CARL DAWKINS Vinyl & CDs

Review: This officially licensed collection of tunes from Carl Dawkins assembles some of his best work from the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies. It was produced by Karl Johnson, Bunny Lee, Leslie Kong, Clive Chin, Geoffrey Chung and Harry J and shows off his broad array of styles and how his sound subtly evolved over that decade. From classic reggae to rocksteady and lovers rock, it all features his buttery vocals and plenty of earth production that takes you to a sun-drenched island in an instant. A worthy addition to the shelves of any discerning reggae head.

Review: The Harlem Shuffle label comes through with another one of its well chosen and crucial 7"s, this time from Carl Dawkins. As always with this label it is a highly sought after tune that was first only ever put out as a B-side to the One Dollar Of Music release. It's a fat and chunky rhythm with rolling drums and earthy acoustic guitars, impassioned vocals from Dawkins and plenty of sunny vibes. On the flip is 'Hot & Sticky' which is a little more upright but just as hot and steamy.