Review: Disco Dub Band's "For The Love of Money", a one-off collaboration between producer Davitt Sigerson and reggae musician Mike Dorane, has long been considered something of a classic by those who like their disco to come with a big dose of dub-wise flavour. Here the instrumental O'Jays cover, which originally appeared on the Movers label in 1976, is given the remix treatment by long-time fans Mr Bongo. The superb A-side, in which Dorane's instrumental talents take centre stage, naturally comes accompanied by the frequently played Dub interpretation, a typically wild and bass-heavy affair that sounds like it was mixed "live" in one take in true Lee Perry/King Tubby style. If it's not already in your collection, it should be.
Review: Stix Records is the sub-label of superb French outlet Favorite Recordings, and it is reserved for heavy dub cuts. This one finds label regular Mato reworking a classic reggae roller first written by Kool & The Gang. His gorgeous version is perfect for hot summer nights with its languid Fender Rhodes leads and sun kissed beats. It's loved up and perfectly, frankly. On the flip is a reggae rework of Bill Withers', who is sadly no long with us, 'Use Me,' repackaged with a playful harmonica lead and more grinding chords over the gently tumbling beats.
Review: First released way back in 1982 on Greensleeves, Eek-A-Mouse's 'Ganja Smuggling' is a towering example of early 80s "singjaying", a style of reggae vocal improv made popular by its combination of toasting and singing. Here we open with an asphyxial, spitballing steppers sound, as 'Mouse is heard scatting and bidi-bonging in his signature opening style, shortly before launching into a cautionary tale about working as a border lines marijuana smuggler. The track deals in a stoic, forborne whimsy, comically scatting and riff-licking through what is implicitly portrayed as an otherwise thankless and unforgiving task. This 7" reissue marks an important milestone in Greensleeves' release catalogue, harking back to one of Eek's earliest cuts laid down with kingpin producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes, the association with whom helped fuel Eek's early celebrity.
Review: There's an awful lot going on here, and as such plenty to talk about. Alternative Funk: Volume 1 is both a compilation and reissue, with the original outing landing on cassette in the early-1980s on VP231, a label set up by Pacific 231, AKA Pierre Jolivet. The albums were the brainchild of Axel Kyrou and Francis Man, founders of the legendary Vox Populi!, and their aim was to showcase far out sounds, at least som of which were their own.
What we have in the modern iteration is a snapshot of that expansive and often hallucinatory aural odyssey, with seminal and lesser known artists resting side-by-side on the track list. Stylistically broad, running the gamut from dub percussion to cold wave and industrial, it's yet more evidence of just how fertile a decade the 80s were.
Review: On the latest volume in the Late Night Tales series, Don Letts has dug deep into his crates to present a selection of some of his favourite dubbed-out reggae cover versions, alongside dub style remixes of more contemporary covers. It's a simple concept, brilliantly executed, with Letts offering up some exclusive, dubplate style remixes amongst the classic cuts and recent gems. Highlights include, but are in no way limited to, the full vocal dub of Capitol 1212's take on Joy Dvision's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', Mad Professor's insanely weighty 2021 dub of John Holt classic 'You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine', Blackbox Recorder's oddball reggae-soul version of 'Uptown Top Rankin' and Easy Stars All Stars' deliciously mystical interpretation of The Beatles' 'Within You Without You'.
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: Coyote release the second instalment of their continuing journey into all things Dub. 2 heavyweight tracks with their own unique expression of Dubness. Always ever-present in Coyote productions in some form or another here its front and centre.For big speakers and squidgy black.'Light like a feather-heavy as lead'
Review: Detroit godfather Juan Atkins and Berlin techno legend Moritz Von Oswald return as Borderland, one of several collaborations since 1992 and following up their 2016 album for Tresor: the Transport LP which again consolidated both respective artist's solid studio experience, honed over the last 30 years. The funky, slightly bumpin' and absolutely addictive hi-tech soul of "Concave 1" will have you grooving away on a late night dancefloor in Berlin or beyond with its evocative and life affirming vibes. On the flip "Concave 2" further explores their studio refined sequences on this heady and hypnotic journey full of woozy arpeggios, steely rhythms and dubby bass frequencies.
Un Dos Tres Y Fuera Vs Gaudi & Don Letts - "Relafica Negra En Tiempo De Siembra" (Gaudi & Don Letts aka The Rebel Dread) (3:49)
Cumbia Moderna De Soledad - "Busca Perro" (Greg Foat & James Thorpe remix) (3:52)
Review: Cultural icon Don Letts joins forces here with the masterful musician Greg Foat and producer James Thorpe to make a new entry into the Relatin project series. It is one where artists engaged with Latin musical roots from another era and update them for the here and now. Here they bring plenty of heavy dub vibes and great special awareness to a tune by Venezuelans Un Dos Tres. Greg Foat & James Thorpe also step up with a remix that is just as heavy and summery.
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: Emotional Rescue looks to the newly rebuilt but still very much culturally separate East and West Germany of the 1980s with this new EP. It's dub reggae through a post-punk and alternative lens by Hanover artists Felix Holter aka Dubvisionist. All these cuts have a very live, improvised feel because father way he worked from rhythms first and jammed endlessly before adding the vocals. They are taken from their 1987 release 10 Tracks Of Reggae & Dub Music which was inspired by the great Adrian Sherwood label On-U Sound label, and you can hear that clearly.
Review: Federal and Dubstore Japan reissue highly sought after gem, Willie Lindo's cover of Love Unlimited Orchestra's 'Midnight And You'. 'Midnight' is a louche, smooth-as-sin nocturne punctuated by hammond wobbles, whispered nothings and surely one of the most in-the-pocket basslines in reggae history and the legendary Lloyd Charmers gives it a sparse, small hours dubbing on the B-side, removing all fat and showcasing the unparalleled rhythm section. Absolutely essential stuff.
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: After his silky-smooth vocal feature on Eva Lazarus' Light As Feather, it was inevitable that Mungo's Hi Fi would pursue a project with London-based pure sing-jay Kiko Bun. Ms. Burnett is an ode to a lady friend of distinction, atop a dreamy major key rhythm whose bass-heavy clarity could have come out of Jamaica's Channel One studio in its glory days.
Review: 'Mr. Brown' is among the most coveted songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers, as it cemented the bond between Marley and Upsetter Lee 'Scratch' Perry, with the latter producing the track in his famed home studio Black Ark. Based on a popular ghost story about a spectral clown allegedly seen riding around Jamaican countryside in a three-wheeled coffin (three vultures were said to have been perched on top of the coffin, one looking for a 'Mr. Brown'), the song takes thorough advantage of popular folk consciousness in its spooky production and stick-in-your-mind charm. This 12" version also comes with the melodic plodders 'Natural Mystic' and 'The Heathen'.
Review: Founding Bees members Paul Butler and Aaron Fletcher recorded the original Sunshine Hit Me on the Isle of Wight in their own home garden studio which they called The Shed. A year after release in 2003 it got recognised with a Mercury Music Prize nomination and spawned some big singles. Now, 20 years on, it arrives once more but in an all-new and dubbed-out fashion. The six cuts include three which have never previously been released in any physical format and bring a fresh dimension to the originals.
Batman (Gary The Tall v Exotic Gardens Reversion) (4:11)
Review: Emotional Rescue takes another trip into the twisted world of post-punk dubs, electronics and oddities here at the hands of DJ, collector and radio host Gary The Tall. The original comes from German duo and new wave innovators Die Radierer whose pop-reggae jam 'Batman' is irresistibly catchy with its low-slung beats and lazy, sun-kissed melodies. It appeared on 1983's In Hollywood and was recorded at their home studio on a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder. Gary The Tall's remix finds him teaming up with Aaron Coyles under his new alias of Exotic Gardens and the results are loopy and dubbed out to perfection.
Review: We shall never apologise for our love for the work of Steve O'Sullivan. His contributions to the world of dub techno are second to none. They are also mad consistent both in style and quality which means they never age. Here he steps up to Lempuyang with his Blue Channel alias alongside Jonas Schachner aka Another Channel for more silky smooth fusions of authentic dub culture and Maurizo-style techno deepness. Watery synths, hissing hi-hats with long trails and dub musings all colour these dynamic grooves. They're cavernous and immersive and frankly irresistible and the sort of tracks that need to be played loud in a dark space. In that context, you'll never want them to end.
Nothing Compares To You (Mafia & Fluxy Reggae mix) (4:03)
Nothing Compares To You (dub mix) (4:03)
Review: Soul II Soul have been performing their cover of Sinead O'Connor's Prince-penned classic, 'Nothing Compares To You' in live sets for some time, though this is the first time it has been released on vinyl. This 7" inch single boasts two mixes by similarly long-serving reggae duo Mafia & Fluxy. They begin with a full-blown vocal version - a sun-soaked, hybrid organic/electronic reggae revision rich in dancing strings, booming bass, hazy horns, jaunty synth stabs and simply superb female lead vocals. As you'd expect, it comes accompanied by a seriously skeletal, sub-heavy Dub mix that's worth the admission price on its own. A killer cover all told!
Review: The unstoppable Bokeh Versions welcome the new year with some forward looking digi-dub gold. This one comes from Nottingham based sound sculptor TNT, who has never put out a vinyl record until now. An artist who has been pursuing a solo career since his Earthquake collective went south in 2002, he has stayed relatively low key while putting out various dub plates. The best of them from 2006 to 2018 are now collected here with production by Aba Shanti making each one pop. This album tells the story of a fine chapter in UK dub history, so don't miss out.
Review: Deadbeat, the Montreal-based dub techno maestro, returns to Echocord with a trio of immersive and hypnotic tracks. 'Pressure Double Down' showcases Deadbeat's signature sound, a blend of dub-infused techno and minimal aesthetics that has captivated listeners for over two decades. 'Too Much Pressure' is a 15-minute odyssey through intricate percussion, dubbed-out stabs and psychedelic vocals, its subtly unfurling layers and nuanced dynamism creating a captivating sonic experience. 'Double Bubble' follows with a delicate interplay of chord melodies, sub-bass tones and a crunchy analogue rhythm section, its hypnotic groove drawing the listener into a world of sonic exploration. 'Rattle The Roof Down' closes out the EP with a heavy dose of dub reggae bass, its spacey delays and murky swells adding a layer of hypnotic depth.
Review: One of many new dub renditions of classic pop songs by contemporary four-piece collective Dub Pistols, this 7" version of New Order's 'Blue Monday', the best-selling song of all time, again emerges from Mary Jane mists as a floaty memory of the era-defining song. First released in 2021 via Cyclone Records, this reissue recalls the fact that Dub Pistols consider the third Monday of every January to be 'Blue Monday'. The liner notes say: "this is the time of year when we're all cold, broke and riddled with guilt that our New Year's resolutions to get fit, drink less alcohol, and be a better human being have fallen by the wayside." The Dubmatix remix is no less effervescent, but comes backed by warlike horns. Again, all proceeds for this record go to the charity Tonic Music for Mental Health.
Review: 21st Century steppers Dub Pistols present their nextmost radical step forward, in the form of a biohazardous 7" re-rubbing 'I Predict A Riot' by English indie rock Kaiser Chiefs. With the dub foursome alleging that they used to play the song during soundchecks "for a bit of fun", the group have now come together, finally, for a shocking dub rendition after it especially popped off pre-show at the Mucky Weekender festival. The gang also welcome neo-dub producer Nick Manasseh for a wickedly weighty version on the B.
Review: Vin Gordon, also known as Don Drummond Jr, is a celebrated trombonist from Jamaica who now drops a second 12" on Finnish Dub & Sound International with the Dubsetters. It carries on the good work of their first outing with rootsy and organic reggae rhythms topped with the signature smooth sounds of Gordon's melodies up top. After the original version of 'Get On The Groove', the B-side keeps things sweet with a Groove Dub that is as deep as they come and stacked with echo and reverb for that lovely authentic sound and then closing it out is 'Groove 78 Style' which is more percussive, splashy and cavernous with some deft studio effects added in.
Review: Osmose's Deep & Dub EP on Smokecloud delivers a diverse selection of deep house tracks with a unique flair. Side-1 opens with 'Mystic House,' which blends a vintage 70s sound with a loose rhythm section and smooth organ feel, creating a delightful, jazz-infused atmosphere. 'Afternoon DUB' follows, reimagining the late 70s classic 'Afternoon Delight' into a dub version that adds a fresh, rhythmic twist. 'GSK (Guitar Sax Keys)' fuses jazz, funk, and house, showing a seamless blend of genres that keeps the groove dynamic and engaging. Closing the EP, 'Live Magic' is a late-night, atmospheric groove that's both soft and sexy, perfect for winding down. Overall, the Deep & Dub EP is a journey back in time with each track offering a distinct and enjoyable experience rich in 70s inspired nightlife.
Review: Soul Revivers return with 'Holding it Down', the lead single from their highly anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed debut album 'On The Grove'. Teaming up with West London's keyboard maestro and producer Ash Walker, along with vocalist Lyn Gerald, the pair of Nick Manasseh and David Hill deliver an ethereal yet captivating tune that brings to mind Jackie Mittoo's legacy and the essence of balmy summer evenings. As expected from Soul Revivers, the release includes a dub version by Manasseh on limited edition 7".
Review: Johnny Osbourne liked singing about love. The Jamaican born reggae maestro has said love is universal, a hurting thing, confidential, international and even supernatural. And frankly we're ahoy to hear him doing so - his honeyed tones a perfect mix for rolling and dubbed out rhythm that is lovably languid and overlaid with acoustic riffs and loose percussion. On the flip here we get a heady, dubbed out and psyched-up mix from the one and only Roots Radics. Both of these tunes are brilliant on a loud system and never fail make their mark.
Review: The Vinyl Only label is a hot one amongst heads and now it hits double figures with a cheeky new 7" packed with plenty of delicious dub. It is the work of the Vinyl Only Allstars and A-side cut 'Dub, Dub, Dub' is just that - a big bottomed sound with cavernous low ends, oodles of reverb and some well-treated vocals floating in amongst the liquid chords. 'Find A Reason' is another rich soundscape with natty guitar riffs, filtered vocals and a sunny disposition with some playful pianos.
Review: Partial are busy reissuing a series of the best works from pioneering UK dub outfit Alpha & Omega. They are known for the likes of their timeless 1991 reggae album Overstanding and seminal 'Shashamani' tune which came on a 1996 long player called Voice in the Wilderness. This 7" offers up 'Bush Ganja' which came originally back in 2006 and was made as a one-off with Gregory Isaacs, the late and great Jamaican singer. It has pretty much been sold out since the day it dropped but now comes back to a sound system near you with its ice cold dub, head twisting electronics and impassioned vocal. Check the flip for a mad dub.
Review: Given that Neil Anderson's Original Gravity label is an unashamed tribute to the 1960s ska and rocksteady sounds he loves (with occasional diversions into rhythm & blues and reggae), it's little surprise to see the imprint's house band, Woodfield Road Allstars, take on 'Shank I Sheck', a much-loved 'riddim' that was written, and first recorded, by Baba Brooks way back in 1964. The Woodfield Road Allstars version is a hazy, head-nodding rocksteady treat rich in heady Hammond organ licks, languid trumpet solos and jazz guitars aplenty. Over on the flip, Prince Deadly (likely an alias for Anderson) provides a lightly rewritten riff on the same core ingredients, naturally pushing the trumpet to the fore while reaching for dub-style effects and other 'versioning' studio tricks.
Review: Soul Revivers are a UK-based project of musicians and producers spanning seven decades, including Nick Manasseh and David Hill from Rootikal. Played off as a reissue of two classics (the design of the 7" is convincing enough), this actual fresh single has got two lovably layered numbers on it: 'Shouting Dub' and 'Furthest Version'. The former is an attention-grabbing yet leisurely plod through the smoke-hazed forestreets of yore, graciously alternating between two-toned basses and globular guitars. The B is much more spacious and phat.
Review: Bim Sherman and Sound Iration came together for this one in 1989 on WAU! Mr. Modo Recordings. Since then it has become a cult classic that will cost a few quid on the second-hand market. But it's not easy to find and so now comes a reissue by Partial. It features two of the three tunes that were on the original with identical artwork. In original form, 'Dream' is a blissed-out bit of sun-kissed electronic reggae. The drums are crisp, Bim's vocals are clean and the organ chords suck you in deep. 'Dream' (version part 3) is a subtle rework that brings out different leads.
Review: Altone, an emerging talent in dub techno, delivers the Invincible Nature EP on Denmark's Echocord Records, a label revered for over two decades. The EP showcases Altone's knack for crafting deep soundscapes. Side-1 features 'Naturally Unnatural,' presenting two distinct takes: the first is sparse and minimal, epitomizing classic dub techno, while the second version is more techy and aggressive, adding an edge to the composition. Side-2 brings remixes of 'Unnaturally Balanced.' Thomas Fehlmann, a legendary producer, lends his expertise to the 'Naturally Flowing' remix, infusing it with a fluid, dynamic quality. The 'Another Channel' version rounds out the EP with a quintessential dub treatment, staying true to the genre's roots. Invincible Nature EP is a compelling showcase of versatility in dub techno and Echocord's enduring influence in the scene.
Hang On To Yourself (feat Fishbone & Jonnygo Figure)
Ziggy Stardust (feat The Skints)
Suffragette City (feat The Expanders)
Rock 'N' Roll Suicide (feat Macy Gray)
Five Years Dub
Moonage Daydream Dub
Lady Stardust Dub
All The Young Dudes (feat Kirsty Rock)
Review: Easy Star All Stars are back, refreshing a simple yet effective formula - melodic reggae covers of titanic rock albums. The New York natives have released several tribute albums to said figureheads, not least Pink Floyd, Radiohead, The Beatles and Michael Jackson. Ziggy Stardub, evidently, is a reggae version of David Bowie's 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Bowiemaniacs will be Bowie-led over by this 15-track collective vision in dub, which comprehensively serves up serene versions of 'Starman', 'Five Years' and 'Moonage Daydream' and four actual dub versions. To top it off, there are myriad features from fellow coverer fanatics, including Macy Gray, Steel Pulse, Mortimer and Carlton Livingston.
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.
Review: The connection between ZamZam and Feel Free Hi Fi was sparked by Bristolian Neek out in Portland and lead to an immediate bond forged over a shared sound and DIY ethos. Inspired by early digi-era dancehall and UK dub, the duo crafts a sound here that honours tradition while venturing into bold, idiosyncratic territory. It comes on their own Digital Sting label and opens with 'Voyageur' which is a mix of cinematic atmospherics with haunting synths that evoke wild and mythic landscapes. 'Underground' pays tribute to the spirit of DIY underground music and captures the struggle to preserve both nature and the essence of basement gigs in today's shifting cultural landscape.
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