Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: July 2024

Review: Amy Winehouse had many talents even beyond the jazz sounds she was so famous for. The troubled soul had a live magnetism like few others and tapped into the greats while adding her own smoky style to whatever she sang. Next to her well-known albums such as Back to Black, she also took part in several recording sessions in which she covered some of her favourite ska and reggae tracks. Now a selection of them have been put together for this new album The Ska & Reggae Collection: Studio on 2Tone. The likes of Alton Ellis and Jools Holland feature and help make this a great reminder of what a talent she was.

Review: Celebrating the extraordinary new biopic Bob Marley: One Love, Island/UMe releases a limited edition of Marley's timeless album Exodus. This version features the original album with an alternate cover, an exclusive 10" LP of rare bonus tracks and an essay by Jamaican music historian Herbie Miller, all encased in a gatefold design for the first time. Miller's liner notes illuminate Exodus as a profound document revealing Marley's contemplations, fears, and steadfast commitment to equity and spreading Rastafari spirituality globally. The alternate cover, designed by Marley's friend and creative director Neville Garrick, initially depicted a migrating bird symbolizing the parting of the Red Sea, with Marley and the Wailers under Haile Selassie's gaze. This original design is featured on the back of the new release. The bonus 10" LP includes dub versions of 'Exodus,' 'Jamming,' and 'Punky Reggae Party,' along with the rare track 'Roots,' making their vinyl debut after decades. These additions provide a deeper, immersive way to experience Marley's visionary artistry.

Review: From a young age, Delroy Wilson's exceptional talent was evident, blending the styles of US soul singers like Bill Withers into the Jamaican rocksteady and lovers rock scenes. His classic Studio 1 album, originally released in 1969, is brimming with soulful reggae tunes, including a funky rendition of 'Broadway.' This album perfectly captures the feel-good essence of ska, rocksteady, and bluebeat, infused with soul and heart. The seamless connection between swing, soul, and traditional island rhythms is palpable, making every song a heartfelt sing-along experience. As Delroy Wilson transitioned smoothly from ska into rocksteady, this album showcases his growth as one of reggae's most celebrated vocalists from the early 60s through the 90s. Highlights include 'Can't Stand It,' 'I Love the Way You Walk', 'Money Love', 'Your Love is Amazing' and the timeless 'Don't Know.' Despite the chaotic nature of his discography, this album stands out for fans of soulful, funky rhythms, offering a concise glimpse into Wilson's enduring musical legacy.

Review: The early reggae sound that emerged from Jamaica between 1968 and 1971 became the anthem of the skinhead movement in the UK. This vibrant music, along with the distinctive dress style of the Jamaican Rude Boys, heavily influenced British teenagers. By 1969, the skinhead lookiboots, braces, button-down shirts, and jeansihad become iconic, perfectly complemented by the upbeat reggae rhythms. The tempo of Jamaican music had slowed from ska to rock steady in the mid-60s, possibly due to a heatwave, but by the late 60s, reggae had evolved into a more energetic beat that resonated with listeners worldwide. Kingston Sounds has curated a diverse collection of tracks from this dynamic era, Skinhead Shuffle. This compilation features legends like Max Romeo, Roland Alphonso & Don Lee, The Hotrod All Stars, Winston Williams, and many more. The vinyl release offers a nostalgic journey through the sounds that captivated both Jamaican and British youths. With contributions from artists like U Roy, Lee Perry, and Doreen Schaffer, this album is for anyone looking to experience the vibrant, pulse-pounding beats of early reggae. Enjoy the tunes that defined a generation and set the stage for a global musical movement.

Review: Though rocksteady was only a brief phenomenon from 1966 to 1968, its impact on Jamaican music was massively significant and enduring. The genre laid the groundwork for future revolutions in the world of dancehall by influencing rhythms and styles for decades. Its significance and beauty are immeasurable as shown here on this compilation which showcases the era's finest including The Uniques, Glen Adams, The Sensations, Delroy Wilson, Slim Smith, and others. Each track captures the essence of rocksteady's timeless influence and its key role in shaping Jamaican music's evolution, and also, importantly makes for damn fine listening.

Review: Desmond Dekker and the Aces really shine on their rocksteady and early reggae album Intensified. Following their acclaimed 'Action!' album, this release boasts major hits like 'Poor Me Israelites' and 'Ah It Mek', which dominated charts in the late 60s and early/mid 70s in the UK and US. The album also features the lively 'Sweet Music', highlighting Dekker's impeccable vocal harmonies. With tracks like 'Rude Boy Train', Dekker presaged the 'rude boy' phenomenon that has since become a cornerstone of reggae music. 'Intensified' encapsulates Dekker at his peak and delivering irresistible rhythms and infectious harmonies that define his enduring appeal.

Review: Finally reissued much to the delight of reggae heads, this rare Jamaican ska gem originally debuted in 1964. Byron Lee And The Dragonaires gained fame early, notably appearing in the 1962 James Bond film Dr No as the hotel band. By 1964, they were featured in the seminal ska broadcast This is Ska! alongside icons like Jimmy Cliff, Prince Buster, and Toots and the Maytals which helped take them to the next level. As we as a superb selection of sounds, the album's back cover boasts delightful illustrations offering a guide to mastering classic ska dance moves in just 12 easy steps. That adds a charming touch to this essential piece of ska history.

Review: Some of the finest names in classic reggae and ska featuring on this new album Ska Shots on Pressure Sounds. The long player packs in 14 jams that take you to somewhere sunny and laid back with super good vibes aplenty. Roland Alphonso's 'Live Desire' kicks off with some hypotonic brass sounds bringing exotic vibes while The Skatalites keep it deep. Elsewhere Johnny Moore's 'Yogi Man' is a jumble of brilliantly live drums and buoyant brass and his 'Red Is Danger' is a more coy and sensual sound.

Review: Toots and the Maytals''Pressure Drop, now reissued on coloured vinyl, remains a timeless gem that captures the essence of early reggae with its infectious energy and profound message. Originally recorded in a riotous studio session under the guidance of producer Leslie Kong, the track exudes a raw, live performance vibe that sets it apart. Clifton 'Jackie' Jackson's thumping bassline provides a solid foundation, driving the rhythm alongside lively instrumentals from the band. Toots Hibbert's vocals are a powerhouse, delivered with passion and urgency, reflecting the song's theme of karmic retribution for wrongdoing. This reissue on vibrant vinyl not only preserves its historical significance but also reintroduces it to a new generation of listeners, highlighting its enduring relevance and musical brilliance."Pressure Drop stands as an example to Toots and the Maytals' contribution to reggae music and their ability to create music that resonates deeply with its audience. From ska to rocksteady, this band influenced the entire scene across scenes.

Review: Madness are releasing a deluxe edition of their 13th studio album, Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie, which debuted as their first UK number one last year. This special reissue features five new tracks from the original sessions and seven unreleased live recordings from their recent tour. It also has a 12", one-sided Zoetrope vinyl record, two CDs and a flexi-disc, packaged in large format bookset. Interestingly, the Zoetrope vinyl doesn't feature the album, it hosts the five new tracks that offer fans something to get even more excited about.

Review: Junior Marvin's new album, Happy Family, coincides with the release of the Bob Marley biopic One Love, where his role is portrayed by his son, Davo. As the former Musical Director and guitarist of Bob Marley's band, The Wailers, Junior Marvin's musical legacy is undeniable. Their close friendship led to Junior's significant influence on Marley's iconic tracks like 'Could You Be Loved' and 'Jamming.'Born in Jamaica and raised in London, Junior Marvin's guitar prowess earned him the nickname "the young Jimi Hendrix of London." His refusal of an offer from Stevie Wonder to join his band Wonderlove in favor of Marley's invitation to join The Wailers underscores his dedication to reggae. The first single from Happy Family, a new rendition of 'One Love,' pays homage to Marley's enduring legacy. With collaborations extending beyond reggae to artists like Stevie Wonder and Steve Winwood, Junior Marvin's contribution to music remains profound and timeless.

Review: The Pioneers return here on this Amalgamated Jamaica reissue alongside Hugh Malcolm and between them they are renowned for their popularity and numerous hits produced by Joe Gibbs and Leslie Kong. With approximately 40 recordings under Gibbs alone, this track embodies the classic elements synonymous with their collaborations and comes complete with a distinctive penny whistle. Bursting with energetic vibes and trademark topical lyrics characteristic of the Pioneers, this song resonates with the musical essence that defines their legacy.