Albert "Alchemist" Thompson - "Promise Land Version" (3:34)
Review: Albert "Alchemist" Thompson's Promise Land comes courtesy of Freestyle Records and has great appearances on the mic from reggae and dancehall greats Frankie Paul, Joseph Cotton, Prince Malachi and Anthony John. It has never before been released and has had a long maturation period over the last 30 years. Albert Thompson was chief engineer at I&I Sound Recording Studio once it left LA and head to Jamaica and he saw work with greats like Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer and Gregory Isaacs. He laid down these rhythms in 1991 during some downtime and then added the vocals 16 years later in London when working with talented local and touring Jamaican artists.
Review: The genesis of this album was three soundsmiths getting together in Brother Sound Studio in March 2024. It's a room full of synths and instruments and mics and in there they set about their work with Martin Dread responsible for the composition. What results is a bunch of proper chunky dubs with a very modern production edge. Synths have a clean digital shine that brings a future feel, the toasting though is traditional so brings authenticity and the melodies are perfect for getting lost in after a hefty toke.
Review: The Satta Dub crew have assembled another superb platter and pressed it up to translucent green marbled vinyl and included an insert for good measure. It's a spit that opens up with Daweh Congo's 'Holy Place' which rides on tumbling drums with scattered hits. Yearning vocals up top and natty keys are paired with sultry trumpet notes. A dub dials it all back into the low ends, then Prince Alla's 'Rose' is a work of the same rhythm, by the sounds of it, with soulful vocals and playful horns. Another dub closes out this one in heady fashion.
Review: The all new Motive label is serving up its second 7" here and it comes in the form of a brand new tune from the great singer and musician Jerry Harris. He is best known for his famous association with the legendary Wackies label and studio and here appearing with a slightly older, more smoky tone than back in the day, he sure knows how to lay down a top line over a nice rumbling dub rhythm. Some twinkling synths add colour and on the flip the whole thing is pulled apart, slowed down and dubbed out with some mad effects.
Paul Maiden & Manwel T - "Unconditional Style" (3:46)
Review: Yi Mas Gan is back with a new and timeless roots 7" that will keep the summer vibes alive even as Autumn begins to bite. On the a-side, this one features J.A. singer Clive Hylton who was recorded by French producer Manwel T as he did his thing on 'Show Some Love.' Empowering warrior leads rise up out of the mix as the trad reggae rhythms roll down low and his impassioned vocals ring out. Flip this one over and you will find Paul Maiden & Manwel T flipping it into a version they call 'Unconditional Style.'
Review: Abendigo introduces a rising star from Jamaica, Abka Kaba, with this powerful new 12". His tune 'Mighty People,' pairs bold, fat-bottomed drums with some classic harmonicas and sleek synths. It is accompanied by two dub mixes from Hermit Dubz and on the flip side, legendary artist Prince Alla presents 'Backstabber,' marking his sixth collaboration with Abendigo Records. This special release includes two dub mixes and is limited to 300 copies on 12" vinyl.
Review: American label Deep Bow makes a notable vinyl debut with this heavyweight 10" featuring King Stanley and Prince Jamo, both voicing over a thunderous riddim crafted by producer Dub Sev?. This roots-driven slab stars with King Stanley's passionate cries over sleek drums with shiny digital synths and neat guitar licks. It stays true to the deep, meditative spirit of sound system culture and becomes much more roomy and spaced out in the hands of Dub Seva. Prince Jamo's 'Joke' has a cleaner vocal and some natty keys, and also gets dubbed out by Dub Seva. A strong introduction from Deep Bow that showcases talent from both sides of the Atlantic.
Enos McLeod - "Version Aka Last Of Jestering" (2:27)
Review: Augustus Pablo and Enos McLeod were something of a dub dream team back in the heyday of the gene in Jamaica. They produced plenty of great jams together, a few of which are being reissued at the moment. This one is another heavy hitter from the pair. 'Pablo Nuh Jester' pens up with some traditional drum shuffle and natty guitar work. The kicks sit perfectly in the bass while the florid bursts of harmonica are pure vibes. On the B-side, Enos McLeod steps up to rework and further dub out his own rhythmic framework and calls it 'Last Of Jestering.'
Review: Man like Augustus Pablo is revered amongst true dub heads. His ability to lay down killer riddims was second to none back in the day and this one is a classic amongst many. 'Pablo In Red' rides on a tuff rhythm from the mid-seventies that was originally produced by Enos McLeod. It has some enriching harmonics and wobbly low ends. On the flip, McLeod's 'Well Red' is a dubbed-out version with extra sonic spice making it more late night and twisted.
Review: Sound Of Thunder outta France lands at release number ten here with another gorgeous slice of lovers rock on 45rpm. It features contemporary producers and vocalists Loic Paulin & The SOA offering up A-side single 'Jason White'. At less than three minutes it is the definition of short but sweet but in that time it manages to make its mark with the yearning vocals really hitting home next to nice heat-damaged organ chords and a classic reggae rhythm. On the flip, Mellowmood spins out the sounds via plenty of mixing desk tweaks on his version 'Poor Jason Dub'.
Review: Hope & Faith Records returns with fresh new sounds here featuring the "Standing Tall Riddim," a vital production in an early 70s roots style. This release includes two vocal cuts: 'Love Can Be So Sweet' has swaggering drums and guitar plucks with a lo-fi edge and a raw, pained vocal. 'So Sour Dub' n the flip has some whimsical organic chords and plenty of organic percussion over natty rhythm and tons of echo. Lovely.
Review: This new platter captures UK dub pioneers Alpha & Omega linking up with Pensi & Iries Roots for a pair of new school dub cuts on the Livity-Ites label. The A-side 'The Signs' has mesmerising warrior leads and harmonicas that drift in and out over the yearning vocals and sleek digital synths amidst myriad effects. On the flip, 'Dub Signs' is a version with even heavier low ends and more snaking leads that are sure to hypnotise when played nice and loud on a serious system. Two crucial cuts for dub heads, whether old or new.
Review: Mattias Penselin aka Pensis meets Dub Me Ruff here, a German dub and reggae band made up of Danielle Mommertz, Hauke Wendler, Jan Roper, Markus Grapmeyer and Rolf Saggau. Their work is hugely authentic though and you might not necessarily know this wasn't from the 70s and a legendary suit like the Black Ar. The drums are fulsome and flabby, the hist scattered and the vocals add some crucial spice up top. Both cuts get more contemporary dubs and run through with all manner of percussive twists and turns.
Yeyo Perez - "King Inna Di Ring" (riddim version) (2:44)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "Burning In Flames" (3:55)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "King Inna Di Ring" (Sax Versiion) (3:32)
Yeyo Perez & Coronel Brown - "King Inna Di Ring" (riddim version) (3:55)
Review: Cool Up Records's latest 12" maxi single features Spanish vocalist Yeyo Perez on two dynamic tracks, each presented in dual versions. 'King inna di Ring' and 'Burning in Flames' is fresh digital reggae that pays homage to traditional Jamaican MCs while infusing authentic new school style. The A-side showcases Perez's commanding vocals over a bass-driven groove, which is reminiscent of classic reggae clashes. Powered by the Casio MT-40 keyboard, it embodies the signature digital-dub sound and on the B-side, 'Burning in Flames' introduces Coronel Brown's smooth chorus, blending lovers' rock with Perez's rugged delivery. Crafted with dub and riddim variations, alongside rich instrumentation, this release exemplifies Cool Up's production prowess.
Review: When it comes to digging deep into the vast reserves of dub and reggae the world has amassed since the 60s and 70s, few labels do it with a more knowing and cultured ear than Original Gravity. This time they look to The Pioneers and Prince Deadly for another crucial pair of riddims. There is a ska twist to The Pioneers' original 'Jump Up!' thanks to its bold brass, woody back beats and plucked guitar riffs, all topped off with a loved up vocal. Deadly steps up on the backside to dub things out to perfection.
Back Together Again (feat Rachel Wallace - Rachel Wallace remix) (4:22)
Back Dubbing Again (4:24)
Review: Bump 'n Grind Wax's latest limited edition is another juicy drop for those red hot summer days. It's a fine 7" from Mr Reggae Roast himself aka Adam Prescott who has been rolling out the tunes on Backative, Moonshine and 4Weed for a couple of years now. Rachel Wallace provides the super sweet and soulful vocal (as well as remixing) on this one which rolls like a laidback Tam Tam Club beat with sunny pads and tropical dub beats. On the flip is a dub that is beefed up with extra effects and heady twisting synth work.
Review: Prince Chamba joins forces for a superb new roots cut here with Slimmah Sound and Ital Horns. Their 'Secret Light' is a smoky and seductive sound with wobbling low ends and impassioned vocals delivered with a heart-aching twist as the melanotic horns fly up top and rousing chords add some hope. Slimmah Sound & Ital Horns then add their own heavily reverbed dub version and Slimmah Sound offers 'Melody Of Light' which is full of hypnotic harmonica leads. A second dub version once again reworks it into a stoner's delight that will sink you deep into the sofa.
Review: As well as navigating the realms of dub and reggae, infusing each track with his signature vintage sound and infectious grooves, Prince Fatty is well known for taking famous songs and flipping them into reggae territory, a wonderful mix of the familiar and the unepxected that usually works wonders on the dancefloor. With the fantastic 'Black Rabbit,' dub don Prince Fatty masterfully tackles Jefferson Airplane's 60s anthem 'White Rabbit', which took its inspiration from Lewis Carroll's surreal story Alice In Wonderland but hooked those references up to the drug experiences of those countercultural rtimes. The A-side is graced by with the vocals of regular Fatty collaborator Shniece, whose performance does more than simply ape Grace Slick's, adding lines and heaps of her own personality, while rich basslines, swirling echoes and soulful melodies all showcase some exceptional production skills. Naturally, there's a dub version on the B-side, and all in all this a testament to Prince Fatty's enduring influence in the contemporary reggae scene.
Review: Prince Fatty's 'Mercedes Benz' with Shniece and Horseman is a rub-a-dub version of a 1970s hit from Janis Joplin that now gets a very special pressing courtesy of Lovedub Limited. The A-side kicks off with the spine-tingling and epic original vocal before disappearing into a world of reverb. At that point the dubby low end arrives and brings a different vibe to the stunning vocals but one that really makes a mark next to new bars from Horseman, police sirens and funky riffs. It's a tough sound system groove that is backed with a fine version and has been a firm fixture of Prince Fatty's record box for a while now.
Review: Prince Istari presents Riddim Dub School 1st Grade is a brilliant new 7" packed with computerised acid and dub sounds. This one is packed with authentic flavours for fans of machine-made riddims and steppers and is perfect for space exploration and bass enthusiasts. 'Cellphone Love (Acid Bass In Your Face)' kicks off with endlessly echoing hits and clean digital lines over fat low ends and then 'I'll Never Let You Dub (Answer On Me Bass)' is a more slow-motion and stoned dub sound with plenty of smart effects and studio mixing board tricks.
Review: UK reggae talent Prince Jamo, real name Ian Campbell, produced, wrote and performed this superb wedge of 70s revival roots in a shaka style. It's as deep and authentic as they come. The A-side original, 'The Badlands', has lazy horns drifting up top like a lone cloud on a red hot day. The percussion is gently sprinkled over the neat guitar riffs and rolling drums while the vocals unfold with real soul. Flip it over and you will get a dub version that is more cavernous, fleshy and deep. A lovely slice of roots that is primed and ready for any decent sound system.
Prince Jamo - "Is There Anybody Out There?" (4:03)
Rootz Lions - "Is There Anybody Dubbing Out There?" (3:59)
Review: Featuring the much-loved Prince Jamo's distinctive vocals and introspective lyrics over Rootz Lions' rich, dub-heavy instrumentals, 'Is There Anybody Out There?' calls you to reflect on humanity's shared struggles and the search for truth. It does so in great style with powerful basslines, echoing brass and rhythmic grooves that capture the essence of classic roots reggae while bringing a fresh, conscious vibe that resonates today. Ideal for fans of meditative, message-driven reggae music, this one by Prince Jamo and Rootz Lions is a deep, roots-reggae collaboration that explores themes of connection, searching, and spirituality.
Review: Michael Prophet is a distinctive reggae vocalist with an emotive falsetto and conscious lyrics. Emerging in the late 1970s from Kingston, he rose to prominence working with legendary producer Yabby You, delivering hits that addressed social injustice, spirituality and inner strength. 'Know The Right' by Michael Prophet is one of those roots reggae gems that blends signature conscious lyrics with a smooth, hypnotic groove. His signature falsetto carries a message of wisdom and discernment that urges us to surround ourselves with positive influences. The rhythm section is tight and laid-back and on the flip is a dub for mellow moods and reflective moments.
Review: Dutch label Ghetto Cornerstone presents a new and limited 12" here that offers some high-class roots. The release features Jamaican singer Prince Alla in top form as well as dubs produced by Ray Ranking, along with an additional vocal track by Ras Ruben. They are all fine blends of classic roots reggae with fresh, dynamic elements, starting with 'Warn Them' with its flabby and wobbly low-end and happy vocal energy. Ras Ruben's 'Jah Guiding Star' on the flip is a more pained and yearning sound with a slower, more pillowy and cavernous low end.
The Regulators - "Don't Look Back In Anger" (Re-mixed & Re-mastered) (4:55)
Prince Deadly - "Dub Look Back In Anger" (4:47)
Review: You can't beat a good cover of a classic tune and they don't come much better than this version of Oasis's masterpiece 'Don't Look Back In Anger' by The Regulators. Original Gravity come through with it on 7" in its 'Re-mixed & Re-mastered' form. The lead melodies come from big fat horns, while the lazy drums sway to and fro and bring an all-new kind of energy. Prince Deadly then gets to work on the studio dials to dub it out to perfection on 'Dub Look Back In Anger'. Two doozies.
Review: 10000 Lions Sound System brings some serious heat to their final release of 2024. It's a various artists affair with four artists offering up one heavyweight tune each. Spectacular's 'Big Bold & Brave' opens up with raw, guttural vocals over mid-tempo digi-dub rhythms. Bulby Yorke's 'Big, Bold Dub' stirs it back to a more low-end heavy roller but the bright melodies remain. Reemah's 'Run Dem Down; adds some nice female vocal soul next to big horns and raw percussion before a final dub again pairs things back to the rich basslines.
Sugar Minott - "Give The People What They Want" (3:45)
Prince Jammy - "Brothers Of The Blade" (3:26)
Review: VP have got some special and long-lost roots reggae classics here on 45rpm for the first timer in forever. The A-side here first dropped in 1979 and was recorded at Channel One, mixed at King Tubby's and produced by Prince Jammy not one before he went digital - something of a holy trinity of top-class reggae quality. The original is full of proper good and authentic dub flavour with fat bass and smoky atmospheres. Prince Jammy's own superb dub cut features on the flipside which is full of his usual mixing desk magic.
Review: Michael 'Palmer Dog' Palmer was one of the most notable dancehall vocalist of his era. He became quickly popular after appearing with plenty of sound systems and perfecting his unique improvisational techniques on the mic. That helped him standout in an overcrowded market and kept him popular with DJs who were turning reggae away from what it was becoming and turning it back to what it once was. This album first came in 1984 and showcased Palmer's singing style well with The Roots Radics serving as his backing band. A mini classic for sure.
Review: Two and a half years on from his death, Lee 'Scratch' Perry's "final album" - for the avoidance of doubt, it's the last one he recorded - arrives. Given his history of sonic innovation, it's striking that King Perry sees he late dub titan applying his dub aesthetic (with a little help from producer Daniel Boyle and a string of guest vocalists) to a wide variety of contemporary styles. Elements of synthwave, drum & bass, big beat and electronica are thrown into the mix, with his ten-ton basslines, dub effects, reggae riffs and freewheeling vocals rooting it in his extensive musical history. Highlights include breakbeat-driven Greentea Peng collaboration '100 Llbs of Summer', the Meat Beat Manifesto-ish 'Green Banana' (where Shaun Ryder does a typically distinctive turn on lead vocals) and closer 'Goodbye', which features Perry's last recorded vocal performance.
Review: Is there a more famous nutcase in music than Lee Scratch Perry? The legendary producer is still very much on the musical money, though, no matter how weird he gets in person. This record for Stones Throw finds him working with Peaking Lights' Aaron Coyes and Argentinian dubber Ivan Diaz Mathe on a series of heavyweight tunes that are brilliantly psychedelic. The title track is a cosmic stepper then "No Age" is a wandering dub with oodles of trippy effects and stoner leads that make way for some of his textbook vocal musings on "Magik." After immersive closer "No Age" you'll be keen to do it all again.
Review: The legend of the late great musical maverick and fascinating soul that was Lee 'Scratch' Perry will never diminish, such was the impact of what he did in the world of dub and reggae. He sure did a lot of it, too, so reissues will always come thick and fast with the latest being Jamaican E.T.. It came on February 5, 2002 via the Sanctuary/Trojan label and went on to win the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His psychedelic dub roots are at the heart of each tune with elements of modern, roots and lovers rock all featuring. Check his cover of 'I'll Take You There' for the real highlight here.
Review: Legendary reggae artist and snooker of the smoke Lee Perry left us a few years ago but his legacy will always live on through the vast amounts of music he was involved with. Originally released in 1984 on Island/Mango, this album History Mystery Prophesy gets a welcome reissue and features an array of his most weed-worshipping songs. Recorded across multiple studios in Jamaica and at Compass Point in Nassau, it delves into the funky electro-pop sounds of the era and highlights include tracks like 'Heads Of Government' and 'Mr Music.'
Review: The world will never not miss the one and only Lee "Scratch" Perry. His influence on dub will never be matched, his back catalogue will forever turn up some treasure or other you haven't heard. And now we can add to that this, a tribute album from his son Omar. Perry Jr is an accomplished performer in his own right and he shows that on Channeling Lee Scratch Perry, which features Olivier Gangloff who produced Perry Snr's final studio album. It's a blend of the fat, pillowy low ends Perry was so well known for with conscious lyrics, upbeat drums and plenty of whimsical and alluring melodies.
Review: Initially released back in 2007 and now repressed for new audiences as well as enduring fans, Pitch Black's fourth album was possibly their best yet. Rude Mechanicals blends dance music and electronica with their signature mix of echoes, delays and deep basslines to brilliantly alluring effect. Kicking off with the lush 'South of the Line,' it progresses into tracks like the dub-heavy '1000 Mile Drift' and the high-energy 'Sonic Colonic.' 'Bird Soul' nods to Salmonella Dub's influence while 'Harmonia' delivers exquisite electronica. The title track features rapper KP addressing environmental destruction and things close with 'Please Leave Quietly'. Complex rhythms, warm bass and haunting melodies with sharp social commentary all make this a genre-busting bit of work.
Review: Roots reggae legend Prince Alla returns with a stellar collection of new studio recordings while revisiting some of his greatest hits and reggae classics. This album comes on limited green vinyl and includes fresh takes on fan favourites like 'Bucket Bottom,' 'Lot's Wife' and 'Stone.' It also features Prince Alla's unique renditions of songs originally by reggae icons such as Bob Marley's 'Natural Mystic' and Gregory Isaacs' 'Cool Down The Pace,' among others. This collection offers a great blend of timeless classics and new interpretations that join the dots between different reggae eras and showcase Prince Alla's enduring influence and creativity in the reggae world.
Review: Disco-infused reggae and soulful grooves are on the agenda as Prince Fatty takes to the controls with regular vocal colllaborators Shniece and Horseman along for the ride too. For the Disco Deception album, he raids the reinvents various classics in the image of his own signature low-end energy and impeccable production, giving us original and dub mixes to choose from in several cases. His version of Krfatwerk's 'The Model', which features both Shniece and Horseman, was an underground smash when it emerged a couple of years back and sounds as vital as ever. 'Fever', made famous by Peggy Lee as far as 1958, gets some soul-stirring vocals from Shniece, and Tom Browne's 'Funkin' For Jamaica (NY)' is a glory of funky basslines to shimmering horns. A magnetic atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish, all with character to spare.
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