Review: Blimey, if this isn't major meeting of musical Midas minds then we don't know what is. Alter Echo, E3 and Headland all collaborating with legendary dub flautist Diggory Kenrick. "Temple Duel" sets the scene in deep underground chambers, untouched by the sun. Reverb space is our only guide and ritual combat is the only way out as we make our way through subsonic 808 bass foundations, a near-industrial mid-range bass guitar groove, stiff snares, stick-fighting percussion and Diggory's torchlight melody. A truly fluid hypnotic narrative that arcs through the dark, if you're looking for an even foggier route flip for "Temple Dub" where the torch is extinguished and you have nothing but your sonic wits to take you home. Only Diggory knows if you make alive or not...
Review: Earl 16, renowned for collaborations with reggae icons like Lee Perry and Augustus Pablo, delivers a standout slice of early 90s digital roots here on the crucial Partial label. Originally featured exclusively on his 1992 album Boss Man (or, as it was known on the CD release, "Roots Man"), this track showcases Earl's distinctive production prowess. 'African People - HIM Speech' pairs conscious lyrics with a sleek digi dub vibe and future atmosphere. For this reason, Earl 16's influence extends through the reggae universe thanks to partnerships with Mikey Dread, Leftfield, and Dreadzone, all of which help to cement his legacy in the genre.
Review: Roots and reggae masters Partial know which EPs need reissuing and once again they prove that this month by casting it back to 1992 for Earl 16;s revered Natural Roots. For those who were there back then, it is well known that Jah Shaka played the tunes of this EP at every gig for almost 10 years and they never failed to get you moving even though you knew he was still only warming up. An original copy will set you back 50 odd quid so don't sleep on this great sounding reissue, which features the exact same play list as first time round.
Review: Inca Dubs present the next release on their fine label as they head towards release number 100 and it features the legendary vocalist Earl Sixteen. This engaging digi-dub track 'The People's Rights' is dedicated to the working class, a powerful anthem for the many, not the few - conscious music with a real message. On the flip side, you'll find the uplifting strings version which is a perfect soundtrack to some quiet contemplation or meditation. This track has been played by top sound systems like Channel One, King Earthquake, and Entebbe Sound so is an essential addition to any dub box, perfectly mastered by Russ Disciples.
Review: Many of you reading this may recognise this song from Dennis Brown's rendition on his iconic Visions LP, but this version actually predates that one. It was originally penned by Winston MacAnuff, also known as the Electric Dread, and features vocals by Earl Sixteen. It has previously debuted as a 7" on Gibbs' Belmont label in 1975, while Sixteen went on and recorded it again for Derrick Harriott on the Wild Flower label a year later. This rendition is often considered the definitive cut, but we shall leave you to decide on that one.
Review: Death Is Not The End sublabel 333 Records reissue, in their estimation, one of the key 45s in the output of Prince Jazzbo's Ujama label, active in the late 1980s, and which preceded and perhaps presaged the oncoming digidub movement of the 90s. At this point, the artist known as Earlando Neil aka. Early B was a favourite fixture of Jazzbo's roster, famously channelling a proto-digital sound before the advent of digital dub production proper would unfortunately eclipse him. 'Imitator' is one such originator and version: a gruff, monophonic, bassy dancehall dragger, pon which B's vocal toasts are effortless to the point of burnt and hair-raising, and the basses sound like blowpipes; clock the synth bell too, also heralding the digital revolution to come.
Review: Here comes a sweet slice of dub reggae courtesy of the late Sid Bucknor's studio and the gorgeous vocal work of The Ebony Sisters. On 'Tell Love Hello If You See Him', they're singing a Gamble & Huff creation originally performed by Mellow Moods and released by The North Bay in 1971. It's a bittersweet but ultimately feel-good tune backed by a pitch-perfect riddim, which Bucknor sends out in an understated style for the dub version on the flip. Some of the finest reggae tunes in history are the heartbreak ones, and so it goes on this golden 7".
Review: Jackie Edwards' 'His 'Do You Love Me' is a pure good vibes only roots reggae roller, with laid back drums and bass that sit in one another perfectly. Plenty of rousing organ chords ring out with great self delight as soothing melodies take off to the stars. Flip it over for a head melting, knob twirling remix that makes use of a vast mixing desk to bring out the dub goodness.
Review: Irie Ites is a French label that is back with two more reggae heavyweights and frequent musical sparring partners in the form of Eek-A-Mouse and King Kong. They tackle a relic of the 'Murderer/Hot Milk' rhythm, a production that will take you back to the 80s reggae sound in an instant. 'Musical Ambassador' comes first and is a happy-go-lucky sound with some slow, dubby drums and lazy hits as well as stylised vocals, while the flip from King Kong, 'Money Could A Buy' fleshes it out with more reverb and natty guitar riffs that hang in the air above the cavernous low end.
Review: This is the debut single from Ekowmania's upcoming album Dr. Afrodub. Ekowmania, aka Ekow Alabi Savage, hails from Ghana and is the percussionist for KabuKabu and a longstanding collaborator with Jimi Tenor as well as being a founding member of one of Germany's earliest Afro-reggae bands. Titled 'Kwame Nkrumah,' it is a grand roots and reggae track produced by Jimi Tenor with tight horns, driving drums, and a compelling vocal performance supported by a majestic choir. The B-side presents a DJ Sotofett Mix, focusing on vocals, choir, and horns for a powerful choral rendition.
Review: Some proper sound system business here that deserves to be played nice and loud. El Indio's 'Rise & Shine' was recorded and mixed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Spain and is drench din sun. The horns are lazy and convey the feelings of a humid afternoon, while the vocals implore you to give all you can give and keep on rising. Interestingly they were recorded by Douglas Wardrop at Conscious Sounds Studios in London but sit perfectly in the mix. Lone Ark Riddim Force step up on the flip with their own lush dub which has plenty of effects and delay.
Review: The latest release from Peckings Records features two classic tracks that exemplify the golden era of reggae. On the A-side, Alton Ellis and Phyllis Dillon deliver a heartfelt rendition of 'I'm Just A Guy,' showcasing their harmonious vocals and timeless appeal. The B-side presents Joya Landis's 'I Love You Baby,' a soulful tune that complements the A-side's emotive tone. This 7" single is a must-have for collectors and reggae enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic journey into the rich musical heritage of the genre.
Alton Ellis & Slim Smith - "Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)" (2:55)
Alton Ellis - "Be True" (2:41)
Review: This reissue brings a fascinating piece of reggae history back to the light, showcasing a unique collaboration between Alton Ellis and Slim Smith. Recorded in 1971 at Chalk Farm Studios, this 7-inch single captures a moment of creative exploration and cross-cultural fusion. Side A features 'Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)', a mid-tempo soul duet where their voices intertwine in a display of effortless harmony and heartfelt emotion. Their performance blends soulful melodies with a distinctly Jamaican rhythmic sensibility. On the flip, Ellis takes the lead with 'Be True', a reggae-funk infused cut that highlights his versatility. The track is a testament to Ellis' ability to seamlessly blend genres. Originally intended for release on A&M Records, these tracks were part of a larger project spearheaded by producer Stanley Pemberton. This reissue sheds light on this intriguing chapter in reggae history and allows listeners to appreciate the artistry of Ellis and Smith in a new light. Their collaboration is a testament to their vocal prowess and their ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries.
Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies - "The Arabian Sound Of Reggae" (3:18)
Owen Gray - "It's Time For Love" (3:21)
Review: This red hot double sided 7" 'It's Time For Love' / 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' is a classic joint from 1975. Japan's Dub Store has licensed a reissue here that makes it affordable again to all. Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies join forces first up on 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' make for a nice roots roller with hypnotic melodies layered up over the earthy drums. On the flip is Owen Grey's 'It's Time For Love' which is another gem. Both tunes were produced by Bunny Lee and bring that timeless roots sound.
Review: Death Is Not The End's 333 series reissues the exceptional original cut of the late Hortense Ellis' wonderful 'Hell & Sorrow' here. It was originally produced by Jimmy Radway and released on his Fe Me Time label in the mid-1970s and remains a popular joint on the sound system circuit. Here this most classic track is paired with the iconic DJ counteraction 'Tribulation' by Big Youth, which offers a compelling glimpse into reggae's rich history while also laying down a nice fat rhythm.
Review: The on-point Burning Sounds is a treasure trove for proper dub and lovers rock delights from years gone by. They have been digging in the vaults again and come up with a new 12" which they have pressed on nice heavyweight wax, and the sounds more than deserve that. Hortense Ellis and General Roy's 'Give Thanks' is a crucial rhythm with lazy chords and guitars, DIY percussive sounds and deft little keys with a yearning vocal up top. Lawes Rockers is responsible for the flipside version and as you may expect it's dubbed out and reverb-heavy.
Review: The Liquidator Music crew have been putting out classic Jamaican rhythms ice the mid-cities and still goes strong. This is an all new one from Jamaican act Roy Ellis who sings over his backing band, Cosmic Shuffing, from Switzerland. They are acclaimed in ska and rock steady circles for good reason and help bring these tunes to life. 'Shine Your Light On Me' is an easy going roller with lo-fi drums and dusty riffs that hook you in while Ellis does his work up top. 'Merry-Go-Round' then cuts loose on a summery and swirling vibe with conversational lead trumpets and natty chords.
Review: Original rudeboy Roy Ellis is best known for his Symarip association. Here he's back with an all-new 7" that shows he is still on top of his game. 'Rudy Skankin' On The Moon' actually first dropped as a set of vocals by Melbourne Douglas on Original Gravity's Reggae Dynamite Vol. 2. Now it comes as a sequel to 'Skinhead Moonstomp' which was an OG skinhead reggae anthem by Ellis's Symarip. It's a timeless sound with all the swagger you would expect, great vocals and plenty of Hammond organ action. Flip it over for an early reggae version by the Woodfield Rd Allstars.
Review: A new school roots tune from Bruges, Belgium that draws on a rich heritage of reggae and dub and adds some fresh modern twists. The vocalist Emma delivers a nice and airy, breezy vocal that floats up top over the rumbling rhythm and fine production by Dub Traveller. It's got plenty of natty chords, organic percussive textures and neat melodies and on the flipside, Dub Traveller & Roots Explosion hook up for 'Free Dub' which is a cavernous dub with lots of room for you to get lost in as you marvel at the studio desk magic unfolding around you.
Review: Dutch label Fontoyard is back and doing what it does best early in this new year, and that is serving up fresh rhythms from some of reggae's best talents. This one is the sound of T Gibbs in collaboration with Empress Ahavah who is responsible for writing the original tune. It is a superb stepping riddim that is perfectly driven by a heavy bassline. Up top, like all the most crucial dub, is a mystical melody that captivates the imagination, and some silky smooth vocals. Flip it over and T Gibbs offers up a nice and tasteful dub that dials things back to the inviting low end.
Review: Yuima Enya & Inokashira Rangers offer fresh takes on classic Sade tracks with their new release. 'Smooth Operator' transforms into a smoothed-out lounge record infused with reggae, while still retaining the soul and pop appeal of the original. On Side-2, 'Kiss of Life,' becomes a breezy jam with a subdued yet vibrant lounge band feel. Hats off to them for tackling such beloved songs and making them their own. These are great alternative versions, bringing new life to Sade's classics while respecting the originals. Perfect for fans looking to experience these timeless tracks in a new light.
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