Back catalogue: Reggae Classics/Ska

Review: Laurel Aitken's High Priest of Reggae album is an early classic of the genre from 1969, and it captures the ska pioneer at a pivotal moment when he was blending his Jamaican roots with the evolving UK reggae scene. It came on Pama Records and shows Aitken's versatility with cuts like 'Jesse James' and 'Landlords and Tenants,' both a testament to his storytelling lyrical prowess over inventive rhythms down low. Songs such as 'Haile Selassie' reflect his engagement with the burgeoning roots reggae movement, while the classic crossover jam 'Skinhead Train' nods to his influence on the skinhead subculture. This album earned Aitken the status of the "Godfather of Ska" and it's easy to hear why listening back to this reissue.

Review: Herb Dub Collie Dub first came out in 2001 under the Skatalites' favourite lable Motion Records, based in London. Eight herbal, experimental dub excursions came by way of an at least fifteen-strong supergroup and advisory circle, which included Jeff Teader, Don D Junior, Augustus Pablo, Jackie Mittoo, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace - making this a star-studded record if we've ever encountered one. Such sonic diamante is well worth the listen too, as these eight tracks command a rightfully weird groove; aside from their measuredly rigid pace, the likes of 'Roots Dub' and 'Dumboo Dub' make use of surreal reverse-shot sound effects, producing the effect of a sort of lemony miasma; what's more, there's even a funk breakbeat detour on 'Sealing Dub', providing an ample window into the drumming chops of Benbow Creary - for any junglists out there, we're happy to tip you off: the A4 is a wonderful sample source indeed!

Review: In the 1970s, UK reggae band The Cimarons were an in-demand backing act who worked with then-iconic Jamaican artists like the Wailers and Jimmy Cliff. During a 1975 tour of Japan with the Pioneers, they found time to hook up with guitarist and vocalist Toshikatsu Uchiumi of the rock band The Carol. This is the result - a fusion of different reggae perspectives that also folds in mid-70s Japanese rock and blues, with Uchiumi singing in Japanese and contributing lead guitar. Produced by Sidney Crooks, this one-off release showed how adaptable and brilliant the The Cimarons' were and has a broad appeal to fans of both reggae and rock.