Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: London's Original Gravity is a bastion of top notch dub and reggae and has been for a while. For their next outing they round up some of their best bits on a new compilation series they are rightly calling Boss Sounds. Volume 1 is a doozy that opens with label regulars Junior Dell & The D Lites and Woodfield Road Allstars. 'Skinhead Vibration' kicks things off with singing organ chords over slow, ska-tinged drums with plenty of sweet fills and a lively vocal up top. The Allstars then drop the more wobbly and funky number, 'The Mighty Big Ben Silekta' and two further jams on the flip that keep the riddims rolling.

Review: This limited reissue revives an ultra-rare 1968 reggae anthem, originally released on the Blue Cat label. Featuring Dennis Walks' 'Belly Lick' and Drumbago & The Blenders' 'The Game Song', both tracks epitomise late 1960s Jamaican music as a genre with bite, as these contemporaries foregrounded womp-basses and impactful offbeat guitars, as always emphasise the 2s and 4s, and infusing the world-famous reggae genre with the lesser-spotted, banjo-led Jamaican music category of mento. Written by Walks and produced by Joe Gibbs, these gems were once highly collectible, fetching blasphemously high prices, but this reissue brings the them back for collectors to enjoy for their own sake.

Review: On Side-1 of this 45, a rootsy rendition breathes new life into the original track, transforming it into a laid-back, soulful cover of an alternative classic. The Wally Brothers' 7" reissue of 'The Man Who Sold The World' offers a fresh reggae twist on the iconic David Bowie classic, later popularised by Nirvana. The reggae rhythms, smooth basslines and heartfelt vocals make this version uniquely their own, while still honouring the song's original power. Side-2 delivers a dub version of the track, providing a dynamic instrumental take that emphasises the groove and atmosphere. The dub's subtle effects and stripped-back sound, meanwhile, will excited DJ's looking for a cool groove to play.

Review: Dub wholesalers Arawak reissue a popular 1979 lovers' rock version of The Dramatics' '72 soul classic. The original 'In The Rain' is notable for being one of the first pieces of popular music ever released to incorporate the sounds of rain and thunder; this is sadly not literally repeated on the dub version here, but the sense of expanse and reverb control by Brixton dub deejay Webby Jay is an expert portrayal of the wet aftersod. It's stopped raining, and each kick-rim unison sounds like a puddling, pooling splash in dawn light, giving off plumes of vapour. A real textural, high-quality dub riddim; we can feel droplets on our ears.

Review: The original Gravity label has assembled its Woodfield Allstars once more for a jam-packed 7" that offers up some summer ready and ska tinged reggae rollers. 'Hipshaker' is denied by its gleeful organ work which shines brighter over the earthy drums. 'Ruff & Tuff' has well defined guitar plucks and bendy baselines that pull you in different directions and 'Striker's Shuffle' picks up the pace with a little more immediacy while 'Rudeboy Riot' shuts down with a fat-bottomed groove and lovably lazy vibe.

Review: This reissue delivers a rich experience for fans of dub and reggae, spotlighting the artists innovative artistry. A master of blending traditional reggae with modern production, his sound is steeped in deep basslines, engaging melodies and a distinct UK steppers influence. The album's mostly instrumental tracks channel the essence of 90s dub while embracing a synthetic edge that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The vinyl pressing enhances the experience, offering warm, immersive sound quality. Each track flows seamlessly, creating a meditative journey through layers of bass-driven rhythm and atmospheric textures. J.Robinson's connection to vinyl culture shines through, honoring its heritage while inviting new listeners to explore its magic. This album stands as a testament to his skill and passion, delivering music that resonates deeply with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Whether for its sonic depth or its contribution to modern dub, this release is a treasure for any reggae or vinyl collector.

Review: In the 1960s, The Wailers, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, recorded their first songs under Coxsone Dodd. By 1966, members had begun to leave and both Constantine Walker and Rita Marley came in as replacements. During the ska era, they were less consistent than peers like The Paragons and Maytals but by 1967 and now working with producer Clancy Eccles, they began developing their distinct sound with tracks like 'Bend Down Low' and 'Hypocrites'. They later collaborated with hitmaker Leslie Kong which led to their 1971 album The Best of The Wailers. Featuring solid rhythms and heartfelt harmonies, it's now regarded as a classic and comes newly issued on CD.

Review: Fresh from appearing in Bob Marley biopic One Love (as one of the early, lesser-known members of the Wailers), 30-year-old Jamaican J Written (real name Jason Wright) drop his debut album - a set produced by legendary American reggae mixer Doctor Dread and featuring a stellar line-up of backing musicians (drummer Sly Dunbar included). Sitting somewhere between classic lover's rock and digital roots-reggae, the album's focal point is undoubtedly the artist's rich, soulful voice. While he does 'toast' in patois at times (see 'West Indies'), for the most part Wright showcases his full vocal range. The results are undeniably impressive, with the tender 'We Alright', ska-influenced 'King Kong', vibrant opener 'Work To Do' and exotic 'Keep People Poor' (where sitars and electric guitar solos catch the ear) standing out.