Review: This third volume of instrumentals continues the faultless Isle of Jura label's deep dive into dub versions and beyond. Side one takes in references from UK street soul and reggae and features two late-'80s tracks by Howard Hill with machine-led rhythms, rudeboy reggae skank and soulful pads. Protek's 'I Love to Dance With You' is a proto-house gem featured in a Jura Soundsystem mix and here it gets a loving re-edit by The Nightlark. Side B includes an instrumental-driven track with spacey FX from The Cool Notes' and Ilija Rudman's 'Dub 4 Love' which is a knowing nod to acid house's golden era.
Mad Professor & Dean Fraser - "Kunte Escape" (4:04)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (4:14)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (dub) (4:11)
Review: 'Dark Clouds' is a powerful anthem about overcoming life's toughest challenges. The song embodies resilience by conveying that victory is always possible, even in difficult times. Its uplifting melody and infectious chorus blend English, Wollof and an Arabic, African and Caribbean patois to make a unique, cross-cultural sound. Produced by the legendary Mad Professor at Ariwa Sounds, the track offers hope and strength while inspiring us to keep pushing forward despite adversity over a compelling rhythm.
Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.
Review: France and Jamaica collide on this new 12" from Brother Sound, which is now up to release number three and is managing to maintain the good early standard it set for itself. J.A. legend Max Romeo is in top form on vocals with Brother Sound stepping up for the backing and production. 'Roll It Up' is a high-speed and hard-hitting dub that hurries you into shape-shifting while the vocals add extra pressure. It comes as two other mixes then the flipside has the slower and more meandering melodies and unbalanced sounds of 'The Story' which also comes as an extended mix.
Review: .German low end collective Bass Come Save Me unleash a new 45 with a strong Portland portrait as Boomarm's Gulls makes their debut on the label with a warm beat that will keep the chills at bay this winter. Add Jamaica's Wayne Daniel on the vocals and another Portland native Madgesdiq on the conscious bars and there's a vibe that sits somewhere between Roots Manuva, YT and Wyclef. Yeah it's that toasty. Stay blessy.
Review: In 1977, singer Dhaima recorded some lovely and uplifting rockers with The Professionals at Joe Gibbs's studio, and now one of them is reissued here on the Joe Gibbs Music label, complete with a dub version from The Mighty Two. First up, Dhaima's original 'Ina Jah Children' is one of those sweet rhythms that has a breezy feel and lovely sunny melodies next to a lush and soulful female vocal, all of which pay great tribute to the one and only Jah. The dub-wise flip on the B-side is 'Save The Children' and it has some more snaking bass, hissing hi-hats and a nice unhurried vibe for lazy and loud sessions.
Review: The Liquidator Music crew have been putting out classic Jamaican rhythms ice the mid-cities and still goes strong. This is an all new one from Jamaican act Roy Ellis who sings over his backing band, Cosmic Shuffing, from Switzerland. They are acclaimed in ska and rock steady circles for good reason and help bring these tunes to life. 'Shine Your Light On Me' is an easy going roller with lo-fi drums and dusty riffs that hook you in while Ellis does his work up top. 'Merry-Go-Round' then cuts loose on a summery and swirling vibe with conversational lead trumpets and natty chords.
Review: Roots Garden Records is back with another highly anticipated reissue of celebrated releases from their archive. This time they look to Brighton-based singer-songwriter Cate Ferris and producer Manasseh who has done the business at his West London "The Yard Studios." The reissue has been carefully remastered and includes two alternative and previously unreleased dub mixes. Fans of Manasseh's signature sound will especially appreciate the addition of his dubs which showcase his ability to twist reggae and dub into new forms. This one offers a fresh take on these timeless tracks while preserving their original charm.
Paul Maiden & Manwel T - "Unconditional Style" (3:46)
Review: Yi Mas Gan is back with a new and timeless roots 7" that will keep the summer vibes alive even as Autumn begins to bite. On the a-side, this one features J.A. singer Clive Hylton who was recorded by French producer Manwel T as he did his thing on 'Show Some Love.' Empowering warrior leads rise up out of the mix as the trad reggae rhythms roll down low and his impassioned vocals ring out. Flip this one over and you will find Paul Maiden & Manwel T flipping it into a version they call 'Unconditional Style.'
Review: The mission continues here for Reservoir Dub Records who have been working most recently on putting out this one "Aim High' tune on a 10" with four different cuts from four different artists. This one features the legendary Macka B and the talented saxophonist Guru Pope bring their skills to a rhythm that was originally produced by the one and only dub-making don that is Jacin, while all the cuts have been expertly mixed by Gamma Sound's N-Tone DUB. It's a heavyweight package of fresh dub sounds with nods to the old school but plenty of new school cool.
Review: This is a special Record Store Day 2024 release that rights a wrong for hardcore Madness vinyl heads.
With the exception of 'Baggy Trousers,' 'Embarrassment' stood as the sole Madness single from the 80s not to receive a 12" release. This year's annual waxy celebrations however present a special opportunity to own it on vinyl as the classic Motown-inspired hit gets the coveted treatment as part of this six-track EP. Also included is the original 7" mix alongside a previously unreleased instrumental version meticulously crafted by Clive Langer, which offers fans a fresh perspective on this iconic Madness track.
Review: Pecking Records is a label run by Chris and Duke Price, the sons of the great George 'Peckings' Price, and was set up to build on the legacy established by their father. Now it's back with two rolling reggae gems. Kelly Makeda's 'Easy' is a smooth, mellow tune with a relaxed rhythm and soulful vocals, creating a perfect laid-back vibe. The song's heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies capture the essence of effortless love and on the flip side, Lady Lex delivers 'Breaking Up,' a track with a bit more intensity and emotion. Her powerful vocals tell the story of heartache and the pain of a breakup, while the rhythm section drives the song with real energy.
Review: Harlem Shuffle Records only deals in the good stuff and that is certainly the case again here with another killer double sider. This is also a historic first repress of the rare and extremely fine 'Good Time Rock.' A hard to find, much coveted tune, it is a rocking dub rhythm that has never before been on 7" vinyl. On the flip is another hard to find and crucial tune from Hugh Malcom who lays it down heavy and keeps you locked for the duration.
Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.
Manasseh meets The Equalizer - "Conspiracy Dub" (3:44)
Review: Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer pillage their vast vaults for a bunch of rare dubs here that date all the way back to 1998. The spaced out and heady originals 'Next Step' and 'Next Dub', are backed by two further gems in 'The Ark' and 'Conspiracy Dub'. These two have The Equalizer on production and date from a few years later in the early 90s. All four of these solid saes are perfectly designed to be played loud and proud of proper sound systems. This is their first time on vinyl.
Review: The peerless Partial is back with some brilliantly deep cuts from Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer. A-side cut 'Absentee' showcases a robust part-digital rhythm and some warming dub low ends that are finished in style with Danny Red's commanding vocals weaving in and out of the mix to a heady effect. The single was originally a track from their popular 1993 album, and here it is served up on 7" next to a rare B-side dub mix that fleshes things out, adds plenty of reverb, and generally makes for more horizontal and heady listening.
Review: The third volume of the Strike Out Series on Bat features Emanuel and the Bionites taking on an Ikadub riddim and delivering an outstanding performance. Following their previous successful releases with Pinnacle Sound, Emanuel again showcases his talent on the dynamic Ikadub riddim and turns out something perfect for playing loud on sound systems everywhere. With 'Rumours,' Marcus I, a prolific songwriter and skilled singer, finds hit potential by crafting a powerful chorus from some new dubs. All five of these cuts have anthem potential and demand to be heard outdoors in the sunshine.
Review: World renowned welder turned reggae icon Bob Marley is one of those musical gifts that keep on giving. His impeccable back catalogue is full of as many lesser known treasures as it is stone cold classic hits. Just in time for Christmas, JAD has put together a season delight from the vocal star with 'Selassie Is The Chapel' appearing on the A-side of this new 7". It is a superbly spiritual and lo-fi sound with distant and dusty drums providing the gentle rhythm as Marley delivers a most impassioned vocal next to a gorgeous female falsetto. 'Lick Samba' on the flip closes out a must-cop, unique single.
Review: London based multi-racial 8-piece Maroon Town formed 30 years ago. Their impact was immediate as they were the first collective to mix up ska, reggae, funk, hip hop, rap and Latin music. Their fresh sound came with conscious and uplifting lyrics and came with an extra seal of approval thanks to production by John Bradbury of the Specials. The band played all over the world, had tune synched to major Hollywood films and dined deals with Dr Martens. They still play the festival circuit and now comes a reissue of some of their pre-2000's material with these two high energy steppers primed and ready to make you move.
Review: It's time to do the Harlem Shuffle once more here and lock into the rhythms of Ray Martell. His 'She Caught The Train' is something of an early reggae classic that now makes its way onto 7" vinyl for the first time. It was originally released in 1970 on the Trojan sub-label Joe in the UK and then rose to fame once more as a cover version from UB40 in 1983. The original has been on a load of compilations but has never stood alone on wax. When it came first as a single it was backed with 'Tea House From Emperor Roscoe' by Dice The Boss but here the label adds a super rare Ray Martell song in the form of 'Cora'.
Review: Stix Records is the sub-label of superb French outlet Favorite Recordings, and it is reserved for heavy dub cuts. This one finds label regular Mato reworking a classic reggae roller first written by Kool & The Gang. His gorgeous version is perfect for hot summer nights with its languid Fender Rhodes leads and sun kissed beats. It's loved up and perfectly, frankly. On the flip is a reggae rework of Bill Withers', who is sadly no long with us, 'Use Me,' repackaged with a playful harmonica lead and more grinding chords over the gently tumbling beats.
Review: Original Gravity Records has another super serving up early reggae sounds lined-up here. This new 7" from Max Iss & The Minions (which is the latest alias for the ever prolific label boss Neil Anderson, complete with a session toaster in tow) offers two boss rhythms. The sound harks back to the reggae of the late sixties and is punctuated with U-Roy-style shout-outs. Opener 'Lord Cumiana' is a big and brassy groover designed to light up the dance and on the flipside is 'High Roller', with more rolling brass and a lush organ melody to get you hypnotised.
Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) (Lovers Reggae mix) (3:44)
Review: Singer and actress SSW Mayu is mostly known for her roles in musicals and TV dramas, and delivers a fresh take on classic songs from the past. Her latest release is a 7" single on Jet Set Japan and comes from a compilation album by Cafe Music. It does a fine job of showcasing her versatile talent and her soulful voice and refined interpretation really shine as Mayu brings new life to timeless tracks while blending a hint of nostalgia with her unique signature style. This release highlights her ability to cross genres and create a soothing yet captivating musical experience, making it a standout addition to the Cafe Music compilation.
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.
Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Adam Twelve" (4:14)
The Supersonics - "Mr Peckings Your Time" (3:08)
Review: Tommy McCook's funky brass-rock tribute to US cop dramas showcases his mastery of instrumental reggae and he blends jazz influences with deep and soulful grooves. Bets known for his work with The Skatalites, McCook delivers a high-energy, cinematic vibe here through powerful horn arrangements that channel the excitement of classic TV cop shows. Alongside this, the Peckings label's tweak on Ernest Ranglin's work has been enhanced by Bitty McLean sessions and brings a fresh touch to Ranglin's timeless guitar-driven reggae. This collaboration breathes new life into classic Jamaican sounds and merges rich tradition with a modern twist.
Review: Sunset's reissue series of Harry J releases continues with this gem from the late, great Freddie McKay's 1986 collaboration with The Jah Apostles, one of the last productions to feature the singer - who seamlessly navigated from the early ska days right up to the digital era - before his untimely death in November of the same year. McKay's soulful vocals ride effortlessly over the Apostles' mesmerising rhythms here, meaning that it is impossible not to be transported listeners to the golden shores of Jamaica at sundown. As is so often with the case with reggae, there's a dubbed out version on the flip - we wouldn't have it any other way.
Review: The Goodies label makes its bow here with a fully licensed 7" that features the Enos McLeod tune 'Ram Jam Party' backed with 'Rammed'. The former was the opening and title track from the Jamaican reggae singer's 1996 album. It is impassioned lovers' rock with his yearning and vulnerable vocals over clean reggae rhythms, with bright chords and lumpy drums and bass. The flip is a dub version with crispy hits and digital synths paired with the natty guitar riffs and organic piano chords. This is a good start and augurs well for the future of this label.
Review: Meditations Music has decided to launch with a couple of hot reggae drops in quick succession. This second one looks to the rootsy dub sounds of The Meditations. It could well be a reissue of a long-lost classic, such is the authentic nature of the sounds and rhythms but no, this is all-new heat featuring Ansel Cridland with Sly Dunbar and Jerry Johnson. Their snaking and hissing leads and meandering bass are the foundations for the freeform vocals. As you would expect, on the reverse side you will find a sick dub that goes heavy on echo and reverb.
Seargent Pepper - "Dub & Rub Ina Imitation Way" (7:44)
Review: Mellow Rose and Seargent Pepper's 'Imitation Love' proved a big-hitting reggae 45rpm when it first dropped and so now it has been reissued on this sweet, limited edition red vinyl 12". It first came on Studio 16 back in August of last year and is already worth a pretty penny on second hand markets. The A-side is a super sweet lover's rock sound with falsetto vocals up top, acoustic guitars and fleshy low ends sinking you into a romantic rhythm. On the flip, Seargent Pepper gets to work on 'Dub And Rub Ina Imitation Way' which is more sci-fi and futuristic in its sound designs, all with a hazy and stoner edge.
Review: This is a mad decent debut release from veteran musical assistant Meroe "G," also known as Record Shop Roy. This original composition, 'Can't Pay Won't Pay,' was penned by A.G. Marshall and the package also features the legendary Big Youth who delivers the powerful 'Sufferers Cry' vocal in a single striking take- he manages to capture raw emotion with seemingly effortless ease. Next to him, the track boasts an impressive lineup of talent including drums from Horseman, Steven Wright aka Marley on guitar, keys from Henry Holder, saxman Richard Doswell and David Fullwood on trumpet with Paul Kelly adding percussion next to Meroe "G" on vocals and bass. This is a deep, rootsy package crafted with care and spirit that demands to be pumped loud through your best amps.
Review: Messengers is a young label already doing great work and this second outing comes from Spanish artist Message and takes the form of a superb new instrumental roots rocker. What makes it really pop is the fine featured guest Gorka 'Junior G' Fernandez who bring some magic on lead trombone. Behind him we're treated to the full and unstoppable force of the A-Lone Ark players who master their instruments once more and make this one another schooling tune. It comes as a nice heady dub on the flip-side too, of course.
The Professionals - "Ghetto Living" (version) (3:13)
Review: The Joe Gibbs and Studio 16 labels combine to put out two gloriously soul-enriching sounds here on a tidy 7". The Mighty Diamonds are often said to be one of the best roots harmony groups to have ever emerged from the island of Jamaica. For proof of their brilliance look no further than this late 70s cut 'Ghetto Living' which has super sweet vocals over a nice heavy and earthy dub reggae rhythm. On the flip, the whole thing gets dubbed up and psyched out by the one and only Errol T. Lovely stuff for warm evenings and lazy afternoons.
Review: This Rudy Mills classic was originally released in 1969 on the rare UK Pama subsidiary label, Crab. The production was handled by Derrick Harriott and pairs some signature reggae rhythms with breezy guitars and warm organs. On the flipside, this reissue features a rendition of Otis Redding's 'Wholesale Love' that is short at just over two minutes, but seriously sweet, with lovestruck vocals over a wobbly dub low-end. Each Aggrobeat single includes a sleeve note insert along with photos which offer a nice glimpse into the music's history and the visual culture surrounding it.
Review: This is the official reissue of a rare Rudy Mills 7" originally released in the UK as Crab20 in 1969. The second of two Rudy Mills singles from that year, it was produced by Derrick Harriott and issued on the iconic Crab label but soon became hard to find and expensive. This reissue from Aggrobeat kicks off with 'Tears On My Pillow' with is a yearning vocal over mid tempo dub and nicely plucked guitar strings while a meandering melody transfixes your gaze. 'I Am Trapped' is similarly soul drenched and laid back reggae with a classic edge.
Review: 'John Jones' dropped in 1968 on the Big Shot label after being produced and co-written by Derrick Harriott. It soon became a cult hit on the UK skinhead scene, its relentless rhythm and sharp lyrics making it an obvious anthem that was further cemented by its inclusion in the Tighten Up series. Impersonators then step up on the B-side with the yearning vocal reggae of 'I've Tried Before.' It's a lo-fi sound with hissing hi-hats and bubbling rhythms full of earthy soul. Rarely found in clean 7" copies, this one, so don't sniff at it.
Review: This is a new and rootsy cut from the accomplished singer Echo Minott who has linked up with producer Vinney Satta for Sir Coxsone Outernational. 'Take My Hand' is a natty cut with yearning vocals that are full of poison and emotion as the earth beats and organic percussion flesh out the sound. It's a sunny sound with plenty of dubby weight, then on the flipside is a version that ups the headiness and layers in toons of signature echo and reverb.
Review: Nkrumah Jah Thomas's label The Midnight Rock was a cornerstone of exceptional productions in early Jamaican music. As a savvy producer, Thomas maximised his rhythms and created numerous records for a variety of artists. He emerged at the perfect time and recorded breakthrough tracks in top studios like Channel One, often with the Roots Radics. While many of his sessions were released, some remained unreleased, trapped on multi-track tape. One such session featured Sugar Minott, known for his hit 'Good Thing Going.' Thomas has crafted fresh mixes from these sessions with this single addressing gun violence and featuring a vibrant Radics rhythm and a new dub on the flip side.
Review: After the vital release of the Classical Roots Showcase, this reggae imprint is back with the reissue f a much mythologised roots cut from Monyka. It comes backed with the proper dubplate mixes for the first time. 'Rocking Time' is a heavy one with liquid chords and sultry horns topped with a smoky vocal, then the version makes things even more liquid and deep. 'Questions Of Life' is a real slow-motion dub bubbler with plenty of classic hallmarks - dry hi-hats, rippling bass and a great hook.
Review: 'You Think I'm A Fool' is an original rocksteady heater from back in 1968 by Hemsley Morris. Produced by Clancy Eccles, it has become one of the most sought-after nuggets of its kind in the year since and now for the first time since its original release it is served up next to the instrumental version, 'Heart Beat,' by Ernest Ranglin. The a-side has super lo-fi sounds and muted organ stabs next to noodling bass and ass-wiggling drums, all topped off with an aloof vocal from Morris, while the version is a little more light-footed and airy. A crucial pick-up for your collection.
Review: There are seemingly no limits to the music Emotional Rescue will put out. This time they look back to the post punk scene of Bristol in the early 80s. Mouth was a short-lived outfit that put out just a couple of releases, but each one blazed a trail though leftfield percussive sounds, wave, weird jazz and electronics. Andy Guy and Rob Merrill were the main members with the likes of Nellie Hooper also in the band's orbit. This record is packed with tribal drumming and floating horns, broken dubs and avant-jazz but all with a proudly DIY attitude. It's packed with heady moments and wild steppers that havent aged a bit and still sound future.
Review: After his silky-smooth vocal feature on Eva Lazarus' Light As Feather, it was inevitable that Mungo's Hi Fi would pursue a project with London-based pure sing-jay Kiko Bun. Ms. Burnett is an ode to a lady friend of distinction, atop a dreamy major key rhythm whose bass-heavy clarity could have come out of Jamaica's Channel One studio in its glory days.
Review: Sound Of Thunder outta France lands at release number ten here with another gorgeous slice of lovers rock on 45rpm. It features contemporary producers and vocalists Loic Paulin & The SOA offering up A-side single 'Jason White'. At less than three minutes it is the definition of short but sweet but in that time it manages to make its mark with the yearning vocals really hitting home next to nice heat-damaged organ chords and a classic reggae rhythm. On the flip, Mellowmood spins out the sounds via plenty of mixing desk tweaks on his version 'Poor Jason Dub'.
Review: Spanish label Base Lee Music has tapped up hometown hero Roberto Sanchez for this great new rockers roots single. 'Words Of My Mouth' really has it all - the smooth flowing bassline that undulates and rumbles with cavernous warmth, the acoustic guitar plucks up top to hint at the old school reggae sound and a vocal that is pure and soulful. The Message band come through with a dub version on the flip that layers in tons of echo and reverb and gets those snaking hi-hats hissing as they melt away to nothing.
Review: This crucial new Lion's Choice 12" packs a punch with two powerful tracks by Val Tribulation from Grenoble in southern France. 'Words of Wisdom' highlights Haroon Ayyaz's knack for uplifting vocals and they are deeply inspired by holy scriptures and delivered over a 90s-style instrumental enriched by Mandlion's meditative mandolin. The second track, 'What's Left For Me,' features Alpha B and explores the state of the modern world through thought-provoking lyrics layered atop a saxophone-driven riddim. Both tracks include dub versions, offering deep, reflective vibes.
Mighty Two - "Lost In A Dream" (Dreaming version) (3:00)
Review: Lopez Walker is best known for his roots classics 'Jah Jah New Garden' and 'Send Another Moses' which were recorded for Roy Francis' Phase One label in the late 70s. His talent caught the attention of Joe Gibbs, who then went on to produce this sorely overlooked bluesy dance tune. The track's forlorn vocals and a haunting flute melody capture the essence of heartbreak while on the flip side, Errol Thompson delivers a stellar dub mix. It is fleshy and warm and full of trickery and is a must-hear for fans of Joe Gibbs' iconic productions from that era. Though underappreciated, this should be a hidden gem no more.
Review: The talented vocalists Zion Irie and Ras Tweed grace us with their powerful voices once more here. They come over vibrant riddims crafted by Macca Dread and supported by an exceptional ensemble that includes Benyah who adds soulful brass, Crucial Rob who brings rhythmic depth on kete and cuica, while the Irie Mates deliver uplifting backing vocals and bluesman Danos enhances the sound with his harmonica. With conscious lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their collaboration blends artistry and energy and the final touch of excellence comes from mastering by Amir El Sawah, ensuring the music resonates with real clarity and low-end impact.
Review: Hugh Maddo's Pop Style is one of those super rare but cult late 80s reggae and dancehall albums that just hit a perfect sweet spot between styles. Thankfully, Death Is Not The End sub-label 333 has got the rights to this full reissue of the original which was recorded in Jamaica at Byron Lee's Dynamics and Herman Chin-Loy's Aquarius studios in 1987. A wealth of musical talents of the day all feature on it including Winston Wright, Bobby Ellis, and Mikey "Boo" Richards, but the standout is the sublime vocal contribution of Killamanjaro's Hugh Maddo.
Review: Mastermind Computer Style is a collection of ten unreleased digi riddims from Copenhagen's Maffi crew, reimagined in 3D by Disrupt for 2024. Named after a key Firehouse mixtape series, this album features raw, minimalist tracks created in Propellerhead Reason between 2006 and 2009. Many of these beats were staples of early Jahtari live shows but have never appeared on vinyl before. Highlights include the synth-driven 'Morkt Igen' and 'Another Lara,' a Disco Dub version of Evelyn King's 'I'm in Love,' along with unique tracks like 'Skudduel' and 'Jon Jovi,' a twist on Solo Banton's 'Talk To Me.' This album offers a nostalgic yet futuristic cyber dancehall experience.
Review: Bob Marley remains a towering figure in world music many years after his death. His work to popularise reggae around the world is never likely to be equalled, which is why we keep on coming back to his grand canon. This label in particular has done a fine job of shining a light on it. After the success of Trenchtown Rock, Small Ax, and All in One, here comes the final chapter of this quadriptych of albums dedicated to Marley's musical legacy. It's a jam-packed collection that mixes up incandescent grooves with universal messages and takes in plenty of his lesser-known jams on a nice acid-yellow vinyl.
Go Tell It On The Mountain (feat Peter Tosh) (3:14)
Can't You See (feat Peter Tosh) (2:42)
Do It Twice (2:42)
Back Out (2:05)
Soul Captives (2:02)
Natural Mystic (5:43)
Review: Bob Marley was known as a peace purveyor, reggae innovator and, our favourite fact, for being a welder before becoming a global music icon. He was already a big star by the time he dropped this album, Small Axe, which now gets reissued after the recent reissue of Trenchtown Rock. It is a record full of killer rhythms but also hey messages of hope and revolution that all show his mastery of the reggae form. It's a record that, like many of his albums, marked a landmark in the life and times of Bob Marley.
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