Review: Poor Man's Friend Records has assembled a tasty new 7" featuring reggae legend Cornell Campbell. With a career spanning over 60 years, Campbell is known for his distinctive falsetto and both heartfelt love songs and deep spiritual roots music. His latest track again delivers a powerful message against judgment and ego: "Just try sweeping up your backyard, before you find fault with people's yard," he sings, quite rightly. Produced in a classic mid-70s roots style and recorded by the Poor Man's Friend Rhythm Section in Bristol, this one comes with a fine dub version by Yakka and horn arrangements by the Cornerstone Horn Section.
Review: A mock-vintage version of a well-known but also tragic reggae classic, 'Satta Massagana' by the Abyssinians. Legend has it that the original tune was slated for release on Studio One, but, for reasons unknown, the dubplate ended up rejected by the label's founder, Coxsone Dodd. Indeed, sometimes it's a record's repression, not its release (get it?), that lends it its staying power. To add insult to injury, this new cover version by the Dig This Way All Stars and Yakka was first produced in acetate form and ended up cracked and unplayable only weeks after its receipt. A miracle cure, in the form of a vinyl restoration service in Rome, salvaged the record: just know that you're in an extra lucky position to be hearing this one at all. A cursed record? Perhaps, but the release of 'Sata' also implies proof of the original song's point; that some higher power really did give praise.
Review: Tokyo's Inokasira Rangers have been crafting lo-fi reggae since the 1990s, yet remained a rather hidden gem outside Japan. Their release 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' finally changed that when it dropped initially back in 2023 and sold out in quick time so now gets reissued. The A-side reimagines Frankie Valli's classic with a laid-back reggae twist while the B-side takes on Crystal Waters' '90s dance anthem with surprising charm. Infused with a subtle Shibuya-kei flair, both covers feel fresh yet timeless. The Waters rendition, in particular, sounds like a forgotten folk tune-so natural it's hard to believe it wasn't always this way. A breezy, nostalgic delight from a band overdue for global recognition.
Review: Japan's brilliantly curious but highly listenable Inokashira Ranger band has covered everything in imaginable in their storied 10-year-plus career. Now they turn to The Nolans for some buttery lovers' rock with a warm and familiar edge. 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing' biomes a rolling rhythm with bright Hammond chords and swaggering riffs. The vocal comes from Yuima Enya and is nice and sweet and soulful. 'Central Freeway' on the flip is a smiler-sounding tune with easy-going drum sways and effortless cool vocals.
Review: This double A-side is a classic release from 1967 on the Caltone label. The tracks showcase the richly and newly emerging rocksteady sounds of the era with the uncredited Lynn Taitt and The Jets providing the dynamic backing on Lloyd & The Groovers's 'Do It To Me Baby.' It's a buttery smooth vocal harmony with swaggering drums and bass combos and nice plucked guitars. On the flip the lo-fi and breezy 'Take My Hand' provides a deeper, more emotive groove with a whimsical edge.
Review: Mad Professor's 'In The Name of Love' is a compelling fusion of dub and reggae, showcasing his signature production style. The track opens with a deep, resonant bassline that anchors the composition, while subtle percussion elements add 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. This release underscores Mad Professor'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: Originally released in 1977, 'Deliver Me From My Enemies' is one of those roots reggae tunes that became something of a cornerstone of the gene from the visionary Vivian "Yabby You" Jackson. It is the title track of his third album and was recorded at Channel One Studio with mixing by the great King Tubby so was as real and authentic as it gets. It is a short and sweet sound that mixes up spiritual vocals with haunting production marked by Yabby You's signature mystical sound of minor-key melodies, deep bass and evocative horns. drumming. Backed by top session musicians, it reflects Jackson's deep Rastafarian beliefs and critiques of social injustice and marked a crucial release in the evolution of conscious reggae.
Review: Appearing here for the very first time on 7", this track from Vivian Jackson, aka Yabby You, was originally released as the title cut off the Jah Jah Way LP back in 1980. It was later pressed on a 12" by Yabby You some 20 years after its initial release and is one of those heavy, fat-bottomed dub cuts that demands to be played loud from a towering speaker stack while the sun is blazing. The bassline does most of the heavy lifting with dusty tambourines and passionate vocals adding the soul. The dub version on the flip gets some serious mixing desk treatment and tons of echo for even more mind-melting brilliance.
Review: The Vivian Jackson label has locked in this crucial reissue of a roots classic from Yabby U, a late Jamaican artist and producer who released it originally back in 1977. 'Chant Down Babylon' is a warm one with lazy and rolling drums and natty acoustic guitar riffs with Jah worshiping vocals and Babylon yearnings that unfurl up top with a real smoothness. On the flip, you will find the 'Chant Dub Mix' which removes the vocal chantings and allows the hats to hiss and the snares to take off like UFOs while the fleshy low end is couched in oodles of reverb.
Review: Yellowman is Winston Foster, a Jamaican born reggae vocalists with a long and storied relationship with the genre. He was raised in an orphanage and had to deal with being an albino but still became a superstar of the scene and is celebrated as one of the rudest dancehall toasters of the 1980s. He has had many detractors as fans of his unique, witty style and slower singing delivery and 'Workie Workie' is one of his man classic jams. It comes here in original form as well as an instrumental and B-side version.
Review: The Young Souls spent some of their early years working with legendary producer Joe Gibbs. In 1968, they produced some iconic tracks and here come two of the standout tunes from the era on a Pressure Beat 7". 'Man A Wail' is raw, lo-fi, and built on a classic riddim with some soul-drenched vocals up top. 'Why Did You Leave' in the flip is a more up-tempo and full of sync swagger as well as lush vocal harmonies. Tow lovely tunes for any situation.
Review: Pressure Sounds serve up a superb collection of Yabby dubs that have mostly been taken from past singles, but not in all cases. The vast collection comes with sleeve notes from Diggory Kenrick that give great context and take us back to the 1970s dub heyday in Jamaica. That is when Vivian 'Yabby You' Jackson was a fiercely independent singer and producer making waves off the back of his first early tunes. He famously carried all his records to the pressing plant on the back of his much loved motorbike. An accident caused him to give it up but the music survived and is this collection proves, it is crucial stuff.
Michael Prophet - "Love & Unity" (extended mix) (6:27)
The Prophets - "Babylon A Fall" (extended mix) (5:56)
Yabby You - "This Economical Crisis" (2:31)
Yabby You & Trinity - "Gwaan & Lef' Me" (extended mix) (5:00)
Prophets All-Stars - "Love In Zimba" (3:21)
Yabby You - "Get Lost Babylon" (extended mix) (7:58)
The Prophets - "Blessed Are The Poor" (3:34)
King Tubby - "Love Of A Woman Dub" (4:43)
Yabby You & King Tubby - "Jah Mercies" (3:36)
Yabby You - "Dreadlocks Man" (3:42)
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.
Review: This wonderful reissue of Yellowman & Fathead's classic 1982 album comes pressed on 180 gram yellow vinyl complete with an insert. It's a real reggae jam that features a unique collaboration between the legendary Jamaican reggae artists and blends Yellowman's iconic dancehall style with Fathead's distinct contributions. The tracks are infused with humour, romance and playful energy that captures the essence of early 80s reggae. A must-have if you love authentic Jamaican sounds, this Burning Sounds gem is sure to bring plenty of new ears to a timeless album full of charisma and chemistry between two of reggae's most influential figures.
Review: Youthie and Macca Dread redefine excellence with their latest album Gecko Tones on Youthie Records which builds on previous albums The Roots Explorers and Nomad Skank. This consistency isn't stagnation but a subtle evolution that remains high-caliber. Juliette Bourdeix aka Youthie is classically trained on trumpet and infuses each note with soul while also skilfully integrating flute and accordion. The album's diverse instrumentation, which draws from global influences takes you on a world trip with strong Eastern Europe sounds. Macca Dread's analogue productions deliver dynamic, crisp sounds that defy criticism and make this a wonderful reggae outing.
… Read more
in stock$26.54
Artikel 1 bis 45 von 45 auf Seite 1 von 1 anzeigen
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.