Mad Professor & Dean Fraser - "Kunte Escape" (4:04)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (4:14)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (dub) (4:11)
Review: 'Dark Clouds' is a powerful anthem about overcoming life's toughest challenges. The song embodies resilience by conveying that victory is always possible, even in difficult times. Its uplifting melody and infectious chorus blend English, Wollof and an Arabic, African and Caribbean patois to make a unique, cross-cultural sound. Produced by the legendary Mad Professor at Ariwa Sounds, the track offers hope and strength while inspiring us to keep pushing forward despite adversity over a compelling rhythm.
Review: France and Jamaica collide on this new 12" from Brother Sound, which is now up to release number three and is managing to maintain the good early standard it set for itself. J.A. legend Max Romeo is in top form on vocals with Brother Sound stepping up for the backing and production. 'Roll It Up' is a high-speed and hard-hitting dub that hurries you into shape-shifting while the vocals add extra pressure. It comes as two other mixes then the flipside has the slower and more meandering melodies and unbalanced sounds of 'The Story' which also comes as an extended mix.
Review: In 1977, singer Dhaima recorded some lovely and uplifting rockers with The Professionals at Joe Gibbs's studio, and now one of them is reissued here on the Joe Gibbs Music label, complete with a dub version from The Mighty Two. First up, Dhaima's original 'Ina Jah Children' is one of those sweet rhythms that has a breezy feel and lovely sunny melodies next to a lush and soulful female vocal, all of which pay great tribute to the one and only Jah. The dub-wise flip on the B-side is 'Save The Children' and it has some more snaking bass, hissing hi-hats and a nice unhurried vibe for lazy and loud sessions.
Review: The Liquidator Music crew have been putting out classic Jamaican rhythms ice the mid-cities and still goes strong. This is an all new one from Jamaican act Roy Ellis who sings over his backing band, Cosmic Shuffing, from Switzerland. They are acclaimed in ska and rock steady circles for good reason and help bring these tunes to life. 'Shine Your Light On Me' is an easy going roller with lo-fi drums and dusty riffs that hook you in while Ellis does his work up top. 'Merry-Go-Round' then cuts loose on a summery and swirling vibe with conversational lead trumpets and natty chords.
Review: Roots Garden Records is back with another highly anticipated reissue of celebrated releases from their archive. This time they look to Brighton-based singer-songwriter Cate Ferris and producer Manasseh who has done the business at his West London "The Yard Studios." The reissue has been carefully remastered and includes two alternative and previously unreleased dub mixes. Fans of Manasseh's signature sound will especially appreciate the addition of his dubs which showcase his ability to twist reggae and dub into new forms. This one offers a fresh take on these timeless tracks while preserving their original charm.
Paul Maiden & Manwel T - "Unconditional Style" (3:46)
Review: Yi Mas Gan is back with a new and timeless roots 7" that will keep the summer vibes alive even as Autumn begins to bite. On the a-side, this one features J.A. singer Clive Hylton who was recorded by French producer Manwel T as he did his thing on 'Show Some Love.' Empowering warrior leads rise up out of the mix as the trad reggae rhythms roll down low and his impassioned vocals ring out. Flip this one over and you will find Paul Maiden & Manwel T flipping it into a version they call 'Unconditional Style.'
Review: The mission continues here for Reservoir Dub Records who have been working most recently on putting out this one "Aim High' tune on a 10" with four different cuts from four different artists. This one features the legendary Macka B and the talented saxophonist Guru Pope bring their skills to a rhythm that was originally produced by the one and only dub-making don that is Jacin, while all the cuts have been expertly mixed by Gamma Sound's N-Tone DUB. It's a heavyweight package of fresh dub sounds with nods to the old school but plenty of new school cool.
Review: Pecking Records is a label run by Chris and Duke Price, the sons of the great George 'Peckings' Price, and was set up to build on the legacy established by their father. Now it's back with two rolling reggae gems. Kelly Makeda's 'Easy' is a smooth, mellow tune with a relaxed rhythm and soulful vocals, creating a perfect laid-back vibe. The song's heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies capture the essence of effortless love and on the flip side, Lady Lex delivers 'Breaking Up,' a track with a bit more intensity and emotion. Her powerful vocals tell the story of heartache and the pain of a breakup, while the rhythm section drives the song with real energy.
Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.
Review: The peerless Partial is back with some brilliantly deep cuts from Nick Manasseh and Jeremy The Equalizer. A-side cut 'Absentee' showcases a robust part-digital rhythm and some warming dub low ends that are finished in style with Danny Red's commanding vocals weaving in and out of the mix to a heady effect. The single was originally a track from their popular 1993 album, and here it is served up on 7" next to a rare B-side dub mix that fleshes things out, adds plenty of reverb, and generally makes for more horizontal and heady listening.
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: Wayne McArthur, Conscious Sounds, Lizzi Bee and Vibronics join their considerable forces for this limited edition new slab of roots vinyl. The EP features version tunes and versions starting with 'Elo Ah Him' which is a silky blend of coming vocals, happy horns and yearning vocals. Conscious Sounds serve up tasteful dub and sax versions and Lizzi Bee's contribution adds an extra layer of energy, blending modern rhythms with classic reggae roots. Vibronics close out with a couple of digi-dub reworks that are clean and fresh.
Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Adam Twelve" (4:14)
The Supersonics - "Mr Peckings Your Time" (3:08)
Review: Tommy McCook's funky brass-rock tribute to US cop dramas showcases his mastery of instrumental reggae and he blends jazz influences with deep and soulful grooves. Bets known for his work with The Skatalites, McCook delivers a high-energy, cinematic vibe here through powerful horn arrangements that channel the excitement of classic TV cop shows. Alongside this, the Peckings label's tweak on Ernest Ranglin's work has been enhanced by Bitty McLean sessions and brings a fresh touch to Ranglin's timeless guitar-driven reggae. This collaboration breathes new life into classic Jamaican sounds and merges rich tradition with a modern twist.
Review: Sunset's reissue series of Harry J releases continues with this gem from the late, great Freddie McKay's 1986 collaboration with The Jah Apostles, one of the last productions to feature the singer - who seamlessly navigated from the early ska days right up to the digital era - before his untimely death in November of the same year. McKay's soulful vocals ride effortlessly over the Apostles' mesmerising rhythms here, meaning that it is impossible not to be transported listeners to the golden shores of Jamaica at sundown. As is so often with the case with reggae, there's a dubbed out version on the flip - we wouldn't have it any other way.
Review: The Goodies label makes its bow here with a fully licensed 7" that features the Enos McLeod tune 'Ram Jam Party' backed with 'Rammed'. The former was the opening and title track from the Jamaican reggae singer's 1996 album. It is impassioned lovers' rock with his yearning and vulnerable vocals over clean reggae rhythms, with bright chords and lumpy drums and bass. The flip is a dub version with crispy hits and digital synths paired with the natty guitar riffs and organic piano chords. This is a good start and augurs well for the future of this label.
Review: Meditations Music has decided to launch with a couple of hot reggae drops in quick succession. This second one looks to the rootsy dub sounds of The Meditations. It could well be a reissue of a long-lost classic, such is the authentic nature of the sounds and rhythms but no, this is all-new heat featuring Ansel Cridland with Sly Dunbar and Jerry Johnson. Their snaking and hissing leads and meandering bass are the foundations for the freeform vocals. As you would expect, on the reverse side you will find a sick dub that goes heavy on echo and reverb.
Seargent Pepper - "Dub & Rub Ina Imitation Way" (7:44)
Review: Mellow Rose and Seargent Pepper's 'Imitation Love' proved a big-hitting reggae 45rpm when it first dropped and so now it has been reissued on this sweet, limited edition red vinyl 12". It first came on Studio 16 back in August of last year and is already worth a pretty penny on second hand markets. The A-side is a super sweet lover's rock sound with falsetto vocals up top, acoustic guitars and fleshy low ends sinking you into a romantic rhythm. On the flip, Seargent Pepper gets to work on 'Dub And Rub Ina Imitation Way' which is more sci-fi and futuristic in its sound designs, all with a hazy and stoner edge.
Review: This is a mad decent debut release from veteran musical assistant Meroe "G," also known as Record Shop Roy. This original composition, 'Can't Pay Won't Pay,' was penned by A.G. Marshall and the package also features the legendary Big Youth who delivers the powerful 'Sufferers Cry' vocal in a single striking take- he manages to capture raw emotion with seemingly effortless ease. Next to him, the track boasts an impressive lineup of talent including drums from Horseman, Steven Wright aka Marley on guitar, keys from Henry Holder, saxman Richard Doswell and David Fullwood on trumpet with Paul Kelly adding percussion next to Meroe "G" on vocals and bass. This is a deep, rootsy package crafted with care and spirit that demands to be pumped loud through your best amps.
Review: Messengers is a young label already doing great work and this second outing comes from Spanish artist Message and takes the form of a superb new instrumental roots rocker. What makes it really pop is the fine featured guest Gorka 'Junior G' Fernandez who bring some magic on lead trombone. Behind him we're treated to the full and unstoppable force of the A-Lone Ark players who master their instruments once more and make this one another schooling tune. It comes as a nice heady dub on the flip-side too, of course.
The Professionals - "Ghetto Living" (version) (3:13)
Review: The Joe Gibbs and Studio 16 labels combine to put out two gloriously soul-enriching sounds here on a tidy 7". The Mighty Diamonds are often said to be one of the best roots harmony groups to have ever emerged from the island of Jamaica. For proof of their brilliance look no further than this late 70s cut 'Ghetto Living' which has super sweet vocals over a nice heavy and earthy dub reggae rhythm. On the flip, the whole thing gets dubbed up and psyched out by the one and only Errol T. Lovely stuff for warm evenings and lazy afternoons.
Review: 'John Jones' dropped in 1968 on the Big Shot label after being produced and co-written by Derrick Harriott. It soon became a cult hit on the UK skinhead scene, its relentless rhythm and sharp lyrics making it an obvious anthem that was further cemented by its inclusion in the Tighten Up series. Impersonators then step up on the B-side with the yearning vocal reggae of 'I've Tried Before.' It's a lo-fi sound with hissing hi-hats and bubbling rhythms full of earthy soul. Rarely found in clean 7" copies, this one, so don't sniff at it.
Review: This is a new and rootsy cut from the accomplished singer Echo Minott who has linked up with producer Vinney Satta for Sir Coxsone Outernational. 'Take My Hand' is a natty cut with yearning vocals that are full of poison and emotion as the earth beats and organic percussion flesh out the sound. It's a sunny sound with plenty of dubby weight, then on the flipside is a version that ups the headiness and layers in toons of signature echo and reverb.
Review: Nkrumah Jah Thomas's label The Midnight Rock was a cornerstone of exceptional productions in early Jamaican music. As a savvy producer, Thomas maximised his rhythms and created numerous records for a variety of artists. He emerged at the perfect time and recorded breakthrough tracks in top studios like Channel One, often with the Roots Radics. While many of his sessions were released, some remained unreleased, trapped on multi-track tape. One such session featured Sugar Minott, known for his hit 'Good Thing Going.' Thomas has crafted fresh mixes from these sessions with this single addressing gun violence and featuring a vibrant Radics rhythm and a new dub on the flip side.
Review: After the vital release of the Classical Roots Showcase, this reggae imprint is back with the reissue f a much mythologised roots cut from Monyka. It comes backed with the proper dubplate mixes for the first time. 'Rocking Time' is a heavy one with liquid chords and sultry horns topped with a smoky vocal, then the version makes things even more liquid and deep. 'Questions Of Life' is a real slow-motion dub bubbler with plenty of classic hallmarks - dry hi-hats, rippling bass and a great hook.
Review: Sound Of Thunder outta France lands at release number ten here with another gorgeous slice of lovers rock on 45rpm. It features contemporary producers and vocalists Loic Paulin & The SOA offering up A-side single 'Jason White'. At less than three minutes it is the definition of short but sweet but in that time it manages to make its mark with the yearning vocals really hitting home next to nice heat-damaged organ chords and a classic reggae rhythm. On the flip, Mellowmood spins out the sounds via plenty of mixing desk tweaks on his version 'Poor Jason Dub'.
Review: Spanish label Base Lee Music has tapped up hometown hero Roberto Sanchez for this great new rockers roots single. 'Words Of My Mouth' really has it all - the smooth flowing bassline that undulates and rumbles with cavernous warmth, the acoustic guitar plucks up top to hint at the old school reggae sound and a vocal that is pure and soulful. The Message band come through with a dub version on the flip that layers in tons of echo and reverb and gets those snaking hi-hats hissing as they melt away to nothing.
Review: This crucial new Lion's Choice 12" packs a punch with two powerful tracks by Val Tribulation from Grenoble in southern France. 'Words of Wisdom' highlights Haroon Ayyaz's knack for uplifting vocals and they are deeply inspired by holy scriptures and delivered over a 90s-style instrumental enriched by Mandlion's meditative mandolin. The second track, 'What's Left For Me,' features Alpha B and explores the state of the modern world through thought-provoking lyrics layered atop a saxophone-driven riddim. Both tracks include dub versions, offering deep, reflective vibes.
Mighty Two - "Lost In A Dream" (Dreaming version) (3:00)
Review: Lopez Walker is best known for his roots classics 'Jah Jah New Garden' and 'Send Another Moses' which were recorded for Roy Francis' Phase One label in the late 70s. His talent caught the attention of Joe Gibbs, who then went on to produce this sorely overlooked bluesy dance tune. The track's forlorn vocals and a haunting flute melody capture the essence of heartbreak while on the flip side, Errol Thompson delivers a stellar dub mix. It is fleshy and warm and full of trickery and is a must-hear for fans of Joe Gibbs' iconic productions from that era. Though underappreciated, this should be a hidden gem no more.
Review: The talented vocalists Zion Irie and Ras Tweed grace us with their powerful voices once more here. They come over vibrant riddims crafted by Macca Dread and supported by an exceptional ensemble that includes Benyah who adds soulful brass, Crucial Rob who brings rhythmic depth on kete and cuica, while the Irie Mates deliver uplifting backing vocals and bluesman Danos enhances the sound with his harmonica. With conscious lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their collaboration blends artistry and energy and the final touch of excellence comes from mastering by Amir El Sawah, ensuring the music resonates with real clarity and low-end impact.
Review: Matisyahu hosts the annual Festival of Light towards the end of the year and it was there on December 22 back in 2022 that this Live in Brooklyn album was recorded. As well as featuring plenty of live takes on his own much-loved gems like 'One Day' and 'King Without A Crown', he also tackles a few tasteful covers that were penned written by his son Laivy, and which they performed in unison. There was also a visual recording of this show made and available to find online, which is well worth doing while you sink into the sounds that came at the end of a 15-stop tour.
Review: Jamaican singer Clive Matthews has enjoyed a stop-start career, with relatively brief periods of activity in the 70s, 80s and early 2000s followed by a late blossoming over the last decade - a career bump provided by the backing of Spanish roots reggae outfit A-Lone Productions. They're at the controls again on Matthews' second album, Going Home, which marks the Trenchtown-born artist's first full length for seven years. Rooted in his love of roots reggae albums of the 1970s, but with occasional updated instrumentation, it's a classic-sounding set that provides a perfect platform for Matthews' conscious lyrics and honeyed, effortlessly soulful voice. The results are undeniably impressive, with our current favourites including 'Yes I Do', 'Ancient Lion', dancefloor-ready title track 'Going Home' and the pleasingly jaunty 'Reggae Music'.
Review: Veteran Wackie's artist and reggae don Coozie Mellers returns with a fresh ten-track long player that bridges the label's deep roots heritage with modern reggae sensibilities. It blends crisp digital rhythms with heartfelt lovers' rock and roots textures and features the standout track 'You Move', which was previously released as a 10" single in 2015. Mellers' vocals are beautifully soulful and glide over the smart dubwise arrangements and bring a mix of both warmth and grit, with jams like 'Special Friend' unfurling slowly and seductively and 'Your Love Is Dangerous' being sentimental heart swellers.
Review: The debut album by The Melodians is a rare 1970 release that offered up the smooth, effortless vocals of the iconic Jamaican reggae supergroup which was formed by Tony Brevett, Trevor McNaughton and Brent Dowe. Focused on their collaboration with legendary producer Leslie Kong, this newly remastered album features ten of their most beloved tracks for Beverley's Records. The title track, 'Rivers of Babylon' was made famous by Boney M and was a favourite of Jimmy Cliff as well as appearing in his film The Harder They Come. This album is essential listening for early reggae lovers.
Review: This Best Of The Morwells album originally landed back in 1981 but has not degraded in any way over the ensuring 40+ years. It is a superb collection of vocal roots that first came on the American label Nighthawk Records and might be best known for standout hits like 'In God We Trust' and 'Africa' as well as 'Educate Your Mind.' The lyrics muse on plenty of still relevant socio-political topics while riding on nice deep rhythms with earthy drums and meandering leads. The band went on to become well-regarded and prolific session musicians in Jamaica and you might well have heard of them... none other than The Roots Radics.
Review: For their first full-length reissue, Canopy Records brings new life to Oppressor, a rare 1987 album by Nigerian artist Myke Moul. Long a cult favourite due to its genre-blending style and hard-to-find status, this remastered edition corrects past audio issues and gives the album the sound quality it always deserved. From the opening notes of the title track, Oppressor sets a tone that's both breezy and politically aware, a mid-tempo groove riding on synth-reggae rhythms with a soulful message woven in. The album, shaped in part by reggae icon Majek Fashek and later reimagined in France with a roster of versatile session players, stands out for its seamless mix of styles: island-leaning reggae, glossy boogie, and moments that feel like they could have soundtracked a Mediterranean sunset. "Shadows in the Rain" dips into an 80s synth-funk groove, while "Heading for the Top" is a shimmering, bass-forward boogie cut, setting the tone for a collection that flits back and forth between reggae, funk and boogie.
Review: Youthie and Macca Dread redefine excellence with their latest album Gecko Tones on Youthie Records which builds on previous albums The Roots Explorers and Nomad Skank. This consistency isn't stagnation but a subtle evolution that remains high-caliber. Juliette Bourdeix aka Youthie is classically trained on trumpet and infuses each note with soul while also skilfully integrating flute and accordion. The album's diverse instrumentation, which draws from global influences takes you on a world trip with strong Eastern Europe sounds. Macca Dread's analogue productions deliver dynamic, crisp sounds that defy criticism and make this a wonderful reggae outing.
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