Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: Founding Bees members Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher recorded the original Sunshine Hit Me on the Isle of Wight in their own home garden studio which they called The Shed. A year after release in 2003 it got recognised with a Mercury Music Prize nomination and spawned some big singles. Now, 20 years on, it arrives once more but in an all-new and dubbed-out fashion. The six cuts include three which have never previously been released in any physical format and bring a fresh dimension to the originals.

Review: Originally released under the name The English Beat in 1982, this album sees the Two Tone experts spreading their wings and incoporating African vibes and jazz into their revolutionary sound. It's joyful, party-fuelling stuff but usually with a social message snuck in for good measure, which is just how we like it. Throw in some bonus studio and live tracks on this double deluxe RSD version and it really can't be Beat.

Review: Malinowski and Eon Sinclair are back with a full-length album as Bedouin Soundclash. It comes on Dine Alone Records after the release of singles 'Shine On' and 'Something Lost + Something Found' back in summer. The record was further teased with 'Birds of a Feather' (featuring Ashleigh Ball from Hey Ocean and vocalist Jay Malinowski) and 'Beyond Four Walls'. All those tracks are included alongside some superb new songs. They add up to a reggae and ska classic that leans on the old school but also brings plenty of fresh new styles.

Review: The latest compilation on CTR, curated by Jason Boardman of Before I Die Records, dives into the rich, underground landscape of early 1980s post-punk. This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's DIY ethos, featuring rare and never-before-heard tracks that encapsulate the innovative spirit of the time. From the 2-Tone-influenced Skeet in Coventry to the dub experiments of Surface Mutants with Cabaret Voltaire, the album uncovers a trove of hidden gems that have largely flown under the radar. One track even boasts a unique post-punk diss track, adding a touch of rebellion to the mix. Boardman has unearthed a variety of tracks, some even sampled by the likes of DJ Shadow, showcasing the lasting influence of these obscure artists. The compilation highlights a time when independent musicians, studios, and labels banded together, bypassing major labels in pursuit of their creative vision. While it's not a comprehensive guide to the era, this album shines a spotlight on the overlooked and underappreciated, giving these artists the recognition they've long deserved, not to mention the enduring power and creativity of the post-punk underground.

Review: Compiled by Jason Boardman (Before I Die Records), this new release on CTR delves into the rich, untapped world of early 1980s post-punk DIY innovation. Boardman, a celebrated Manchester DJ, club-night founder, and record label owner, curates a collection of obscure and rarely heard tracks from the era. These bedroom and small studio creations capture the spirit of independent music from that time, showcasing the efforts of artists who sidestepped major labels to forge their own paths. The compilation features everything from Coventry's 2-Tone-related Skeet to Surface Mutants' Cabaret Voltaire-inspired dub, highlighting a diverse range of post-punk experimentation. Even tracks sampled by DJ Shadow make an appearance, offering a glimpse into the era's lasting influence. One particularly unique inclusion is a post-punk diss track, adding a playful yet edgy touch to the collection. This album shines a light on the overlooked and forgotten sounds of the period, focusing not on the hits but on the creative energy that defined the era. It's a tribute to the artists' perseverance and a celebration of their contributions to the music landscape. A must for fans of post-punk and DIY culture.