JUNIOR DELL & THE D LITES Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The reissue of Step On by Junior Dell & The D-Lites is here only three short years after its initial run of 300 copies. 'Step On' is a reggae and ska version of the song 'He's Gonna Step on You Again' by John Kongos, made famous by Happy Mondays, who shortened its title to 'Step On'. For the B-side comes an original song done by the band called 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor' which is a classic sounding ska instrumental from the 70s. This second pressing is a mere 250 copies - so act fast.

Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are mainstays of the Original Gravity label, which really knows its stuff when it comes to old school cool. Many of their greatest tunes have all been repressed and reissued over the years and this is the next one to get its moment in the sun. 'Twenty Flight Ska' has a nice rough edge and ska-styled horns with languid rhymes up top and liquid bass down ow. On the flip is 'Orange Street Breakdown' which is even more laidback, relaxed and sunny in its disposition.

Review: Junior Dell & The Delights are back with a mighty fine new single that comes imbued with plenty of proper good old school ska and reggae values. It's an upbeat rhythm that will get you on your toes with its energetic horns and riffs, swaggering drums and superb vocal work. On the flip of this limited 7" is, of course, 'In A While Crocodile'. It's a continuation of the a-side with just as much swagger and energy. Both tunes are essential and mark another fine drop from this great modern day outfit.

Review: There's no information out there about Junior Dell & The D Lites, but Original Gravity have been working hard to bring their classic ska sound to life. 'Whole Lotta Skankin' Goin' On' is an infectious bouncer with that insistent offbeat rhythm which set monumental wheels in motion in Jamaican music. There's even a sweet organ solo to boot on this guaranteed sound clash winner. 'Hold The Riddim' is no slouch either, bringing all the passion and energy of the dance to you in short, sharp, reload-ready fashion.

Review: This one was only reissued back in summer but such its is enduring appeal and superb impact once played through a beefy sound system, here it comes again. It is another top 7" version of Fatboy Slim's megahit 'Praise You', in authentic rocksteady style, performed by Jamaican vocal group Junior Dell & The D Lites, who've been active since the 1960s. "Mi haffi praise you", gleefully intones Dell, against an impressive interpretive backdrop of jubilant brass and cabareting bubbles. The B-side procures a more curious and laid-back instrumental, Woodfield Rd Allstars' 'Cool Cool Runnings'. Do not sleep.

Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are a clever exercise in nostalgia, being a contemporary project under the wing of modern reggae label Original Gravity, but for all intents sounding like a full-blown lost rarity from the late 1970s. Their latest of at least six new seven-inches to grace our ears in recent years, 'Last Night Reggay', is one-such midnight ditty, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of shame and relaxation one often experiences after a tumultuous night out. The version by Woodfield Rd. Allstars is just as boxy and spacious, and comes with an out-of-this-world synth solo.