Review: Following their relocation to the United States in the early 1980s, roots reggae pioneers Israel Vibration found a home on Real Authentic Sound, the label helmed by Washington D.C-based entrepreneur and producer Doctor Dread (real name Gary Himelfarb). He took over behind the desk, producing and mixing a string of albums in the late 80s and '90s - including this freshly remastered gem from 1995. In keeping with the reggae style of the time, the sound blends digital and acoustic instrumentation - synths, drum machines, guitar and bass, basically - with the band's effortlessly soulful vocals sitting atop. Highlights are plentiful, from sun-soaked opener 'Mr Consular Man' and the organ-splashed shuffler 'Rebel For Real', to fan favourite 'Rude Boy Shufflin' and the conscious 'Struggling Youth'.
Review: The Irie Ites label, founded by the French production collective of the same name, has long been one of the international reggae scene's leading lights - an impression only strengthened by the Le Mans-based stable's latest annual compilation. Comprising a mixture of 2024 label highlights and previously unheard cuts, the set offers a range of quality conscious and roots cuts (as well as a few curveballs such as the reggae/hip-hop fusion of Anthony B hook-up 'Rub-A-Dub (Stop That Sound Riddim)') featuring such global stars as Eek-a-Mouse, Sly & Robbie, Linval Thompson, Solo Banton, Screwdriver and Frankie Paul. To top it all off, crew member Jericho d'Irie Ites serves up a quintet of quality dub versions to get soundsystems rattling and dancefloors shaking.
Review: Fresh from appearing in Bob Marley biopic One Love (as one of the early, lesser-known members of the Wailers), 30-year-old Jamaican J Written (real name Jason Wright) drop his debut album - a set produced by legendary American reggae mixer Doctor Dread and featuring a stellar line-up of backing musicians (drummer Sly Dunbar included). Sitting somewhere between classic lover's rock and digital roots-reggae, the album's focal point is undoubtedly the artist's rich, soulful voice. While he does 'toast' in patois at times (see 'West Indies'), for the most part Wright showcases his full vocal range. The results are undeniably impressive, with the tender 'We Alright', ska-influenced 'King Kong', vibrant opener 'Work To Do' and exotic 'Keep People Poor' (where sitars and electric guitar solos catch the ear) standing out.
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