Back catalogue: Clásico/Ska

Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.

Review: Dennis Bovell is a British reggae legend; one of the originators within the genre and the producer of big hits such as 'Silly Games' (Janet Kay) and 'After Tonight' with his band Matumbi. He collaborated with vocalist Marie Pierre back in the day on this one called 'Groovin', an absolutely uplifting and sun kissed lover's rock number that will hook you from the first note. On the flip we have more feel good vibes on the rap/r'n'b and disco infused groove of 'Can't Go Through' which is guaranteed to keep the party going until the break of dawn. Marie Pierre's career was most active from the late '70s to the early '80s.

Review: The Lovers' Special Request EP presents a compelling selection of classic soul and reggae-infused tracks, making their debut on 12" vinyl. This collection features notable contributions from Christine Lewin, Marvin James, and Tricia Dean, with production by John Kpiaye and DJ Smokey Joe. On Side-1, Christine Lewin's 'In The Mood' reimagines Tyrone Davis's smooth after-hours classic, transforming it into a memorable female-led reggae hit. This rendition captures the essence of the mid-80s lovers rock scene, turning it into a timeless playlist staple. Marvin James follows with his soulful cover of The Spinners' 'I'll Be Around,' now reissued on vinyl for the first time. This track is paired with a sought-after instrumental mix, offering a deeper dive into its rich textures. Tricia Dean's 'Don't Let It Go To Your Head,' a cover of Jean Carn's soulful favorite, features the signature synth-led rhythms from Kpiaye and Smokey Joe. This track showcases the smooth blend of reggae and soul, rooted in the vibrant London music scene of the era. Side-2 features instrumental versions of each track, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate production work behind these classic songs. The 'In The Mood Instrumental,' 'I'll Be Around Instrumental,' and 'Don't Let It Go To Your Head Instrumental' offer a fresh perspective on the grooves that have long been celebrated. Curated by Smokey Joe, a London DJ legend known for his extensive soca catalog and influential soul sets, this EP highlights his early work with soul and reggae, providing a nostalgic glimpse into a golden era of music.

Review: Breakbeat Paradise has got another one of its fun and functional new 7"s ready for your delectation here. It has a great backstory, too, that involves Berry Gordy taking some of his Motown stars on holiday to Jamaica in 1969. Some of them recorded with local musicians in the upcoming reggae scene but the sessions were though lost, until now. Well, it sounds like that could be true, but it isn't - in fact they are the work of Mako & Mr Bristow and are two crowd pleasing tunes with reggae, soul and funk deep in their bones. 'Uptight Boss' in particular is a timeless classic.

Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.

Review: For the hardcore Bob Marley collectors out there this is another essential 7" to add to your shelves. The limited edition yellow wax features an a-side that was produced by the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry. The track's lyrical refrain of "soul adventurer" became something of a lifelong motto for the former welder as he underwent his spiritual revolution. It's also one of the tunes that made him a firm favourite amongst musical mystics everywhere. The flipside 'Lively Up Yourself' is another personal ode to empowerment and enlightenment that rides a nice lazy rhythm.

Review: For the hardcore Bob Marley collectors out there this is another essential 7" to add to your shelves. The limited edition yellow wax features an a-side that was produced by the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry. The track's lyrical refrain of "soul adventurer" became something of a lifelong motto for the former welder as he underwent his spiritual revolution. It's also one of the tunes that made him a firm favourite amongst musical mystics everywhere. The flipside 'Lively Up Yourself' is another personal ode to empowerment and enlightenment that rides a nice lazy rhythm.

Review: Showcasing the band's early contributions to reggae and ska, 'Back Out' offers a vibrant, rhythmic groove that highlights the Wailers' mastery of upbeat, catchy melodies. On the flip side, 'Can't You See' is a classic example of the track's influence on the evolution of ska, with its more upbeat tempo and infectious horn section, the Wailers blend infectious rhythms and dynamic instrumentation laying the groundwork for the genre's future development. A glimpse into this iconic band's roots and their role in shaping the sound of reggae music.

Review: It's time to do the Harlem Shuffle once more here and lock into the rhythms of Ray Martell. His 'She Caught The Train' is something of an early reggae classic that now makes its way onto 7" vinyl for the first time. It was originally released in 1970 on the Trojan sub-label Joe in the UK and then rose to fame once more as a cover version from UB40 in 1983. The original has been on a load of compilations but has never stood alone on wax. When it came first as a single it was backed with 'Tea House From Emperor Roscoe' by Dice The Boss but here the label adds a super rare Ray Martell song in the form of 'Cora'.

Review: Thomas Blanchot has been casting a spell with his sun-soaked reggae renditions as Mato for a long time now. He's back on his regular stomping ground of Stix with a beautiful version of Roy Ayers' evergreen 'What You Won't Do For Love', with Ethel Lindsey taking on the role as singer to complement Blanchot's sweet and easy riddim. It's a tune primed to greet the warmer weather, staying faithful to the original while giving it a fresh spin. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, we know full well you're going to love flipping it over for the consummate dub version on the B-side.

Review: Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, presents the second release from its new Mellow Reggae Series project. Launched earlier this year by Mato & Ethel Lindsey, with a stunning cover of the famous 'What You Won't Do For Love' by Bobby Caldwell, the series continues with the same duo, now taking over 'Baby Come Back', the underground AOR/Blue-Eyed-Soul classic from The Player. Like he always does, Mato delivers an outstanding version, delighting us with his matchless skills for dub production. Already matching on Bobby Caldwell's rendition, Ethel Lindsey ensures yet again the perfect vocals over Mato's production.

Review: Thomas Blanchot aka Mato's love for reggae runs deep. His love for soul music is just as equal. So, what should a producer do who enjoys making original music but also enjoys the art of sampling? Use both! Known for creating reggae/dub versions and then using popular lyrics sung by a guest vocalist over the top of them, giving the original versions a new life and sometimes, a completely different feeling, in some ways working even better than the original. Here, Mato takes the 1981 hit by Sylvia Striplin 'You Can't Turn Me Away' and a super laid back reggae rhythm underneath as a base. And it works so well. Complete with the dub version for the DJs. Sit back and relax to these interesting examples of a stylish way to take mashups to a different higher level.

Review: Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 explodes onto the scene with four irresistible tracks that capture the essence of early reggae. Max Iss & The Minions kick things off with the infectious title track, setting the tone for an EP filled with soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies. Donnoya Drake delivers a stellar rendition of the funk-soul classic 'Mr Big Stuff,' while reggae legend Dave Barker lends his smooth vocals to 'Gimme Little Sign,' adding his own twist to the soul nugget. The instrumental track, 'Gimme Little Version,' by Woodfield Rd Allstars, rounds out the EP with its lively organ-led groove. Produced by Neil Anderson, each song is expertly crafted, blending elements of reggae, funk, and soul to create an electrifying listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned reggae enthusiast or new to the genre, Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving from start to finish.

Review: The Peckings label kicks off a new sub-series here with a special hand-stamped 7" that presents a couple of lovely, playful, happy reggae classics. The first is 'Silly Ska' from Gus McIntyre and is indeed drenched in ska influences from the swaggering rhythms to the busy keys that dance about the mix. On the flip side is the magnificent 'Tribute To Fela' which has Afro horns, Afro rhythms and plenty of sunny energy as well as conversational lead trumpets which do a great job of bringing to mind the Afro-beat king.

Review: Freddie McKay's classic rocksteady track 'Going' hears a reissue on Jamaican Recordings, the very same label that first released in back in 2004. A sad rumination on death and freedom, we hear McKay croon through a ghostly spring reverb and an sprightly rhythm section, as he considers the "moon in the sky" and "the birds in the trees" as vessels for his own emancipation. So too comes the rare instrumental version on the B-side, though this reissue skips the original's shared side with Ronnie Davis, focusing solely on McKay.

Review: 'John Jones' dropped in 1968 on the Big Shot label after being produced and co-written by Derrick Harriott. It soon became a cult hit on the UK skinhead scene, its relentless rhythm and sharp lyrics making it an obvious anthem that was further cemented by its inclusion in the Tighten Up series. Impersonators then step up on the B-side with the yearning vocal reggae of 'I've Tried Before.' It's a lo-fi sound with hissing hi-hats and bubbling rhythms full of earthy soul. Rarely found in clean 7" copies, this one, so don't sniff at it.

Review: These long treasured ska joints have long been unavailable - or at least near impossible to track down - even on the second hand market. A-side "Mama No Fret" was first released by Jamaican rocksteady singer Eric "Monty" Morris on Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label in 1964. It's a beautifully warm and upbeat track with a joyous trumpet and aloof vocals. The B-side is from Jamaican trumpet player Baba Brooks and features his fantastic lead over the top of a quickened and swaggering ska beat. Perfect sunshine music if ever we heard it.

Review: 'You Think I'm A Fool' is an original rocksteady heater from back in 1968 by Hemsley Morris. Produced by Clancy Eccles, it has become one of the most sought-after nuggets of its kind in the year since and now for the first time since its original release it is served up next to the instrumental version, 'Heart Beat,' by Ernest Ranglin. The a-side has super lo-fi sounds and muted organ stabs next to noodling bass and ass-wiggling drums, all topped off with an aloof vocal from Morris, while the version is a little more light-footed and airy. A crucial pick-up for your collection.

Review: Mystic Jungle's Words Of Love on Periodica Records is a delightful throwback to the 80s, blending laid-back grooves with a summery vibe that's perfect for the dancefloor. Side-1's 'Words Of Love' captures a classy 80s dance essence, infused with a reggae groove that makes it instantly catchy. The track's smooth, breezy feel is ideal for a relaxed, sun-soaked setting. On Side-2, the extended version of 'Words Of Love' takes things up a notch by emphasising the instrumental sections. This version is tailored for DJs, offering a more focused exploration of the track's rhythmic elements, making it a great choice for extending the vibe during a set. Overall, Words Of Love is a charming release that brings the Balearic disco sound to life, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans of classic dance music that blends many styles.

Review: With a storied history stretching right back to the mid-1990s, Reggae Disco Rockers are one of Japan's longest-serving reggae and rocksteady bands. While they're best-known for their original songs, they've delivered some killer cover versions over the years - including 2021's sun-splashed reggae re-imagining of Frankie Knuckles' classic house track 'The Whistle Song'. This seven-inch features another: the band's immersive, loved-up, super-sweet lover's rock-meets-Balearic reggae take on Neil Young classic 'Harvest Moon', featuring some suitably weary, emotive lead vocals from Marter. Flower Records regulars Slowly provide a dreamy and dubbed out take on the flip, as you'd expect given their output in recent times.

Review: Hugh Maddo's Pop Style is one of those super rare but cult late 80s reggae and dancehall albums that just hit a perfect sweet spot between styles. Thankfully, Death Is Not The End sub-label 333 has got the rights to this full reissue of the original which was recorded in Jamaica at Byron Lee's Dynamics and Herman Chin-Loy's Aquarius studios in 1987. A wealth of musical talents of the day all feature on it including Winston Wright, Bobby Ellis, and Mikey "Boo" Richards, but the standout is the sublime vocal contribution of Killamanjaro's Hugh Maddo.

Review: Six albums in and Madness had firmly established themselves as part of the British pop firmament when they released Mad Not Mad in 1985. It's a divisive album which captures Suggs' Camden Town likely lads in a period of transition as the 80s wore on and musical styles shifted. Moving on from the chirpy ska of their early days they moved into a more polished pop sound which landed them a billing on NME's 'Greatest Albums Of All Time' just weeks after its release. With the singles 'Uncle Sam' and 'Sweetest Girl' nestled amongst some of the bands' most introspective tracks (see 'Mad Not Mad') it's an important part of the Madness legacy, handily repressed on 180 gm wax for your listening pleasure.

Review: Most people have got at least one Bob Marley album in their collection but there is always room for another, especially when it is jam packed with the former welder's biggest and best hits. Great Hits Live - the deluxe, 180 gram vinyl edition - is a celebration of the Jamaican reggae superstar's career and legacy. All of his ever grown tunes are here and showcase the strength of Marley's song writing skills. As well as the music still sounding great, most of the social and political commentary in each of the songs also remains hugely, sadly, relevant.

Review: The legend of Bob Marley lives on and on and on. Especially when so much of his back catalogue's continually remastered, reissues, and re-cut, as this one has been, at half speed, for extra warm, deep and lavish playback sounds. This 75th anniversary edition of Catch A Fire reminds just how sweet a soul sound the band had, and just how emotive Bob's wailings could be. It was their first album released by Island Records and came about having been advanced money for it by producer Chris Blackwell. Peter Tosh wrote two of the cuts and Bob the rest, with the album's supporting tour really helping to establish their international reputation.

Review: Originally released on Trojan in 1974, it was essentially a re-release of the 'Soul Rebels' LP from 1970 with a few extra tracks.
This historic release marked Bob Marley & the Wailers first collaboration with Lee Perry and the true beginning of their musical
and spiritual commitment to Rastafari. Lee Perry's production genius had a profound impact on the genre and many fans argue
that this collaboration resulted in some of the band's best music. This is Bob Marley and the original Wailers (Peter Tosh & Bunny
Wailer) long before they became international reggae superstars with Island. The tracks found here redefined reggae music, and
although they were later re-recorded by Bob Marley, tracks like 'Soul Rebel', 'Duppy Conqueror', 'Small Axe' and their version of
James Brown's 'Try Me' never sounded better.

Review: Originally released on Trojan in 1974, it was essentially a re-release of the 'Soul Rebels' LP from 1970 with a few extra tracks.
This historic release marked Bob Marley & the Wailers first collaboration with Lee Perry and the true beginning of their musical
and spiritual commitment to Rastafari. Lee Perry's production genius had a profound impact on the genre and many fans argue
that this collaboration resulted in some of the band's best music. This is Bob Marley and the original Wailers (Peter Tosh & Bunny
Wailer) long before they became international reggae superstars with Island. The tracks found here redefined reggae music, and
although they were later re-recorded by Bob Marley, tracks like 'Soul Rebel', 'Duppy Conqueror', 'Small Axe' and their version of
James Brown's 'Try Me' never sounded better.

Review: The uninitiated might not be that familiar with Jackie Mittoo, but suffice it to say he is one of the many unsung superheroes of the Jamaican music scene. A towering figure who played a key role in the development of reggae, his skills as a keyboardist and musical arranger are second to none. He was a supremely expressive player who mastered the organ and thus gave shape to ska at Studio One, roots reggae at Channel One, and lover's rock at Wackies in New York UB40 in the UK. Showcase is a superb display of his skills that came on Bunny Lee's own imprint Jackpot in 1977.

Review: In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the groundbreaking self-titled album from GT Moore & The Reggae Guitars originally released on Charisma in 1974 is being reissued. This record, which bridged the gap between the 'Pub Rock' scene and the emerging sound of reggae music in the UK, arrived amidst the onset of "Reggae Fever." G.T. Moore, formerly of the legendary folk group Heron, emerged as the first white musician to authentically delve into reggae. The eponymous debut album from the Reggae Guitars featured session musician John 'Rabbit' alongside Tom Platt, who engineered the iconic 'Catch A Fire' album. With a mix of originals and covers, including tracks by Bob Dylan, Heptones, and Diana Ross, the album stands as a testament to the fusion of musical styles and influences during that era.

Review: The Upsetter compilation came on Trojan Records back in 1969 when Lee Scratch Perry's backing band was at the top of its game. It features mostly their own tunes as well as a Busty Brown version of 'To Love Somebody' which was originally written by Robin and Barry Gibb. As any fan will know, the sounds here are as good as reggae and dub gets. It's been reissued and repressed on various formats over the years and this latest one is on orange, high grade, heavy weight and numbered vinyl making it a real collector's piece.