Back in stock: Dancehall/Ragga

Review: Scotch Bonnet's periodic Puffers Choice compilations are always worth picking up, featuring as they do a mixture of label highlights from Mungo's HiFi and their closest collaborators, and tracks from like-minded producers and vocalists scattered around the UK and far beyond. Predictably, this third volume - the first in two years - is every bit as essential as its predecessors. It boasts a mixture of digi-dub, revivalist roots, dancehall and lover's rock, with highlights including Viktoriuous's hook-up with Earl Cunningham, 'Hotstepper', the raw weight of Parly B's killer crew cut 'Lyrics Spree' (featuring Daddy Freddy and Tippa Irie, amongst others), the future dancehall of Shokryme and RTKaL's 'BBS', and the soulful, warped bass-sporting heavy dub pressure of Skari's 'Black' (featuring INT Dub).

Review: Yet another good ole Studio One classic. Michigan and Smiley's 'Nice Up The Dance' is widely understood as one of the dancehall scene's most formidable classics. First out in 1979, this edition also comes with 'Real Rock', one of the most enduring tunes in reggae from time. Two rootsy monsters you won't regret hearing.

Review: Sister Nancy is one of few trailblazers who helped pioneer the the female facet of reggae. 'Bam Bam' is a reissue of her seminal debut single, which features her signature sound of roots reggae and dancehall, raileing against the male-dominated 80s scene with its ribbing hook and slapping instrumental. The B-side 'Stalag Version' dubs out the A, versioning it into a gloomy, bass-heavy hypnosis.