Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Dennis Bovell's Sufferer Sounds compilation highlights a pivotal period in his prolific and diverse career, focusing on his work from 1976 to 1980. Best known for traversing reggae, dub, lovers rock, post-punk and disco, Bovell's production genius is evident throughout the album. Featuring deep cuts and lesser-known versions, the compilation includes works from his time with the Jah Sufferer Sound System, showcasing Bovell's ability to craft dynamic, emotionally resonant music. The CD version offers 15 tracks, including a rare dub mix of Janet Kay's iconic hit 'Silly Games', lovingly restored and remastered at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin. This version features Bovell's intricate arrangements with a pristine sound, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the depth of his production. Accompanied by track-by-track notes written by Bovell himself, Sufferer Sounds offers fascinating insights into the creation of these tracks, bringing listeners closer to the mind of a reggae pioneer. This carefully sequenced collection showcases Bovell's versatility across reggae, dub, and lovers rock, making it an essential listen.

Review: This 2xCD set celebrates Dennis Bovell's exceptional talent during the golden years of reggae, from 1977 to 1981, a time when he was also playing a pivotal role linking punk and post-punk to reggae via collaborating with Orange Juice and producing key records such as The Slits' debut Cut. Featuring a mix of major hits and rare tracks, this collection highlights his brilliance as a producer, arranger and pioneer of roots, dub and lovers rock. Not only was he one of the first to blend disco with reggae but he was also important for fusing the disco standard 12" and using for Lovers Rock artists. His use of the format to create dynamic dub edits is a standout element, cementing his legacy in reggae production. Disc 1 includes Errol Dunkley's title track, Marie Pierre's soulful gems and Janet Kay's classic 'Silly Games', which brought lovers rock to mainstream audiences. Tracks like Errol Campbell's 'African Queen', Angelique's 'Cry' and Africa Stone's 'Choose Me' capture the era's emotional depth and Bovell's masterful touch. Disc 2 delves into 12" extended mixes, showing Bovell's innovative fusion of reggae and disco. A lifetime of great music within just two discs.

Review: Recorded at Channel One in February 1982, Rastafari Liveth! is Peter Broggs' definitive recording and it is no surprise, then, that is backed by the legendary Roots Radics band featuring drums from Style Scott and bass from Flabba Holt with percussionists Bongo Herman & Eberton also involved. It was mixed by Scientist and Solgie and was the first release for Doctor Dread's label RAS (Real Authentic Sounds). Featuring tracks like 'Jah Jah Voice Is Calling,' 'Rastafari Liveth,' 'International Farmer,' and 'Just Because I'm a Rastaman' this cult classic demands to be cranked up loud.

Review: Bugle's fifth studio album is a powerful and introspective offering that reveals his growth as an artist and his unwavering commitment to conscious lyricism. The Jamaican reggae luminary fearlessly navigates a diverse landscape of themes, from love and life to faith and social issues, with a depth and honesty that resonates deeply. Bugle's evocative vocals, reminiscent of reggae greats like Garnett Silk and Luciano, soar over intricate rhythms and soulful melodies, drawing the listener into a world of introspection and conscious reflection. Collaborations with reggae giants like Buju Banton and Damian Marley on 'Thank You Lord' add a powerful dimension to the album, highlighting the unity and strength of the reggae community. 'Hopes (Small World)', featuring Capleton, is a fiery call to action, a sonic embodiment of the genre's ability to address social injustices and inspire change. Tracks like 'Patience, God & Time' and 'Heads Up' offer moments of quiet contemplation and encouragement, while 'Inside Warm' and 'Love Story' explore the complexities of love and relationships with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and relatable. An exploration of the human experience, a tapestry woven with threads of love, loss, faith and resilience.

Review: This essential reissue presents a rare collection of dub instrumental reggae tracks recorded by Tommy McCook (who you may know as the sax man from super ska outfit The Skatalites) and Bobby Ellis (who played the trumpet for dub legends The Upsetters) in 1977. Originally licensed to Grove Music, this still remarkable album features renowned musicians such as Sly and Robbie, Ansel Collins on organ, Clinton Fearon from The Gladiators on lead guitar, and Bernard Harvey of The Wailers on piano. The recordings took place at Channel One and were mixed at King Tubby Studio and every single tune cuts deep and with great authenticity.