THE ETHIOPIANS Vinilo y CD

Review: Songs of Our Forefathers is a compilation of original Jamaican and UK single releases by The Ethiopians originally recorded between 1967 and 1973. The ask, rocksteady and reggae group included Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor and Aston Morris and worked with the legendary Coxsone Dodd in the sixties before later moving on. This collection includes their biggest hit, "Everything Crash", which criticised the political situation in Jamaica at the time, which included power cuts and rationing and plenty of clashes with the authorities. It is one of many highlights in this fine overview.

Review: The Ethiopians were a big part of the 70s roots and reggae scene. Their catalogue has been pillaged here by the always-on-point Belgian label Roots Vibration, and they have come up with their 'Obeah Book' tune for reissue on this 45rpm. It was produced by Niney The Observer and is a deep steady and rolling rhythm that has some nice and playful piano up top, but the icing on the cake is the heartfelt vocals. On the back, Observer goes it alone with 'Back Weh', a nice head-twisting dub.