Willie Williams’ "Armagideon Time" is a seminal roots reggae track, first recorded in 1977 at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica, and released as a 7" 45 RPM single in 1979 via Studio One, produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. The song uses the "Real Rock" riddim, a classic Studio One instrumental originally performed by the Soul Vendors in 1967. The track gained international fame after The Clash covered it in 1979 as the B-side to their "London Calling" single, bringing Williams’ work to a wider audience. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of struggle and resilience, rooted in Rastafarian imagery, with "Armagideon" referring to an apocalyptic battle.Regarding the specific Stine Jack Records release, there’s limited direct information in the provided references about this label issuing the 45 RPM single. Most sources, including Discogs and ReggaeCollector, associate the original 1979 release and subsequent reissues (1980, 1982) with Studio One or Coxsone Records. However, ReggaeCollector mentions a 1982 7" release on Stine Jac CA, graded EX (Excellent condition), categorized under Roots Reggae from the 1980s. This suggests Stine Jack Records, likely a Canadian label (given the "CA" designation and Williams’ connection to Canada), reissued the single. Williams moved to Toronto in 1974 and split time between Canada and Jamaica, which may explain the Stine Jack release, possibly as a localized pressing for the Canadian market.
The 7" 45 RPM single of "Armagideon Time" by Willie Williams, specifically the Stine Jack Records release, is a reissue of the 1979 Studio One original, recorded over the "Real Rock" riddim. While exact musician credits for the Stine Jack pressing are not explicitly detailed in available sources, the original Studio One recording and its reissues typically involve the same core musicians, as the track was produced at Studio One under Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Here’s what can be confirmed about the musicians involved, with a focus on Jackie Mittoo and others:
Jackie Mittoo (Keyboards): Jackie Mittoo, a legendary Jamaican-Canadian keyboardist, co-wrote "Armagideon Time" with Willie Williams and played keyboards on the track. His involvement is well-documented across sources, including Wikipedia and SecondHandSongs, noting his critical role in shaping the song’s sound on the "Real Rock" riddim, originally created by the Soul Vendors in 1967, where Mittoo was a key member. Mittoo’s signature organ and piano work is central to the track’s groove, and his collaboration with Williams extended to other projects, including releases on his Stine-Jac label, which issued this 7" single.
Willie Williams (Vocals): Williams provided the lead vocals and is credited as a co-writer. His performance on "Armagideon Time" is iconic, delivering the song’s Rastafarian-themed lyrics with conviction.
Studio One House Band (Sound Dimension): The "Real Rock" riddim, foundational to "Armagideon Time," was performed by Studio One’s house band, Sound Dimension, in 1967. While specific session musicians for the 1977 recording of Williams’ track aren’t always listed, Sound Dimension typically included:
Leroy Sibbles (Bass): Often the bassist for Sound Dimension, Sibbles likely laid down the iconic bassline for the "Real Rock" riddim used in the track.
Eric "Monty" Morris or Richard Ace (Drums): Drummers for Sound Dimension varied, but these two were frequent contributors during the era.
Ernest Ranglin or Rad Bryan (Guitar): Either could have provided guitar parts, as both were regular Studio One session players.
Bobby Ellis (Trumpet) and Cedric Brooks (Saxophone): Horns were a staple of Studio One recordings, and these musicians were often involved in Sound Dimension sessions, though their presence on this specific track isn’t explicitly confirmed.
Coxsone Dodd (Producer): As the producer at Studio One, Dodd oversaw the recording, likely directing the arrangement and ensuring the "Real Rock" riddim’s signature sound was preserved.
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