Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights - "Black Society" (2:50)
Super 8 Corporation - "Black Version" (2:58)
Review: The reissue of Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights' Black Society on Hornin' Sounds is a treasure for hardcore reggae enthusiasts. Originally from 1975, the original delivers a classic roots sound with a fantastic collaboration that resonates deeply with lovers of the genre. The timeless track exudes the soulful and socially conscious vibes characteristic of the era. On Sidde-2, 'Black Version' transforms the original into a dub version. With abundant echo effects and an engaging stop-and-start beat, this track offers a dynamic listening experience. It's perfect for DJs seeking to infuse their sets with a vintage yet innovative reggae twist.
Review: These two classic reggae tracks are now available on 7" vinyl and pressed loud for maximum vibes. Cornell Campbell's opening cut 'Darling Forgive Me' is a heartfelt, soulful tune that showcases his emotive vocals over a smooth, steady rhythm. The song has become a sound system favourite over the years with its emotional plea and captivating melody. On the flip side, The Paragons' 'Baby Some Day' brings a more upbeat vibe with its catchy hooks and harmonious delivery. It is a perfect blend of love and longing, wrapped in a laid-back, rhythmic groove.
Review: Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Review: Roots and reggae masters Partial know which EPs need reissuing and once again they prove that this month by casting it back to 1992 for Earl 16;s revered Natural Roots. For those who were there back then, it is well known that Jah Shaka played the tunes of this EP at every gig for almost 10 years and they never failed to get you moving even though you knew he was still only warming up. An original copy will set you back 50 odd quid so don't sleep on this great sounding reissue, which features the exact same play list as first time round.
Review: Jamaican singers Sonia Ferguson and Tyrone David recorded 'Use To Be My Dread' in the late 70s for producer Bunny Lee. A lovers' rock gem, Ferguson's vocals are rhythmically deft, and Bunny Lee's production is glitzy and dynamic, adding to its sense of serene and playful humour. The song concerns a former lover who has changed for the worse, though, despite this change, Ferguson regards this person as akin to a dreadlock, a permanent lock of hair and an enduring part of her being. Though it was originally released as a single on the Attack label, it has since become a sought-after collector's item, and so thoroughly deserves this reissue via Rock A Shaka.
Peter Hunnigale & Tippa Irie - "Hard Times" (3:43)
Nick Manasseh - "Dub Hard" (3:42)
Review: The cult figure that is Peter Hunnigale and South London reggae sound system mainstay Tippa Irie have teamed up to deliver a fresh rendition of Pablo Gad's classic riddim 'Hard Times.' This new version is just the fifth release from the Tok 2 label and it arrives on a 7" that showcases both artists' distinctive styles with Hunnigale's soulful vocals and Irie's dynamic DJing making it a real winning sound. The B-side features a dub mix by renowned producer Nick Manasseh, and he adds real dub depth to the track.
Glen Hutchinson & The Rough Riders - "We Need Some Satisfaction" (2:50)
The Rough Riders - "We Need Some Satisfaction" (dub music) (2:57)
Review: Originally released in 1979, this rare 45 from the American reggae artist now sees a well-deserved reissue, bringing classic roots and lovers rock reggae back to its intended format. On Side-A, 'We Need Some Satisfaction' delivers a dynamic horn section, a classy reggae groove and strong, soulful vocals that truly is killer. The track strikes a perfect balance between rhythm and melody, exuding the smooth vibe of late '70s reggae. On Side-B, 'Dub Music' takes us into deep dub territory, with a mostly instrumental arrangement, peppered with vocal snippets to keep the connection to the original track. The deep roller bass and atmospheric layers create a deeper listening experience for dub enthusiasts.
The Techniques - "Travelling Man" (with Tommy McCook & The Supersonics) (5:13)
Review: Jamaican rocksteady vocal group The Jamaicans linked with Tommy McCook & The Supersonics back in 1967 for this piece of rocksteady gold. The a-side of this reissue comes with the original Treasure Isle-version of the 1967 festival song. It's heavy, love struck, earthy and organic. The super B-side is a remixed version of the A-sides's backing track, but with the addition of some overdubbed percussion and syndrum parts as well as a sweet but uncredited toasting and DJ appearance by Jah Thomas. Both sound as hot and crucial now as they did all those many years ago.
Review: Japan meets Jamaica in Tokyo Riddim Band's latest single where illustrious keyboardist Izumi 'Mimi' Kobayashi joins forces with Jamaican singer Ras Tavaris. This track revives Kobayashi's 1981 hit, 'Lazy Love,' originally from her sought-after Coconuts High LP recorded in LA. Featured on Time Capsule's 2024 Japanese reggae compilation Tokyo Riddim 1976-1985, the song now transforms from soulful pop to a deep dub cut. The Tokyo Riddim Band brilliantly blends Japanese and London sounds and infuses the track with big energy, reggae rhythms, funky bass lines, and smooth City Pop guitar, all enhanced by Prince Fatty's studio magic.
Review: This is one of a pair of new slabs of wax from Amsterdam's Sound System and label of the same name, King Shiloh. It features an array of modern dub and reggae talents and first up, Lavvosti & Black Omolo offer the modern sheen of 'Red Gold Green'. Kare's 'Better Days' rides the same rhythm but with more stylised and soulful vocal turns that empower with every bar. Jah Works dubs things out with a ton of effects and Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel layer in storytelling bars. Brasspect brings a fresh horn-led sound that is romantic and hypnotic and Roots Mechanic pairs things right back to an 80s sounding Jamaica dub vibe.
Manasseh meets The Equalizer - "Conspiracy Dub" (3:44)
Review: Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer pillage their vast vaults for a bunch of rare dubs here that date all the way back to 1998. The spaced out and heady originals 'Next Step' and 'Next Dub', are backed by two further gems in 'The Ark' and 'Conspiracy Dub'. These two have The Equalizer on production and date from a few years later in the early 90s. All four of these solid saes are perfectly designed to be played loud and proud of proper sound systems. This is their first time on vinyl.
Review: The peerless Partial is back with some brilliantly deep cuts from Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer. A-side cut 'Absentee' showcases a robust part-digital rhythm and some warming dub low ends that are finished in style with Danny Red's commanding vocals weaving in and out of the mix to a heady effect. The single was originally a track from their popular 1993 album, and here it is served up on 7" next to a rare B-side dub mix that fleshes things out, adds plenty of reverb, and generally makes for more horizontal and heady listening.
Review: The Top Ranking crew has pulled another doozy out of the bag here. Freddie McKay's 'Mope & Cry' finds the vocalist at his most vulnerable and expressive. It was originally released in 1974 during the golden era of Jamaican music and is steeped in rich harmonies with a rolling bassline with gently skanking guitar that cushions McKay's aching vocals. With a voice that effortlessly conveys sorrow and resilience, he delivers a timeless tale of love lost and emotional survival. The killer dub on the flip makes this one a no-brainer.
Review: Sunset's reissue series of Harry J releases continues with this gem from the late, great Freddie McKay's 1986 collaboration with The Jah Apostles, one of the last productions to feature the singer - who seamlessly navigated from the early ska days right up to the digital era - before his untimely death in November of the same year. McKay's soulful vocals ride effortlessly over the Apostles' mesmerising rhythms here, meaning that it is impossible not to be transported listeners to the golden shores of Jamaica at sundown. As is so often with the case with reggae, there's a dubbed out version on the flip - we wouldn't have it any other way.
Review: Is there a more celebrated combination in all of reggae than Lee Perry & The Upsetters? The master producer and his iconic backing band laid down many of the genre's most vital sounds and helped subtly evolve it across the seventies and beyond. This single 'Jungle Lion' came right in the midst of that in 1974. An original 7" will cost you upwards of 500 quid, and that's if you can find one. Here it gets reissued on the young but already well-formed Skank & Groove label and is backed with a version by The Upsetters named 'Freak Out Skank' that gets even more warm, cavernous and dubby.
Ras Tweed & Roberto Sanchez - "Liard N Theef" (4:19)
The Twlight Horns - "Liard N Theef" (4:02)
Review: Well, straight out of the bocks in the early new year, we have already got a huge new tune on our hands. It comes from the acclaimed Ras Tweed in cahoots with Spanish producer Roberto Sanchez who together roll deep on 'Liard N Theef' with its big horns and rubbery low ends. It's a fusion of Afrobeat, soul and funk on a reggae rhythm that has conscious vocals about reconnecting with the earth. Flip it over and you will get a superb trombone-led version for sunnier days.
Review: Hope & Faith Records returns with fresh releases featuring the "Standing Tall Riddim," a new production in the early 70s roots reggae style. There are three in all and this one is from the female harmony trio from the renowned Basque reggae band Tacumah. They perfectly pay homage to the roots reggae era while adding new school touches with both tracks rolling deep and authentically with soulful vocal stylings up top that ledge deep into your heart.
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.
Review: To those who know, the Wirl, Palo, Trex, and Ted & Way labels were big in the game back in the 70s and 80s. Disco, reggae, lovers rock and funk all featured in their collective back catalogues and now it is all back in the spotlight. Some of the more obscure and hard to find tunes are being reissued and this is right up there with the best of them. It features the intimate vocals of Paul Thomas with the fleshy, rolling dub rhythms of The Hondells on 'Talk The Truth' which is a personal plea to the people. On the flip, there is a more laidback mood and earth roots groove on 'Sister Love.'
Review: London-based Tokyo Riddim Band is a fusion of cultures, uniting three generations of Japanese female musicians with London's eclectic soundscape. Their vibrant performances merge reggae drums, funky basslines, and City Pop guitar, all live and dubbed-out on stage, creating a cultural phenomenon in the reggae scene. Following their debut single's success, "Denshi Lenzi," Tokyo Riddim Band presents "Canoe Boy," a hypnotic Japanese new wave reggae track. Originally penned by Japanese punk rock pioneer PANTA in 1980 for Tomoko Kuwae's album, this gem makes its single debut now. Dubby and funky, Tokyo Riddim Band's rendition, enhanced by Prince Fatty's dubwise touch, features siren machines, extended solos, and a groovy outro.
Review: 'Denshi Lenzi' by Tokyo Riddim Band offers a splendid fusion of past and present, blending elements of Japanese reggae with contemporary dub sensibilities. Recorded and mixed by the renowned Prince Fatty in South London, this track presents a unique cultural amalgamation. Featuring three generations of female musicians from Japan, the band combines reggae drums, funky basslines, and smooth City Pop guitar melodies, creating a stellar live dub experience. Tokyo Riddim Band's emergence has been celebrated by Gilles Peterson, NTS, Pitchfork, and Bandcamp Daily, gaining recognition for their fresh take on classic Japanese reggae. Led by pianist and composer Izumi 'Mimi' Kobayashi, the band's reinvention of the Natural Mystic riddim in 'Denshi Lenzi' injects new life into the original Japanese production. With dubbed-out vocals, sirens, and electrifying e-tom sounds, the track delivers an authentic reggae/dub experience infused with a distinct UK flair.
Review: Dutchess returns with Folk Song, a two-track dub release featuring the talents of Tony and Howie alongside the legendary Phyllis Dillon. Known for curating rare gems, Dutchess continues to deliver high-quality vinyl for lovers of classic reggae and dub. With past releases from icons like Eric Monty Morris and Tommy McCook, the label has solidified its reputation as a source for top-tier Jamaican music. Folk Song follows this tradition, blending soulful vocals with deep, atmospheric dub. Fans of Alton Ellis, The Melodians and The Paragons will find this release a perfect addition to their collection. It's another must-have for those who appreciate the timeless sound of 60s and 70s Jamaican music.
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