Roots/Lovers Rock charts

Review: VP have got some special and long-lost roots reggae classics here on 45rpm for the first timer in forever. The A-side here first dropped in 1979 and was recorded at Channel One, mixed at King Tubby's and produced by Prince Jammy not one before he went digital - something of a holy trinity of top-class reggae quality. The original is full of proper good and authentic dub flavour with fat bass and smoky atmospheres. Prince Jammy's own superb dub cut features on the flipside which is full of his usual mixing desk magic.

Review: Alborosie is a non native Jamaican reggae artist who earned the respect of his peers and love of his fans because he is so committed to authentic reggae and to honoring and preserving its heritage. He has worked with great bands such as The Wailers United, King Jammy, Wailing Souls and more and is a real student of the sound. This album For The culture was written by the artist during the earliest and darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic and so is permeated with the many unsettling thoughts and emotions felt around the world during that time. It is subtle powerful yet filled with a sense of great hope.

Review: First released in the UK by Tottenham-based Atra Records in 1974, The Black Breast Has Produced Her Best Flesh of My Skin Blood By Blood has long been considered one of the edgiest roots albums of the period and a must-have for serious reggae collectors. The album resulted in its creator, the sadly departed Keith Hudson, being dubbed "the dark prince of reggae". Listening back to this welcome reissue, it's easy to see why. For starters, the lyrical content is highly politically charged and righteous, while Hudson's weighty musical arrangements are far more trippy, hazy and dimly lit than those found on most roots reggae records of the period. This edition also includes three additional tracks not found on the original release, plus exhaustive sleeve notes from Hudson biographer Vincent Ellis.

Review: Much loved roots and dub outfit The Congos are often first come to via this seminal album, Heart of the Congos. It's one all collectors have on their racks and that's why it keeps on getting reissued. It's a brilliantly organic and authentic sound with the opening tune 'Fisherman' amongst the best - the falsetto vocals, the lush harmonies, the rolling rhythms - they are irresistible on a warm day. The rest of the record remains just as high on quality, with, of course, the brilliant drums and congas at the heart of each track, but the lyrical work not far behind.