Jeff Barnes/Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Rooster" (2:47)
Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Saint" (3:06)
Review: Historic British label Harlem Shuffle Records reissue a rare rocksteady track by the Jamaican singer Jeff Barnes, backed by the Jamaican band Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, here. A single-sided 7" vinyl comes with but one dubby audio-delight: the original 1970 version of 'The Rooster', a catchy, whistlingly haunting but no less upbeat song produced by Duke Reid and first released on his eponymous Duke Records label. Harlem Shuffle now add it to their catalogue, which charts only the best in ska and rocksteady.
Review: Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Alton Ellis & The Flames With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Rock Steady" (2:38)
Phyllis Dillon With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Rocking Time" (2:50)
Review: If you're on the hunt for Jamaican classics from the 1960s, you could do worse than copping this double-header from the combined talents of Alton Ellis, vocal group the Flames, Phyllis Dillon and the era's most prolific backing band, Tommy Cook and the Supersonics. On side A you'll find 'Rock Steady', a hugely influential rocksteady gem that features Ellis' encouraging us to dance atop a weighty, horn-heavy riddim track. Over on the flip Phyllis Dillon takes over lead vocal duties on another Treasure Isle gem from '67, 'Rocking Time'. This one is even more club-ready, with McCook's cheerful horn arrangements catching the ear.
Review: Japan meets Jamaica in Tokyo Riddim Band's latest single where illustrious keyboardist Izumi 'Mimi' Kobayashi joins forces with Jamaican singer Ras Tavaris. This track revives Kobayashi's 1981 hit, 'Lazy Love,' originally from her sought-after Coconuts High LP recorded in LA. Featured on Time Capsule's 2024 Japanese reggae compilation Tokyo Riddim 1976-1985, the song now transforms from soulful pop to a deep dub cut. The Tokyo Riddim Band brilliantly blends Japanese and London sounds and infuses the track with big energy, reggae rhythms, funky bass lines, and smooth City Pop guitar, all enhanced by Prince Fatty's studio magic.
Heptones, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Crying Over You" (2:38)
Review: After a recent Pressure Sounds compilation put together the best of Caltone Records - documenting the truest gems of a great Jamaican dub label - the horse's mouth is now heard neighing. Caltone themselves have now reissued Devon Russell & The Tartans' 'Making Love', a long-lost from the late 1960s troubadours. Ne'er released before, it also comes backed exclusively with a bluesy Heptones, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics lamentation, 'Crying Over You'.
Why Can't We Live Together (LNTG No More Work rework - Late Night Tuff Guy edit) (7:01)
Review: Last year, legendary disco label T.K released a pair of 12" singles featuring fresh Todd Terje reworks of classic material from K.C & The Sunshine Band. It was such a success that they've decided to repeat the exercise, recruiting Aussie rework specialist Late Night Tough Guy to breathe new life into Timmy Thomas' impassioned anti-war record and the recent subject of sped-up sampling by Drake, "Why Can't We Live Together". Typically, his version is built around a lolloping, disco-friendly house groove, onto which the original record's killer organs and vocals sit. It's tastefully done and hugely playable, of course, though some disco DJs will still prefer to reach for Thomas' impeccable original. Handily, T.K has included that heartfelt slice of soul brilliance on the A-side.
Review: Peckings presents a stunning reissue here for lovers of roots and reggae. This 45rpm features The Three Tops and the legendary Alton Elli who is one of reggae's most cherished voices. On the A-side here, 'Do It Right' showcases The Three Tops' silky harmonies over a classic rocksteady rhythm and delivers a pure golden-era Jamaican vibe that takes you there in an instant. The flip side offers Alton Ellis' soulful and heartfelt rendition on a tune that solidifies his status as a reggae don. Both tracks exude real charm even now all these years on and are worthy additions to any box of 7" heat.
Review: 'Denshi Lenzi' by Tokyo Riddim Band offers a splendid fusion of past and present, blending elements of Japanese reggae with contemporary dub sensibilities. Recorded and mixed by the renowned Prince Fatty in South London, this track presents a unique cultural amalgamation. Featuring three generations of female musicians from Japan, the band combines reggae drums, funky basslines, and smooth City Pop guitar melodies, creating a stellar live dub experience. Tokyo Riddim Band's emergence has been celebrated by Gilles Peterson, NTS, Pitchfork, and Bandcamp Daily, gaining recognition for their fresh take on classic Japanese reggae. Led by pianist and composer Izumi 'Mimi' Kobayashi, the band's reinvention of the Natural Mystic riddim in 'Denshi Lenzi' injects new life into the original Japanese production. With dubbed-out vocals, sirens, and electrifying e-tom sounds, the track delivers an authentic reggae/dub experience infused with a distinct UK flair.
Review: Dutchess returns with Folk Song, a two-track dub release featuring the talents of Tony and Howie alongside the legendary Phyllis Dillon. Known for curating rare gems, Dutchess continues to deliver high-quality vinyl for lovers of classic reggae and dub. With past releases from icons like Eric Monty Morris and Tommy McCook, the label has solidified its reputation as a source for top-tier Jamaican music. Folk Song follows this tradition, blending soulful vocals with deep, atmospheric dub. Fans of Alton Ellis, The Melodians and The Paragons will find this release a perfect addition to their collection. It's another must-have for those who appreciate the timeless sound of 60s and 70s Jamaican music.
Willie Williams & The Brentford Disco Set - "No One Can Stop Us" (version) (3:25)
Review: Yet another Studio One classic. Willie Williams was one of many artists to feature on Soul Jazz's 'Studio One Soul' series, which documented the throughline between reggae and soul in Jamaica. 'No One Can Stop Us Now' is a dreamy and wall-of-soundy slice of goodness from the mournful crooner, documenting the Jamaican dub vocalist's master plan. The song is a paean for anti-populist motivation - despite the naysayers who sit and criticise, no-one's gonna stop us now.
Review: Tchiss Lopes's Stranger Ja Catem Traboi is as good a debut album as you could ever wish to hear. It is a world fusion of great rhythms, high-energy grooves, politically and socially aware vocals and reggae and funana collisions that brims with life and vitality. It was recorded in Rome after the artist spent 11 months at sea and was drawn from his personal and collective experiences of hardship, education, love and the loss of lives at sea. Though now 40 years old, the album has stood the test of time musically and lyrically and now gets a welcome reissue on CD.
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