in 1971 on his album If I Follow My Heart via Studio One. The song itself is a roots reggae and rocksteady classic, characterized by its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics.
The track "If I Follow My Heart" was recorded when Brown was just 12 or 13 years old, showcasing his prodigious talent. It was produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, a pivotal label in reggae history. The song features lyrics about love and emotional decision-making, with lines like, "If I follow my heart, I’m gonna love you / And if I follow my tears, I’m gonna leave you." (late 1960s).
Thompson Sound
Thompson Sound is Linval Thompson’s independent record label, established in the late 1970s to release his own music and productions for other artists. Unlike major labels like Studio One or Joe Gibbs’ Record Globe, Thompson Sound was a smaller, artist-driven operation, focusing on roots reggae and early dancehall. The label is distinct from Errol Thompson’s similarly named Thompson Sound (or Errol T Records), with no documented connection between the two.
Launched around 1978, Thompson Sound allowed Linval to control his output and produce for both established and up-and-coming artists. It was a vehicle for his vision of roots reggae, emphasizing cultural and Rastafarian themes.
Dub Productions: Thompson Sound issued dub versions of its releases, such as Thompson Sound Meets The Lee Perry Sessions and Thompson Sound Dub Vol. 1, mixed by engineers like Scientist and King Tubby. These dub tracks were instrumental in the genre’s growth, especially in the UK and Europe.
Collaborations: The label frequently collaborated with other producers and studios, including Bunny Lee, Channel One, and King Tubby’s. Thompson’s productions were often licensed to international labels, increasing their reach.
Catalog and Legacy: Thompson Sound’s catalog is modest compared to larger labels but highly regarded in reggae circles. Releases are documented on platforms like Discogs, with many reissued on vinyl and digital formats by labels like Burning Sounds and Radiation Roots. The label’s output includes 7" and 12" singles, LPs, and dub compilations, with standout tracks like "Jah Jah Dreader Than Dread" and "Ride on Natty Dread."
Modern Activity: Thompson Sound remains active, with Linval reissuing classic tracks and producing new music. Recent compilations, like Thompson Sound Meets Roots Radics (2020), highlight the label’s enduring influence.
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