Back catalogue: Clásico/Ska

Review: Following his Original Mr Cool Ruler album being reissued back in summer by Lantern Rec, Octave Lab now gets in on the action by serving up his I Do Love You album from 1972. It's a delightful work of lovers' rock and roots magic that is centered around his impossibly pure and soulful vocals. They convey all manner of emotions from pain to joy over clean dubs and acoustic guitars. The hooks are catchy and their rhythms percussive, with joyous like 'Don't Stop' and more rueful vibes such as 'You're Eyes Are Dreaming' all sounding as good as ever.

Review: Jamaican singer-songwriter Alton Nehemiah Ellis OD has been inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame since 2006 - just two years before his death - which shows how much he contributed to the genre in his heyday. And that was the early 70s, when most of the music on this new album Valley Of Decision: The Collection is taken from. His style was high-impact reggae, often delivered with extra power from superb horn arrangements. For many, he was an important pioneer in the development of what became known as the rocksteady style and as such was known as the Godfather of Rocksteady.

Review: This brilliant 1980 debut release by the The English Beat set them on course to become one of the most influential groups to emerge from the British Two Tone Ska movement. This album is wall-to-wall bangers and showcases some of their very best tunes, with earworm melodies encasing punchy and irreverent lyrics. Opening cut, 'I Confess' is a case in point: "Just out of spite / I confess I've ruined three lives / Now don't sleep so tight." Musically, The English Beat had style, substance and the ability to baffle and challenge their heroes. Guitarist Dave Wakeling stumped guitar heroes with his "Dad-Odd" guitar tuning. It's said that Pete Townshend phoned Wakeling up and said: "I'm sitting here with David Gilmour and we're having a bit of trouble finding your tuning for 'Save It for Later'." A superb endorsement for The English Beat, who grew up inspired by The Who and Floyd.

Review: Slave Call by The Ethiopians is a majestic exploration of the spiritual roots of reggae, led by deep Nyabinghi drumming and chanting. Leonard Dillon's Rastafarian beliefs are at the album's core, evident in every track, including a profound rendition of the Ethiopian national anthem. Max Edwards' Nyabingi drumming infuses the album with authenticity and is skillfully showcased by producer Niney Holness, who delivers a rhythm-heavy production while giving equal attention to vocals.The album blends traditional Nyabinghi elements with guitars, bass, keyboards, and horns, creating a rich reggae sound that maintains a dignified restraint. Holness' arrangements ingeniously reinforce the album's themes, exemplified by the title track's evocative depiction of slaving field hands. Other highlights include the driving urgency of 'Hurry On' and the soulful blend of blues in 'Culture.' Leonard Dillon's exceptional performance imbues each song with power and devotion, making 'Slave Call' one of his greatest achievements. With its cultural depth and musical excellence, the album stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of reggae's spiritual roots.