Roots/Lovers Rock charts

Review: Cuts From The Vaults is the latest in a long line of "mystery" edit labels, with some of the material on show originally appearing on various obscure, now hard-to-find white labels at various points over the last two decades. The A-side features two tweaks of 'Shot' (AKA Eric Clapton's reggae-rock cover of Bob Marley's 'I Shot The Sheriff') - a slightly dubbed-out, reworked and extended full vocal version, and the arguably superior, groove-based 'Special Dub'. Over on the flip, 'Bossarocker' sees the Doors' 'Break On Through' get the rework treatment. The 'Bossa edit' is a bossanova beat-powered rework of a live recording, while the 'Break On edit' is a punchy, subtly breakbeat-driven revision of a bluesy studio recording. Superior edits of rock classics: don't sleep!

Review: Over recent years, there have been countless reissue of reggae-disco rarities and slept-on classics. Soul Jazz has, surprisingly given that they first dipped into the style 20 years ago on the now legendary Reggae Disco Hustle compilation, been surprisingly silent, so it's nice to see them joining the party in fine style. Disco Reggae Rockers is a fitting sequel to its illustrious predecessor, featuring as it does a wealth of killer covers of - and more adventurous 're-versions' inspired by - vintage soul, disco and funk tunes. The plentiful highlights include Devon Russell's inspired take on Curtis Mayfield's 'Move On Up', Risco Connection's super-sweet version of Diana Ross classic 'It's My House', Valerie Harrison's interpretation of Me'lissa Morgan's 'Fools Paradise' and Hortense Ellis re-frame of Candi Staton hit 'Young Hearts Run Free'.

Review: 'Reggae disco' might not be a very well-known style, but Soul Jazz are hardly intimidated by any sense of obscurity, especially when it comes to a fusion between their two most prized genres. Homing in on reggae disco versions of funk, soul and disco classics, this curt but precious compilation features reggae covers of classics by Michael Jackon, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Candi Staton, with coverers including Risco Connection and the Crashers.

Review: Last year, Freestyle Records reissued 'Tonight's The Night', the 1983 debut from West London outfit Take Three - a collaboration between production trio S.H.E (Steve Sinclair, Peter Hinds and Kevin Ellis) and lover's rock vocal harmony group Alpha (AKA Marlene Richardson and sisters Jackie and Jean Heron). 'Can't Get Enough', another gem from the band's vaults, dates from 1985 and was initially released as their final single. In keeping with the group's roots, it comes in two contrasting mixes: a gorgeously dreamy, glossy and glassy 'Soul Mix' powered forward by squelchy synth-bass, mid-tempo beats and jaunty, jazz-funk style keyboard riffs, and the 'Reggae Mix'. As the title suggests, this radically alters the tempo and groove of the track - it's basically synth-heavy, mid-80s lovers rock - whilst retaining key elements of the A-side soul version.

Review: The latest edition to the illustrious Charly catalogue - a re-release of Dillinger's most successful single from 1976, 'Cokane In My Brain' - marks a welcome return of this popular release to record stores. Listening to this release, it's easy to trace the figures the Kingston-born Dillinger has labelled as key inspirations in the sound he brings into existence - namely Dennis Alcapone and Lee "Scratch" Perry, the latter of whom he found himself under the guidance of following his big break in 1974 with the release of his single 'Dub Organizer'. There's a reason this achieved serious playtime - though not necessarily on the radio - worldwide following its release. A key release you certainly won't want missing from your collection.