Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "Malostran-Ska" (2:42)
Junior Dell & The D Lites - "Remember To Forget" (2:51)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Beseda Blues" (2:43)
Review: The superb Original Gravity label is back with more OG reggae brilliance and ska classics. This second volume of Ska Fever kicks off with a big stepper from Junior Dell & The D Lites in the form of 'Rude Girl' while Prince Alphonso & The Fever bring big playful brass to 'Malostran-Ska' and Junior Dell & The D Lites then return on the flipside of this 7" with 'Remember To Forget' which picks up the pace and is built on a hardcore rhythm. The legendary Woodfield Rd Allstars shut things down with a more melancholic vibe on 'Beseda Blues.'
Review: The latest release from Peckings Records features two classic tracks that exemplify the golden era of reggae. On the A-side, Alton Ellis and Phyllis Dillon deliver a heartfelt rendition of 'I'm Just A Guy,' showcasing their harmonious vocals and timeless appeal. The B-side presents Joya Landis's 'I Love You Baby,' a soulful tune that complements the A-side's emotive tone. This 7" single is a must-have for collectors and reggae enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic journey into the rich musical heritage of the genre.
Junior Dell & The D-lites - "Just Can't Get Enough" (3:21)
Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "The Prince Of Port Antonio" (2:52)
Review: There are few better combos in reggae than Junior Dell & The D-Lites and Prince Alphonso & The Fever, and they are mainstays of the Original Gravity label. this endless treasure trove of timeless sounds turns up another fine double sider here in which Junior Dell's soulful vocals shine over The D-Lites' rich, vintage ska rhythms and rolling groove 'Just Can't Get Enough'. On the flip side, 'The Prince of Port Antonio' is a lively instrumental blending jazz-infused brass with a deep reggae swing. Both tracks nod to classic Jamaican sounds while keeping things fresh.
Review: Is there a more celebrated combination in all of reggae than Lee Perry & The Upsetters? The master producer and his iconic backing band laid down many of the genre's most vital sounds and helped subtly evolve it across the seventies and beyond. This single 'Jungle Lion' came right in the midst of that in 1974. An original 7" will cost you upwards of 500 quid, and that's if you can find one. Here it gets reissued on the young but already well-formed Skank & Groove label and is backed with a version by The Upsetters named 'Freak Out Skank' that gets even more warm, cavernous and dubby.
Review: The Pioneers return here on this Amalgamated Jamaica reissue alongside Hugh Malcolm and between them they are renowned for their popularity and numerous hits produced by Joe Gibbs and Leslie Kong. With approximately 40 recordings under Gibbs alone, this track embodies the classic elements synonymous with their collaborations and comes complete with a distinctive penny whistle. Bursting with energetic vibes and trademark topical lyrics characteristic of the Pioneers, this song resonates with the musical essence that defines their legacy.
Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "Burning Spear" (3:22)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Burning Spear" (3:32)
Review: Original Gravity's latest release, Burning Spear, offers a dynamic reggae and ska experience with two distinctive and exciting tracks. Side-1 features Prince Alphonso & The Fever's 'Burning Spear,' a classic ska sound that stands out with its outrageous and unique flute solo. This fast-paced track is a dancefloor burner, perfect for lively gatherings. Side-2 brings Woodfield Rd Allstars' dubbed-out version of 'Burning Spear.' This alternative take maintains an upbeat and groovy vibe, providing a fresh perspective while keeping the energy high. The essence of classic reggae and ska is here on one 7", delivering two fun tracks that highlight the genre's rich and vibrant musical traditions.
Review: Caught in a Prince Buster fever, Rock-A-Shacka complement an eagerly awaited release - the third album from the legend so named, offering 12 tracks spanning Jamaican funk to rocksteady to early reggae - with a promotional 7", bolstering the full-length's legitimacy with an as-it-was 45. Here 'Funky Jamaica' and 'Clap Your Hands' coincide. The first is an early dancehall phenotype, its strong tresillo matching a heady array of audio-mancer's chants; instructive shouts from Buster himself. Then the B-side follows, a brilliant James-Browned toasting of an uptempo pre-ska progression, put together against a rhythmic cage of swift, proficient drums.
Review: Rock A Shaka continue their tributary exegeses of Jamaican rocksteady legend Prince Buster with a new 7", 'Got To Be Free'. Pulled straight from the corresponding Funky Jamaica compilation issued separately - which in turn compiles the best gems to coruscate his illustrious career - the 45s format does well to counterbalance the fallacy of comprehensiveness with a throwback in form. 'Got To Be Free' is a rather pleasant anthem to freedom: "we love the birds, we love the trees, we love the honey, we love the bees..."
Review: Dutchess returns with Folk Song, a two-track dub release featuring the talents of Tony and Howie alongside the legendary Phyllis Dillon. Known for curating rare gems, Dutchess continues to deliver high-quality vinyl for lovers of classic reggae and dub. With past releases from icons like Eric Monty Morris and Tommy McCook, the label has solidified its reputation as a source for top-tier Jamaican music. Folk Song follows this tradition, blending soulful vocals with deep, atmospheric dub. Fans of Alton Ellis, The Melodians and The Paragons will find this release a perfect addition to their collection. It's another must-have for those who appreciate the timeless sound of 60s and 70s Jamaican music.
Review: The Dutchess label continues to establish itself in its early life with third outing that delves deep into some ageless reggae and ska sounds. It is The Paragons who are behind this one with 'Blackbirds Singing' opens up with some gorgeous vocal harmonies android back grooves topped with nice natty guitars. It's brilliantly sunny, laidback music for slowed down sessions and will sound best played through a serious system nice and loud. What music isn't, though? 'Memories By The Score' on the flip is a heavyweight sound with a fat bottom and some great spoken word vocal and backing harmonics for a nice lush sound.
Review: Lloyd Parks was born in May 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica, and went on to live a rich life in reggae that made him an icon of the genre, in particular, known for his soulful melodies and fantastic bass playing skills. He began his career in the late 1960s with the Invincibles band before later forming The Termites with Wentworth Vernal. As a solo artist, Parks achieved success with his 1973 hit 'Officially' which also became the title of this sought-after album. He worked with artists like Justin Hinds, Dennis Brown and The Abyssinians and later founded the We The People Band. This reissue brings 'Officially' back into the spotlight where it belongs.
Review: Hey, Mr. Music! The expertly rediscovered North West London soul singer Candy McKenzie (sister of Bunny McKenzie) hears her Trojan Records debut, and only album, reissued through MOV. "Upset" by Lee Perry of all people - the late great dub producer titularly "introduces" McKenzie as person of interest here - this sole LP from McKenzie, first unearthed in 2011 but recorded unmistakably in the 80s - betrays a nonconformist character, crossing blurrily between percussive lovers rock and bubbly new wave. McKenzie's vocal style is aplomb and vigorous, and is well contrasted to the otherwise soothing laryngeals of Perry's many other femme familiars, such as Susan Cadogan.
Review: Phoenix City All-Stars is a traditional ska band from UK comprised of members Dave Andrews, Lenny Bignell, Mike Lesirge, Sean Flowerdew, Spy Austin and Terry Davey. They have been dripping music since 2018 and this now arrives as their fifth full-length overall. It offers a stunning rocksteady tribute to one of the 20th century's greatest songwriters-Carole King. This unique reinterpretation blends King's timeless melodies with the soulful grooves of rocksteady for something that will please fans of the OG sounds while also appealing to those who like a more modern style. Featuring striking artwork by Peter O'Toole, this one is packed with classic songwriting with a reggae twist.
Prince Buster & His All Stars - "Black Soul" (2:54)
Prince Buster - "Dark End Of The Street" (alternate take) (3:10)
Teddy Charmer - "All In My Life" (2:48)
Prince Buster - "Tribute To The Toughest" (4:55)
Lee Perry - "Call On Me" (3:13)
Prince Buster - "Don't You Know I Love You So" (2:47)
Gregory Isaacs - "Dancing Floor" (2:17)
Winston Samuels - "I'm Still Here" (alternate take) (2:53)
Ernest Ranglin - "Come Get Me" (2:35)
Review: Rock-A-Shacka enthuse the new, long-awaited third album from Prince Buster, one of the many leading lights of the early Kingston rocksteady movement. This treasure trove of 12 tracks covers Jamaican funk, rocksteady, and early reggae; over seven previously unreleased and/or alternative tracks (it's cleverly kept under wraps as to which are which), we've extended versions of 'A Tribute To The Toughest' (aka. 'Ghost Dance'), on which Buster pays tribute to his late rudeboy friends, as well as trad gems including an alt-take of 'Dark End Of The Street'. The are covers of James Brown's 'Bring It Up' and Beginning Of The End's 'Funky Nassau', and Lee "Scratch" Perry shows up in a resplendent, phone-a-friend cameo feature on 'Call On Me'. Cherry-topped by a version of Gregory Isaacs' 'Dancing Floor' and the stunning 'Black Soul' instrumental, this is as ultimate a companion to Buster's contribution to Caribbean music history as you're likely to ever get.
Review: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.
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