Joe Gibbs/ Studio 16 Vinyl & CDs

Review: Jamaican singer Dennis Brown’s 1984 cut ‘Right Fight’ finally lands on 7”, joined here by a dubwise version from the in-house We The People Band. Originally buried on the Love’s Gotta Hold On Me LP and a now-scarce 12”, it’s one of those righteous, rootsy calls to arms that Brown delivered so effortlessly at his peak. His vocal glides over a tense but propulsive groove, bolstered by horns and a chugging rhythm section, while the lyrics advocate moral clarity in the face of pressure. Flip it and the band’s instrumental version runs wild: militant and heavyweight, full of reverb-splashed snares, spectral brass and stripped-back pressure. Produced by The Mighty Two (Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson), this pairing reflects a moment in mid-80s Jamaican production where the energy of roots still collided with dancefloor sensibility. Essential for selectors with a deeper box.

Review: Lopez Walker is best known for his roots classics 'Jah Jah New Garden' and 'Send Another Moses' which were recorded for Roy Francis' Phase One label in the late 70s. His talent caught the attention of Joe Gibbs, who then went on to produce this sorely overlooked bluesy dance tune. The track's forlorn vocals and a haunting flute melody capture the essence of heartbreak while on the flip side, Errol Thompson delivers a stellar dub mix. It is fleshy and warm and full of trickery and is a must-hear for fans of Joe Gibbs' iconic productions from that era. Though underappreciated, this should be a hidden gem no more.