Triston Palma -Joker Smoker - Music & Performance - Vinyl

Tristan Palma - Joker Smoker - Music & Performance - Vinyl

Triston Palma – Joker Smoker (Reissue Vinyl)

Originally released in 1981, Joker Smoker is a cornerstone of early ’80s reggae, now reissued for a new generation of vinyl lovers and roots aficionados. Triston Palma—also known as Triston Palmer—delivers a powerful and sardonic commentary on ganja culture, not just praising herb smoking, but calling out the freeloaders and hangers-on who come with it. The title track’s satirical sting still resonates today, its legacy affirmed when Alborosie revived the riddim for his 2006 anthem Herbalist.

Produced by deejay Jah Thomas at the iconic Channel One Studios, and backed by the legendary Roots Radics band, Joker Smoker exemplifies the stripped-down, heavy-hitting production of the era. Far from a musical cul-de-sac, the album showcases a rich interplay of echo-drenched guitar licks, militant drum patterns, and earthy basslines—hallmarks of a period where dub sensibility met live instrumentation and conscious lyricism.

Angus Taylor of the BBC perfectly captured its significance in 2008:

“The captivating ambience and musical intricacies of a record like Joker Smoker… [are] a perfect example of what was, in reality, a high point in reggae’s golden age.”

Highlights include Bingy Bunny’s chopping rhythm guitar, Dwight Pinckney and Sowell Bailey’s soulful leads, the commanding horns of Dean Fraser, Nambo Robinson, and Deadly Headley Bennett, and Sky Juice’s rare use of the cuica drum on Give Me Give Me Your Love. Every track is crafted with intention—this isn’t just an album, it’s a time capsule from the golden age of roots reggae.

Track Listing:

1. Joker Smoker
2. Sensee Party
3. Give Me Give Me Your Love
4. Time So Hard
5. Peace and Love in the Ghetto
6. Raving
7. Ina My Car
8. Spliff Tail
9. Lonely Girl
10. Joker Smoker (Version)

Perfect for crate diggers, reggae collectors, and new fans alike, the Joker Smoker reissue is a must-have—a vibrant reminder that roots reggae never lost its edge, groove, or sense of humor.

• Music
• Greensleeves
• Reggae