Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.
Joseph Cotton & Earl Heptones - "Misty Morning" (4:00)
Room In The Sky All Stars - "Smoking Horn" (feat Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton) (4:21)
Review: The latest from the Joe Gibbs label features a powerful roots rockers reinterpretation of The Sensations' classic rocksteady tune 'Everyday Is Like a Holiday.' The new version from Ruddy Thomas brings a different kind of energy while honouring the soulful essence of the original. It's packed with plenty of mad mixing desk effects and endless echo while warm vocals and deep basslines lock in a steady, hypnotic rhythm. On the B-side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals deliver 'Holiday Style' which has happy horns and melodies that sparkle in the hot summer sun. Real roots authenticity and dub mastery make this another vital 7".
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "No Justice Dub" (4:18)
Kojo Neatness - "Bun Dem Down" (4:02)
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "Dub Dem Down" (4:19)
Review: Jah Mason and Kojo Neatness bring an authentic island flavour to this solid 4/4 roots rhythm that was crafted by the Roots Defender Riddim Section. The track features soulful horn arrangements as well as mesmerising guitars and keys by Black Steele and Maestro Inyaki. Originally recorded as a full band piece in Brixton over a decade ago, it underwent multiple stages to perfect its organic vibe for sound system heads. The multitrack was then taken to Ital Soup studio in South London where Petah Sunday served up a brilliant analogue mix while also adding some mind-blowing dubs all of which have already made their mark.
Review: This is one of a pair of new slabs of wax from Amsterdam's Sound System and label of the same name, King Shiloh. It features an array of modern dub and reggae talents and first up, Lavvosti & Black Omolo offer the modern sheen of 'Red Gold Green'. Kare's 'Better Days' rides the same rhythm but with more stylised and soulful vocal turns that empower with every bar. Jah Works dubs things out with a ton of effects and Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel layer in storytelling bars. Brasspect brings a fresh horn-led sound that is romantic and hypnotic and Roots Mechanic pairs things right back to an 80s sounding Jamaica dub vibe.
Review: Henry 'Junjo' Lawes produced a double-headed twin spin on the iconic Eventide Fire riddim for this one. It is arguably that which helped Barrington's 'Crucifixion' soar to the top of the UK reggae charts in 1980 when it was released. It is one of his most iconic vocal performances, which is saying something given how much music the man has worked on. On the flip side of this new 7", Ranking Joe delivers 'River Jordan' with full force, riding the rhythm with impeccable skill. These jams were recorded with the one and only Roots Radics at Channel One and King Tubby's, so very much capture the essence of reggae at its peak with some of its key players all involved.
Review: Some super good roots here to bring some sunshine back into your life despite the freezing temps outdoors. The brilliantly talented female singer on this is Nagai and she hails from Reunion Island. Her vocal on the title tune 'Back to My Roots' is full of yearning and pained soul while the rhythm below is a clean and nimble one with nattty chords all mixed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Music Studio. A melon-mangling dub plus two further versions close out this fine 12".
Prince Jamo - "Is There Anybody Out There?" (4:03)
Rootz Lions - "Is There Anybody Dubbing Out There?" (3:59)
Review: Featuring the much-loved Prince Jamo's distinctive vocals and introspective lyrics over Rootz Lions' rich, dub-heavy instrumentals, 'Is There Anybody Out There?' calls you to reflect on humanity's shared struggles and the search for truth. It does so in great style with powerful basslines, echoing brass and rhythmic grooves that capture the essence of classic roots reggae while bringing a fresh, conscious vibe that resonates today. Ideal for fans of meditative, message-driven reggae music, this one by Prince Jamo and Rootz Lions is a deep, roots-reggae collaboration that explores themes of connection, searching, and spirituality.
Review: Dutch label Ghetto Cornerstone presents a new and limited 12" here that offers some high-class roots. The release features Jamaican singer Prince Alla in top form as well as dubs produced by Ray Ranking, along with an additional vocal track by Ras Ruben. They are all fine blends of classic roots reggae with fresh, dynamic elements, starting with 'Warn Them' with its flabby and wobbly low-end and happy vocal energy. Ras Ruben's 'Jah Guiding Star' on the flip is a more pained and yearning sound with a slower, more pillowy and cavernous low end.
Review: OTO Records and Red-i Soundsystem combine here to unveil 'Mystic Prophecy,' a fresh collaboration between Rastaveli MC and Red-i which comes on 12" vinyl. This new release features two original tracks and two dub mixes designed for nice and loud sound system sessions. On the A-side, deep, mystical vibes and conscious lyrics come from Rastaveli MC and are paired with a raw, meditative dub mix by Red-i. The B-side offers melodic, spiritual strings and forward-thinking verses from Rastaveli MC, complemented by a powerful, militant dub steppas remix with a roaring bassline by Red-i. This is an alluring fusion of sounds for summer fun.
Review: This is a new cut of new cut of the classic O'Jays track that was recorded with Winston Reedy and the Cimarons in the 1970s. 'Ship Ahoy' is as laid back and immersive as roots gets with its swaggering low ends and sparse, ruminant chords. The vocals are in no hurry either and add a lingering sense of soul that really cuts deep. On the flipside, the label's in-house production crew Room In The Sky Allstars offer up their melon-twisting and paired back 'Woy Hoy Dub.' Two classy gems.
Review: The renowned Jamaican reggae singer Winston Reedy is someone who has had several solo number-one hits that have made him widely known in the reggae world. He was also the lead singer for top reggae band The Cimarons with whom he saw much more success. He leads this new 45rpm with the super laid back and vibey 'Pirate' and it is paired with a 'Steady Rock' dub by The Inn House Crew, then backed with Jamaican-born, London-based artist, songwriter and producer Barry Issacs and a Germany-based Jamaican in Juliaiasiah whose 'Secret' is a sun-kissed delight.
The Inn House Crew - "Headlock Riddim" (feat Vin Gordon & Bongo Herman) (3:07)
Fawda Don - "Warrior" (3:24)
Barry Issacs - "So Mi Get It" (3:16)
Review: Winston Ready has played a big part in the evolution of reggae booth as a solo artist and as the mic man for The Cimarons. He has had plenty of hits in his time and is now a regular on this label, Room In The Sky, with a couple of tunes dropping this month alone. 'Cool It Amigo' is first up and is an earthy one with shakers and fat horns over deep bass. The Inn House Crew then appear as usual with a head-twisting dub and on the flip are two more cuts that rework the original, firstly Fawda Don's 'Warrior' then Barry Issacs's 'So Mi Get It.'
What The World Needs Now Is Love (Silent Dream version) (4:32)
Review: Reggae Disco Rockers are Japan's leading reggae and lover's rock band. They have been active since they dropped their first ever single way back in 1996 and since then they have put a steady stream of sounds including six full albums and many more singles. This one is a cover of an absolute soul classic. 'What The World Needs Now Is Love' here becomes a slow, weighty dub with splashy cymbals, nice incidental melodies and a re-sung vocal that conveys the same emotions. Flip it over for a more steamy, sax-laced Silent Dream version.
Stop That Train (Outta Babylon) (feat Ranking Joe & Donovan Kingjay) (4:01)
Dub That Train (4:01)
Mr Bossman (feat Ranking Joe & Donovan Kingjay) (3:34)
Mr Bossman (version) (3:33)
Review: Much loved roots and lovers rock outfit Reggae Roast drop their hot new 12" on their own label with featured guests including Ranking Joe & Donovan Kingjay. The UK's leading Soundsystem collective kick off with 'Stop That Train' with some fresh and contemporary did-dub styles and sleek synth work all topped off by the carefree and soulful vocals. 'Dub That Train' slows it down, dials it back and ups the effects for a more heady sound and then 'Mr Bossman' is a bright, dancehall-tinged track with nimble drums and heartfelt, buttery vocals. The version is another sure-to-be-classic sound system dub.
Tarrus Riley - "Love Is Stronger Than Pride" (4:10)
Dean Fraser - "Love Is Stronger Than Pride" (version) (4:13)
Review: If you're in the mood for some gently summery reggae-soul to warm you on cold winter nights, we'd heartily recommend this tidy new single from Tarrus Riley, son of legendary Jamaican vocalist Jimmy Riley. 'Love is Stronger Than Pride' is breezy, musically positive and gentle, with Riley delivering a slick and emotive lead vocal over a backing track rich in toe-tapping reggae grooves, subtle organ motifs, twinkling synth sounds and, most surprisingly, some rather lovely Spanish guitar motifs. It comes accompanied by a flipside 'Version' mix that's not all that dubbed-out, but nevertheless does a great job in showcasing the track's sunny and heart-warming instrumentation.
Tony Roots - "Lickle Wikkid" (feat Jahbar I) (4:10)
Fire House Crew - "Lickle Wikkid" (dub) (4:13)
Clive Hylton - "Jah Is Watching" (4:08)
Fire House Crew - "Watching Dub" (4:16)
Review: Ras Guerrilla opts for a 10" slab of wax for this new one which features two vocal and two dub cuts. Tony Roots is the man main but also featuring on it are Jahbar I, Clive Hylton from Colour Red association, plus the always eager to impress Fire House Crew with none other than Flabba Holt on bass. Four vital cuts of seriously sick roots and lovers rock fusions with head twisting versions so that all moments in the party are catered for.
Review: Ruffy & Tuffy were teenage twins when they dropped this one back in 1982. It might be one of the first recorded uses of a vocoder in reggae too as they served up their seriously heavyweight low ends and drenched them in synths in a rub-a-dub style. 'If The 3rd World War Is A Must' is one of only a few tunes this pair dropped and although they weren't prolific, they were influential. They were also in a film, Ted Bafaloukos' iconic 1978 Rockers, in which the twins are sparring in red Pony tracksuits. They were proud Rastafarians who remained symbols of defiance.
Review: 10000 Lions Sound System brings some serious heat to their final release of 2024. It's a various artists affair with four artists offering up one heavyweight tune each. Spectacular's 'Big Bold & Brave' opens up with raw, guttural vocals over mid-tempo digi-dub rhythms. Bulby Yorke's 'Big, Bold Dub' stirs it back to a more low-end heavy roller but the bright melodies remain. Reemah's 'Run Dem Down; adds some nice female vocal soul next to big horns and raw percussion before a final dub again pairs things back to the rich basslines.
Review: Any real reggae fans will be familiar with the work of Delroy Williams. He was very active throughout the 1970s, 1980s and on into the 90s and this month has a few reissues dropping. This one comes on Only Roots and features his loving and loving 'Hear Say' on the a-side. It's got a languid and loose low end and is pure sunshine music. On the flip is Revolutionaries with 'Hear Say' (dub) which dials back the vocal and adds plenty of studio effects.
Review: The talented vocalists Zion Irie and Ras Tweed grace us with their powerful voices once more here. They come over vibrant riddims crafted by Macca Dread and supported by an exceptional ensemble that includes Benyah who adds soulful brass, Crucial Rob who brings rhythmic depth on kete and cuica, while the Irie Mates deliver uplifting backing vocals and bluesman Danos enhances the sound with his harmonica. With conscious lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their collaboration blends artistry and energy and the final touch of excellence comes from mastering by Amir El Sawah, ensuring the music resonates with real clarity and low-end impact.
Review: For over 50 years, Mike Brooks has been a key figure in reggae music, both as an artist and producer. He co-founded the Teams label in the late 1960s with Patrick 'Jah Lloyd' Francis and gained fame producing at Channel One Studio with The Revolutionaries, notably on The Mighty Diamonds' 'Shame and Pride.' Brooks later worked at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Studio, contributing to Pat Kelly's "Night And Day," and collaborated with notable artists like Blacka Morwell and Earl 'Chinna' Smith. After a stint with The Tots, Brooks launched a successful solo career and his 1978 debut album, What A Gathering, came ahead of a hiatus which was followed by One Love in 1983, recorded at King Tubby's and supported by The Roots Radics. The reissue on vinyl by Burning Sounds includes tracks like 'Grooving,' a Bob Marley cover, and addresses themes of relationships, love, and personal reflections.
Review: Tarrus Riley is among the crop of Jamaican singer/songwriters that are expanding the boundaries of reggae music today. Son of famed Caribbean vocalist Jimmy Riley releases his first album on VP Records. Songwriting and production collaborations with famed saxophonist Dean Fraser. All star band includes; Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Robbie Lyn, Paul 'Scooby' Smith, Glen Browne and others.
Review: Sax player Prince Lincoln Thompson and his Royal Rasses - Keith Perkins (aka Cap) and Clinton Hall (aka Johnny Kool) - joined forces for this one in 1979. It's a definitive roots and reggae album with perfectly horizontal sound and deep cut grooves into which you can sink over and over again. The lyrics touch on standard reggae fair - love, jah, pain - and are effortlessly smooth and seductive over the organic, jumbled rhythms, The reissue has extensive sleeve notes and comes on yellow vinyl with engineering and mixing at Harry J. Studio.
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