Back catalogue: All genres

Review: 1994's original pressing of Steely & Clevie's outstanding leftfield production with Johnny Clarke's vocals is well worth inspecting, but you might struggle to find one these days, and it'll be pricey if you do, because it's become something of a classic 45. Thankfully it gets reissued here with A-side original 'Leggo Violence' rolling lazy drums while the Clarke vocals soar high and sweet despite what they sing about. On the flip is a smooth rolling version that allows that super bassline to do its thing free from any distraction, and all with extra dub goodness.

Review: Part of a fresh string of reissues of Love & Unity 12"s - one of many star aliases to grace the annals of South London reggae label Studio 16 - comes this headfirst collision between L&U and Seargent Pepper. Sharing similar instrumentals, 'I Just Don't Care' hears a blissful femme soprano glide elegantly across its bubblings - the instrumental is super well-rounded, sawn-off. On the B-side, meanwhile, there's Pepper's 'Cut From Master Tape', which hears Pepper toast the rhythm lackadaisically, as endlessly hazy dub effects resound and a janky double-time kick propels it all forward.

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: This new 7" from the Far East is part of the Neville King Lovers Rock Revisited series. It's as smooth and heartfelt as roots reggae gets with One Blood and Simplicity really tapping into a loved-up vibe. 'Lady Lady' has meandering basslines and lazy horns unfurling next to the buttery sweet and tender vocals which muse on a dream girl. On the B-side is 'Loving Kind', a more traditional dub with tropical island vibes, subtle steel drums and this time a female vocal delivering a carefree lament.

Review: Digital English is a pioneering digital reggae producer who founded his own self-titled label in New York City back in 1984. Since then it has focussed on local talent from dancehall, lovers rock and roots worlds and is influenced by London's 70s sound system culture and icons like Jah Shaka, Sir Coxsone and Fatman, He is known, as a producer, for integrating a hardcore frequency into his music that reflects a blend of digital innovation and traditional reggae sounds and that is evidence here on a limited edition new 7" with Ras Sherby.

Review: This crucial dub drop comes with a powerful roots track that invites you to enjoy an incredible collaboration with The Sherlock Holmes, one of the most dynamic horn sections in the sound system scene. Produced to perfection by Variedub, the track blends rhythmic warmth with musical strength. Side A delivers an uplifting brass melody with a lively dialogue between trombone and sax and is complemented by dub moments and melodica phrases, all built around a One Drop rhythm. On Side B, the Dub version unfolds with rich reverb and delay effects that embody Variedub's signature style.

Review: King Shiloh is back with more heavy and modern dub sounds from a range of talents who all add their own spin to a couple of heavy rhythms. Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel's 'Rastaman Vibration' gets underway with some bold, brassy horns and natty pianos that make for a full fat sound. Jah Works gets to work on the mixing desk and dubs it out to perfection while Lavosti brings a more modern sounding digital synth sheen and rousing vocal top line to the delightful 'Real Reggae Warrior.' Again it is Jah Wrks who steps up to do his thing and strip it back to deep dub vibrations.

Review: Tabou has decided to press this to both 7" and 12" so it's up to you to choose your weapon from Jamaican rhythm legends Sly & Robbie who showcase their unmatched talent for crafting dub soundscapes. 'Ogun Dub' opens with deep, resonant basslines and intricate drum patterns while paying homage to the Yoruba deity Ogun. The track seamlessly blends mysticism and spirituality and on the flip side, 'Rise of Shango' delivers another transformative journey while offering a cathartic and meditative experience that reaffirms Sly & Robbie's legendary status in the game.

Review: This reissue brings a sought-after slice of reggae history back to the forefront. Originally released in 1973, this 7" single features two gems miscredited to Ken Parker but rightfully belonging to Alton Ellis and Slim Smith. Side A presents Smith's soulful rendition of Curtis Mayfield's 'We Must Be In Love', a reggae-infused take on the classic tune. On the flip, Ellis delivers a heartfelt performance of 'I Wish I Could Make You Mine', showcasing his smooth vocals and impeccable phrasing. This reissue corrects a historical inaccuracy and makes these two rare tracks accessible once more.

Review: Nia Songbird teams up with producer Higher Meditation for a powerful new roots 12" straight out of Leicester. Featuring the stirring tracks 'We Are Warriors' and 'Dreader Than Dread', this release is a great window into Nia's evocative vocals paired with Higher Meditation's hard-hitting production. The record delivers four compelling versions that blend conscious lyrics with deep, brutalist rhythms that echo the essence of modern roots. With its commanding message and richly layered soundscapes, this release pushes boundaries while staying true to the genre's soulful and revolutionary spirit.

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.

Review: The well-regarded Digital English label has got a couple of crucial 7"s dropping at the moment and this one is a standout. It's a two-sided 45rpm that opens up with Chazbo in fine form on the A-side. His gem 'Chazbo In Session' has elements of everything from dub to reggae to lovers' rock. The dub is fat and lazy, the chords are natty and the vocals are soulful and expressive up top. Flip it over and you will get a fine version from Lin Strong named 'Unity Is Strength' that brings even more soul power to the rolling rhythms.

Review: One online reviewer described Shakeena's sole album, 1987's 'Dance Music', as a 'lover's rock jewel'. We tend to agree. Now available again on wax for the first time since the 80s (when it was pressed and released by a tiny label and sunk without trace), the album offers an enticing mix of echo-laden drum machine beats, dub-wise reggae basslines, cheery 'FM' synth-sounds, soulful vocals and nods towards freestyle, boogie and '80s soul. Highlights are plentiful throughout, with our picks of a very strong bunch including the club-ready title track, the glossy 'Your Love' (where Shakeena raps as well as sings), the classical lovers rock of 'Reggae Music' and the sweet and tender 'We Are The Mothers of the World'.

Review: Herb Dub Collie Dub first came out in 2001 under the Skatalites' favourite lable Motion Records, based in London. Eight herbal, experimental dub excursions came by way of an at least fifteen-strong supergroup and advisory circle, which included Jeff Teader, Don D Junior, Augustus Pablo, Jackie Mittoo, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace - making this a star-studded record if we've ever encountered one. Such sonic diamante is well worth the listen too, as these eight tracks command a rightfully weird groove; aside from their measuredly rigid pace, the likes of 'Roots Dub' and 'Dumboo Dub' make use of surreal reverse-shot sound effects, producing the effect of a sort of lemony miasma; what's more, there's even a funk breakbeat detour on 'Sealing Dub', providing an ample window into the drumming chops of Benbow Creary - for any junglists out there, we're happy to tip you off: the A4 is a wonderful sample source indeed!

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Youthman Skanking, a classic roots reggae album from 1982, produced by Prince Jammy at Channel One and King Tubby's, gets a reissue on vinyl for 2024. This album includes the hit singles 'Isim,' 'Skism,' and 'Ain't No Me Without You,' alongside the authentic title track. This albym stands as a sterling addition to the Roots-based 'Waterhouse Sound,' a movement spearheaded by Black Uhuru. This album marks the beginning of Smith and Jammy's influential journey, which would later revolutionise music with their genre-defying hit 'Under Me Sleng Teng.'This rare album, finally reissued with a beautiful German pressing, showcases Smith's early style, reminiscent of Linval Thompson. Youthman Skanking offers excellent rhythms and is a true treat for reggae enthusiasts.