Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.

Review: The genesis of this album was three soundsmiths getting together in Brother Sound Studio in March 2024. It's a room full of synths and instruments and mics and in there they set about their work with Martin Dread responsible for the composition. What results is a bunch of proper chunky dubs with a very modern production edge. Synths have a clean digital shine that brings a future feel, the toasting though is traditional so brings authenticity and the melodies are perfect for getting lost in after a hefty toke.

Review: Rain A Fall returns with more of its lovely roots goodness on a new and crucial 45rpm that pairs General Soria with Brother Wildman. The latter kicks off with 'Too Many Worries & Problems' which is a heavy, hard-hitting digital roots tune with tough lyrics that do not pull any punches. It's perfect for all roots and sound system enthusiasts, as is the flipside dub from General Soria which rewires it with extra heavy low ends and cavernous kicks for summer fun.

Review: Robert Dubwise Browne's remake of Bob Marley's classic 'Could You Be Loved' offers a fresh and vibrant take on the timeless track. Featuring strong female vocals on the hook, this version leans heavily into a rich rhythm section, bringing a new energy to the beloved song. The remake is both classy and respectful, capturing the essence of the original while adding its own flair. On the flip side, the dub version strips things down, transforming the track into a cool, atmospheric rendition that highlights the instrumental depth. Browne's production shines throughout, making this release a standout for fans of reggae and dub alike. It's a glorious tribute with modern touches that breathe new life into a classic.

Review: This is one of a pair of new slabs of wax from Amsterdam's Sound System and label of the same name, King Shiloh. It features an array of modern dub and reggae talents and first up, Lavvosti & Black Omolo offer the modern sheen of 'Red Gold Green'. Kare's 'Better Days' rides the same rhythm but with more stylised and soulful vocal turns that empower with every bar. Jah Works dubs things out with a ton of effects and Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel layer in storytelling bars. Brasspect brings a fresh horn-led sound that is romantic and hypnotic and Roots Mechanic pairs things right back to an 80s sounding Jamaica dub vibe.

Review: This is a mad decent debut release from veteran musical assistant Meroe "G," also known as Record Shop Roy. This original composition, 'Can't Pay Won't Pay,' was penned by A.G. Marshall and the package also features the legendary Big Youth who delivers the powerful 'Sufferers Cry' vocal in a single striking take- he manages to capture raw emotion with seemingly effortless ease. Next to him, the track boasts an impressive lineup of talent including drums from Horseman, Steven Wright aka Marley on guitar, keys from Henry Holder, saxman Richard Doswell and David Fullwood on trumpet with Paul Kelly adding percussion next to Meroe "G" on vocals and bass. This is a deep, rootsy package crafted with care and spirit that demands to be pumped loud through your best amps.

Review: King Shiloh is back with more heavy and modern dub sounds from a range of talents who all add their own spin to a couple of heavy rhythms. Tiger Simeon & Brada Jahziel's 'Rastaman Vibration' gets underway with some bold, brassy horns and natty pianos that make for a full fat sound. Jah Works gets to work on the mixing desk and dubs it out to perfection while Lavosti brings a more modern sounding digital synth sheen and rousing vocal top line to the delightful 'Real Reggae Warrior.' Again it is Jah Wrks who steps up to do his thing and strip it back to deep dub vibrations.

Review: 10000 Lions Sound System brings some serious heat to their final release of 2024. It's a various artists affair with four artists offering up one heavyweight tune each. Spectacular's 'Big Bold & Brave' opens up with raw, guttural vocals over mid-tempo digi-dub rhythms. Bulby Yorke's 'Big, Bold Dub' stirs it back to a more low-end heavy roller but the bright melodies remain. Reemah's 'Run Dem Down; adds some nice female vocal soul next to big horns and raw percussion before a final dub again pairs things back to the rich basslines.

Review: Dennis Bovell's Sufferer Sounds compilation highlights a pivotal period in his prolific and diverse career, focusing on his work from 1976 to 1980. Best known for traversing reggae, dub, lovers rock, post-punk and disco, Bovell's production genius is evident throughout the album. Featuring deep cuts and lesser-known versions, the compilation includes works from his time with the Jah Sufferer Sound System, showcasing Bovell's ability to craft dynamic, emotionally resonant music. The CD version offers 15 tracks, including a rare dub mix of Janet Kay's iconic hit 'Silly Games', lovingly restored and remastered at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin. This version features Bovell's intricate arrangements with a pristine sound, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the depth of his production. Accompanied by track-by-track notes written by Bovell himself, Sufferer Sounds offers fascinating insights into the creation of these tracks, bringing listeners closer to the mind of a reggae pioneer. This carefully sequenced collection showcases Bovell's versatility across reggae, dub, and lovers rock, making it an essential listen.