Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: February 2022

Review: The Horus label's All Stars production outfit serves up some super fresh roots tunes here with plenty of early 70s influences. The a-side original 'Sinner Man' features vocals from former Pioneers singer George Dekker. His carefree style brings a real innocence as he muses on "using the bible as a tool to catch the fool." The rhythms are pure bait with natty guitar riffs just hanging in the air and noodling keys worked in deep. Flip it over for a dub version that is heavy on the knob twiddles and studio effects.

Review: This is a crucial 45 from Freestyle Records which separates out two tracks from their recent Bunny Scott reissue project. It is a brilliant showcase of Scott's early-Black Ark debut LP with Blaxploitation-influenced funk track 'Kinky Fly' kicking off. It has backing band members from The Chi-Lites' on board as well as a nice horn section and Chinna Smith's wah-wah guitar. The whole thing is overdubbed with synths to add to the mood. 'Sweet Loving Love' is more upbeat, with sunny towlines and rolling rhythms.

Review: Wagram have put together this mighty compilation of essentials from Jamaica's rich music culture. If you needed a primer on reggae, or just fancy having an avalanche of the best tunes in one box set, then look no further than this five-disc epic. Most of the names are familiar - Bob Marley, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Gregory Isaacs, Horace Andy, John Holt, Sister Nancy... the list goes on. But this isn't just a case of obvious or perhaps even commercial hits - you can tell this has been put together by someone with deep knowledge who can reach for a more modern cut like Soom T's 'Politic Man' as easily as a vintage bit of dancehall.

Review: Byron Lee was an important part of Jamaican music from his first appearance in the 60s and onwards. Amongst his bustling back catalogue is this cheery classic from 1980, which keeps the heart and soul of ska alive, with an emphasis on the soul. The rhythms are reliably skanking throughout, whether stopping by the melancholic 'Shoobe Doobe Doo' or the chirpy 'Bend Down Low'. This is ska in its truest sense, with an infectious energy which speaks universally to young and old, hip and square. You can also hear the strong US RnB roots of the music in Lee's songwriting, and it tugs at the heart strings in just the same way. Grab an immaculate album of honest, earnest songwriting magic with all the irrepressible joy of Jamaica coursing through its veins.

Review: Reggae mainstay and early genre innovator U Roy affectionately became known as The Originator, and for good reason. He made an indelible mark on the Jamaican scene as soon as he arrived on it in the1970s and his signature vocal style soon became what is now known as "toasting." It was such an influential development that it even spread across the waters to influence goings-on in the US as a foundational aspect of the development of rap which was going at the time. Solid Gold is one of his most acclaimed albums and a gold standard with guests like Sly and Robbie, David Bowie and Mick Jones for The Clash.

Review: Bob Marley and his Wailers reason one of reggae's most iconic and enduring acts. Their body of work is rarely ever out of print and available in a dizzying number of formats. For this latest project, Cleopatra offer up the Soul Rebels Dub long player on limited red and yellow vinyl which pays homage to the bands Jamaican homeland. Originally issued in 1970, this record was the fist era credited to the band and their first full length collaboration with legendary producer Lee Scratch Perry. It is full of beautiful harmonies and wonderful rhythms that explore myriad different reggae styles.