Guru Pope - "Reggae Soldier" (Saxaphone mix) (3:15)
Aba Ariginal - "East Meets West" (Hornix mix) (3:15)
East Meets West (dub mix 1) (3:14)
East Meets West (dub mix 2) (3:18)
Review: A powerful collaboration between Jennifer Barrett, Guru Pope and Aba Ariginal released on a striking red 12". The original track blends smooth reggae rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate strength, resilience and the spirit of the reggae soldier. Each artist brings their unique flavour to the release and that leads to a harmonious fusion of voices and styles. Add in its infectious groove and uplifting message, and 'Reggae Soldier' is a standout tune that begs to be played loud.
You Don't Love Me (No No No) (feat Delroy Williams) (3:38)
You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good (5:01)
Review: Susan Cadogan is an esteemed reggae vocalist who has been since the 1970s. Now she continues her musical journey with this cover single which is taken from her excellent 2020 album Hurt So Good - Storybook Revisited, distributed by Burning Sounds. Side-A features a rendition of the reggae classic by Dawn Penn, while Side-B offers a sweet soul interpretation of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' track. Enhanced with Japanese-inspired artwork on the jacket, this release showcases Cadogan's timeless talent and versatility as it bridges the gap between reggae and soul music across generations.
Review: Yet two more rarities from the esteemed Jamaican roots label Studio One, helmed by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, come to the fore. A true mystery rests at the core of this record. 'Take A Ride' was originally released in 1978 over the 'Truths & Rights' riddim by Johnny Osbourne. Though the famous reggae artist Al Campbell takes credit for the release, it should be noted that the real recording artist behind this song was a mythically unknown artist and doppelganger known as Alan Campbell, a complete unknown in the reggae world who allegedly believed he could make a quick buck out of recording just one song. As if by one swoop of Faustian vengeance, Alan was miscredited as Al, and the typo has since endured through time as one to be treasured rather than corrected. Though the song was originally a flop, it's found cult success in recent years. The track is also a perfect complement to Alton Ellis' 'Pearl', a no less gemmy cut by one of the most influential singers in Jamaican music history.
Review: Johnny Clarke and Earth & Stone cooked up some real magic with 'Babylon'. It's a sumptuous sound that offers a symbolic representation of societal oppression and injustice. With Johnny Clarke's haunting vocals and Earth & Stone's mesmerising rhythms, the tune becomes a poignant commentary on the struggles of the marginalised and the quest for freedom. Through those lyrics and hypnotic melodies, it confronts issues of systemic inequality and political corruption, urging people to rise against oppression. As such it is anther great tune that proves the enduring relevance of reggae as a voice for the oppressed.
Review: Tabou 1 is on a roll right now and their latest offering features reggae icon Johnny Clarke teaming up with the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 'Every Knee' is an archetypal roots reggae anthem that has everything you want in a tune. It demands to be played loud and proud and blends Clarke's soulful, spiritual vocals with Sly & Robbie's masterful bass and drum foundation. The rest of the tracks here also have deep grooves and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of devotion and unity and are enhanced by the signature dub-infused production.
Review: Marking Indica Dubs' 100th release in serious style, 'When Jah Come' by Danman takes the form of a powerful tribute to the late Jah Shaka, whose influence shaped generations of dub and roots sounds and musicians. This long-anticipated dubplate was famously championed by Shaka himself and comes laden with deep, earth-shattering basslines, spiritual vocals that touch your inner psyche and militant rhythms with unmistakable reverence. It is a celebration and a memorial that honours Shaka's legacy while showcasing Danman's ever-commanding voice and Indica Dubs' unrivalled production strength.
Review: Junior Delgado's album It Takes Two To Tango on the Fashion label arrived in 1986 and brought plenty of new ideas to the dancehall and lovers rock sounds of the time. It is one of an impressive 22 he has penned over his long career and now the title track from it has been pressed up to this 7" courtesy of the Real Rock imprint. 'It Takes Two To Tango' is a nice heavy roller with fat drums and bass and some great vocal work up top. On the flip is 'Jux In' (dub) which is a version of the A-side by Jux & The A Class Crew which adds some nice shiny synth smears that swirl about the mix.
Review: Although since 2010 he has been a fully qualified mental health advisor living in the United States, back in the 70s , Wade "Jimmy" Dyce was a key original member of Cultural Roots. He was one of the four vocalists in the harmony group who worked with producer Donovan Germain and released several classics of the day on the Greensleeves label. Wade went it alone in the 80s and lay down some of his own jams with plenty of top musicians at Chris Stanley's famous Music Mountain studio. Now a bunch of them are getting pressed up to vinyl, including this one, the mighty 'Humble.'
Review: The on-point Burning Sounds is a treasure trove for proper dub and lovers rock delights from years gone by. They have been digging in the vaults again and come up with a new 12" which they have pressed on nice heavyweight wax, and the sounds more than deserve that. Hortense Ellis and General Roy's 'Give Thanks' is a crucial rhythm with lazy chords and guitars, DIY percussive sounds and deft little keys with a yearning vocal up top. Lawes Rockers is responsible for the flipside version and as you may expect it's dubbed out and reverb-heavy.
Review: This always standout lovers' rock and disco track by Sonia was originally released in 1980 on North London's Cha Cha label. The immediately much-loved tune became a firm favourite in clubs and on big sound systems and features a smooth, soulful vibe that's perfect for fans old and new of lovers' rock. On the B-side is 'Nigril Swamp Rock,' a harmonica-led instrumental by The Overnight Players that adds a unique touch to the release. The pressing is crisp and clean, so it is a real gem that is well worth copping on a tidy 7".
Review: Stephen Garfield Townsend is the Ghetto Priest (and also works as Levi Judah and Squiddly) and he is a rather prolific talent who has dropped five albums and some 29 EPs. This one came last year and finally arrives on wax. 'Smile' is a deep dub with endless echo and reverb swirling around the lower end as his vocals bring a smoky soul next to the wispy melodies. The flipside 'Nature Boy' is more light and airy, with sun kissed island feels and another unhurried, storytelling vocal that is delivered with grace and control.
Review: R Zee Jackson's 'Row Fisherman Row EP', released on Jamwax, is a smooth fusion of roots and lovers rock. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Jackson (also known as Esso Jaxxon or Castro Pink) eventually moved to the United States in 1973 and later settled in Canada. There, he connected with key figures in the reggae scene, including Oswald Creary of Half Moon Studio, Doug of Comfort Sounds, and the legendary Jackie Mittoo. The EP kicks off with the title track, 'Row Fisherman Row', a melodic roots rock jam enriched with smooth dub elements. The warm, laid-back groove sets the tone, followed by 'Blackheart Man', where a deep, wobbling bass carries a more traditional reggae sound. On Side-2, 'Long Long Time' is a spiritual, echo-heavy vibe that exudes class and depth. Jackson continues to contribute to the reggae community as both a performer and producer, keeping the spirit of roots music alive.
Review: Jahlin was not only a talented singer and songwriter but was also someone who made music with a strong message. He got his education in Canada after moving there in 1975 following his younger days in amid and after booming a welder - which seems a popular first career choice for eventual reggae stars as Bob Marley took a similar path - he pursued his musical career. His 'Roots Reality' is as the title suggests a roots reggae song from the Roots Reality label in 1983. It has a positive vibe and the rather rare addition of a violin which is not so often heard in reggae tunes.
Review: American label Deep Bow makes a notable vinyl debut with this heavyweight 10" featuring King Stanley and Prince Jamo, both voicing over a thunderous riddim crafted by producer Dub Sev?. This roots-driven slab stars with King Stanley's passionate cries over sleek drums with shiny digital synths and neat guitar licks. It stays true to the deep, meditative spirit of sound system culture and becomes much more roomy and spaced out in the hands of Dub Seva. Prince Jamo's 'Joke' has a cleaner vocal and some natty keys, and also gets dubbed out by Dub Seva. A strong introduction from Deep Bow that showcases talent from both sides of the Atlantic.
Review: Soul Of Anbessa has got a very special release on their hands here with the words of French poet Charles Baudelaire's "Chant d'automne" delivered in buttery style by Max Livio's voice. It sits atop a rockers' rhythm that will remind you of Channel One sounds and takes you on a lazy jaunt through a hot and steamy day in downtown Kingston with plenty of standout horns. On the flip The 18th Parallel steps up with 'Flowers Of Evil Dub' which has extra heavy dub vibes as mixed by Roberto Sanchez.
Review: Wise Records has lined up another super outing here in the form of the Max Romeo Sings Classics EP. Featuring fresh renditions of timeless hits like 'Kingston Town,' 'Man Next Door,' and 'No Place Like Home,' these cuts were recorded with Max's touring band during a break between French tour dates. Renowned producer Dennis Bovell handled the mixing, promising a blend of Max Romeo's signature style with a touch of innovation from the legendary Bovell.
Natty Nature - "Write Your Story" (extended version) (8:22)
Bass Lee - "Roots Memorial" (4:12)
Bass Culture Players - "Memorial Version" (4:12)
Review: Bass Culture - the reggae label, not the French house imprint - collaborates with the incredible Natty Nature on this new release which come son a nice hand-numbered 12". The A-side features an extended vocal version which is a powerful statement of intent reflecting Bass Culture Players' (which features top musicians like Adubta, Javi Arkotxa, General Soria and Carlos Amalgamah) core philosophy. On the B-side, Bass Lee pays homage to the golden era of 70s roots reggae with an instrumental clavi and melodica cut. The release concludes with a dub version, showcasing the raw energy of the rhythm section crafted by Bass Culture Players.
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