Back catalogue: Dub

Review: The reissue of Annette Clarke's 'Sinner Man,' produced by the legendary Lee Perry, is a gem for reggae enthusiasts and vinyl collectors. Released on Harlem Shuffle Records, this 7" vinyl brings back the sought-after 1973 track that seamlessly blends reggae with a touch of ska, adding an extra layer of allure for fans of the genre. Side-1 features the original 'Sinner Man,' a track from early reggae days while hinting at the infectious energy of ska. Clarke's vocals are compelling, and Perry's production gives the song a timeless quality. On Side-2, the Lee Perry dub version takes the track to another dimension. With heavy echo effects and the rhythm pushed into the background, Perry's dub creates an immersive experience that highlights his genius as a producer.

Review: Stop us if you've heard this one before. Lee "Scratch" Perry walks into a Quasi Dub Development recording session somewhere in New York. He begins to freestyle in that surrealist, escapist, hallucinogenic kind of way we still love him for, and the results eventually make their way onto 2014's record, Little Twister. The rest, as they say, is history. Or maybe not quite. Four years after the world lost Perry's enigmatic poetry and pioneering contributions to dub, Pingipung, the label that carried that aforementioned LP, unearths the tape of one track from the collection the bosses clearly feel deserves more attention. 'Let's Communicate' is as intoxicating now as it was back then. Then contemporary UK dub don Elijah Minnelli steps up to deliver an alternative version that stands up on its own. No mean feat.

Review: Japanese music outlet Rock A Shacka reissues a compelling 2020 compilation, Play On Music: Lee Perry Black Ark Days, which captures the Upsetter for the best part of his key tenancy at the Black Ark Studio in Jamaica, which he built himself and which lasted from 1973 to 1979. Having died a legendarily bizarre death - during a manic episode amid an alleged fiscal entanglement involving being blackmailed for studio profits, Perry was alleged to have covered every available surface in black marker pen before burning the entire complex to the ground - the Black Ark Studio was martyred as not just a hitmaker but also a known out-turner of many an uncommon dub gem. Featuring such greats as 'Play On Mr. Music', 'Milte Hi Ankhen' and 'Bird In Hand', this comp also features brilliant rarities like 'Rejoice Jah Jah Children' by the Silvertones, as well as an unreleased take of Carlton Jackson's biggest tune 'History'.