New releases last four weeks: Clásico/Ska

Review: The reissue of Step On by Junior Dell & The D-Lites is here only three short years after its initial run of 300 copies. 'Step On' is a reggae and ska version of the song 'He's Gonna Step on You Again' by John Kongos, made famous by Happy Mondays, who shortened its title to 'Step On'. For the B-side comes an original song done by the band called 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor' which is a classic sounding ska instrumental from the 70s. This second pressing is a mere 250 copies - so act fast.

Review: Dice The Boss (Hopeton Reid) is a rags to riches story in music.Coming from a very poor area in Kingston Jamaica to then emigrating to London in the late 60s where he MC-ed for Duke Vin & recorded many great records for the UK/Jamaican booming new Reggae market in its infancy on the shoulders of the Bluebeat & Ska & Rock Steady music scene. Two of those early classics are 'Tea House From Emperor Roscoe' and 'Brixton Cat'.from 1969 and 1970 respectfully. Both influential and very rare to be had on an original physical copy. Thankfully, Harlem Shuffle is here to make these gems more available.

Review: Japan's Dub Store label has put together this superb reproduction of the highly sought-after 1969 reggae album The Sensational Derrick Harriott Sings Jamaica Reggae. Arriving on CD with an obi-strip, the popular record comes with ten now proven to be timeless tracks that feature plenty of the most renowned Jamaican session musicians. These include the likes of Val Bennett, Winston Wright, and Gladstone Anderson, who all put in fine performances and traverse plenty of heavy rolling reggae sounds, horn-led ska cuts and plenty in between in organic and enthralling fashion.

Review: Intensified's latest offering, 'Ska Campbell' b/w 'Hamsterdam,' marks their triumphant return after 13 years with a limited edition vinyl release. 'Ska Campbell' pays homage to saxophone legend Dennis 'Ska' Campbell, while 'Hamsterdam' is a funky reggae tribute to the TV series The Wire. The band's authentic 60s ska, rocksteady, and reggae sound shines through, showcasing their undeniable love for the genre. With only 500 hand-numbered copies available in five different sleeves and vinyl colours, this release is a must-have for ska enthusiasts. The band's enduring status are evident in their confident delivery and wide appeal, making this single a welcome addition to their esteemed discography.

Review: Intensified, a longstanding UK ska band, returns with their first studio release in 13 years, presenting the delightful single 'SKA Campbell' b/w 'HAMSTERDAM.' True to their signature style, Intensified delivers a sweet and melodic ska anthem paying tribute to saxophone legend Dennis 'Ska' Campbell in 'SKA Campbell,' while 'HAMSTERDAM' offers a funky reggae nod to keyboard player Steffi's favorite TV show, The Wire. This release, featuring an infectious instrumental, sets the stage for their forthcoming 6th studio album later this year. The band's commitment to honoring ska's greats, exemplified by 'SKA CAMPBELL,' is commendable, showcasing their deep-rooted respect for the genre's history. Moreover, the diverse sleeve designs and vinyl colours add a unique touch, ensuring this release stands out in the ska community. Overall, Intensified continues to impress with their timeless sound and unwavering dedication to ska music.

Review: Over the last couple of years, we've been treated to numerous reissues of classic cover versions by Japanese reggae/rocksteady combo Inokasira Rangers, including takes on Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Pharrell's 'Happy' and New Order's 'Blue Monday'. Here we're treated to another, as the band's 2017 take on Underworld anthem 'Born Slippy' gets a fresh pressing. It's certainly a revolutionary revision, with Keichi Sokabe's surprisingly Karl Hyde-sounding lead vocal rising above a lusciously languid, sub-heavy reggae groove. Over on the flip they take on 'Groove Tube', a 1991 indie-pop-meets-acid house single from Japanese outfit Flipper's Guitar, reframing it as a baggy, glassy-eyed rocksteady number.