ERNEST RANGLIN Schallplatten & CDs

Review: REPRESS ALERT: As far as collaborative delights go, this really takes the cake. Miami boogie wildcard Noel Williams, aka King Sporty, throwing it down heavy with legendary Jamaican reggae axe man Ernest Ranglin - as you might expect, the results are incendiary. 'Soft Touch' has a hint of the cosmic about it as it romps through insanely catchy chorus chants, stirring brass stabs and Ranglin's sweet licks. 'Keep On Dancing' has a more uptempo feel, 'In The Rain' slips into a laid back reggae skank and 'Be What You Want To Be' turns the vintage disco heat back up. Throughout this wonderful mini LP, the duo switch between each other's strengths and bring out the best in each other, like all good collaborations should.

Review: This new 7" finds Fruits Records serving up the first new taster single from a forthcoming new album by Root Architects. It features assistance from the great Ernest Ranglin and Tyrone Downie and in original form 'Memories Of Old' is a laid back reggae roller with some superb acoustic guitar bringing hints of Spanish sunshine to the percolating, fat-bottomed bass. The melodies are conversational and interact perfectly with the organ chords, while on the flip the version is more heady and paired back as well as being doused in reverb.

Review: 'You Think I'm A Fool' is an original rocksteady heater from back in 1968 by Hemsley Morris. Produced by Clancy Eccles, it has become one of the most sought-after nuggets of its kind in the year since and now for the first time since its original release it is served up next to the instrumental version, 'Heart Beat,' by Ernest Ranglin. The a-side has super lo-fi sounds and muted organ stabs next to noodling bass and ass-wiggling drums, all topped off with an aloof vocal from Morris, while the version is a little more light-footed and airy. A crucial pick-up for your collection.