Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.

Review: Historic British label Harlem Shuffle Records reissue a rare rocksteady track by the Jamaican singer Jeff Barnes, backed by the Jamaican band Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, here. A single-sided 7" vinyl comes with but one dubby audio-delight: the original 1970 version of 'The Rooster', a catchy, whistlingly haunting but no less upbeat song produced by Duke Reid and first released on his eponymous Duke Records label. Harlem Shuffle now add it to their catalogue, which charts only the best in ska and rocksteady.

Review: On the second volume in the GATT edits series, Swedish scalpel fiend Beatconductor once again pairs a previously unheard rework with something sought-after from his catalogue. In the latter category you'll find flipside 'Crazy in Kingston', an early noughties mash-up that adds Beyonce's superb lead vocals (and Jay-Z's on-point rap verse) from the peerless 'Crazy in Love' with a dusty old reggae riddim. It's a simple idea, beautifully executed. The brand-new (or at least previously unheard) cut this time around is 'Finger on the Trigger', a lolloping, life-affirming tweak of a 1970s dancefloor soul number that sits somewhere between the stomping heaviness of Detroit Soul and the proto-disco deliciousness of Philly Soul.

Review: Beatconductor's Dub Spectrum EP takes listeners on a journey through Jamaica with seven tracks of dubbed-out pop covers. The EP features creative mash-ups such as The Wailers providing instrumental backing for Adele, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, and Duran Duran, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tunes. Additionally, Amy Winehouse and The Pretenders unite to form a ska supergroup, showcasing Beatconductor's innovative approach to blending genres. Beatconductor's skillful reinterpretations breathe new life into classic tracks, infusing them with reggae and ska influences while maintaining their original essence.

Review: For the latest in their series of "giant 45s" - loud 12" pressings of classic cuts from the Studio One vaults - Soul Jazz has decided to offer-up a fresh pressing of Brentford All Stars' 'Greedy G'. Based on James Brown classic 'Get On The Good Foot', the track was famously sampled by Boogie Down Productions on their iconic cut 'Jack of Spades'. It remains a bona fide party classic, adding a bass-heavy, Hammond-heavy reggae spin to Brown's insatiable funk groove. As it did the last time Soul Jazz issued it back in 1988, it comes backed with the deeper and more laidback 'Granny Scratch Scratch', another classic cut from Studio One's in-house backing band.

Review: Robert "Dubwise" Browne is a skilled musician who can lay down perfect basslines, lovely keyboard overdubs and excite drum programming. H does all that and more on this super laidback and heartfelt dub for the Japanese label Vortex. 'Tracks of Love' is the sound of a lazy afternoon walk in the park with a new love, without a care in the world and hearts in your eyes. The Balearic guitar solo that rings out midway through is utterly soul melting. The guitar dub makes even more of that aspect of the original.

Review: Robert Dubwise Browne's remake of Bob Marley's classic 'Could You Be Loved' offers a fresh and vibrant take on the timeless track. Featuring strong female vocals on the hook, this version leans heavily into a rich rhythm section, bringing a new energy to the beloved song. The remake is both classy and respectful, capturing the essence of the original while adding its own flair. On the flip side, the dub version strips things down, transforming the track into a cool, atmospheric rendition that highlights the instrumental depth. Browne's production shines throughout, making this release a standout for fans of reggae and dub alike. It's a glorious tribute with modern touches that breathe new life into a classic.

Review: Brixton Heights Records' 'This Crazy Feeling Called Love' is a collaborative single by the Brixton Heights Crew, Kieko De Stefanis, and Gaudi. The track features Mafia & Fluxi on drums and bass, Gaudi on piano and co-production, and contributions from the Ital Horns, N. Gatti, and R. Rassi. Legendary reggae singer Peter Hunnigale provides new English lyrics that have been adapted from an old reggae song by the Italian band Sensasciou. The A-Side showcases Hunnigale's iconic vocals, while the B-side, 'Caruggi Jazz,' is an instrumental tribute to Genoa's charming alleys with a dub-infused orchestral sound. Mixed by Gaudi and mastered by Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, this is sure to become a dancefloor hit.

Review: Dennis Bovell's Sufferer Sounds compilation highlights a pivotal period in his prolific and diverse career, focusing on his work from 1976 to 1980. Best known for traversing reggae, dub, lovers rock, post-punk and disco, Bovell's production genius is evident throughout the album. Featuring deep cuts and lesser-known versions, the compilation includes works from his time with the Jah Sufferer Sound System, showcasing Bovell's ability to craft dynamic, emotionally resonant music. The CD version offers 15 tracks, including a rare dub mix of Janet Kay's iconic hit 'Silly Games', lovingly restored and remastered at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin. This version features Bovell's intricate arrangements with a pristine sound, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the depth of his production. Accompanied by track-by-track notes written by Bovell himself, Sufferer Sounds offers fascinating insights into the creation of these tracks, bringing listeners closer to the mind of a reggae pioneer. This carefully sequenced collection showcases Bovell's versatility across reggae, dub, and lovers rock, making it an essential listen.

Review: Doctor Bird's latest must-check double disc retrospective focuses on the work of influential Jamaican producer Lloyd Charmer during the 1970s. Each disc contains a significant, Chalmers produced album: keyboardist Harold Butler's reggae-soul/reggae-disco classic Gold Collection sits on disc one, with Debby Dobson's fine tribute to Jamaican music pre-ska, Sweet Dreams, following on CD2. In addition, each disc also features a wealth of Chalmers-produced singles and rarities, including a swathe of killer cuts from Richard Ace (the 12" version of 'Supernatural' on CD2 is particularly special), Sister Stern and Delroy Wilson. You also get a handful of surprise solo cuts from Chalmers, who of course started his music career as a vocalist-for-hire rather than a producer.