New releases last two weeks: Reggae Classics/Ska

Review: Beatconductor's Dub Spectrum EP takes listeners on a journey through Jamaica with seven tracks of dubbed-out pop covers. The EP features creative mash-ups such as The Wailers providing instrumental backing for Adele, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, and Duran Duran, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tunes. Additionally, Amy Winehouse and The Pretenders unite to form a ska supergroup, showcasing Beatconductor's innovative approach to blending genres. Beatconductor's skillful reinterpretations breathe new life into classic tracks, infusing them with reggae and ska influences while maintaining their original essence.

Review: Jay Z's cult fav At Studio One is now available for the first time as a very limited vinyl pressing following its huge success as a download since first release more than a decade ago. This unique album combines Jay Z's famous Black Album acapellas with classic Studio One reggae riddims from the very heart of 1970s Kingston. The result is a seamless fusion where killer backing tracks complement Jay Z's vocals perfectly and create an all new and superb listening experience. If you're a fan of reggae-hip hop blends, this LP is a must-have addition to your collection.

Review: On its 20th anniversary comes a reissue of No Doubt's 1992-2003 singles collection, which brings together the very best of the ska and pop rockers' contributions to music at large over their first decade of stardom. Known as the alt-rock group fronted by Gwen Stefani, No Doubt were a formative act for the spreading of a distinctly American, pop-oriented form of ska punk. With Gwen's brother Eric on keys, and with bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young also in tow, No Doubt's career was a slow-burning exponential curve skywards, which saw a successful takeoff despite some early flops. A huge team backed their recordings; notable on this compilation is two production features by Sly & Robbie, 'Underneath It All' and 'Hey Baby'.

Review: More Specials is the second studio album from the Coventry band, originaly released in 1980 and reportedly splitting opinion among their fanbase, although it's come to be seen as a classic containing many of their best loved songs, from ska knees up 'Enjoy Yourself' to the deadpan reggae of 'Do Nothing'. Produced by the band's own keyboardist Jerry Dammers, it had a more eclectic and less obviously punk sound than its Elvis Costello-produced predecessor, with the band's constant disagreements on the direction of the sound proving a creative rather destructive force here, even if it would - barely more than a year later - cause them to eventually split.

Review: The Techniques and The Zodiacs are two revered reggae groups renowned for their distinct sound and contributions to the genre's evolution. Both bands are synonymous with several classics and have left an indelible mark on music history. Now they are back on this new 45rpm with two coveted Jamaican rocksteady and ska gems as part of the celebratory launch of the new Treasure Isle Story series by Charly Records. First up is a masterful recording by The Techniques that epitomises Duke Reid's penchant for melody and tight harmony vocals. This rendition was originally penned by Curtis Mayfield for the Impressions. Next, 'Renegade' was recorded in 1967 by The Zodiacs. Initially released as the B-side to 'Duck Soup,' this track has since become one of the most coveted and sought-after Treasure Isle 45s.