New releases last two weeks: Reggae Classics/Ska

Review: For the first time ever, these two crucial early reggae gems by one of Jamaica's most underrated voices are reissued together on a single 7". Originally produced by Dandy Livingstone and released separately in 1969 on Trojan's Downtown sublabel, both tracks have become prized collector's items with original pressings now commanding high prices by the second-hand sharks. This long-overdue reissue not only unites the two songs on one disc but also celebrates the soulful, overlooked talent behind them. 'You'll Lose A Good Thing' is carefree and earthy golden-era vibes and 'Love Me Tonight' is a nice loose-limbed rumble.

Review: Two-tone ska scallywags Bad Manners ruled the chart roost throughout the 1980s, racking up nine Top 40 hits and 111 weeks on the charts, fueled by a vary many memorable TotP appearance. By the late 80s, their chart success faded but they kept busy with Eat The Beat (1988), a collection of rarities and a standalone take on the 1969 Symarip track 'Skinhead Girl.' Later in 1989, Bad Manners offshoot Buster's All Stars released 'Skinhead Girl' with a fresh live ska twist, and this incurrent reissue of that flashpoint now also unveils the never-heard-before 'Skinhead Boy', which debuts in a foldout sleeve with liner notes by Lee Morris. Both songs are rife with nostalgia for a subculture mired in historic complication, and at times it's hard to distinguish whether the object of affection so considered is a real person or a representation of a genre and point in time: "she wore braces and blue jeans... she was mine."

Review: 'Dream Racer I' is an instrumental reggae cover of the classic Japanese rare groove theme from the 1977-78 TV movie Matsuri Bayashi ga Kikoeru, originally by George Yanagi & Nadja Band. This mellow, rhythmic version features Robert "Dubwise" Browne's guitar and saxophone bringing some extra soulful depth that fans of Japanese rare groove will appreciate. The flip side offers a compelling dub mix, both expertly mixed by Steven Stanley, known for his work with Vortex Records. Vortex's take on 'Dream Racer I' is a fusion of reggae and vintage Japanese vibes that grows more enchanting with every spin.

Review: Reggae pioneer Stranger Cole, active since the 1960s, celebrates his 83rd birthday with Royal, a new album produced by Boss Capone of The Upsessions. Following 2023's Kings and Queens, this record features 11 fresh tracks that echo the golden era of Jamaican ska. Though the origins of reggae are debated, producer Bunny Lee credits Cole's 1968 track 'Bangarang' as the genre's starting point. Decades later, Cole remains as creative as ever and now inspired by a nostalgic tour bus moment recalling his 1960s work with Patsy Todd, Royal feels like a heartfelt tribute to his roots in that it is timeless, soulful and full of history.

Review: Junior Dell & The D-Lites are back once again with a reissue of one of their masterful reggae stylings that originally dropped late last year. This one was another standout dub cut via Original Gravity that has proved a big one on the sound system circuit. 'East Of Hurghada' glides on dusty drums and a breezy melodic line, gradually giving way to a textured horn that takes centre stage. It's a smooth, sun-drenched journey steeped in classic dub vibes. On the flip, Woodfield Rd Allstars deliver 'Lickle Fat Mattress,' a spirited fusion of ska, reggae and dub with crisp rhythms and playful keys. Together, these two cuts offer a warm, groove-heavy slice of vintage-inspired sound that suggests both acts are firmly in their element.

Review: These are always in demand on the reggae circuit so it's no wonder both of the beloved tracks return to heat wax once again. A-side opener 'Miss Aranivah' is a skanking favourite from Ska Fever Vol. 1 back in 2021 that finally gets a well-deserved standalone release and brings its infectious rhythm to a wider audience. On the flip, 'Why Why Why?', first heard on Reggae Dynamite Vol. 1 in 2020, comes alive with a powerful new version. Junior Dell takes over vocal duties, joined by st?pan Janousek's blazing trombone for a fresh, high-energy twist. A double-sider for ska and reggae lovers old and new that bridges genres and generations.

Review: Reggae revivalists Original Gravity are back with another of their crucial 45rpms and this one again features regular contributors Junior Dell & The D-Lites. They are well known for their signature blend of vintage soul, reggae and ska and collide all those things here in a rework of the classic 80s Depeche Mode gem 'Just Can't Get Enough' with plenty of swagger and re-sung lyrics hitting different. On the flipside is Prince Alphonso & The Fever with 'The Prince Of Port Antonio', which is a superb horn-led rhythm with a playful energy and old school feel. Grab one while you can, these won't stay on shelves for long.

Review: First released in 1975, this collaborative set between saxophonist Tommy McCook and producer King Tubby - with Bunny Lee pulling the strings - is a fluid blend of jazz-informed phrasing and stripped-back dub minimalism. McCook, a founding member of both the Skatalites and the Supersonics, had by this point cemented his status as one of Jamaican music's most versatile players, lending his tenor tone to hundreds of sessions. Here, Tubby reworks a batch of Lee-produced riddims to carve space for McCook's mellow, melodic leads, turning each track into a showcase of balance. With a backing bed by The Aggrovators, roots reggae and instrumental improvisation had truly found a rare common ground.

Review: Aya Nakano is a Japanese singer and songwriter from Kyoto who, now in her forties, began with the Kyoto City Junior Children's Choir aged just ten. She kicks off the brand new A Klass Japan label with this new reggae 7". The A-side 'Usually' is a dreamy mid-tempo reggae sound with clean digital synths, Eastern flutes that hint of Japanese heritage and Nakano's breezy vocals flowing up top with a carefree attitude. Flip it over and you get a 'dub mix E Mura' that strips away the vocals and allows more room for the bass to work while the meandering rhythm plays out like a blissful afternoon by the sea.

Review: First issued separately in 1969 on Downtown Records and produced by Dandy Livingstone (aka Brother Dan), this 7" recut remerges two much sought-after reggae cuts from the skinhead era. On the A-side is Desmond Riley's 'Skinheads A Message To You', a version of Dandy's own tune later revived in rudeboy form by The Specials, and delivered in Riley's understated yet insistent vocal style. The flip, 'Ain't That Loving You', finds him rework the Jimmy Reed classic into a strut-time early reggae rhythm, pairing raw soul sentiment with JA swing. Little is widely known about Riley beyond his handful of late 60s vocal singles, but his voice - clear, aching, unadorned - stands out among the countless one-shot singers of that time.

Review: In 1962, Toots Hibbert formed The Maytals and soon scored early hits with Coxsone Dodd and Byron Lee. After serving time for marijuana possession, Toots returned with the iconic '54-46 That's My Number,' which was inspired by his prison experience. Their classics like 'Pressure Drop' and 'Monkey Man' defined the golden era of reggae. Following producer Leslie Kong's death, they signed to Island Records and released Reggae Got Soul. After a split in 1981, Toots continued solo, reuniting the band in the 90s and dropping new album Ska Father, which now gets a reissue to remind us of his energetic ska versions of classics and even a surprising Kinks cover.

Review: The most popular release in Soul Jazz Records' crucial Dynamite! series is back with a fresh, remastered, relicensed edition of 300% Dynamite featuring new tracks. It's a guaranteed party-starting collection that brings together reggae classics and crossover dancefloor anthems from legends like Wayne Smith ('Sleng Teng'), Althea & Donna ('Uptown Top Ranking') and pioneering female MC Sister Nancy with her huge and oft-sampled hit 'Bam Bam', alongside deep cuts from Augustus Pablo and Lee Perry. Blending reggae, dub, funk, jazz and soul into one explosive package, 300% Dynamite is a fine companion for hot summer days and balmy, hazy nights on the smoke.