Tags: Dub

Review: "A.I.E" is arguably one of the most famous tracks by French Guinean band "La Compagnie Creole". While the 1987 original version was a typically joyous chunk of tropical, synth-heavy zouk, it's the lesser-known Larry Levan remixes - commissioned and released by Island Records America in 1988 - that are being reissued here. Levan's bustling "LL Club Mix" can be found on the A-side. It's a cheery affair, with the band's jangling guitars, strong vocals and bubbly synths being joined by elongated organ chords and snappy, club-ready machine drums. Arguably even better is Levan's chant-a-long flipside dub, which naturally gives more prominence to delay-laden drums, a killer zouk bassline and the sustained organ chords.

Review: The mighty Soundway Records label head Miles Cleret and DJ/collector Jeremy Spellacey turn their expert digging and curatorial skills to the Soca Dub & Electronic Calypso sounds of 1979 to 1998 on this bumper new triple pack. The 17 tracks touch on obscurities, instrumentals and dubs, vocal edits and all manner of roots, boogie, reggae, house, soul and disco gems. It makes for a never less than heart swelling collection that bring immediate sunshine to even the most rainy, cold days in the north of England. Highlights are plentiful, but our picks of the bunch are Bill Campbell's "Body Beat" which does exactly what it says on the tin, Adonijah's disco stomper ("It's Alright") and Levi John's "Soca", a lo-fi oddity with brilliantly loose drum work.