Back catalogue: Roots/Lovers Rock

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: This rousing anthem by Innervision on Common Ground International delivers a powerful message through its thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic sound. Musically it is a classic reggae sound and it comes with a socially conscious lyrical theme that reflects on the struggles and aspirations of Black communities which continue all around the world. Compelling rhythms and soulful vocals help make the message land right and hit hard so the song resonates deeply while advocating for freedom, equality and empowerment. Uplifting yet poignant message, 'Free Black People' is an energising listen.

Review: Sonic gastronomists come therapists Ital Counselor serve the scene as musical physicians, prognosing the soul food hygiene ratings of each dub bit that comes their way, as they see fit. On the releasing side of things, however, their output meets the consistent quality of whatever the reggae equivalent of a Michelin star is. Welcoming reggaeist, melodica player and vocalist Hughie Izachaar to the fold for a debut single release after a ridonkulous string of releases kept steady since the early 1980s, 'Do You Really Know' carries an authentic vintage charm and yet is actually a brand new track; it hears Izachaar singjay with a birdlike glide, impressively navigating a bouncy dub firmament, using the genre's characteristic elegiac vibe to ask us if we really know what it's like to know righteousness. We're only a chosen few, after all...

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: The image of a reggae singer "floating around in the sun" is a peculiar one. Are we orbiting the sun, or are we *inside* said seething sphere? Perhaps only the Invaders crew could could keep their cool in such heat. An elusive Jamaican reggae band active from 1967 - and not to be confused with an early avatar of the band Madness - this four-year retrospective compilation spans the bulk of the Invaders' best work between 1970-74, in which time they made some of their most brilliant records, in the estimation of label collaborators DKR. Having managed to license a portion of the band's output for reissue (as well as their other incarnations as Splenders and Stepping Stones), and hearing anecdotes about the band from this or that person, DKR never managed to track them down directly, despite this reissue. Of course, it doesn't help that one of the front cover images really does resemble a composite missing persons sketch! Sleuthing efforts reveal untimely deaths by members, but luckily founding Invader Delroy "Bongo Pat" Forde is still around - and as 'Conquering Lion' intones, "he will return as a conquering lion, and rule...". The record is seemly, tinged with gospel, and seesaws between religious tones ('Holy Mountain') and an instrumental, cartoon charm ('African Safari').

Review: Israel Vibration's On the Rock, released in 1995, sees the trioiWiss, Apple, and Skellyidelivering their most culturally charged album to date. Tackling societal issues with sharp insight, the album focuses heavily on the struggles of youth. Wiss opens with 'Struggling Youth', a compassionate portrayal of young lives, while Apple's 'Rudeboy Shufflin'' critiques the negative influence of media. Skelly's 'Brother's Keeper' calls for unity, and songs like 'Find Something to Do' offer solutions. Amidst the social commentary, Apple's sensual 'Sugar Me' and Skelly's tribute to Bob Marley, 'Rebel for Real', add depth. Backed by the Roots Radics, the album's modern yet rootsy sound, combined with poignant lyrics, makes it a reggae classic.

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: Released in 1991, Forever brought together the sage dubwise forces of Wiss, Skelly and Apple - who were joined by the Roots Radics, and produced under Doctor Dread's guidance - for a recorded, controlled pandemonium laid down at the Lion & Fox Studios in Kingston. The Jamaican reggae group, formed in the 1970s, assembled as a merry band of brothers in the lyrical nascences of 'Poor Man Cry', 'Soldier of Jah Army', 'Reggae On The River' and 'Red Eyes', all of which feature here. Reissued on vinyl for the first time since 1991 and on CD for the first time since 1996, both formats have been remastered to provide the perfect listening experience for this legendary album.