Review: Jamaican reggae legend Horace Andy has many great tunes in his back catalogue, but 'Get Down' is a classic roots gem often said to be one of his best. It's a signature sound with his trademark smooth and soulful vocals and is known for its deep, socially conscious lyrics and heavy bassline. This is one of those tunes that showcases Andy's ability to blend powerful messages with mellow rhythms and now gets pressed up to a tidy limited green smokey vinyl 7" thanks to Ruderalis. It comes with a fine instrumental version on the B-side
Review: Horace Andy, the iconic Jamaican roots reggae vocalist, joins forces with former PiL bassist Jah Wobble for Timeless Roots, a fresh collection of studio recordings. Known for his collaborations with Massive Attack, Andy's unmistakable voice brings new life to classics like Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition', The Beatles' 'Come Together', and America's 'A Horse With No Name.' He also revisits his own hits, including 'Skylarking' and 'Natty Dread A Weh She Want', adding a new depth to these beloved tracks. Wobble's production seamlessly blends reggae with modern dub and world music, creating a rich, contemporary sound. Notable highlights include 'One Love', a revamped version of Andy's 1991 Massive Attack collaboration and a reinterpretation of 'Spying Glass.' The combination of Andy's timeless vocals and Wobble's masterful basslines results in an album full of vibrant, fresh takes on both classic and new material. Released on yellow vinyl through Cleopatra Records, this is shaping up to be one of the standout reggae albums of the year.
Review: Bernard Cumberbatch - presumably no relation to actor Benedict - and Garnett Cross are Aquizi, the dub duo fromed in the early 80s and Aiwa label mainstays. Their most notable 12" - aside from maybe 1981's 'Merry Christmas' was 'Kunte Kinte' earlier in the same year. It is a bit of a collector's fav that has more than held its value over the ensuing 40+ years. Driven by lazy dub swagger and carefree keys, it's a lovers rock outing peppered with toms and hits and plenty of echoing depths. Flip it over for version if you want something that will boggle the brain more with its endless mixing board effects.
Review: In 1977, singer Dhaima recorded some lovely and uplifting rockers with The Professionals at Joe Gibbs's studio, and now one of them is reissued here on the Joe Gibbs Music label, complete with a dub version from The Mighty Two. First up, Dhaima's original 'Ina Jah Children' is one of those sweet rhythms that has a breezy feel and lovely sunny melodies next to a lush and soulful female vocal, all of which pay great tribute to the one and only Jah. The dub-wise flip on the B-side is 'Save The Children' and it has some more snaking bass, hissing hi-hats and a nice unhurried vibe for lazy and loud sessions.
Review: Jamaican reggae legend Errol Dunkley celebrates nearly six decades of music with his new studio album, OK Fred - Best Of. This collection highlights Dunkley's enduring legacy and the rich heritage of Jamaican reggae. The album features fresh takes on his iconic hits such as 'OK Fred' and 'Black Cinderella' alongside beloved tracks penned by reggae greats such as Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert. With its mix of classic and cherished tunes, this release honours Dunkley's influential career and showcases what a timeless sound he has always had.
Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies - "The Arabian Sound Of Reggae" (3:18)
Owen Gray - "It's Time For Love" (3:21)
Review: This red hot double sided 7" 'It's Time For Love' / 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' is a classic joint from 1975. Japan's Dub Store has licensed a reissue here that makes it affordable again to all. Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies join forces first up on 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' make for a nice roots roller with hypnotic melodies layered up over the earthy drums. On the flip is Owen Grey's 'It's Time For Love' which is another gem. Both tunes were produced by Bunny Lee and bring that timeless roots sound.
Review: The on-point Burning Sounds is a treasure trove for proper dub and lovers rock delights from years gone by. They have been digging in the vaults again and come up with a new 12" which they have pressed on nice heavyweight wax, and the sounds more than deserve that. Hortense Ellis and General Roy's 'Give Thanks' is a crucial rhythm with lazy chords and guitars, DIY percussive sounds and deft little keys with a yearning vocal up top. Lawes Rockers is responsible for the flipside version and as you may expect it's dubbed out and reverb-heavy.
Review: Producer, selector and mixing engineer Kai Dub heads up Dub Forward and formerly was in Maasai Warrior but is now busy co-running Concrete Lion Soundsystem with Dubtronics. He is back on his own label with some more devastating dub here, first in collab with Galas on 'Rasta Come From Zion' then in solo mode on 'Dub To Zion' which has earth-shattering kicks and reverb-heavy low ends. Kai Dub Meets Aba Arigina' on 'Majestic' which is a warrior anthem with a zippy melodic lead and a final dub closes out a meaty package on nice yellow wax.
Review: Ariwa Sounds reissues a sought-after 12" from their dubwise catalogue. 'Bengali Skank', originally released in 1983, showcases Mad Professor's genius across three progressive dub mixes. The earworm melody and heavy bass create an incredible tune. On the flip, Sgt Pepper's 'Time A Go Dread' offers a great roots track with its own deadly dub, featuring an earthshaking hoover bassline. This reissue delivers the original rhythm in all its glory, making it another standout record from the Prof. A must-have for dub enthusiasts.
Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Adam Twelve" (4:14)
The Supersonics - "Mr Peckings Your Time" (3:08)
Review: Tommy McCook's funky brass-rock tribute to US cop dramas showcases his mastery of instrumental reggae and he blends jazz influences with deep and soulful grooves. Bets known for his work with The Skatalites, McCook delivers a high-energy, cinematic vibe here through powerful horn arrangements that channel the excitement of classic TV cop shows. Alongside this, the Peckings label's tweak on Ernest Ranglin's work has been enhanced by Bitty McLean sessions and brings a fresh touch to Ranglin's timeless guitar-driven reggae. This collaboration breathes new life into classic Jamaican sounds and merges rich tradition with a modern twist.
Seargent Pepper - "Dub & Rub Ina Imitation Way" (7:44)
Review: Mellow Rose and Seargent Pepper's 'Imitation Love' proved a big-hitting reggae 45rpm when it first dropped and so now it has been reissued on this sweet, limited edition red vinyl 12". It first came on Studio 16 back in August of last year and is already worth a pretty penny on second hand markets. The A-side is a super sweet lover's rock sound with falsetto vocals up top, acoustic guitars and fleshy low ends sinking you into a romantic rhythm. On the flip, Seargent Pepper gets to work on 'Dub And Rub Ina Imitation Way' which is more sci-fi and futuristic in its sound designs, all with a hazy and stoner edge.
Review: Jamaican singer-songwriter Mortimer has released his highly anticipated debut album, From Within. Produced by Winta James, often alongside Mortimer himself, this album explores a rich tapestry of personal experiences and musical styles. From Within offers a journey through Mortimer's life, reflecting his loves, struggles, and the guidance he's found in his Rastafarian faith and family. The album presents a diverse soundscape: the introspective acoustic strains of 'Whole Heap', the sultry dancehall vibe of 'Slowly', and the energetic roots rhythms of 'Not A Day Goes By' and 'My Child', It also ventures into nostalgic 80s pop and r&b influences, as well as a unique reggae disco flavor. Mortimer describes 'My Child' as a heartfelt message and introspective letter to both himself and his children, conveying lessons and emotions he wishes he had received. The album cover, photographed by Michael Moodie, symbolises human nature with its floral imagery, representing both fragility and growth. From Within promises to be a profound and resonant album, beautifully articulated through Mortimer's personal narrative and musical craftsmanship.
Review: Tapper Zukie returns with A Soulful i&i, rallying a talented lineup of reggae artists for a collection of tracks that blend a soulful touch with reggae's unmistakable groove. This set opens with Prince Alla's heartfelt delivery on 'Children Don't Cry', setting the tone for the album. Junior Ross lends his powerful vocals to 'Heaven On Earth', while the Silvertones add their rich harmonies to the poignant 'Poverty'. Tapper Zukie himself takes center stage with the reflective 'Man-A-Man', and the Viceroys counter with the soulful 'Help Me'. Dennis Walks adds depth to the mix with 'I Wanna Go', and Junior Ross reappears with the timeless 'Be On The Right Track'. Tapper Zukie's 'People of Love' reinforces the album's positive message, and Prince Alla brings a sense of righteousness with 'Good Over Evil'. The Viceroys shine once again on the majestic 'That Was The Day' while Little Roy's 'Youth In The Ghetto' wrap up this rootsy, lovers rock-inspired collection.
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