Ruts - Jah War 1979 France 1st Press 12" Single VG+/VG+

RUTS - JAH WAR

1979 French first pressing of 12" single

An absolute holy grail of UK punk and roots-reggae fusion, this rare original 1979 French 12" single press of The Ruts’ "Jah War" (Virgin – 2141 248) is a must-have for serious collectors. Written in direct response to the brutal police response during the 1979 Southall riots—where reggae activist Clarence Baker (manager of Misty in Roots) was severely injured—the track features Paul Fox’s liquid, dub-drenched guitar lines and John "Segs" Jennings' heavy, wall-shaking bassline. The extended 12" format unleashes the full, cavernous dub mix in all its bass-heavy glory, far outshining the standard 7" single cut. Housed in its distinctive French picture sleeve, this release stands as a powerful socio-political statement and a peak artifact of the late-'70s Rock Against Racism movement.

1979 French import/release by Virgin, catalog #2141 248.  First pressing of 12" single.

Sleeve grades VG+.  Great condition with original color/gloss/finish.  A little edgewear on top and bottom seams, very light corner dings.  Touch of sticker residue in upper right front, not very noticeable.  Probably original generic white sleeve included.

Vinyl grades VG+.  Play tests with no issues/deficiencies.  Vinyl surface very clean; just a handful of light surface marks/hairlines/insertion marks visible under magnification.