New releases last eight weeks: Dub

Review: Many of you reading this may recognise this song from Dennis Brown's rendition on his iconic Visions LP, but this version actually predates that one. It was originally penned by Winston MacAnuff, also known as the Electric Dread, and features vocals by Earl Sixteen. It has previously debuted as a 7" on Gibbs' Belmont label in 1975, while Sixteen went on and recorded it again for Derrick Harriott on the Wild Flower label a year later. This rendition is often considered the definitive cut, but we shall leave you to decide on that one.

Review: Federal and Dubstore Japan reissue highly sought after gem, Willie Lindo's cover of Love Unlimited Orchestra's 'Midnight And You'. 'Midnight' is a louche, smooth-as-sin nocturne punctuated by hammond wobbles, whispered nothings and surely one of the most in-the-pocket basslines in reggae history and the legendary Lloyd Charmers gives it a sparse, small hours dubbing on the B-side, removing all fat and showcasing the unparalleled rhythm section. Absolutely essential stuff.

Review: Thomas Blanchot aka Mato's love for reggae runs deep. His love for soul music is just as equal. So, what should a producer do who enjoys making original music but also enjoys the art of sampling? Use both! Known for creating reggae/dub versions and then using popular lyrics sung by a guest vocalist over the top of them, giving the original versions a new life and sometimes, a completely different feeling, in some ways working even better than the original. Here, Mato takes the 1981 hit by Sylvia Striplin 'You Can't Turn Me Away' and a super laid back reggae rhythm underneath as a base. And it works so well. Complete with the dub version for the DJs. Sit back and relax to these interesting examples of a stylish way to take mashups to a different higher level.

Review: As well as navigating the realms of dub and reggae, infusing each track with his signature vintage sound and infectious grooves, Prince Fatty is well known for taking famous songs and flipping them into reggae territory, a wonderful mix of the familiar and the unepxected that usually works wonders on the dancefloor. With the fantastic 'Black Rabbit,' dub don Prince Fatty masterfully tackles Jefferson Airplane's 60s anthem 'White Rabbit', which took its inspiration from Lewis Carroll's surreal story Alice In Wonderland but hooked those references up to the drug experiences of those countercultural rtimes. The A-side is graced by with the vocals of regular Fatty collaborator Shniece, whose performance does more than simply ape Grace Slick's, adding lines and heaps of her own personality, while rich basslines, swirling echoes and soulful melodies all showcase some exceptional production skills. Naturally, there's a dub version on the B-side, and all in all this a testament to Prince Fatty's enduring influence in the contemporary reggae scene.

Review: Mysticism's Dubplate series has got a couple of great drops lined up at the moment and this is one of them - a boule pack from German digidub pioneers TVS aka Trance Vision Steppers. This was a project that never made it out of the studio but still cooked up some brilliant sounds, which in the case of this collection come from their earlier period between 1995 - 1999, all of which land on vinyl for the first time here. Fans of Adrian Sherwood, Dennis Bovell and Mad Professor will be head over heels of these dub delights - they are deep and atmospheric, with lush ambient pads, downtempo vocals and stoner synths next to more twisted rhythms.