On-U Sound Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Horace Andy's Midnight Rocker, produced by Adrian Sherwood and released on On-U Sound, is a stunning late-career triumph that reimagines classic tracks and introduces fresh material. Known for his iconic vibrato-heavy falsetto, Andy has long been a defining voice in dub, having first gained fame in the 1970s through collaborations with Bunny Lee. Over the years, his voice has deepened and grown richer, adding layers of vulnerability and maturity that are beautifully showcased in this album. Sherwood's production enhances Andy's vocals by stripping down the original arrangements and introducing live instrumentation, which brings a modern clarity to the classic dub sound. Tracks like the reworked 'This Must Be Hell' lose their jazz piano but gain a driving bassline, making the song more dancefloor-ready. Similarly, the updated version of 'Materialis' uses a synth bass to amplify the emotional urgency in Andy's vocals, while Mr Bassie transforms from a plea into a powerful declaration. New songs like 'Watch Over Them' and 'Try Love' take Andy into the realm of lover's rock, with his voice perfectly complementing the syncopated rhythms. Throughout Midnight Rocker, Sherwood draws out some of Andy's most compelling performances, particularly on the intense 'Safe from Harm'. This album is a testament to Andy's enduring talent and leaves listeners eager for what's next from the 71-year-old legend.

Review: A long-standing figure on the London jazz scene, trumpeter Harry Beckett kept his music fresh over a long career, and none more so than on his debut On-U Sound release in 2008 produced by Adrian Sherwood, which invites reggae and dance music influences to happily live alongside his modal jazz flavours. Now reissued posthumously, The Modern Sound Of Harry Beckett tracks the legacy of this contemporary jazz eminent, who passed away in 2010. Beckett channels both his Caribbean roots and trumpeting abilities, offering a novel confounding of sparse, skittish beats verging on digidub, with spryly slick soundings of the horn. Made up of isolated recordings laid down by Beckett, and then celebratedly combined with dancehall and dub movements afterwards, our fave has to be the unabashedly dubstep godsend, 'Like You Didn't Know', which spreads Beckett's horns out to virtuosic effect, against a wickedly womping wash.

Review: Originally released way back in 1982, 35 Years From Alpha is a genuine rarity: a rare solo album from the late, great 'Deadly' Headley Bennett, one of reggae's most prolific saxophonists of the 70s and 80s. The album was produced by Adrian Sherwood, with Bennett being backed by a who's who of fine Jamaican musicians and On-U-Sound regulars. As this timely reissue proves, all involved did a terrific job providing a platform for the talented horns-man. For proof, check the ska-tinged dancefloor dub excellence of '35 Years From Alpha', the rootsy sweetness of 'Head Charge', the soulful dub-jazz weight of 'Little Dove' and the spaced-out, intergalactic dub wonder that is 'Independent Man (Horns Cut)'.

Review: Released in 1982, 35 Years From Alpha is the only solo LP by legendary saxophonist "Deadly" Headley Bennett, a towering figure in reggae history. A graduate of Jamaica's iconic Alpha Boys School, Bennett played alongside the likes of Bob Marley, The Abyssinians, and Alton Ellis, contributing to the golden era of reggae. This long-awaited reissue highlights Bennett's distinctive style, blending jazz, reggae, and dub across a range of standout tracks. The album kicks off with the energetic title track, a flying stepper that showcases Bennett's sax in full soaring flight. The jazzy tones and expressive melodies weave through the record, including the haunting 'The Danger', featuring Bim Sherman, and the bluesy 'Without A Love Like Yours'. Bennett also shines on cosmic dub-infused tracks like 'Independent Man (Horns Cut)', while 'Two From Alpha' and 'Headley's Medley' display his ruder, more experimental side. Produced by the legendary Adrian Sherwood and featuring an all-star band including Rico Rodriguez, the album serves as a fitting tribute to Bennett's unparalleled influence in Jamaican music. The reissue includes remastered sound, rare photos and two previously unreleased tracks.

Review: This release offers a fresh collection of Dub Syndicate 'versions', drawing on rhythms from their classic 1989-1996 period. Adrian Sherwood revisits the original tapes, applying his signature mixing desk magic to uncover new angles on the iconic pulse of drummer Lincoln Valentine "Style" Scott. The album features new dubs of tracks from albums like Time Boom X De Devil Dead and Stoned Immaculate, highlighting the enduring creative partnership between Sherwood and Scott. Fresh overdubs from Cyrus Richard of the Dub Asante Band add a modern twist to these timeless rhythms. As the fifth and final release in On-U Sound's Dub Syndicate reissue series, this album builds on the legacy of Ambience In Dub, which anthologised the group's earlier work. The tracks reflect the band's greatest popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Scott emerged as a key force alongside Sherwood. The result is a fusion of Jamaican musicianship and UK studio experimentation that appealed to both ravers and reggae enthusiasts. This release serves as a fitting tribute to a legendary collaboration, continuing the story of a unique musical legacy.

Review: Originally released in 1993 and out of print for many years, this classic Dub Syndicate album is now reissued on the vital On-U. Drummer "Style" Scott and bassist "Flabba" Holt anchor the massive reggae riddims here while Adrian Sherwood delivers his signature production at the controls, twisting and contouring sound to melon melting effect. The album features standout guest appearances, including Lee "Scratch" Perry on 'Dubbing Psycho Thriller' and 'Dubaddisababa' as well as Michael Franti on 'No No.' The reissue brings this influential dub album back into the spotlight and is all the evidence that you need that Dub Syndicate are masters of their craft.

Review: Dub Syndicate's Ital Breakfast is a compelling exploration of dub and reggae, showcasing the band's evolution under the guidance of producer Adrian Sherwood. The album opens with 'Throw Down Your Gun,' setting a reflective tone with its deep bass and intricate rhythms. Tracks like 'The Jewel' and 'Gun Too Hot' delve into more experimental territories, blending traditional dub elements with innovative soundscapes. The title track, 'Ital Breakfast,' features a notable cameo by the legendary deejay I Roy, adding a unique flavor to the mix. The album concludes with 'The Captain's Trance Mission,' where Lee 'Scratch' Perry makes a surprise appearance, further enriching the project's depth. Overall, Ital Breakfast exemplifies Dub Syndicate's ability to fuse classic dub foundations with contemporary experimentation, resulting in a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Review: Strike the Balance is another standout Dub Syndicate set featuring vocal contributions from reggae legend Bim Sherman on a cover of Lloyd & Devon's 'Cuss Cuss' and Shara Nelson, whose work with Massive Attack on Blue Lines was soon to make her a household name, but here offers her rendition of Serge Gainsbourg's 'Je T'aime.' Released in 1989, this album marked a significant moment in the evolution of Dub Syndicate and coincided with the group's emergence as a touring unit. The album blends reggae, dub and experimental sounds into a distinctive, genre-defying style. A welcome reissue.

Review: Dub Syndicate's classic 1991 album was recorded in Jamaica and London and remains one of their most iconic releases. Featuring rock-solid rhythms from band leader Style Scott, it includes contributions from Skip McDonald on guitar, Lee "Scratch" Perry vocals and Akabu, Prince Far I samples. This album gained popularity with both acid house fans and dub enthusiasts as it was a post-rave favourite for back-to-yours smoking sessions. The title track is a mix of reggae, electronica, The Doors and Motown that remains unique and after being out of print for years, this reissue has been re-cut by Frank Merritt.

Review: The Dub Syndicate's later albums, rounding off their earlier box set, showcase the band's evolution in the late 1980s and 90s, marking their rise to prominence. With Style Scott stepping into the spotlight as bandleader and co-producer, the group's sound transformed, blending classic Jamaican musicianship with Adrian Sherwood's signature UK studio experimentation. This fusion created a series of albums that appealed to both ravers and dreads, combining dub's roots with experimental sounds. Included are: Strike The Balance (1989), followed by Stoned Immaculate (1991), Echomania (1993) and Ital Breakfast (1996), each album further refining the band's distinctive urban dub sound. The bonus album, Obscured By Version (2025), serves as a special treat, offering fresh versions of rhythms from this era. The Dub Syndicate remain legends in the genre, known for their bold use of sampling and raw, immersive dub that has influenced generations of listeners. This collection highlights their critical role in shaping the dub sound, cementing their place in music history.

Review: To commemorate 40 years of the influential On-U Sound label, this release highlights the remarkable contributions of the iconic Jamaican MC, Prince Far I. Known for his distinctive, gravelly voice and his impact on roots reggae, Prince Far I's work with the early 1980s On-U house band, Singers And Players, is a testament to his enduring legacy. This compilation brings together a selection of his guest appearances, alongside alternate versions and rare tracks that will resonate deeply with devoted dub reggae enthusiasts. Prince Far I established his legendary status in roots reggae not only as a producer but also for his unique deejay style, characterised by his deep, authoritative voice. After collaborating with prominent figures like Bunny 'Striker' Lee and Coxsone Dodd, he gained widespread recognition with the Psalms For I album, where he recited Bible verses over powerful, heavy rhythms. His partnership with Adrian Sherwood of On-U Sound began when Far I's Cry Tuff label, founded in 1976, was distributed in the UK by Sherwood's Hitrun imprint. The musicians who played with Prince Far I, initially known as The Arabs, became integral to the On-U Sound family, evolving into groups like Creation Rebel, Singers And Players, and Dub Syndicate. This compilation pulls from notable releases including War Of Words, Revenge Of The Underdog, Staggering Heights, and more, serving as a fitting tribute to Prince Far I's lasting influence in the world of dub reggae.