Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: Home Hitters churn out edition 15 of their eponymous series, recollecting two noughties mainstays to a fresh white label A-and-B-sider. On the A we've 'Temperature', an experimental Sean Paul dancehall cut from the 2005 album The Trinity, although this is a faster take on dancehall than most would've heard it; the song's melody is infectious enough too, being one of those songs everyone knows as having wafted from car stereos or down-the-block house parties, and on which Paul waxes poetic about keeping the object of his affections warm. Enur's 'Calabria 2007' offered similar vibes, with its whimsical horn lead and carefree lyrical invitations.

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: Adrian Sherwood lends a generous remixing hand to the label Dubmission and their flagship productions duo come solo artist Pitch Black (Mike Hodgson), producing an effects-laden leap through four dub drastics all based on original music first recorded by Mike. This is an exemplary case of "don't meet your heroes" being disproven, as 'Echoes Of The Night' and its filial sonic friends all worked as source material for an anything but disappointing remix bundle by Sherwood. The opening 'Transient Transmission' version is lilting enough, but the gears really get meshing on 'Third Light', which brings a turntablist's whistle, a wet yet naked guitar, and a dubstep flavour to things; finally, B-siders 'A Doubtful Sound' and '1000 Mile Drift' deconstruct things to complemetary effect, effecting dually electric Lee Perry vocals and halved trumpet importunes, the latter of which is heard set against a conspiratorial vocal sample.

Review: Legendary reggae artist and snooker of the smoke Lee Perry left us a few years ago but his legacy will always live on through the vast amounts of music he was involved with. Originally released in 1984 on Island/Mango, this album History Mystery Prophesy gets a welcome reissue and features an array of his most weed-worshipping songs. Recorded across multiple studios in Jamaica and at Compass Point in Nassau, it delves into the funky electro-pop sounds of the era and highlights include tracks like 'Heads Of Government' and 'Mr Music.'

Review: Phatness is new and so-far anonymous side project from two producers based in the Swedish capital and who have connections to soundsystem culture through Trensum Tribe, Soft Pace and Otonos. This is their debut outing and it's a fresh blend of original jungle infused with inspiration from a wide world of sounds. There are tropical but physical sounds like 'Diplomatico Dub' packed with smart effects, minimal head spiders like the sci-fi styled '$nkt Erik Jamboree' and experimental vignettes such as 'Olearie$ Dub' with well-worked vocals and snaking basslines. It's colourful, unusual, and perfect for late-night sessions.