Review: Darker Shades Of Roots explores just that and has done so expertly over the course of a half-century of releases to date. The New Year starts off for them with another tasteful two-tracker that pairs a couple of contemporary artists. Ash & Willow are up first and offer 'I & I Stand' which has classic melodica leads worked into a tight rhythm that's detailed with earthy guitar riffs and lush chords, and of course some fine mic work. The Shades's 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' then comes through with more whimsical melodica sounds and moodier vocals.
Review: Big Crown Records is proud to present Zero Grace, Liam Bailey's sophomore album on the label. Following the success of 2020's Ekundayo album, the tried and true chemistry of Bailey and producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) is on full display again as they take the sound they established and push it further. On Zero Grace they lean more into the bleeding heart singer-songwriter side of Liam. The album is full of freedom and love; working with Leon Michels and Big Crown Records has encouraged Liam to be himself. On opener 'Holding On', Bailey speaks to his observations & fears when looking out at the world in front of him and also to the dedication it has taken to get on the other side of his personal trials & tribulations. 'Dance With Me', meanwhile, is an instantly infectious two-stepper that nods to those incredible soul records that were coming out of Jamaica during the early reggae days. Bailey addresses the racial tensions that plague humanity and encourages everyone to step up and do their part to help foster equality. What starts out as a declaration of injustice turns into a call for action and an inspiration for hope.
Review: A slept-on roots gem from the mid-70s gets a timely reissue, perfect for warming up those cold winter days. Originally produced by Hector Wright at Lee "Scratch" Perry's legendary Black Ark Studios, this timeless piece showcases the vocal harmonies of The Blue Bells. A-side 'Come Along' features a captivating blend of soulful vocals and uplifting melodies, while the flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the arrangement to reveal its hypnotic depths. Originally released in 1976, this repress makes a rare gem accessible once more.
Precious Times (feat Prince Morella - Roots version) (6:55)
Review: Since rebooting his dub fired Bluetrain project late last decade, UK techno legend Steve O'Sullivan has delivered a string of superb 12" singles and an equally as impressive album, Steady Pulse. Naturally, the latest Bluetrain missive is a hypnotic, dubbed-out delight. Lead cut 'Frozen Rose (Special Edition Dub)' is simply superb - a rolling and hypnotic affair that joins the dots between Rhythm & Sound's earliest minimalistic dub-house epics and locked-in dub techno - all solid beats, echoing vocal snippets, deep sub bass and aquatic melodic motifs. It comes backed by a fresh 'Roots Version' of much-loved 2022 single 'Precious Times', featuring the honeyed vocals of Prince Morella.
Review: Jorun Bombay returns with another double-sided gem that again blends nostalgia with fresh 2024 vibes. On 'Our Thang,' he reinvents a classic James Brown production by adding funky guitar riffs, a trombone solo, and vibraphone touches from his band, the Espressolites. This instrumental rework breathes new life into the original and makes subtle yet impactful tweaks to a timeless track. On the flip side, 'Phungry' fuses a 90s rap classic with vocals from the reggae canon in an innovative and seamless blend. Both tracks are essential for pretty much any crate, to be honest.
Dennis Bovell Dub Band - "Suffrah Dub (Sufferer Sound Disco 45)" (6:03)
Pebbels - "Positive Vibrations" (3:46)
Cosmic Idren - "Compelled" (3:38)
Dennis Curtis - "Come With Me" (3:21)
Matumbi - "Dub Planet" (4:14)
African Stone - "Run Rasta Run" (2:50)
Matumbi - "Fire Dub" (5:38)
Errol Campbell - "Jah Man" (3:53)
Young Lions - "Take Dub" (5:01)
Dennis Bovell/Janet Kay - "Game Of Dubs" (4:53)
African Stone - "Dub Choice" (3:34)
Angelique - "Cry" (4:07)
DB At The Controls - "Crying" (4:29)
Review: Dennis Bovell's Sufferer Sounds vinyl compilation showcases an essential chapter in his diverse career, focusing on his contributions from 1976 to 1980. With 15 tracks, including a rare dub mix of Janet Kay's celebrated Silly Games, all meticulously restored and remastered at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin. The vinyl edition brings a fresh and clear sound to these tracks, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the warmth and depth of Bovell's arrangements. Renowned for blending genres, Bovell's exceptional production skills shine throughout this collection. Accompanying the music are insightful notes by Bovell that provide reflections on each track's creation. The sequencing of the album takes the listener on a compelling journey through his emotive and dynamic music, revealing the depth of his talent. One of the best compilations we have heard in some time.
Review: Tabou 1 is on a roll right now and their latest offering features reggae icon Johnny Clarke teaming up with the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 'Every Knee' is an archetypal roots reggae anthem that has everything you want in a tune. It demands to be played loud and proud and blends Clarke's soulful, spiritual vocals with Sly & Robbie's masterful bass and drum foundation. The rest of the tracks here also have deep grooves and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of devotion and unity and are enhanced by the signature dub-infused production.
Review: The Mountain 45 label has been giving us some unique music that cross genres since its inception just a few years ago. Like previous editions, Double A contributes 'Super Badman Riddim' which is both catchy and clever. Featuring James Brown samples thrown in the mix takes this dub related track to the limit of fun. For the B-side, James Nasty's 'Fan Dem Off' with a peak time party song that should take the dancefloor to another level. These attention getters are ideal for being addictively fun and different. It's hard to categorise music like this, which is a sign of its originality.
Review: Sao Paulo's Junior Dread brings his world reggae excellence to this latest gem from Red Peak Sound. The collaboration began when J.Brenner met Junior at Minneapolis' Word Sound Power Festival back in 2022 and soon after they began making music and it led to two powerful tracks act were finely crafted through extensive mixing and testing. On the A-side here is a slow, heavy stepper evoking a vision of resilience atop Babylon's heart, paired with a dubwise mix that strips the rhythm to its core. The B-side offers a meditative one-drop rhythm and uplifting lyrics and is also accompanied by a swirling dub version that transcends space and time.
Review: Blending reggae, disco, soul, funk and roots - comes the reissue of the highly sought-after 7" from 1979 by Gypsy Fari, the first known reggae outfit from Chicago, born in the south side of the city after a chance meeting between St Kitts expat Leroy Webster and local music graduate Kevin Coleman. The pair set out to blur the boundaries of genre with their unique brand of music, spearheaded by Webster's Caribbean roots and fused with the soul and blues of the midwest.On the A-side, 'Chi-Town Reggae' springs out the gate with fast-paced disco-reggae, powered by a relentless rhythm section and Webster's infectious vocal melody. On the flip, 'Hail Jah' is a swaggering, deep roots reggae cut that pays homage to Webster's heritage - which he wrote on the hilltops of the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica.
Review: In a fresh outpouring of covers 7"s, Japanese rocksteady version band Inokasira Rangers share the best of several new vinyl cuts, this time remoulding The La's's Britpop masterpiece 'There She Goes' into fine reggae pottery. Once referred to as "the second national anthem of the UK" in a period of national musical fervour, the heartsick one-hit-wonder anthem gets a thorough Hammond-organ-ising here, sacrificing lyrics or vocals for a single transcribed organ line. On the B is also a version of Janet Jackson's unforgettably minor-keyed Clav-house steamer, 'Together Again', this time rock-steadied to a similarly beautified degree.
Review: This reissue highlights a classic work of dub, featuring expertly crafted productions by Prince Jammy with backing from some of Jamaica's finest musicians. The album's foundation lies in its deep basslines, intricate drumming and inventive percussion, creating a seamless blend of rhythm and atmosphere. Gregory Isaacs' voice appears sparingly, manipulated into subtle snippets, letting the instrumentals take center stage. Originally released in 1989, this record embodies smooth simplicity, layering reverb and echoes to build a soundscape that is both soothing and invigorating. Its breezy, island-inspired tones flow effortlessly through the tracks, each standing as a unique piece of artistry. Whether experienced as a laid-back listen or a study in dub's mastery, this album is a timeless example of the genre's magic.
Review: Having a cut a record as early as 16 years old, Junior's talents were identified quickly and he went on to be a prolific roots rockers vocalist with a busy career through the 70s and 80s. One of those who heard and recorded him then was Lee "Scratch" Perry and this record was one of their collaborative standouts, pairing a driving rhythm with a powerful, catchy lead vocal and uplifting background harmonies all elevated by the unmistakable warmth of the Black Ark studio's production. It's a timeless piece of classic reggae, making it instantly memorable and irresistibly singable. Side-2 transforms the track into a dub showcase. Layers of echo, reverb and vocal snippets create a spacious, hypnotic atmosphere, with the rhythm section taking the lead. The interplay between the faintly retained chorus and effects adds depth while maintaining the song's original spirit. This reissue highlights the enduring appeal of both the original roots cut and its dub reinterpretation.
Review: Featuring Mervin's unmistakable falsetto delivers an anti-war message over a lush dub-infused backdrop, radiating hope and defiance. The track's atmospheric depth, blending melodic elements with rhythmic precision, is pure brilliance. On Side-2, the Upsetters' version reimagines the song, allowing Perry's dub wizardry to shine. Stripping back vocals and emphasising the instrumental layers, the dub version highlights hypnotic basslines, echo-laden effects, and a more prominent groove. The interplay between restraint and innovation transforms the track into a meditative dub experience. Junior Mervin's Cross Over 7" is a roots gem steeped in the signature magic of Lee "Scratch" Perry. With a message as powerful as its production, you've got the true recipe for a classic.
Review: Lion Vibes lives up to its name with his powerful release from Jamaica featuring the legendary Ini Kamoze and rising star Lila Ike. Produced by Kareem Burrell of XTM Nation, this heavyweight track was recorded at Anchor, 9soundclik and Tads studio with top reggae musicians bringing real authenticity to the sounds. The A-side mix by Veer Dhaniram delivers a stunning vocal cut that exudes island cool while the low-end swaggers. The B-side unveils a previously unreleased dub mix by Gregory Morris and the record comes in a beautifully designed picture sleeve by Juppi Juppsen.
Review: The Roots Of Dub is one of several albums from the one and only King Tubby to contain the word dub, and why not? He is the undisputed, unified and unbeaten heavyweight camp of that sound even now, decades after he first defined it. This particular record is a reissue from Greensleeves of King Tubby's impressive and utterly classic album from 1975. It's a follow-up of his Dub From The Roots LP with more Bunny 'Striker' Lee rhythms dubbed to the next level by the man like Tubs. There is proto-lovers rock in the title track, heavy bass on 'Immortal Dub' and the deep and funky goodness in 'Dread Locks Dub'.
Lloydie Slim All Stars - "Why Did You" (version) (2:48)
Lloydie Slim & The Agrovators - "Version Stormy Weather" (2:53)
Lloydie Slim & The Agrovators - "Festival '75" (version) (2:33)
King Tubby - "King Tubby In Fine Stile" (3:16)
Review: Digikiller Records, perhaps suggestive by the name, are keen purveyors of proper organic roots reggae. This new one comes as a collection of dub versions by Jamaican producer Ivan 'Lloydie Slim' Smith, and compiles 10 of his best and most rootsy originals - not only his own tracks but also versions of tracks by fellow legends, including Sparkes, The Upsetters, Solid Explosion Band, and King Tubby. With its advanced harmonics and emotive lilts, this one rightly forms part of the Record Smith Production series, which continues the work of Smith's eponymous label started in the early 1970s.
Review: This laid-back dub 45 offers a seamless blend of positive vibes and deep rhythms. Side-1 features a classic reggae track with a powerful, uplifting message of unity. Mundell's smooth vocals are complemented by a steady, groovy rhythm that captures the essence of roots reggae. Side-2 takes the message to a more instrumental and dub-infused space, with the track being heavily dubbed out, showcasing intricate rhythms, echo effects and atmospheric layers. The dub version allows the music to breathe, emphasizing its meditative and expansive qualities. A perfect pairing for dub and reggae enthusiasts.
Review: Japanese digital dub legend Takafumi Noda and Dutch synth wizard Danny Wolfers (best known as Legowelt) reunite for a great second album under the Noda & Wolfers project on Nightwind Records. This album blends digital dub, raw lo-fi electro and acid influences into a captivating, deviant sound that is rich in wild, untamed synths which collide with rough rhythm boxes as seductive spring reverbs dissolve into space echoes. Intense bass crumbles over decaying fuzzy tapes and Noda's haunting melodica melodies elevate the album to new, mesmerising heights. A fascinating fusion of creative worlds.
Review: Blowing With The Wind is the second August Pablo album to get the reissue treatment this month following on from 1986's Rising Sun. This one came in 1990 when the legendary dubber had fully updated his original sound with more modern aesthetics and digital techniques. It picked up rave reviews and proved to be one of the artists' most successful records since the seventies. It is defined by a mix of nyahbinghi drumming and hardcore steppers that was fully embraced by the sound system culture of the tie and took Pablo to new heights in the Far East, culminating with a tour of Japan.
Review: Pachy Garcia is an LA-based dub and reggae artist who first cropped up in 2019 with his Pachyman In Dub LP, and has since fostered his own corner within the modern dub landscape. Now signed to ATO, Pachyman delivers his fourth album as a perfect fusion of Garcia's Latin roots and his deep affinity for Jamaican riddims. He wrote, played, sang, recorded and mixed every bit of the album, making this his most personal release to date. It's infectious and timeless, written with a sharp focus and capturing the sun kissed warmth of his hometown in true laid-back Californian style.
Review: Contempoary dub and reggae artist Pachyman channels the spirit of late 70s to early 80s Jamaican music with his second album At 333 House. Taking its namesake from the studio of the same name, in which the album was recorded between the months of April and October 2019, At 333 House hears the master musician explore all angles of the now indelible and instantly recognizable Studio One sound - so recognizable, in fact, that it need not be produced at Studio One to be recognized. Pachyman's oeuvre is roots reggae (hints of Roods Radics) abound, soul jazz and steppers, all tied up in a playful modern production approach.
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