Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: Amami's 'Wrong Way' is a dub-infused track that exemplifies the genre's rich, immersive qualities. The song opens with a deep, resonant bassline that anchors the composition, while subtle percussion elements add a rhythmic complexity. The dub version on the B-side further enhances the track's atmospheric depth, offering a more stripped-back interpretation that allows the intricate soundscapes to emerge more prominently. The release underscores Amami's adeptness at blending traditional dub elements with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a track that is both rooted in the genre's history and forward-thinking in its execution.

Review: UK dub label Partial Records welcomes dub cats Vivian Jones and Vinney Satta for a new split 7". Jones's 'Return Ticket' kicks off in slow, libidinous fashion with sparse wooden rim shots and joyous horns bursting out of the laid back rhythm while the wailing vocals bring a traditional touch. On the flip, Satta steps up for a dub out version of the original which is more roomy, liquid and heady for those late night sessions when you can hook on to the endlessly echoing chords and bass. Two classy sounds with a contemporary twist.

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.

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.

Review: It's time to take a trip back to the legendary 1980 production era of Sly & Robbie's Taxi label. By 1980-81, Taxi's stripped-down, heavyweight drum and bass sound ruled the dubplate scene at Channel 1 and while tracks like 'Heart Made of Stone' and 'Black Uhuru's' saw official releases, others like 'Warrior' and 'Rocks and Mountains' remained elusive and only surfaced decades later. 'Don't You Cry' by The Viceroys is one such raw, haunting roots track from that time with a thunderous drum and bass version also cinder. Straight from the dub room at 29 Maxfield Avenue, this long-lost gem is another special delivery.

Review: Get your lugs around this, the first single from Leo Vidal & The Rayvelles, and you will soon be keen to know more. 'Haunted By Your Love' is a modern take on the West Coast oldies sound from Leo Vidal, a 70s soul singer from rural Virginia who brings his East Coast harmonies to croon about lost love. The Rayvelles is the duo of Fergal McBride and Tuck Nelson and are the creative force behind Echo Ray Studios in London, a space that channels the soul of Motown into contemporary music. Backing vocals are provided by Cassandra Dali and Marietta Smith while the flip has a remix by Call Sender who layers in some inviting dub weight.

Review: The Vinyl Only label is a hot one amongst heads and now it hits double figures with a cheeky new 7" packed with plenty of delicious dub. It is the work of the Vinyl Only Allstars and A-side cut 'Dub, Dub, Dub' is just that - a big bottomed sound with cavernous low ends, oodles of reverb and some well-treated vocals floating in amongst the liquid chords. 'Find A Reason' is another rich soundscape with natty guitar riffs, filtered vocals and a sunny disposition with some playful pianos.

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: This 2xCD set celebrates Dennis Bovell's exceptional talent during the golden years of reggae, from 1977 to 1981, a time when he was also playing a pivotal role linking punk and post-punk to reggae via collaborating with Orange Juice and producing key records such as The Slits' debut Cut. Featuring a mix of major hits and rare tracks, this collection highlights his brilliance as a producer, arranger and pioneer of roots, dub and lovers rock. Not only was he one of the first to blend disco with reggae but he was also important for fusing the disco standard 12" and using for Lovers Rock artists. His use of the format to create dynamic dub edits is a standout element, cementing his legacy in reggae production. Disc 1 includes Errol Dunkley's title track, Marie Pierre's soulful gems and Janet Kay's classic 'Silly Games', which brought lovers rock to mainstream audiences. Tracks like Errol Campbell's 'African Queen', Angelique's 'Cry' and Africa Stone's 'Choose Me' capture the era's emotional depth and Bovell's masterful touch. Disc 2 delves into 12" extended mixes, showing Bovell's innovative fusion of reggae and disco. A lifetime of great music within just two discs.

Review: Dennis Bovell's Sufferer Sounds compilation highlights a pivotal period in his prolific and diverse career, focusing on his work from 1976 to 1980. Best known for traversing reggae, dub, lovers rock, post-punk and disco, Bovell's production genius is evident throughout the album. Featuring deep cuts and lesser-known versions, the compilation includes works from his time with the Jah Sufferer Sound System, showcasing Bovell's ability to craft dynamic, emotionally resonant music. The CD version offers 15 tracks, including a rare dub mix of Janet Kay's iconic hit 'Silly Games', lovingly restored and remastered at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin. This version features Bovell's intricate arrangements with a pristine sound, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the depth of his production. Accompanied by track-by-track notes written by Bovell himself, Sufferer Sounds offers fascinating insights into the creation of these tracks, bringing listeners closer to the mind of a reggae pioneer. This carefully sequenced collection showcases Bovell's versatility across reggae, dub, and lovers rock, making it an essential listen.

Review: This double-disc collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Lee Perry's evolution as a producer during a pivotal year in reggae music. 1970 saw Perry at the top of his game, fresh off the success of Return Of Django, and these recordings capture his adventurous spirit and groundbreaking studio techniques. The compilation features a wealth of instrumental works, showcasing the proto-dub experiments of his backing band, The Hippy Boys. With 14 tracks new to CD and many others unavailable since the 1990s, this release is a treasure trove for dedicated Upsetter fans. From the infectious grooves of 'Yakety Yak' to the dubwise explorations of 'Bush Tea' and the soulful sounds of 'Let It Be', this collection is a must-have for any reggae enthusiast.

Review: Japanese music outlet Rock A Shacka reissues a compelling 2020 compilation, Play On Music: Lee Perry Black Ark Days, which captures the Upsetter for the best part of his key tenancy at the Black Ark Studio in Jamaica, which he built himself and which lasted from 1973 to 1979. Having died a legendarily bizarre death - during a manic episode amid an alleged fiscal entanglement involving being blackmailed for studio profits, Perry was alleged to have covered every available surface in black marker pen before burning the entire complex to the ground - the Black Ark Studio was martyred as not just a hitmaker but also a known out-turner of many an uncommon dub gem. Featuring such greats as 'Play On Mr. Music', 'Milte Hi Ankhen' and 'Bird In Hand', this comp also features brilliant rarities like 'Rejoice Jah Jah Children' by the Silvertones, as well as an unreleased take of Carlton Jackson's biggest tune 'History'.

Review: Ras Jammy from Suns of Dub has curated a special release for Trojan Records that celebrates the deep cultural and historical ties between dub music and cannabis, all rooted in Jamaican music and Rastafarianism. This album, which arrives just in time for the stoners' best day of the year, 420, features iconic tracks from pioneering dub dons King Tubby, Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Roots Radics. These are the legends that helped shape the genre and this compilation highlights how they did it and what influence they had on the development of dub music. So, when the day comes, light up a fat one and turn this one up loud.

Review: This is an extremely rare roots and dub album first put out in 1978 on Chalwa Records. It features some of the genre's most iconic figures including the likes of King Tubby, Skin Flesh & Bones, Augustus Pablo and Dennis Alcapone. This is said to be a one-off pressing from Hornin' Sounds (who to be fair are known for their reluctance to repress their releases) and is an album that takes you back to a fertile and thrilling time in reggae history. Recorded at King Tubby Studio it's packed with deeply hypnotic rhythms and influential production that has aged to perfection.

Review: Back in 2019, Soul Jazz marked Record Store Day by releasing a rather tidy seven-inch box set of classic Studio One reggae jams, the simply titled Showcase 45. Six years on, they've decided to reissue the collection on CD in expanded, 18-track form (the original edition featured 10 tracks stretched across five 45s). It provides a perfect introduction to the Studio One universe, showcasing cuts from such masters of reggae, rocksteady and ska as Freddie McGregor ('Beat Down Babylon'), Bob Marley and the Wailers (the original version of the later re-recorded 'One Love'), Jackie Mitoo (the rhythm & blues-tinged, Hammond organ-rich 'Mixing'), the Heptones (the horn-heavy shuffle of 'How Can I Leave You'), Horace Andy (the cheerful-sounding 'Miami Blue') and the Skatalites (bona-fide dancefloor gem 'Sudden Destruction').

Review: Irie Ites Records delivers a compelling snapshot of reggae's enduring vitality, blending veteran voices with modern interpretations. Junior Dread's 'Leaders' opens with a commanding rhythm and poignant lyricism, while Eek-A-Mouse's 'Musical Ambassador' injects a playful yet inventive energy. Linval Thompson brings depth with 'What Time Is It?', its rootsy bassline evoking reggae's golden era, contrasted by Anthony B's 'Rub-A-Dub,' which brims with contemporary flair. The tracks stand strong individually yet flow cohesively, bridging reggae's rich history with its forward momentum.

Review: This Ninjapan Music Vinyl Sampler album from Japanese label Ninjapan Music is a well-assembled dive into the roster of artists they have been working with. It is their first vinyl outing and is a diverse mix of names from across a wide dub spectrum, all of whom reflect the label's commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Each track comes with some innovative production techniques that merge Japanese dub influences with contemporary beats and rhythms. Perfect for a wide range of settings, it features the likes of Any Guppy, Dan Lj, Tikaros, Mifyah and more.

Review: The Irie Ites label, founded by the French production collective of the same name, has long been one of the international reggae scene's leading lights - an impression only strengthened by the Le Mans-based stable's latest annual compilation. Comprising a mixture of 2024 label highlights and previously unheard cuts, the set offers a range of quality conscious and roots cuts (as well as a few curveballs such as the reggae/hip-hop fusion of Anthony B hook-up 'Rub-A-Dub (Stop That Sound Riddim)') featuring such global stars as Eek-a-Mouse, Sly & Robbie, Linval Thompson, Solo Banton, Screwdriver and Frankie Paul. To top it all off, crew member Jericho d'Irie Ites serves up a quintet of quality dub versions to get soundsystems rattling and dancefloors shaking.

Review: Yabby You, aka Vivian Jackson, remains one of reggae's most iconic figures, known for crafting some of the genre's most enduring and sought-after roots recordings. This collection showcases his deep influence, bringing together ten of his best productions, with his Prophets vocal group and Michael Prophet leading the charge. The tracks here are enriched with extended mixes and dubs, courtesy of the legendary King Tubby. From the raw energy of the vocal performances to the dubwise arrangements, this release captures the spirit of reggae in its purest, most powerful form. A must-have for any serious reggae collector.