Reggae

Review: Legendary reggae partnership Junior Dell and The D Lites are bcc with more of their charming sounds on the one and only Original Gravity label. This latest crucial 7" starts with 'Step On' which is all warm and fuzzy with plenty of vinyl cracking built into the mix. The swaggering drums are topped with horns, fills and some stylish vocals that you will well recognise from a classic of the same name by The Happy Mondays. There is much more florid attitude to the fat horns that very much take centre stage on flip-side sound 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor', though the Hammond organs are also superb.

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 one seems to get reissued every year, and for good reason: it's a mighty fine 7" from London reggae legends Junior Dell & The D-Lites, who are staples of the Original Gravity label and known for their expertise in vintage sounds. Many of their finest tracks have been reissued over the years and 'Twenty Flight Ska' is as worthy as any. It delivers a raw sound with punchy ska horns, smooth rhythms, and deep rolling bass. On the flip side, 'Orange Street Breakdown' takes a more laid-back approach while radiating warmth with its relaxed groove and sun-drenched melodies. Both tracks capture the beautiful essence of classic ska and reggae.

Review: Contemporary reggae artist Junior Dell and his backing band the D-Lites do it just as their forbears did back in the 70s and 80s. Stalwarts of parent label Original Gravity and favourites of theirs, it comes as no surprise: Dell recharges the reggae genre with seemingly limitless battery power, asserting without compromise the Jamaican genre's unstoppability. Appeals to infinitude aside, it still would've certainly needed a heck of a lot of electrical power to fuel all those soundsystems. Even so, 'Can't Stop The Reggae' is a serene track, deploying a lovers' tinge whilst Dell peppers the sound with his suspended vocal lilts. Woodfield Rd Allstars go a little more experimental with things, electronically sequencing their vintage drums and bubbles to a highly miscible eight-note blessup.

Review: A 45 that perfectly captures the laidback, island vibe of reggae music. Side-1 features Junior Dell & The D Lites' 'Cool Right Down', a catchy tune with an infectious island flavour. The unique vocal performance exudes a relaxed charm, paying homage to the chill personality of Jamaican life, while the smooth rhythm and warm melodies create an inviting atmosphere. Side-2 delivers the instrumental version, 'Cool (Version)', by Woodfood Rd Allstars. The track comes alive with dynamic instrumentation, allowing the rhythm section and melodic elements to shine. The absence of vocals puts a greater focus on the groove and the track's energy is elevated through its rich, vibrant instrumentation. Together, these two tracks offer a well-rounded experience of classic reggae, blending relaxed vibes with dynamic instrumental interplay.