Back catalogue: Clásico/Ska

Review: Lloyd Parks was born in May 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica, and went on to live a rich life in reggae that made him an icon of the genre, in particular, known for his soulful melodies and fantastic bass playing skills. He began his career in the late 1960s with the Invincibles band before later forming The Termites with Wentworth Vernal. As a solo artist, Parks achieved success with his 1973 hit 'Officially' which also became the title of this sought-after album. He worked with artists like Justin Hinds, Dennis Brown and The Abyssinians and later founded the We The People Band. This reissue brings 'Officially' back into the spotlight where it belongs.

Review: Hey, Mr. Music! The expertly rediscovered North West London soul singer Candy McKenzie (sister of Bunny McKenzie) hears her Trojan Records debut, and only album, reissued through MOV. "Upset" by Lee Perry of all people - the late great dub producer titularly "introduces" McKenzie as person of interest here - this sole LP from McKenzie, first unearthed in 2011 but recorded unmistakably in the 80s - betrays a nonconformist character, crossing blurrily between percussive lovers rock and bubbly new wave. McKenzie's vocal style is aplomb and vigorous, and is well contrasted to the otherwise soothing laryngeals of Perry's many other femme familiars, such as Susan Cadogan.

Review: Phoenix City All-Stars is a traditional ska band from UK comprised of members Dave Andrews, Lenny Bignell, Mike Lesirge, Sean Flowerdew, Spy Austin and Terry Davey. They have been dripping music since 2018 and this now arrives as their fifth full-length overall. It offers a stunning rocksteady tribute to one of the 20th century's greatest songwriters-Carole King. This unique reinterpretation blends King's timeless melodies with the soulful grooves of rocksteady for something that will please fans of the OG sounds while also appealing to those who like a more modern style. Featuring striking artwork by Peter O'Toole, this one is packed with classic songwriting with a reggae twist.

Review: Rock-A-Shacka enthuse the new, long-awaited third album from Prince Buster, one of the many leading lights of the early Kingston rocksteady movement. This treasure trove of 12 tracks covers Jamaican funk, rocksteady, and early reggae; over seven previously unreleased and/or alternative tracks (it's cleverly kept under wraps as to which are which), we've extended versions of 'A Tribute To The Toughest' (aka. 'Ghost Dance'), on which Buster pays tribute to his late rudeboy friends, as well as trad gems including an alt-take of 'Dark End Of The Street'. The are covers of James Brown's 'Bring It Up' and Beginning Of The End's 'Funky Nassau', and Lee "Scratch" Perry shows up in a resplendent, phone-a-friend cameo feature on 'Call On Me'. Cherry-topped by a version of Gregory Isaacs' 'Dancing Floor' and the stunning 'Black Soul' instrumental, this is as ultimate a companion to Buster's contribution to Caribbean music history as you're likely to ever get.