Back in stock: Reggae

Review: The story behind this one is that Vivian Yabby You Jackson once put together a tape that had been labeled The Best Of Patrick Andy but had never been put it out. On it was three unreleased tunes, one unreleased dub, and stereo mixes of several previously mono-only singles. For whatever reason it now sees the light of day and we're glad about it - this forms a fine tribute to a top singer and a legendary producer with some timeless dub. The horns pan, the rhythm tracks are heavy, the studio trickery is impressive throughout.

Review: Scotch Bonnet's periodic Puffers Choice compilations are always worth picking up, featuring as they do a mixture of label highlights from Mungo's HiFi and their closest collaborators, and tracks from like-minded producers and vocalists scattered around the UK and far beyond. Predictably, this third volume - the first in two years - is every bit as essential as its predecessors. It boasts a mixture of digi-dub, revivalist roots, dancehall and lover's rock, with highlights including Viktoriuous's hook-up with Earl Cunningham, 'Hotstepper', the raw weight of Parly B's killer crew cut 'Lyrics Spree' (featuring Daddy Freddy and Tippa Irie, amongst others), the future dancehall of Shokryme and RTKaL's 'BBS', and the soulful, warped bass-sporting heavy dub pressure of Skari's 'Black' (featuring INT Dub).

Review: Pressure Sounds latest essential reissue breathes new life into Yabby You and the Prophets' brilliant 1975 album Conquering Lion, an early roots reggae gem that has long been a favourite of knowledgeable reggae heads. The first record naturally showcases the original EP, offering us a chance to savour such classics as 'Run Come Rally', the intoxicating and pitched-down brilliance of 'Conquering Lion' and the shoulder-swinging skank of 'Jah Love'. The second record, meanwhile, gathers together rare dubs, versions and alternate takes not featured on the original LP. It's almost worth buying the reissue for this alone; 'Tubby's Vengeance', 'Anti Christ Rock' and 'Warning (Dub)', in particular, are spectacularly good.