Harlem Shuffle Vinyl & CDs

Review: Rocksteady era combo The Bleechers put out a lot of music in a short period of time, with the entirety of their bustling catalogue recorded and released between 1968 and'71. For much of that period they were associated with the Upsetter himself, the late Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and it's two of his productions for the act that are showcased on this Harlem Shuffle 7". Originally released via Upsetter Records in 1969, and tricly to find ever since, 'Come Into My Parlour' is a jaunty, organ-rich affair in which soulful vocals and heady Hammond licks rise above a classic, late-60s Upsetter groove. B-side 'Check Him Out' is equally as alluring, with an arguably stronger vocal and more prominent guitar licks replacing the pair's favoured Hammond B3.

Review: The reissue of Annette Clarke's 'Sinner Man,' produced by the legendary Lee Perry, is a gem for reggae enthusiasts and vinyl collectors. Released on Harlem Shuffle Records, this 7" vinyl brings back the sought-after 1973 track that seamlessly blends reggae with a touch of ska, adding an extra layer of allure for fans of the genre. Side-1 features the original 'Sinner Man,' a track from early reggae days while hinting at the infectious energy of ska. Clarke's vocals are compelling, and Perry's production gives the song a timeless quality. On Side-2, the Lee Perry dub version takes the track to another dimension. With heavy echo effects and the rhythm pushed into the background, Perry's dub creates an immersive experience that highlights his genius as a producer.

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.

Review: Dice The Boss's 'Gun The Man Down', originally released in 1969 on Trojan's Joe sublabel, embodies the essence of skinhead reggae. Its irresistible beats and meaningful lyrics enrapture listeners, solidifying its place as an enduring classic. Similarly, 'Your Boss DJ' highlights the era's cultural significance, brimming with energetic melodies and musical expertise. These reissued singles are essential for collectors, providing a window into the rich tapestry of Jamaican music history in Britain. With their profound impact and cultural significance, they are indispensable additions to any aficionado's collection.

Review: 'Skinhead Revolt' and 'The Thief' are quintessential British Boss Reggae classics that have stood the test of time since their original releases in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Joe The Boss's dynamic production on 'Skinhead Revolt' captures the rebellious spirit of the era, while 'The Thief' exudes a gritty energy that resonates with listeners. This reissues offer a nostalgic trip back to the heyday of Jamaican music in Britain. With their infectious rhythms and timeless appeal, both singles are essential additions to any reggae enthusiast's collection.

Review: Harlem Shuffle Records only deals in the good stuff and that is certainly the case again here with another killer double sider. This is also a historic first repress of the rare and extremely fine 'Good Time Rock.' A hard to find, much coveted tune, it is a rocking dub rhythm that has never before been on 7" vinyl. On the flip is another hard to find and crucial tune from Hugh Malcom who lays it down heavy and keeps you locked for the duration.

Review: It's time to do the Harlem Shuffle once more here and lock into the rhythms of Ray Martell. His 'She Caught The Train' is something of an early reggae classic that now makes its way onto 7" vinyl for the first time. It was originally released in 1970 on the Trojan sub-label Joe in the UK and then rose to fame once more as a cover version from UB40 in 1983. The original has been on a load of compilations but has never stood alone on wax. When it came first as a single it was backed with 'Tea House From Emperor Roscoe' by Dice The Boss but here the label adds a super rare Ray Martell song in the form of 'Cora'.

Review: This killer double sided single form 1968 finds its way onto 7" for the first time ever. Back then it was actually put out as a blank label and was mistakenly credited to The Bleachers, ratter than The Race Fans who actually wrote it. On the B-side is a totally different tune, 'Bookie Man,' which is a gem in its own right. A rare sound and killer groove, it's a great yin to the yang of the a-side and this is the first time both of these have been pressed up together at the same time.

Review: Harlem Shuffle present the first 7" re-release of a legendary late 60s reggae cut with a fascinating backstory. Both sides are credited to Joe Gibbs on the buttons, but there has always been debate about who is singing on 'People Grudgeful' and 'Pan Ya Machete'. The smart money is on it being The Pioneers, not least given the A side tune is a sharp riposte to Lee 'Scratch' Perry taking a pop at the group on his track 'People Funny Boy'. It's heartening to know there were beef tracks even back then, no matter how sweet the ska skank sounds on record.

Review: The reissue of Let It Be/Big Dog by The Soulettes and The Upsetters revives a sought-after gem from 1970, originally on the Upsetter label. This double-sided classic showcases Lee Perry's exceptional production skills. On Side-1, The Soulettes deliver a mesmerising reggae twist on The Beatles' 'Let It Be,' infusing the track with a catchy rhythm and soulful charm. Flip it over to Side-2 for 'Big Dog Bloxie,' an even more eccentric take on the same theme, brimming with Perry's signature experimental flair. This reissue celebrates a distinctive moment in reggae history.

Review: For the second salvo in their "loud cut series", the Harlem Shuffle label has raided the vaults of Lee 'Scratch' Perry's legendary studio band, "The Upsetters". On the A-side you'll find "Popcorn" from 1970's "Eastwood Rides Again" album, a hard-edged, Ska-era rhythm & blues rump-shaker that sounds like a Jamaican take on James Brown. The flipside plays host to "Tight Spot", a dubbed-out reggae riddim over which tight saxophone riffs ascend impressively while deejay/singer/mic man attempts to get the dance going with some choice words and phrases. Like the A-side, it's a genuine dancefloor workout.

Review: Harlem Shuffle's third volume of standout rocksteady, boss and early reggae tunes is another jam-packed collection of rare tunes, overlooked delights and hidden joys. Cornerstone labels like Amalgamated, Duke, Gayfeet, Grape, Harry J, Rio, Randy's, Treasure Isle, Upsetter and Trojan are all represented and the sequencing is masterful so that this record tells a real story as it plays out and builds the mood nicely. The results are diverse and paint a fine picture of this golden era of reggae. Here's hoping there are more volumes to come.

Review: Since launching late last year, Harlem Shuffle Records has reissued a string of killer reggae recordings from the 1960s and 70's. Here the imprint offers up its first compilation, a 14-track selection of early reggae, dub and rocksteady hand-picked from the vaults of such legendary labels as Black Swan, Blue Cat, Duke, Doctor Bird, High Note and Trojan. It's a fine and hugely entertaining collection all told, with highlights including the easy, laidback skank of Stranger & Patsy's 'Tell it to Me', the trumpet-laden instrumental shuffle of 'Walk With Des' by Des All Stars, the Hammond-powered dancefloor heaviness of Clancy Collins' 'Brother Moses' and the prototype dub brilliance of 'Black Out' by the Hardy Boys.