Review: The 4th Street Orchestra is one of several aliases used by Matumbi, which was actually one of Britain's first and most original reggae bands back in 1971 when they were founded initially. For the best showcase of their sound look no further than this landmark roots record Ah Who Seh? Go Deh! which came in 1976 and has been hard to find since. This is a first ever official reissue of it and finds Dennis 'Blackbeard' Bovell tapping into his vast knowledge of sound system culture and laying down heavy rhythms with plenty of Jah-worshipping, Zion-referencing lyrics and soulful yearnings. It's complex and cultured and packs a true bass heavy punch.
Review: The Aggrolites formed in 2002 and brought together two different Los Angeles reggae and ska bands in the Vessels and The Rhythm Doctors. They started as a backing outfit for Derrick Morgan but soon went on to do their own thing, uncoiling this debut album from 2003. It was laid down in just one day, with each track being done in one take and lyrics being dreamt up on the spot. The results are compelling and take in high speed riddims, swaggering dubs and even a cover of a nursery rhyme.
Review: Laurel Aitken's High Priest of Reggae album is an early classic of the genre from 1969, and it captures the ska pioneer at a pivotal moment when he was blending his Jamaican roots with the evolving UK reggae scene. It came on Pama Records and shows Aitken's versatility with cuts like 'Jesse James' and 'Landlords and Tenants,' both a testament to his storytelling lyrical prowess over inventive rhythms down low. Songs such as 'Haile Selassie' reflect his engagement with the burgeoning roots reggae movement, while the classic crossover jam 'Skinhead Train' nods to his influence on the skinhead subculture. This album earned Aitken the status of the "Godfather of Ska" and it's easy to hear why listening back to this reissue.
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