New releases last four weeks: Classics/Ska

Review: The elusive De Frank Kakra remains a mystery, his real name unknown, and his current whereabouts unclear. But the music tells its own story: rooted in Ewe heritage, Kakra cut his teeth as a percussionist and backing vocalist in the fray of Ghana's 70s highlife scene, with stints with K. Frimpong's Cubano Fiestas and the Vis-A-Vis band. Eventually fronting his own groups, The Professionals and The Diggit Ways, he went on to record countless scintillating sides with labels across West Africa, and this new compilation brings together many of said wax etchings from Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, handled with care by Michael Graves at Osiris Studio. It's the debut release from a label founded in gratitude to Kakra's music and the healing it sparked. Liner notes and archival sleuthing aim to piece together his story, and the hope is that someone, somewhere, might know what became of him.

Review: A real favourite ever since its initial 1976 release, Rastaman Vibration sees a welcome return to heavyweight wax here with Tuff?Gong's limited-edition reissue pressed at their Kingston headquarters and hand-numbered. This LP, which was the iconic group's eighth studio album, marked Marley's first US Top Ten entry and delivered enduring hits like 'Roots, Rock, Reggae' and 'War'. These are some of reggae's most enduring tunes and the ones that keep the legacy of The Wailers alive decades on, and with a deluxe booklet and Tuff?Gong stamp, this edition is the most essential of them all and another worthy celebration of Marley's cultural impact.

Review: One of Bob Marley's most acclaimed LPs on reissue here, and it's an album that overflows with funk, poise, and defiant overtones. Marley recorded the album in 1977 after surviving an assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica. Following the attack, he left the country and relocated to London, and it's here that the collection was captured. At times a commentary on the political violence that blighted Jamaica during the era, other times joyful celebration, the music is some of the reggae icon's most potent. The hypnotic groove and chanted vocals of the title track are an obvious standout, as are the feel-good flex of 'Jammin' and the heartfelt vulnerability of 'Is This Love'. Presented as a double pack, all the music gets the groove spacing it so richly deserves.

Review: The most popular release in Soul Jazz Records' crucial Dynamite! series is back with a fresh, remastered, relicensed edition of 300% Dynamite featuring new tracks. It's a guaranteed party-starting collection that brings together reggae classics and crossover dancefloor anthems from legends like Wayne Smith ('Sleng Teng'), Althea & Donna ('Uptown Top Ranking') and pioneering female MC Sister Nancy with her huge and oft-sampled hit 'Bam Bam', alongside deep cuts from Augustus Pablo and Lee Perry. Blending reggae, dub, funk, jazz and soul into one explosive package, 300% Dynamite is a fine companion for hot summer days and balmy, hazy nights on the smoke.