Roots / Lovers Rock

Review: The latest club-ready 12" from the Wackie's imprint brings together two more killer cuts from the vaults of legendary producer Lloyd 'Bullwackie' Barnes - both of which feature long-serving vocal group the Chosen Brothers. On the A-side you'll find the full extended mix of 1979 single 'Child In Slave', a haunting and heavy number in which the Chosen Brothers' reverb-laden vocals seemingly drift above a decidedly dubby rhythm track rich in delay-laden instrumentation and deep bass. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour both the original and alternate 'version' mixes of 'I Love You', a later lovers rock number with definite dub leanings that's as sweet and glassy-eyed as they come.

Review: Dub Vendor has launched a new label, Soul Sounds. The imprint's first release is a new edition of Willi Williams' 1983 single 'Freedom Time', an unheralded roots classic built around Yabby You's iconic 'Chant Down Babylon' rhythm. The A-side sports two killer versions mixed by Scientist at King Tubby's: Williams' original, featuring his weary but quietly uplifting vocals, and a typically echoing, stripped-back and spaced-out dub. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour Williams' self-produced '83 re-make of his earlier Studio One classic 'Armagideon Time' - a warmer and more lo-fi take marked out by another superb lead vocal.

Review: Released in 1983 with backing from Undivided Roots, Vivian Jones made a real statement with his debut album. It's a slow, steady, spacious one with heavy rhythms and keys that seem to float. The simmering vocals from the UK artist are also key to elevating each tune and also to the fact that Jones went on to work with mainstays such as Jah Shaka, Bobby Digital, Junior Reid and many others. Vivian started as a DJ in the 70s and was a member of a number of different UK roots bands, but grew disillusioned so went to Jamaica in 1982 and has turned out more than 130 tunes since. This record includes well-know gems 'Flash It And Gwan' and 'Third World Man'.