Roots/Lovers Rock charts

Review: On Side-1 of this 45, a rootsy rendition breathes new life into the original track, transforming it into a laid-back, soulful cover of an alternative classic. The Wally Brothers' 7" reissue of 'The Man Who Sold The World' offers a fresh reggae twist on the iconic David Bowie classic, later popularised by Nirvana. The reggae rhythms, smooth basslines and heartfelt vocals make this version uniquely their own, while still honouring the song's original power. Side-2 delivers a dub version of the track, providing a dynamic instrumental take that emphasises the groove and atmosphere. The dub's subtle effects and stripped-back sound, meanwhile, will excited DJ's looking for a cool groove to play.

Review: Beres Hammond's venture into soul and r&b, backed by a lineup of reggae legends, offers a surprising break from his usual style. The album blends disco-inspired elements with Hammond's rich vocals, yet tracks like 'Keep My Wheel Turning' and 'I'm Lonely' stand out with a raw edge, adding grit to the smooth soul vibes. The title track showcases Hammond's emotional depth in a yearning romantic ballad, yet it's the overall feeling of experimentation that gives the release its unique charm. While this detour into soul isn't a permanent shift, it finds Hammond working at the peak of his expressive powers, offering an unexpected but satisfying listen.

Review: Reggae is a genre that always existed on 7" in the early days. However, this album from The Wailers changed that as the first to ever be recorded as a full-length album. The Best Of The Wailers was actually their very first and it was recorded before their involvement with Lee Perry. It didn't drop until 1971 and showcased the group at the peak of their soulful powers. Each of the tunes is deceptively simple but impactful with plenty of memorable harmonies between Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. The sounds are perfectly raw and undercooked to give them an authentic and emotive edge and many of the tracks remain classics to this day.

Review: Jamaican music legend Joe White is truly in his element on this much needed reissue. Alongside contemporaries such as Augustus Pablo, Peter Tosh and Bobby Kalphat he was one of very few melodica players on the scene. He had his first success in 1965 with the song "Every Night" and went on to release beautiful instrumentals like "Kenyata", "Call Me Trinity" (for Derrick Harriott) and "Cheer Up" for Glen Brown. White formed the group Roots, Trunks & Branches to release several tracks on the label Splendour Heights. "Forward To Zion" was released in 1979 and became a true reggae roots stepper banger for sound systems across the globe. Probably electronic music fans will appreciate the futuristic dub aesthetic. "Forward To Zion" is a song of peace, love, freedom and emancipation of people.

Review: Johnny Powell's 'Moving Out' is a killer reggae classic, charting the 80s dubstar's staunch decision to move "way out, way out, way out" of Babylon, after much abuse by the figurative city of vice. Against a wicked riddim by an unknown production crew, we've got laboured horns, ghostly vocals and snake-rattles, all of which make this a certain addition to the ranks of the politically charged reggae and ska of the time. This reissue is backed with another track by Powell, 'Love Is The Answer', which balances out the 12" with a 'positive vibe' of true love.

Review: Jahlin was not only a talented singer and songwriter but was also someone who made music with a strong message. He got his education in Canada after moving there in 1975 following his younger days in amid and after booming a welder - which seems a popular first career choice for eventual reggae stars as Bob Marley took a similar path - he pursued his musical career. His 'Roots Reality' is as the title suggests a roots reggae song from the Roots Reality label in 1983. It has a positive vibe and the rather rare addition of a violin which is not so often heard in reggae tunes.

Review: R Zee Jackson's 'Row Fisherman Row EP', released on Jamwax, is a smooth fusion of roots and lovers rock. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Jackson (also known as Esso Jaxxon or Castro Pink) eventually moved to the United States in 1973 and later settled in Canada. There, he connected with key figures in the reggae scene, including Oswald Creary of Half Moon Studio, Doug of Comfort Sounds, and the legendary Jackie Mittoo. The EP kicks off with the title track, 'Row Fisherman Row', a melodic roots rock jam enriched with smooth dub elements. The warm, laid-back groove sets the tone, followed by 'Blackheart Man', where a deep, wobbling bass carries a more traditional reggae sound. On Side-2, 'Long Long Time' is a spiritual, echo-heavy vibe that exudes class and depth. Jackson continues to contribute to the reggae community as both a performer and producer, keeping the spirit of roots music alive.

Review: Jamwax breathes new life into a rare and evocative track from Justin Hinds, a heavyweight roots reggae masterpiece that embodies the spirit and teachings of Marcus Garvey. A-side 'Marcus Tradition" delivers a powerful message of tradition and heritage, driven by a down-tempo riddim and distinctive whistle. The flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the vocals to reveal the hypnotic depths of the instrumental arrangement. This reissue is a testament to Jamwax's dedication to preserving Jamaican musical heritage, honouring both Hinds' artistry and Garvey's enduring legacy. A must-have for any roots reggae enthusiast or those seeking to connect with the powerful message of Marcus Garvey.

Review: Dennis Anthony Thomas is known as King Kong and is the celebrated Jamaican singer behind hits like 'Trouble Again' and 'Legal We Legal.' His track 'Song of Love' was originally released by Pisces Productions and is a rare gem and a powerful anti-apartheid anthem. The song confronts South Africa's apartheid regime, referencing President P.W. Botha while urging unity and human rights. Through themes of love and resilience, King Kong highlights the strength of cultural solidarity in a tune that is rooted in reggae's tradition of political advocacy. As such 'Song of Love' transcends music and symbolises global support for freedom.

Review: Although since 2010 he has been a fully qualified mental health advisor living in the United States, back in the 70s , Wade "Jimmy" Dyce was a key original member of Cultural Roots. He was one of the four vocalists in the harmony group who worked with producer Donovan Germain and released several classics of the day on the Greensleeves label. Wade went it alone in the 80s and lay down some of his own jams with plenty of top musicians at Chris Stanley's famous Music Mountain studio. Now a bunch of them are getting pressed up to vinyl, including this one, the mighty 'Humble.'