Back catalogue: Clásico/Ska

Review: The superb Original Gravity label is back with more OG reggae brilliance and ska classics. This second volume of Ska Fever kicks off with a big stepper from Junior Dell & The D Lites in the form of 'Rude Girl' while Prince Alphonso & The Fever bring big playful brass to 'Malostran-Ska' and Junior Dell & The D Lites then return on the flipside of this 7" with 'Remember To Forget' which picks up the pace and is built on a hardcore rhythm. The legendary Woodfield Rd Allstars shut things down with a more melancholic vibe on 'Beseda Blues.'

Review: The latest release from Peckings Records features two classic tracks that exemplify the golden era of reggae. On the A-side, Alton Ellis and Phyllis Dillon deliver a heartfelt rendition of 'I'm Just A Guy,' showcasing their harmonious vocals and timeless appeal. The B-side presents Joya Landis's 'I Love You Baby,' a soulful tune that complements the A-side's emotive tone. This 7" single is a must-have for collectors and reggae enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic journey into the rich musical heritage of the genre.

Review: Is there a more celebrated combination in all of reggae than Lee Perry & The Upsetters? The master producer and his iconic backing band laid down many of the genre's most vital sounds and helped subtly evolve it across the seventies and beyond. This single 'Jungle Lion' came right in the midst of that in 1974. An original 7" will cost you upwards of 500 quid, and that's if you can find one. Here it gets reissued on the young but already well-formed Skank & Groove label and is backed with a version by The Upsetters named 'Freak Out Skank' that gets even more warm, cavernous and dubby.

Review: The Pioneers return here on this Amalgamated Jamaica reissue alongside Hugh Malcolm and between them they are renowned for their popularity and numerous hits produced by Joe Gibbs and Leslie Kong. With approximately 40 recordings under Gibbs alone, this track embodies the classic elements synonymous with their collaborations and comes complete with a distinctive penny whistle. Bursting with energetic vibes and trademark topical lyrics characteristic of the Pioneers, this song resonates with the musical essence that defines their legacy.

Review: Original Gravity's latest release, Burning Spear, offers a dynamic reggae and ska experience with two distinctive and exciting tracks. Side-1 features Prince Alphonso & The Fever's 'Burning Spear,' a classic ska sound that stands out with its outrageous and unique flute solo. This fast-paced track is a dancefloor burner, perfect for lively gatherings. Side-2 brings Woodfield Rd Allstars' dubbed-out version of 'Burning Spear.' This alternative take maintains an upbeat and groovy vibe, providing a fresh perspective while keeping the energy high. The essence of classic reggae and ska is here on one 7", delivering two fun tracks that highlight the genre's rich and vibrant musical traditions.

Review: Dutchess returns with Folk Song, a two-track dub release featuring the talents of Tony and Howie alongside the legendary Phyllis Dillon. Known for curating rare gems, Dutchess continues to deliver high-quality vinyl for lovers of classic reggae and dub. With past releases from icons like Eric Monty Morris and Tommy McCook, the label has solidified its reputation as a source for top-tier Jamaican music. Folk Song follows this tradition, blending soulful vocals with deep, atmospheric dub. Fans of Alton Ellis, The Melodians and The Paragons will find this release a perfect addition to their collection. It's another must-have for those who appreciate the timeless sound of 60s and 70s Jamaican music.

Review: The Dutchess label continues to establish itself in its early life with third outing that delves deep into some ageless reggae and ska sounds. It is The Paragons who are behind this one with 'Blackbirds Singing' opens up with some gorgeous vocal harmonies android back grooves topped with nice natty guitars. It's brilliantly sunny, laidback music for slowed down sessions and will sound best played through a serious system nice and loud. What music isn't, though? 'Memories By The Score' on the flip is a heavyweight sound with a fat bottom and some great spoken word vocal and backing harmonics for a nice lush sound.

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: This double-disc collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Lee Perry's evolution as a producer during a pivotal year in reggae music. 1970 saw Perry at the top of his game, fresh off the success of Return Of Django, and these recordings capture his adventurous spirit and groundbreaking studio techniques. The compilation features a wealth of instrumental works, showcasing the proto-dub experiments of his backing band, The Hippy Boys. With 14 tracks new to CD and many others unavailable since the 1990s, this release is a treasure trove for dedicated Upsetter fans. From the infectious grooves of 'Yakety Yak' to the dubwise explorations of 'Bush Tea' and the soulful sounds of 'Let It Be', this collection is a must-have for any reggae enthusiast.

Review: On its latest deep dive into the Jamaican reggae archives, the Doctor Bird label has returned to the early years of one of the style's most iconic producers, Lee 'Scratch' Perry. The music showcased on this two-disc set was initially released on Perry's own Upsetter imprint in 1969-70 and contains a mix of vocal numbers, instrumental 'versions' and alternate takes from the archive. There's naturally tons of highlights amongst the 50-plus tracks on show, including the organ-rich ska flex of The Upsetters' 'Night Doctor', the soulful rocksteady sweetness of 'Kiddy-O' by the Silvertones, the slow-dance excellence of Busty Brown's 'I Can't See Myself Cry About You', the low-slung shuffle of The Upsetters' 'Bab Thool' and the bona fide anthem that is 'Django Shoots Again' by Val Bennett and the Upsetters.

Review: The first extensive anthology of Lee Perry's early productions includes numerous Jamaican hits and features some of the most influential recordings of the late 60s. Today, Lee 'Scratch' Perry is widely recognied as one of the finest talents from the golden age of Jamaican music. However, his rise to fame was neither easy nor swift. After working for Studio One boss Clement 'Coxson' Dodd, Perry made his mark as an artist and arranger in the mid-60s, eventually becoming a fully independent producer by mid-1968. Perry's innovative approach and understanding of local music trends quickly brought him national success with popular singles on Upset, the label he co-owned. He soon became an independent operator, releasing best-selling 45s on his Upsetter label, which attracted the attention of London-based Trojan Records. Trojan created a British version of his imprint in early 1969. Perry's music particularly resonated with Britain's skinhead fans, and in autumn 1969, his production of Val Bennett and The Upsetters' Return Of Django reached the UK pop charts, exposing Perry's music to a global audience. This anthology brings together the recordings that launched Perry's career as an independent producer, showcasing a mix of soulful rock steady and dynamic boss reggae. It offers a compelling listening experience and a fascinating insight into the early musical development of one of Jamaican music's most influential and innovative figures.

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: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.