Juno Recommends Roots / Lovers Rock April 2020

Review: The "Disco Devil" series is a carefully curated selection of disco mixes that were laid down in the famous Black Ark Studio run by Lee "Scratch" Perry. It was a place of legendary magic, as this series shows on its fourth instalment. All the big dogs like The Upsetters, Augustus Pablo and Junior Murvin are present with their own distinctive takes on dub. Carlton Jackson also comes correct with his soul soothing "History" while a special 7" edit of Truth Fact & Correct's "Babylon Deh Pon Fire" is a rousing anthem for serious smoking sessions.

Review: Since releasing her debut album in 2013, Janine 'Jah9' Cunningham has risen to become one of the genuine underground stars of Jamaican reggae music, with a distinctive vocal style - part singer, part toaster, part spoken word beat poet - that seems to suit a wide variety of reggae-related styles. She's at her diverse best on "Note To Self", singing and toasting over backing tracks that variously touch on contemporary reggae, 1970s roots, dub, dancehall and the kind of digital 'riddims' that were all the rage in the late 1980s and early '90s.

Review: This is a classic riddim from the hard working folk at Room In The Sky with a new vocal on top, available for the first time on vinyl. Produced by Lewis M, lead tune 'Smoking The Highest' teases and toys with you until it eventually drops into a big, happy, horn lead groove. The vocals are clean and crisp on top, paying love and respect to the smoke as the drums wiggle and horns continue to reach for the skies. Salute takes care of the remix on the flip and ups the ante, with fat bottomed bass and a more noodling lead all vying for your attention.