Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: Earl 16, renowned for collaborations with reggae icons like Lee Perry and Augustus Pablo, delivers a standout slice of early 90s digital roots here on the crucial Partial label. Originally featured exclusively on his 1992 album Boss Man (or, as it was known on the CD release, "Roots Man"), this track showcases Earl's distinctive production prowess. 'African People - HIM Speech' pairs conscious lyrics with a sleek digi dub vibe and future atmosphere. For this reason, Earl 16's influence extends through the reggae universe thanks to partnerships with Mikey Dread, Leftfield, and Dreadzone, all of which help to cement his legacy in the genre.

Review: Roots and reggae masters Partial know which EPs need reissuing and once again they prove that this month by casting it back to 1992 for Earl 16;s revered Natural Roots. For those who were there back then, it is well known that Jah Shaka played the tunes of this EP at every gig for almost 10 years and they never failed to get you moving even though you knew he was still only warming up. An original copy will set you back 50 odd quid so don't sleep on this great sounding reissue, which features the exact same play list as first time round.

Review: This reissue brings a fascinating piece of reggae history back to the light, showcasing a unique collaboration between Alton Ellis and Slim Smith. Recorded in 1971 at Chalk Farm Studios, this 7-inch single captures a moment of creative exploration and cross-cultural fusion. Side A features 'Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)', a mid-tempo soul duet where their voices intertwine in a display of effortless harmony and heartfelt emotion. Their performance blends soulful melodies with a distinctly Jamaican rhythmic sensibility. On the flip, Ellis takes the lead with 'Be True', a reggae-funk infused cut that highlights his versatility. The track is a testament to Ellis' ability to seamlessly blend genres. Originally intended for release on A&M Records, these tracks were part of a larger project spearheaded by producer Stanley Pemberton. This reissue sheds light on this intriguing chapter in reggae history and allows listeners to appreciate the artistry of Ellis and Smith in a new light. Their collaboration is a testament to their vocal prowess and their ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries.

Review: Death Is Not The End's 333 series reissues the exceptional original cut of the late Hortense Ellis' wonderful 'Hell & Sorrow' here. It was originally produced by Jimmy Radway and released on his Fe Me Time label in the mid-1970s and remains a popular joint on the sound system circuit. Here this most classic track is paired with the iconic DJ counteraction 'Tribulation' by Big Youth, which offers a compelling glimpse into reggae's rich history while also laying down a nice fat rhythm.

Review: Michael Exodus aka JAH SEED is an Italian producer and contemporary dub master who heads up the Dub-O-Matic label. His work brings a blend of electronic sounds mixed with the analogue dub traditions and this latest outing is another fine example of that. This new white vinyl 12" opens with the clean digi-dub sounds and warrior leads of 'Smash Down The Tower' and trundles on through 'Dub Down The Tower', the liquid rhythms of 'Dub The Water' and more moody sounds of 'Water Flow'. A great blend of the old and the new, then.

Review: This 1968 rocksteady classic by The Jamaicans is a rare gem from Duke Reid's Treasure Isle archives. It now finally sees the light of day once more and centres the smooth harmonies and uplifting melodies which define this timeless track and capture the golden era of Jamaican music. On the flip side, Errol Brown's mid-70s rendition of 'Many Questions' is just as good. It delivers a deep, soulful take with his signature production finesse making it another worthy addition to your box of red-hot reggae 7"s.

Review: The third volume of the Strike Out Series on Bat features Emanuel and the Bionites taking on an Ikadub riddim and delivering an outstanding performance. Following their previous successful releases with Pinnacle Sound, Emanuel again showcases his talent on the dynamic Ikadub riddim and turns out something perfect for playing loud on sound systems everywhere. With 'Rumours,' Marcus I, a prolific songwriter and skilled singer, finds hit potential by crafting a powerful chorus from some new dubs. All five of these cuts have anthem potential and demand to be heard outdoors in the sunshine.

Review: Cover songs can sometimes be difficult to tackle for an artist and even more so if it's a completely different genre. However, lending a fresh reggae twist to Toto's classic hit makes for a a great example of a successful one here. On side one, the English version of 'Georgy Porgy' features a laid-back, smooth reggae rhythm, with the iconic guitar hook reimagined as a reggae riff, giving the song a relaxed while still infectious vibe. Ethel Lindsey's soothing vocals blend seamlessly with the rhythm section, making this rendition feel both familiar and unique. On side two, the French version offers a delightful variation, with Ethel Lindsey's vocals taking on a slightly different tone, fitting the language while adding an extra layer of charm. The reggae influences remain strong and the song's laidback vibe is preserved on both versions.

Review: Augustus Pablo and Enos McLeod were something of a dub dream team back in the heyday of the gene in Jamaica. They produced plenty of great jams together, a few of which are being reissued at the moment. This one is another heavy hitter from the pair. 'Pablo Nuh Jester' pens up with some traditional drum shuffle and natty guitar work. The kicks sit perfectly in the bass while the florid bursts of harmonica are pure vibes. On the B-side, Enos McLeod steps up to rework and further dub out his own rhythmic framework and calls it 'Last Of Jestering.'

Review: Man like Augustus Pablo is revered amongst true dub heads. His ability to lay down killer riddims was second to none back in the day and this one is a classic amongst many. 'Pablo In Red' rides on a tuff rhythm from the mid-seventies that was originally produced by Enos McLeod. It has some enriching harmonics and wobbly low ends. On the flip, McLeod's 'Well Red' is a dubbed-out version with extra sonic spice making it more late night and twisted.

Review: Dr. Afrodub by Ghanaian artist Ekowmania, aka Ekow Alabi Savage, is a standout in Afro-centric dub concoctions. He is a drummer, percussionist and singer with over two decades of experience alongside Jimi Tenor & Kabukabu and here he explores classic roots reggae, Afrobeat and dub along with some more modernist African rhythms. The whole record was produced by the great Jimi Tenor and started after a tribute song to Kwame Nkrumah which was recorded at guitarist Lauri Kallio's studio in Finland. The nine tracks bring great intensity of rhythm and include standout songs like 'Twerk Your Mind,' 'Dub Souljah,' and 'Me Know' while also featuring a remix from the one and only DJ Sotofett.