Review: For those in the know, this new collab between veteran Portuguese DJ and producer Dedy Dread and fast-rising Hawaiian singing star Olivia Ruff has been a long time coming. But it was worth the wait. The opener 'Cover Me' features Ruff's, well, slightly rough - or at least gravelly - vocals over a rhythm and bass instrumental. It's accented with wispy chords, neat little guitar riffs and crunchy claps. Flip it over and you'll find a remix by label founder The Rebel and Roman pianist and producer Shiny D. Their version is a modern update with brilliant reggaeton rhythms.
Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies - "The Arabian Sound Of Reggae" (3:18)
Owen Gray - "It's Time For Love" (3:21)
Review: This red hot double sided 7" 'It's Time For Love' / 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' is a classic joint from 1975. Japan's Dub Store has licensed a reissue here that makes it affordable again to all. Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies join forces first up on 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' make for a nice roots roller with hypnotic melodies layered up over the earthy drums. On the flip is Owen Grey's 'It's Time For Love' which is another gem. Both tunes were produced by Bunny Lee and bring that timeless roots sound.
Review: The Ethiopians were a big part of the 70s roots and reggae scene. Their catalogue has been pillaged here by the always-on-point Belgian label Roots Vibration, and they have come up with their 'Obeah Book' tune for reissue on this 45rpm. It was produced by Niney The Observer and is a deep steady and rolling rhythm that has some nice and playful piano up top, but the icing on the cake is the heartfelt vocals. On the back, Observer goes it alone with 'Back Weh', a nice head-twisting dub.
Review: This always standout lovers' rock and disco track by Sonia was originally released in 1980 on North London's Cha Cha label. The immediately much-loved tune became a firm favourite in clubs and on big sound systems and features a smooth, soulful vibe that's perfect for fans old and new of lovers' rock. On the B-side is 'Nigril Swamp Rock,' a harmonica-led instrumental by The Overnight Players that adds a unique touch to the release. The pressing is crisp and clean, so it is a real gem that is well worth copping on a tidy 7".
Freddy McGregor & One Vibe Band - "No Competition" (3:32)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Don't Try It" (3:14)
Review: Freddie McGregor's 'No Competition', originally released in 1981, is a rare gem from the roots and lovers rock scene that has been gaining renewed attention in the underground. Now here reissued, this track showcases McGregor's smooth and timeless reggae style, reminiscent of Bob Marley's classic sound. Backed by the One Vibe Band, McGregor delivers a classy, uplifting reggae tune that radiates warmth and authenticity, marking it as a standout in his extensive catalogue. On the flip side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals provide 'Don't Try It', an instrumental counterpart that offers a stripped-down version of the original. Their rendition is a deep, mostly instrumental dub version that emphasises rhythm and bass, allowing the groove to take center stage.
Review: This new 7" from the Far East is part of the Neville King Lovers Rock Revisited series. It's as smooth and heartfelt as roots reggae gets with One Blood and Simplicity really tapping into a loved-up vibe. 'Lady Lady' has meandering basslines and lazy horns unfurling next to the buttery sweet and tender vocals which muse on a dream girl. On the B-side is 'Loving Kind', a more traditional dub with tropical island vibes, subtle steel drums and this time a female vocal delivering a carefree lament.
Review: Johnny Osbourne liked singing about love. The Jamaican born reggae maestro has said love is universal, a hurting thing, confidential, international and even supernatural. And frankly we're ahoy to hear him doing so - his honeyed tones a perfect mix for rolling and dubbed out rhythm that is lovably languid and overlaid with acoustic riffs and loose percussion. On the flip here we get a heady, dubbed out and psyched-up mix from the one and only Roots Radics. Both of these tunes are brilliant on a loud system and never fail make their mark.
Review: A rather calming lovers rock track reissued on 12". When reggae drummer Lindel Lewis teamed up with singers Vincent Taylor and Claudia, few could anticipate the sonic romance that would blossom. 'You, Me & He' seems to capture two such triangulations, one lying at the heart of the real collaboration between artists, and the other evoked in the imaginary love tryst explored in the song. Wafty reverb vocals from the sweetly voiced Claudia give an admissive, coy impression of the persona she channels, which is lent a soothing antiphony from Taylor. Lewis, meanwhile, evidences his solo drumming and dubbing chops on the smooth 'Me & He' versions under the name One Man Band, twinning coldness and haziness.
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