Back in stock: Reggae

Review: Jamaican vocalist Dennis Brown is one of the most prominent talents of his generation and a leading light in the world of reggae. His magnificent Stage Coach Showcase album came first back in the eighties and is back with golden nuggets. The label that originally put it out is still going strong now and so has served up this superb reissue with all those bits of gold that were produced by Sidney Crooks of The Pioneers. The record was laid down at Harry J's with Sylvan Morris and The Professionals and standouts include a superb new take on Tyrone Davis's 'Can I Change My Mind.'

Review: Legendary UK outlet Greensleeves Records has joined forces with Roots Defenders of Notting Hill Carnival for this deep dive into the work of Channel One Sound System. Down in The Dub Vaults is promised to be a one time only and limited edition pressing of some serious roots and dubs gems that have been dug out of the vaults by the crucial selector that is Mikey Dread. These have all, at some point over the year's been deployed at maximum volume through the unique and hand built Channel sound system. The likes of Wailing Souls, Michael Prophet, Linval Thompson and Hugh Mundell all more all feature.

Review: For the very first time on vinyl comes Presents The Light Programme, Jah Wobble's extraordinary 1997 descent into downtempo and beat science. Released on his now-defunct 30 Hertz label, The Light Programme showcased an excellent cast of musicians, including Can drummer Jaki Liebezeit, Wire's Clive Bell, conga player Neville Murray, guitarist and synthesist Mark Ferda and the harpist Zi-lan Liao. The Light Programme is an intensely effulgent but at times vitreous record, with Wobble seemingly embracing the worldbeat vogue of the time with a keen, albeit naive fervour. When the tracks aren't so clear cut or obviously mixed, things get more interesting; 'One In 7' is the oddball of choice here.

Review: Behemoth reggae and dancehall troupe Little Lion Sounds make a riveting comeback with the reissue of Kingston Journey, first released in 2019 - this time around, we're led once again by the ear to the 'Ibbean heartland. With each track on this multifaceted stomper dedicated to a singular artist in the Little Lion roster, we're provided with ample choice of character, talent and style here. Kicking off with Jae Prynse's 'If We Only', the instrumental for which perfectly combines dancehall disjoint and reggae bubble to serene effect, we're first met with themes of militancy and hope, which continue to resound thereout. On the pure reggae side of things, Micah Shemaiah's 'Parler' is a standout, a dedication to the girl of his dreams; Queen Omega's 'No Love' responds with a swerve towards lovers' dancehall, defiantly lamenting the plight of those who lack the one quality that turns the world.

Review: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.