Review: Yet two more rarities from the esteemed Jamaican roots label Studio One, helmed by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, come to the fore. A true mystery rests at the core of this record. 'Take A Ride' was originally released in 1978 over the 'Truths & Rights' riddim by Johnny Osbourne. Though the famous reggae artist Al Campbell takes credit for the release, it should be noted that the real recording artist behind this song was a mythically unknown artist and doppelganger known as Alan Campbell, a complete unknown in the reggae world who allegedly believed he could make a quick buck out of recording just one song. As if by one swoop of Faustian vengeance, Alan was miscredited as Al, and the typo has since endured through time as one to be treasured rather than corrected. Though the song was originally a flop, it's found cult success in recent years. The track is also a perfect complement to Alton Ellis' 'Pearl', a no less gemmy cut by one of the most influential singers in Jamaican music history.
Review: The hard-digging record fiends at Kalita are back with more brilliance. This one is the first-ever retrospective of work by Jamaican-born artist Desmond Chambers. The first tine is a proudly politically aware tune previously only avialbel on his 1987 album Tiger Born, while the single 'The Morning Show' has before now only been available as the B side of little known single 'I Have Seen Love In Your Eyes.' The two other tracks are mega cult, hugely loved acid-infused dub snakers with boogie-infused rhythms. Original copies will cost you a huge amount so make sure you snap this one up asap.
Review: The mighty Chazbo is behind this heavyweight new 12" on Dubshop.nl. It come son bright yellow wax and opes with 'New Life' which is a classic and tough stepper with tumbling bass notes, wet hits and endless reverb all making it a plump, inviting, fat as you like dub sound. The dub version is even more fleshy and dropping wet and a Dubplate mix adds more subtle, melon twisting studio desk trickery. 'Shaka The Great' keeps the vibes flowing in the flip and gets the same two mixes to make for a broad and brilliant package.
Review: Matthieu Chedid and Seu Jorge's long-running collaboration reaches a new peak with this latest release. A-side, the track 'Parioca' brings together the duo's signature stylesiChedid's French flair and Jorge's Brazilian rhythms, resulting in a seamless fusion of groove and melody that invites listeners into a warm, joyful world where their distinct musical identities meet. The B-side's dub mix of 'Parioca' takes things in a deeper direction, layering hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric textures that open up the track, creating an expansive, dubby atmosphere. It's a perfect companion to the original, showing the depth and versatility of their musical partnership, which continues to evolve after more than a decade of collaboration.
Review: Johnny Clarke and Earth & Stone cooked up some real magic with 'Babylon'. It's a sumptuous sound that offers a symbolic representation of societal oppression and injustice. With Johnny Clarke's haunting vocals and Earth & Stone's mesmerising rhythms, the tune becomes a poignant commentary on the struggles of the marginalised and the quest for freedom. Through those lyrics and hypnotic melodies, it confronts issues of systemic inequality and political corruption, urging people to rise against oppression. As such it is anther great tune that proves the enduring relevance of reggae as a voice for the oppressed.
Review: Tabou 1 is on a roll right now and their latest offering features reggae icon Johnny Clarke teaming up with the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 'Every Knee' is an archetypal roots reggae anthem that has everything you want in a tune. It demands to be played loud and proud and blends Clarke's soulful, spiritual vocals with Sly & Robbie's masterful bass and drum foundation. The rest of the tracks here also have deep grooves and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of devotion and unity and are enhanced by the signature dub-infused production.
Review: The Satta Dub crew have assembled another superb platter and pressed it up to translucent green marbled vinyl and included an insert for good measure. It's a spit that opens up with Daweh Congo's 'Holy Place' which rides on tumbling drums with scattered hits. Yearning vocals up top and natty keys are paired with sultry trumpet notes. A dub dials it all back into the low ends, then Prince Alla's 'Rose' is a work of the same rhythm, by the sounds of it, with soulful vocals and playful horns. Another dub closes out this one in heady fashion.
Review: The Mysticisms label welcomes Coral D aka Duncan Stump for a debut outing here that marks the first new music to be part of the ongoing and most excellent Dubplate series. This artist has a long history of crafting "deep dub electronic swing" in his roles in Mock & Toof, FX Mchm and his 6000 Degrees project. This one finds him bringing some dub reggae influences as 'Dissolves' is built on a chugging rhythm with smeared chords. 'DR 55' is then a masterfully laidback digi-dub groove that warps space and time and so leaves you utterly hypnotised.
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Review: Four weighty units of dubwise reggae come courtesy of Countryman, West Finga and Jeh. The star-sider, 'This Generation' by Countryman, is a banging enough contribution to this latest EP for Hornin' to receive several versions. A foreboding ballad for a generation beset by economic problems - "this generation got nothing to lose... there's gonna be problems!" - the veteran singer and soundsystem operator is adept as ever in delivering a high-consciousness message. The B-side, meanwhile, features two dub versions of the same riddim by West Finga and JEH, two producers also part of the selfsame French Hornin' Sounds crew.
Review: Coyote release the second instalment of their continuing journey into all things Dub. 2 heavyweight tracks with their own unique expression of Dubness. Always ever-present in Coyote productions in some form or another here its front and centre.For big speakers and squidgy black.'Light like a feather-heavy as lead'
Review: The Disciples & Creation Stepper came together for 'True Nazarite' back in 1991 and it was an instant classic on the dub circuit. It has long been sought after by collectors and now comes back as a reissue from Partial Records who have done a fine job of cutting it so that the deep, heavy UK roots sound, which has become pricey on the second-hand market, is as clear as possible. Produced by Russ D, the crucial tune has thunderous sub-bass and bouncing keys and dubbed to the max across three extra mixes. 'True Nazarite (Version)' carries traces of the vocal, while the B-side 'Nazarite' dials up digital keyboard melodies and echo effects. The fourth mix strips it all down to skeletal toms and shivering bass for a stark, raw dub experience.
Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Review: Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Review: Cultural Roots delivered a potent dose of tuff roots vibes with their original 1980 release, 'Jah No Partial' which was and is now on this reissue backed by The Revolutionaries on dub duties. This limited vinyl edition comes housed in a vibrant full-colour company cardboard sleeve and offerings collectors a chance to grab a bit of reggae history. In addition to the original track, two exclusive Dub Plate Cuts further showcase raw energy and heavyweight low ends. With The Revolutionaries lending their signature sound to the dub mix, this is a crucial package.
Son Don't Shoot Your Brother Down Put Away The Gun (5:42)
Loving Feeling (6:08)
Review: Originally recorded and released in 1979 and losing none of its power and resonance in these here times, Earl Cunningham and Naggo All Stars' eternal collaboration comes back into print after too long out in the wilderness. 'Son Don't Shoot Your Brother Down' is an urgent call to lay down arms, backed up by a sprightly skank straight from the golden age of roots reggae. On the flip, Cunningham delivers a career-best heartbreak performance on 'Loving Feeling', striking the right melancholic mood that goes so well with matters of the heart. Stone cold classic reggae finally back in reach for DJs and listeners with normal sized pockets.
Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown - "Christmas Songbook" (11:27)
The Chariot Riders - "Christmas Songbook" (instrumental dub Style) (11:32)
Review: Lifelong reggae fans, vinyl lovers and frequent Juno readers will be familiar with Crystal D's Reggae Disco mix series. It was a 70s thing where artists served up their own unique reggae versions of Christmas classics and now we get volume 17 of the Christmas Songbook. This one comes on 12" in hand-stamped sleeve and the A-side is an 11+ minute collection of tunes from Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown with natty chords, sleigh bells and choral reggae vocals. What a mix. In authentic reggae fashion, the flip side is a dub of the whole lot by The Chariot Riders.
Review: Wayne McArthur, Conscious Sounds, Lizzi Bee and Vibronics join their considerable forces for this limited edition new slab of roots vinyl. The EP features version tunes and versions starting with 'Elo Ah Him' which is a silky blend of coming vocals, happy horns and yearning vocals. Conscious Sounds serve up tasteful dub and sax versions and Lizzi Bee's contribution adds an extra layer of energy, blending modern rhythms with classic reggae roots. Vibronics close out with a couple of digi-dub reworks that are clean and fresh.
Yeyo Perez - "King Inna Di Ring" (riddim version) (2:44)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "Burning In Flames" (3:55)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "King Inna Di Ring" (Sax Versiion) (3:32)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "King Inna Di Ring" (riddim version) (3:55)
Review: Cool Up Records's latest 12" maxi single features Spanish vocalist Yeyo Perez on two dynamic tracks, each presented in dual versions. 'King inna di Ring' and 'Burning in Flames' is fresh digital reggae that pays homage to traditional Jamaican MCs while infusing authentic new school style. The A-side showcases Perez's commanding vocals over a bass-driven groove, which is reminiscent of classic reggae clashes. Powered by the Casio MT-40 keyboard, it embodies the signature digital-dub sound and on the B-side, 'Burning in Flames' introduces Coronel Brown's smooth chorus, blending lovers' rock with Perez's rugged delivery. Crafted with dub and riddim variations, alongside rich instrumentation, this release exemplifies Cool Up's production prowess.
Review: You can always count on Capracara to bring something a little spicy to the table, but the results are even more unpredictable when you throw UK house magician Simbad into the mix. If you like your house music extremely grubby, blippy, analogue and slightly unhinged, but still soulful, you're in the right place. 'Roubaix Cube' jerks and bumps along with all kinds of bleeps and rugged beats, and the pads sound delirious but still inject some real heart into the track. 'Prowler Report' heads further off into discordant freakiness, but there's still plenty of punch down low. 'The Ozone' is the smoother offering, with some gorgeous keys, chords and pads interweaving for a still-rugged but oh-so-sweet strain of deep house music.
Review: A rather calming lovers rock track reissued on 12". When reggae drummer Lindel Lewis teamed up with singers Vincent Taylor and Claudia, few could anticipate the sonic romance that would blossom. 'You, Me & He' seems to capture two such triangulations, one lying at the heart of the real collaboration between artists, and the other evoked in the imaginary love tryst explored in the song. Wafty reverb vocals from the sweetly voiced Claudia give an admissive, coy impression of the persona she channels, which is lent a soothing antiphony from Taylor. Lewis, meanwhile, evidences his solo drumming and dubbing chops on the smooth 'Me & He' versions under the name One Man Band, twinning coldness and haziness.
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