Back in stock: Clásico/Ska

Review: An attention-evader even for the most ardent dub reggae fan, Black Jade's Contempo remains a mystery decades after its release. In the act of reissuing the LP, Solid Roots still only partly lift the veil: first set to tape between 1975 and 1976, the album was recorded by a still shadowy cadre of Notting Hill residents, who are said to have freely distributed it during Carnival. Their continued anonymity may form part of a decided effort to mythologise, though it almost certainly also reflects a niche facet of deeper-shades dub. Authenticity abounds: we hear preemptions of the hiss-floored undulations of Chain Reaction in this record as much as we do the busy instrumental imbroglios of Horace Andy, with the manly bass-charges of 'Virulence' polarising the sensitive subby coos of 'Love, Love, Love'.

Review: Mariko Ide delivers a creative rendition of DeBarge's classic 'I Like It' with her 'Lovers Reggae Mix' on this 7" single. Known for her emotional and transparent voice, Ide transforms the original into a delightful blend of Lovers rock and bossa nova, creating a fresh and breezy vibe that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The 'Lovers Reggae Mix' offers a laid-back, summery groove, while Side-2 retains the essence of the original track with a gentle, soulful twist. Taken from the Cafe Music compilation album, this single is a creative, unique, and brilliantly fun cover that showcases Ide's ability to reimagine familiar tunes in a way that's both respectful and refreshingly original.

Review: Victor Axelrod aka Ticklah is the venerated producer beyond this new toast from Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer Mikey General. The pair came together during the pandemic and found plenty of common musical ground as they throw it back to the early 1980s analog rub-a-dub style. The backing track has been used in years gone by but Mikey adds his own spin to it here. He has been a mainstay in the scene since the 1980s and has fans in New York, London and Jamaica. On the flip of this one is an instrumental and dub mix, 'Prattle,' which features keysman Earl Maxton on clavinet.

Review: Amy Winehouse had many talents even beyond the jazz sounds she was so famous for. The troubled soul had a live magnetism like few others and tapped into the greats while adding her own smoky style to whatever she sang. Next to her well-known albums such as Back to Black, she also took part in several recording sessions in which she covered some of her favourite ska and reggae tracks. Now a selection of them have been put together for this new album The Ska & Reggae Collection: Studio on 2Tone. The likes of Alton Ellis and Jools Holland feature and help make this a great reminder of what a talent she was.