Back catalogue:

Review: Cherry Red's Doctor Bird offshoot continues to trawl through the archives of legendary Jamaican label Observer and its' owner and producer-in-chief, Winston Holness AKA Niney The Observer. Having previously focused on the label's 1970s output, they've now turned their attention to the early, where Holness was influential in defining the formative dancehall sound. The first disc here boasts the vocal sides of singles, with Holness and his in-house bands providing a platform for such undoubted talents as Freddie McGregor, Don Carlos, Third World, Yellowman and Sugar Minott. Disc two, meanwhile, is the one for dub heads: an exhaustive collection of instrumental 'riddims' laid down by the Roots Radics and mixed in true 'version' style by Holness.

Review: Studio One Soul 2, the highly anticipated second volume of Soul Jazz Records' acclaimed Studio One series, dives deep into Jamaica's enduring love affair with American Soul and Funk. This special 18th anniversary edition features a vibrant array of legendary reggae artists like Horace Andy, The Heptones, Cornell Campbell, and Ken Boothe, all of whom got their start at Studio One before achieving global success. The album features a unique blend of classic and obscure American Soul and Funk tracks, reimagined with a distinct Jamaican flavour. Standout tracks include Cornell Campbell's stunning recut of The Mad Lads' Curtis Mayfield-penned 'Ten to One,' Winston Francis' soulful interpretation of The Five Stairsteps' 'Don't Change,' and Devon Russell's powerful take on 'Make Me Believe in You,' which arguably rivals Mayfield's original. This collection, featuring a mix of classics, rare gems, and previously unreleased tracks, has been meticulously remastered. Perfect for a serious reggae enthusiast, this compilation embodying the Studio One ethos of reworking influential soul records into a Jamaican soundscape.

Review: The 18th-anniversary edition of Studio One Soul 2 brings back a long out of print classic and one of Soul Jazz Records' best-selling collections. This second volume delves into Jamaica's deep connection with American soul and funk and features legendary reggae artists like Horace Andy, The Heptones, Ken Boothe, Jackie Mittoo, and more. These Studio One veterans reinterpret classic and obscure tracks by soul icons such as Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. The album showcases a mix of classics, rare and unreleased tracks, all digitally remastered, so it stands tall as one of the best celebrations of the enduring influence of American soul on Jamaican music.

Review: The NOW series was a rite of passage for many young music lovers. The expertly curated releases came several times a year and gave you an update as to what was hot and what was not - a mad idea in this day and age when everyone can access, if not own, everything ever released the moment it drops. The brand has pivoted well in the digital age and is still putting out collections of sounds with a genre or era focus that are handy and enjoyable reminders. This bumper collection on triple green vinyl is all about 1974 with tunes like 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' and 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' still well worth a singalong.

Review: Here, There and Everywhere: Black America Sings John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison is Ace Records' third compilation of soulful jazz and r&b covers of Beatles classics by Black American artists. This collectio has a deep Motown presence, acknowledging the Beatles' early admiration for Motown before the label's music even hit the UK charts. The album spans Beatles and post-Beatles compositions from 1964 to 2004, with standout performances by artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. The song selection takes listeners on an inspired journey through well-known hits, reimagined with rich soul and jazz interpretations. The Supremes' take on 'You Can't Do That' and The Four Tops' 'Michelle' reveal fresh, emotive layers in songs that are simultaneously faithful and transformative. Randy Crawford's stirring 'Give Peace a Chance' and Stevie Wonder's vibrant 'We Can Work It Out' underscore Black America's lasting engagement with the Beatles' work, while tracks like Sam Fletcher's 'Can't Buy Me Love' and Keb' Mo's 'Imagine' breathe new life into familiar melodies with jazz-infused warmth and soul. Each cover on the compilation not only reflects the artists' creative voices but also traces the Beatles' own roots in soul and r&b, bridging cultural influences that shaped music in the 60s and beyond. Here, There and Everywhere is an enriching and unique compilation that has one of the most enduring cross-cultural exchanges in modern pop history.