Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.
Joseph Cotton & Earl Heptones - "Misty Morning" (4:00)
Room In The Sky All Stars - "Smoking Horn" (feat Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton) (4:21)
Review: The latest from the Joe Gibbs label features a powerful roots rockers reinterpretation of The Sensations' classic rocksteady tune 'Everyday Is Like a Holiday.' The new version from Ruddy Thomas brings a different kind of energy while honouring the soulful essence of the original. It's packed with plenty of mad mixing desk effects and endless echo while warm vocals and deep basslines lock in a steady, hypnotic rhythm. On the B-side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals deliver 'Holiday Style' which has happy horns and melodies that sparkle in the hot summer sun. Real roots authenticity and dub mastery make this another vital 7".
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "No Justice Dub" (4:18)
Kojo Neatness - "Bun Dem Down" (4:02)
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "Dub Dem Down" (4:19)
Review: Jah Mason and Kojo Neatness bring an authentic island flavour to this solid 4/4 roots rhythm that was crafted by the Roots Defender Riddim Section. The track features soulful horn arrangements as well as mesmerising guitars and keys by Black Steele and Maestro Inyaki. Originally recorded as a full band piece in Brixton over a decade ago, it underwent multiple stages to perfect its organic vibe for sound system heads. The multitrack was then taken to Ital Soup studio in South London where Petah Sunday served up a brilliant analogue mix while also adding some mind-blowing dubs all of which have already made their mark.
Review: This is one of a pair of new slabs of wax from Amsterdam's Sound System and label of the same name, King Shiloh. It features an array of modern dub and reggae talents and first up, Lavvosti & Black Omolo offer the modern sheen of 'Red Gold Green'. Kare's 'Better Days' rides the same rhythm but with more stylised and soulful vocal turns that empower with every bar. Jah Works dubs things out with a ton of effects and Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel layer in storytelling bars. Brasspect brings a fresh horn-led sound that is romantic and hypnotic and Roots Mechanic pairs things right back to an 80s sounding Jamaica dub vibe.
Everyone Has Got To Go (Super Bionic version!) (4:22)
Review: 'Everyone Has Got to Go' is a powerful 1976 roots stepper by Jamaican-Canadian singer Prince Robinson aka R. Man Prince. Born in Rockfort, Kingston, Robinson auditioned at Studio One in his teens but didn't record until a decade later. After moving to New York and Canada, he returned to Kingston in 1976 to record two iconic roots anthems at Joe Gibbs studio: this one and the rare 'Funny Dream.' Joined by The Soul Foundation and top session musicians like Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, the track's mix by Ernest Hookim and Barnabas features a haunting dub version.
Review: This is a new cut of new cut of the classic O'Jays track that was recorded with Winston Reedy and the Cimarons in the 1970s. 'Ship Ahoy' is as laid back and immersive as roots gets with its swaggering low ends and sparse, ruminant chords. The vocals are in no hurry either and add a lingering sense of soul that really cuts deep. On the flipside, the label's in-house production crew Room In The Sky Allstars offer up their melon-twisting and paired back 'Woy Hoy Dub.' Two classy gems.
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.
Roots Radics Band - "Firehouse Rock" (version) (3:33)
Review: This one packs some serious heat from some of reggae's most influential names - first is The Wailing Souls, a legendary harmony group who could melt anyone's soul, and then there's the peerless studio band Roots Radics who very much laid down the temple for new dancehall reggae evolution in the 80s. This jam is taken from an album, Firehouse Rock, that was made with producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes and engineer Hopeton "Scientist" Brown. It's a buttery smooth vocal roller with earthy guitar licks and a fresh dub version on the flip. Crucial.
Review: The talented vocalists Zion Irie and Ras Tweed grace us with their powerful voices once more here. They come over vibrant riddims crafted by Macca Dread and supported by an exceptional ensemble that includes Benyah who adds soulful brass, Crucial Rob who brings rhythmic depth on kete and cuica, while the Irie Mates deliver uplifting backing vocals and bluesman Danos enhances the sound with his harmonica. With conscious lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their collaboration blends artistry and energy and the final touch of excellence comes from mastering by Amir El Sawah, ensuring the music resonates with real clarity and low-end impact.
King Tubby & Sciientist - "Chalice A Fe" (Dyb) (3:23)
Roots Radios - "Opposition" (dub) (3:45)
Sly & The Revolutionairies & Jah Thomas - "Cocaine" (3:48)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Ghetto Slum" (3:39)
Roots Radios - "Storming The Death Star" (3:00)
Dennis Brown, King Tubby & The Soul Syndicate - "No Conscience" (2:53)
Scientist & Roots Radios - "Gunshot" (3:19)
Ossie & The Revolutionaies - "War Of The Stars (Mr Know It AlL)" (7" mix) (2:40)
Dennis Boveell & The 4th Street Orchestra - "Go Deh" (3:09)
The Revolutionaies - "Thompson Sound Incorporated" (3:32)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Pope Phyias" (The Selassie I Cup version) (3:02)
Sly & The Revolutionairies & Jah Thomas - "Marijuana" (2:43)
Review: Ras Jammy from Suns of Dub has curated a special release for Trojan Records that celebrates the deep cultural and historical ties between dub music and cannabis, all rooted in Jamaican music and Rastafarianism. This album, which arrives just in time for the stoners' best day of the year, 420, features iconic tracks from pioneering dub dons King Tubby, Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Roots Radics. These are the legends that helped shape the genre and this compilation highlights how they did it and what influence they had on the development of dub music. So, when the day comes, light up a fat one and turn this one up loud.
Review: This reissue delivers a rich experience for fans of dub and reggae, spotlighting the artists innovative artistry. A master of blending traditional reggae with modern production, his sound is steeped in deep basslines, engaging melodies and a distinct UK steppers influence. The album's mostly instrumental tracks channel the essence of 90s dub while embracing a synthetic edge that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The vinyl pressing enhances the experience, offering warm, immersive sound quality. Each track flows seamlessly, creating a meditative journey through layers of bass-driven rhythm and atmospheric textures. J.Robinson's connection to vinyl culture shines through, honoring its heritage while inviting new listeners to explore its magic. This album stands as a testament to his skill and passion, delivering music that resonates deeply with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Whether for its sonic depth or its contribution to modern dub, this release is a treasure for any reggae or vinyl collector.
Review: Roger Robinson is a commanding presence in the dub poetry scene, blending the weight of social commentary with the power of sound system culture. In collaboration with Disrupt, he concludes an album trilogy that brings together deep bass, potent rhythms, and piercing lyricism. Across tracks like 'Dub Apprentice' and 'Zion Melody', built from the Jahtari vaults, Robinson's delivery fluctuates between a soulful falsetto and deep, thunderous poetry, each verse striking with the force of the riddim itself. Disrupt's production is lush and dub-heavy, ensuring the music moves both body and mind. The release features riddims from Tapes, Naram, Jura Soundsystem, Maffi, and Bo Marley, offering a fusion of oppression and optimism. The result is a project that urges listeners to both dance and reflect.
Review: Rico Rodriguez, all-round brilliant Jamaican horn and and trombonist, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of ska, rocksteady and reggae. Born in Kingston in 1934, he began his career in the 1950s then joined the Skatalites in the early 1960s, and whether one chalks this lucky break up to birthrights, shrewd decisions or chance sliding door moments is up to the historian. But his talent cannot be denied: over the years, Rico worked with Toots And The Maytals, Bob Marley, and The Specials. His masterful trombone solos lent parping bombast to a scene which abhorred tinniness, and the Man From Wareika album exemplified this. This dub edition is a crucial pre-release dub edition from the 1976 classic, in which we hear a full instrumental brass-and-bass dive-bombing across nine formerly unreleased Island Records trinkets.
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