USD
Juno Recommends Reggae
Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: Best of 2023
Read more...
1
Cat: DISC 812051857715. Rel: 16 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Well, there are no prizes for geeing what this one is about - it is a collection of classy and authentic roots, reggae and lover's rock versions of all the tunes from Amy Whinehouse's seminal Back to Black album. Importantly, the voice of the late, great jazz singer herself is left in place and it is just the music that's replayed by a selection of people - who do a fine job. Interestingly, the sounds all sound as good as the originals despite the stylistic departure, making this a great addition to the shelves for anyone who fancies hearing Winehouse in a new context.
...Read more
in stock $21.92
2
Review: Sometimes all you need is a classic with a stylistic twist. This is the fifth installment of the very functionally named 'Disco Reggae', a series of compilations of reggae covers of disco classics. French outputters Stix are the brains behind this one, being the sub-label of Favorite Recordings, who specialise exclusively in reggae remixes. Everything from slow-jam nighttime disco ('What You Won't Do For Love' by Bobby Caldwell) to high-energy glitterballers (Labelle's 'Lady Marmalade') appear here, flaunting the easier-to-bridge-than-you'd-think gap between disco and reggae.
...Read more
in stock $26.35
3
Cat: PARK 1053. Rel: 30 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Inokasira Rangers are known for bringing their own idiosyncratic dub and rootsy take on a whole world of classic source sounds from multiple different genres. Here they look to an iconic tune from The Sex Pistols and completely rework it into a slow and skating digital-dub framework then wire it up with spangled bass, bright metallic chords and re-sing the vocal in snarling fashion. On the flip is the excellent 'Longing For Andulusia' which is a more laid back and traditional dub sound that comes doused in island sun with some epic guitar solos.
in stock $15.53
4
in stock $16.92
5
Review: It's always a treat hearing reggae and dub renditions of classic songs, and The Beatles have more than enough incredible songs to warrant a re-imagining or 12. This new collection from Jamrock legend Clive Hunt pulls together old versions and new renditions alike, featuring legends like Barry Biggs taking on 'Here Comes The Sun' and The Pioneers' stunning take on 'You Won't See Me'. Rub-A-Dub Soul also welcomes in new generations of talent as Yannis Odua sings 'Revolution' and Danakil takes on 'Hey Jude'. It's no mean feat to pull off covering such globally adored songs, but these singers and players step up to the challenge without missing a beat.
...Read more
in stock $23.58
6
Cat: OGR 853. Rel: 09 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Here's come another sure shot from Dave Barker, a classic reggae vocalist whose croon joins the dots with the genres connection to US soul and r&b. 'We A Fe Come Over' is an uptempo, rocksteady-esque riddim produced by Neil Anderson, featuring some joyous trombone from Michele Fortunato and The O'Gees on extra brass where it counts. On the flip, Anderson leads the Woodfield Rd Allstars in a pristine version which centres some classic 60s-style Hammond organ flexing from Abramo Riti for a feel-good flavour sure to appeal to everyone who hears it.
in stock $12.49
7
Cat: 556597 1. Rel: 06 Nov 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Catch A Fire, Bob Marley and The Wailers' seminal first release on Island Records, universally regarded as the album that put reggae music on the global stage, is being re-issued via UMe on November 3 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its original release in 1973. The album features nine songs, two of which were written by Peter Tosh and the rest by Marley. 'Slave Driver', one of the most powerful tracks on the album, will be released as a single, accompanied by remarkable live performance footage recently unearthed from the legendary Edmonton show in England in 1973.
...Read more
in stock $66.86
8
Cat: SJRLP 80C. Rel: 23 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: As the undisputed 'Keyboard King of Studio One' Jackie Mittoo left a huge mark on Jamaican music across the eras, helping found The Skatalites and leading The Soul Brothers amongst many other bands. Soul Jazz gathered together some rare recordings of Mittoo and the Soul Brothers from the mid-60s, where the ensemble glide with poise between ska and rocksteady, sprinkling in funk, jazz and Latin touches for good measure. It's a heady crew which captures Jamaican music in a period of open-ended innovation, as practised by some of the key architects of the sounds. After being out of print for some time, this special green vinyl edition isn't likely to hang around for long.
...Read more
in stock $32.46
9
Review: Jamaica Soul Shake Vol 1 is one of the many seminal compilations put together by Soul Jazz. It first arrived in 2006 and provided, as you would expect, a perfect overview of the goddamn funky Sound Dimension. They were one of the many crucial in-house bands that worked at Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd's pioneering and influential Studio One. The original has been impossible to find since forever so do not sleep on this new, one-off limited edition pressing on silver coloured double vinyl. The sea re all rocksteady rhythms and delicious dubs that will keep you moving and grooving for days.
...Read more
in stock $34.40
10
Cat: LANR 033. Rel: 23 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Jamaican singer-songwriter Alton Nehemiah Ellis OD has been inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame since 2006 - just two years before his death - which shows how much he contributed to the genre in his heyday. And that was the early 70s, when most of the music on this new album Valley Of Decision: The Collection is taken from. His style was high-impact reggae, often delivered with extra power from superb horn arrangements. For many, he was an important pioneer in the development of what became known as the rocksteady style and as such was known as the Godfather of Rocksteady.
...Read more
in stock $26.91
11
VARIOUS
Cat: CM 743162. Rel: 30 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
in stock $32.73
12
Cat: 730783. Rel: 16 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
out of stock $13.04
13
Cat: 554140 3. Rel: 09 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
out of stock $34.40
14
out of stock $29.95
15
out of stock $9.71
16
out of stock $17.75
17
out of stock $14.42
18
Cat: DHVOL 17XMAS. Rel: 06 Nov 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Lifelong reggae fans, vinyl lovers and frequent Juno readers will be familiar with Crystal D's Reggae Disco mix series. It was a 70s thing where artists served up their own unique reggae versions of Christmas classics and now we get volume 17 of the Christmas Songbook. This one comes on 12" in hand-stamped sleeve and the A-side is an 11+ minute collection of tunes from Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown with natty chords, sleigh bells and choral reggae vocals. What a mix. In authentic reggae fashion, the flip side is a dub of the whole lot by The Chariot Riders.
...Read more
in stock $12.76
19
Cat: LQ 151. Rel: 30 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Eugene Paul - "Where That Love?" (with Mighty Megatons)
Mighty Megatons - "Mexican Affair"
in stock $13.04
20
out of stock $26.62
21
Cat: NUL 06. Rel: 06 Nov 23
Dancehall/Ragga
in stock $10.83
22
VARIOUS
Cat: HPR 31CLEAR. Rel: 23 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
out of stock $18.03
23
Cat: OGR 838R. Rel: 13 Mar 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
in stock $12.49
24
Review: Thomas Blanchot has been casting a spell with his sun-soaked reggae renditions as Mato for a long time now. He's back on his regular stomping ground of Stix with a beautiful version of Roy Ayers' evergreen 'What You Won't Do For Love', with Ethel Lindsey taking on the role as singer to complement Blanchot's sweet and easy riddim. It's a tune primed to greet the warmer weather, staying faithful to the original while giving it a fresh spin. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, we know full well you're going to love flipping it over for the consummate dub version on the B-side.
...Read more
in stock $16.92
25
Review: Prince Fatty's new independent record label Lovedub Limited kicks off with a super 7" from the man himself. It is in fact something of an homage to the 1970s jazz-funk of Lonnie Liston Smith but with some hefty dub and reggae treatment. Shniece Mcmenamin stars on vocals and brings plenty of summer soul to the groove which is also lit up with free-flying flute lines over steady reggae rhythms that will sink you in deep to Winston "Horseman" Williams and Carlton "Bubblers" Ogilvie's drums, organ and piano. On the flip is the dub with the iconic Liston-Smith melody leading you through a lazy afternoon in style.
...Read more
out of stock $16.09
26
Cat: OGR 854. Rel: 21 Aug 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: The Original Gravity label comes through once again for their main series of reggae oldies. This time they put out a limited 7" version of Fatboy Slim's megahit 'Praise You', in authentic rocksteady style, performed by Jamaican vocal group Junior Dell & The D Lites, who've been active since the 1960s. "Mi haffi praise you", gleefully intones Dell, against an impressive interpretive backdrop of jubilant brass and cabareting bubbles. The B-side procures a more curious and laid-back instrumental, Woodfield Rd Allstars' 'Cool Cool Runnings'.
in stock $12.49
27
Review: Sister Nancy is one of few trailblazers who helped pioneer the the female facet of reggae. 'Bam Bam' is a reissue of her seminal debut single, which features her signature sound of roots reggae and dancehall, raileing against the male-dominated 80s scene with its ribbing hook and slapping instrumental. The B-side 'Stalag Version' dubs out the A, versioning it into a gloomy, bass-heavy hypnosis.
out of stock $18.03
28
Cat: OGR 834. Rel: 16 Jan 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: There's no information out there about Junior Dell & The D Lites, but Original Gravity have been working hard to bring their classic ska sound to life. 'Whole Lotta Skankin' Goin' On' is an infectious bouncer with that insistent offbeat rhythm which set monumental wheels in motion in Jamaican music. There's even a sweet organ solo to boot on this guaranteed sound clash winner. 'Hold The Riddim' is no slouch either, bringing all the passion and energy of the dance to you in short, sharp, reload-ready fashion.
out of stock $12.49
29
Cat: VR 011. Rel: 11 Nov 24
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Otis Gayle and Robert Dubwise Brown come together for this superb new 7" on Vortex Japan. It's a glorious cover of an already glorious original tune. Their version of 'I'll Be Around' leaves the originals feel-good melodies in place but works them into a lover's rock rhythm with gentle but sunny percussion and a heartfelt re-sung vocal. It's buttery smooth and good for the soul. On the flip is a dub vocal version that is even more laid back and deep, with fleshy bottom ends and wiggling bass.
out of stock $17.48
30
Cat: 12WIP 477. Rel: 16 Jan 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Reportedly written and recorded after hearing The Clash's cover of Junior Murvin's 'Police & Thieves', 'Punky Reggae Party' isn't one of the more celebrated releases in Bob Marley's discography. Yet there's so much to like about it, as this reissue of the original Jamaican 12" proves. For starters, it saw Marley and the Wailers reunite in the studio with legendary producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry, whose stylistic ticks and subtle touches are evident throughout. It was produced in 1977 at height of disco fever (something Perry was particularly suspicious of, believing that it was leading Rastafarian youths astray) and the A-side is a genuinely epic reggae 'disco mix' that rolls out to nine minutes and includes some fine scat freestyling from Marley. The similarly epic flip-side dub is not Perry's wildest, but undeniably dancefloor ready.
...Read more
in stock $14.42
31
Cat: OGR 840R. Rel: 03 Apr 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: You can't beat a good cover of a classic tune and they don't come much better than this version of Oasis's masterpiece 'Don't Look Back In Anger' by The Regulators. Original Gravity come through with it on 7" in its 'Re-mixed & Re-mastered' form. The lead melodies come from big fat horns, while the lazy drums sway to and fro and bring an all-new kind of energy. Prince Deadly then gets to work on the studio dials to dub it out to perfection on 'Dub Look Back In Anger'. Two doozies.
in stock $13.60
32
VARIOUS
Cat: ERC 131. Rel: 10 Apr 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Nowhere Like Here: Love Songs From The Caribbean & Diaspora is a perfectly escapist new double album from Emotional Rescue that has been drawn from the "off kilter digging of archivist, DJ and collector Bruno." It's a sister collection to the Perfect Motion album that focuses on new wave and leftfield pop and is already a cult classic. This lovely album also makes ten years of this fine label and is a tasteful assembled selection perfectly befitting of that occasion from this much-loved imprint. Here's to the next ten years.
in stock $26.35
33
Review: Rock A Shacka have pulled together a classy compilation here which presents covers of classic soul, funk and disco given a smooth reggae re-rub. It's all silky and steady, as the likes of Barry White, The Ohio Players, McFadden & Whitehead and The Temptations all get the cover treatment from a varied cast of groups and players. The version of 'Skin Tight' is especially worth checking with its slick organ licks neatly re-positioning the seriously funky original. If you love reggae, funk or soul, you're going to find plenty to love about this one.
out of stock $33.28
34
Cat: ERC 133. Rel: 24 Apr 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Emotional Rescue can be relied on to dig up obscure, left of centre dance gems and serve them up to newer, wider audiences. Adu's reggae-pop cut 'Burkina Faso' is a great example, re-purposed for the dancefloor without any of its original flavour lost in the overhaul. A
South Saharan/West African emigre to Brixton, Rauf Adu would go on to fairly sizeable European fame with the Eddy Grant-esque 'Human To Human'. This, however, is his 1982 debut for Copasetic Records, another reggae-pop inspired, ludicrously catchy effort with scorched electric guitar and a Compass Point-style drum/bassline providing rhythmic rocksteadiness. As well as the buffed up original, there's a dub mix, which gives his beautiful guitar plenty of room to breathe, and an appearance from the Isle of Jura Sound System boss Kevin Griffiths , whose remix completes the trio of mixes.
South Saharan/West African emigre to Brixton, Rauf Adu would go on to fairly sizeable European fame with the Eddy Grant-esque 'Human To Human'. This, however, is his 1982 debut for Copasetic Records, another reggae-pop inspired, ludicrously catchy effort with scorched electric guitar and a Compass Point-style drum/bassline providing rhythmic rocksteadiness. As well as the buffed up original, there's a dub mix, which gives his beautiful guitar plenty of room to breathe, and an appearance from the Isle of Jura Sound System boss Kevin Griffiths , whose remix completes the trio of mixes.
...Read more
out of stock $14.15
35
Review: This legendary compilation from Soul Jazz has seen many iterations, but now it comes out in its most comprehensive glory to date, with versions on vinyl, CD and cassette in tow this January 2023. Charting the very best and funkiest tracks from the revered reggae musical imprint known as Studio One, greats from Jackie Mitto (covering Booker T & The MGs' 'Hang Em High'), Soul Bros (reinterpreting the James Bond theme tune, '007') and Alton Ellis (with the snappy reggae cut 'It's A Shame') render this a highbrow compilation of rare soundtrack cuts, originals and classics.
...Read more
out of stock $31.91
36
Review: Leon Leiffer formed The Blackstones in 1974, but since then the band has been through a number of different line-up changes. The current lineup features Leiffer with Tony Mahoney, Jr. Bailey and A.J. Franklin and this new 7" offers two tunes from their tried and tested repertoire. First is a contemporary rework of William DeVaughn's US 70's soul classic that Massive Attack sampled so well, namely 'Be Thankful', and on the flip is a version of Yabby You's roots reggae cut 'Deliver Me' from the 1970s. Both are packed with heat and great musicianship to update them for modern sound systems.
...Read more
out of stock $9.97
37
Cat: OGR 844. Rel: 06 Mar 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Junior Dell & The Delights are back with a mighty fine new single that comes imbued with plenty of proper good old school ska and reggae values. It's an upbeat rhythm that will get you on your toes with its energetic horns and riffs, swaggering drums and superb vocal work. On the flip of this limited 7" is, of course, 'In A While Crocodile'. It's a continuation of the a-side with just as much swagger and energy. Both tunes are essential and mark another fine drop from this great modern day outfit.
in stock $12.49
38
Cat: OGR 852. Rel: 14 Aug 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are a clever exercise in nostalgia, being a contemporary project under the wing of modern reggae label Original Gravity, but for all intents sounding like a full-blown lost rarity from the late 1970s. Their latest of at least six new seven-inches to grace our ears in recent years, 'Last Night Reggay', is one-such midnight ditty, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of shame and relaxation one often experiences after a tumultuous night out. The version by Woodfield Rd. Allstars is just as boxy and spacious, and comes with an out-of-this-world synth solo.
...Read more
in stock $12.49
39
Cat: OGR 855. Rel: 11 Sep 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: This new tune on the crucial Original Gravity label finds Donnoya Drake covering the classic Shirelles joint 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow.' She re-sings the vocal in her own way, adding extra soul and spice, while the reggae rhythms swagger down low with plenty of drum fills and undulating guitar riffs. On the flip, Junior Dell & The D-Lites offer up 'I Can't Turn You Loose' which is a classic reggae sound with big horns energy and fat bottomed low ends all sweeping you up inna lovely rhythm that never lets up. Another 7"s of gold from this label.
in stock $12.49
40
Review: Cheer up! Here's Sunday Best coming through with a much welcome dose of sunshine courtesy of Rhoda Dakar. On her fifth single for the label, she's going straight for the pleasure principle by taking on a gentle skanking reggae cover of Louis Armstrong's eternal 'What A Wonderful World'. Sure, you've heard it countless times before, but Dakar brings her mellow power to the track in perfect fashion, backed up by a tight crew of players who take track further out with the version on the flip.
out of stock $18.59
41
Cat: OGR 846. Rel: 15 May 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.
...Read more
in stock $18.03
42
Cat: OGR 836. Rel: 16 Jan 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Given that Neil Anderson's Original Gravity label is an unashamed tribute to the 1960s ska and rocksteady sounds he loves (with occasional diversions into rhythm & blues and reggae), it's little surprise to see the imprint's house band, Woodfield Road Allstars, take on 'Shank I Sheck', a much-loved 'riddim' that was written, and first recorded, by Baba Brooks way back in 1964. The Woodfield Road Allstars version is a hazy, head-nodding rocksteady treat rich in heady Hammond organ licks, languid trumpet solos and jazz guitars aplenty. Over on the flip, Prince Deadly (likely an alias for Anderson) provides a lightly rewritten riff on the same core ingredients, naturally pushing the trumpet to the fore while reaching for dub-style effects and other 'versioning' studio tricks.
...Read more
in stock $13.60
44
Cat: HSRSS 0024C. Rel: 02 Oct 23
Reggae Classics/Ska
Review: Here's a slice of original ska perfection from The Ethiopians, pulled out of obscurity and presented on a limited 7" reissue thanks to Harlem Shuffle. The Ethiopians were one of the original ska groups in Jamaica, starting out recording for Coxsone Dodd in 1966 and going on to become one of the most successful vocal groups in Jamaica until Stephen Taylor's untimely passing in 1975. 'Train To Glory' and 'Mek You Go On So' are two prime examples of The Ethiopians' eternally enchanting style, pressed up together for the first time on one tidy single housed in a hand-stamped sleeve.
...Read more
out of stock $18.31
45
in stock $15.26
