Son Don't Shoot Your Brother Down Put Away The Gun (5:42)
Loving Feeling (6:08)
Review: Originally recorded and released in 1979 and losing none of its power and resonance in these here times, Earl Cunningham and Naggo All Stars' eternal collaboration comes back into print after too long out in the wilderness. 'Son Don't Shoot Your Brother Down' is an urgent call to lay down arms, backed up by a sprightly skank straight from the golden age of roots reggae. On the flip, Cunningham delivers a career-best heartbreak performance on 'Loving Feeling', striking the right melancholic mood that goes so well with matters of the heart. Stone cold classic reggae finally back in reach for DJs and listeners with normal sized pockets.
Review: Having already introduced us to many of their regular 'pals' - re-editors specialising in Balearic and cosmic oddities - Manchester's Drum Chums crew now wants is to meet their 'percussion pals'. They operate within similar sonic territory if this first multi-artist missive is believed, albeit with more of a penchant for dubbed-out drums. There's plenty to set the oulse racing throughout, from the metronomic dub-chug of Spice Route's incredible 'Gruler Dub' - a fine re-edit debut from the long-serving Bristol selector - and the expertly dubbed-out space disco trip that is DJ Pouffsouffle's 'Totally Manic'. Elsewhere, Manc stalwart Neil Diablo delivers the ultra-slow weird-wave pop of 'Starry Night', while Hysteric's 'Pinball' is a blue-eyed soul treat.
Review: Berlin's master beat specialist, electronic dub pioneer, African music enthusiast, Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound member, and Hardwax co-founder, Mark Ernestus, is back with a new Ndagga bullet - and yes, that list was exhaustive on purpose. The myth of a man has turned his attentions from techno to African beat music over the last few years, and the releases have been amongst our favourites within the 'outernational' scene. "Lamb Ji" is as electric and magnetic as you'd expect, full of life and mystique thanks to its complex percussive patterns, hazy production, and lamenting tribal vocals - a super charger on the system. "Lamb Rhythm" is basically a version of the original; more dubby, more stripped-back and with no vocals. Powerful stuff, as always.
Peter Hunnigale & Tippa Irie - "Hard Times" (3:43)
Nick Manasseh - "Dub Hard" (3:42)
Review: The cult figure that is Peter Hunnigale and South London reggae sound system mainstay Tippa Irie have teamed up to deliver a fresh rendition of Pablo Gad's classic riddim 'Hard Times.' This new version is just the fifth release from the Tok 2 label and it arrives on a 7" that showcases both artists' distinctive styles with Hunnigale's soulful vocals and Irie's dynamic DJing making it a real winning sound. The B-side features a dub mix by renowned producer Nick Manasseh, and he adds real dub depth to the track.
Review: Indica Dubs is a gold standard when it comes to fresh digs-dub. Their sounds are both ancient and steeped in dub traditions but clean and crisp and designed to withstand the onset of time. Kicking off this latest outing is Indica Dubs & Nando with 'Eternal Dub' which has muted but uprising leads and Indica Dubs then go it and for a heavier, more stepping version, 'Eternal Dubwise.' On the flip is Indica Dubs & Nando with the more wonky and off balance sounds of 'Sacred Fire' which has bold leads and crashing hits. A fine dub completes this essential platter.
Review: The mission continues here for Reservoir Dub Records who have been working most recently on putting out this one "Aim High' tune on a 10" with four different cuts from four different artists. This one features the legendary Macka B and the talented saxophonist Guru Pope bring their skills to a rhythm that was originally produced by the one and only dub-making don that is Jacin, while all the cuts have been expertly mixed by Gamma Sound's N-Tone DUB. It's a heavyweight package of fresh dub sounds with nods to the old school but plenty of new school cool.
Review: Some super good roots here to bring some sunshine back into your life despite the freezing temps outdoors. The brilliantly talented female singer on this is Nagai and she hails from Reunion Island. Her vocal on the title tune 'Back to My Roots' is full of yearning and pained soul while the rhythm below is a clean and nimble one with nattty chords all mixed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Music Studio. A melon-mangling dub plus two further versions close out this fine 12".
Review: A repro of the much in-demand Flames cut first made by the Nairobi Sisters in 1974, 'Promised Land'. Infamously sampled by Q-Tip for 'Whateva Will Be' as well as on a range of earlier 90s boom-bap era productions, it is not at all hard to figure out why it's a coveted record. The Nairobi Sisters were singers Terrie Nairobi and Judy Mowatt, and 'Promised Land' was first recorded with the band The Gaytones, under license to the Gay Feet label. Later cut to Winston Jones' Flames Records, the track and its dub version came to define the Brooklyn reggae scene, owing to the enduring interest it commands today.
Natty Nature - "Write Your Story" (extended version) (8:22)
Bass Lee - "Roots Memorial" (4:12)
Bass Culture Players - "Memorial Version" (4:12)
Review: Bass Culture - the reggae label, not the French house imprint - collaborates with the incredible Natty Nature on this new release which come son a nice hand-numbered 12". The A-side features an extended vocal version which is a powerful statement of intent reflecting Bass Culture Players' (which features top musicians like Adubta, Javi Arkotxa, General Soria and Carlos Amalgamah) core philosophy. On the B-side, Bass Lee pays homage to the golden era of 70s roots reggae with an instrumental clavi and melodica cut. The release concludes with a dub version, showcasing the raw energy of the rhythm section crafted by Bass Culture Players.
Review: Thompson Sound and Dubquake Records collaborate here to present O.B.F-style renditions of classic roots and rub-a-dub tracks from Linval Thompson's esteemed label. Rico O.B.F revitalises gems from the '70s and '80s using original recordings with each release featuring reinterpretations of the vocals, dubs, and mixes that include the beloved Nazamba. Following 'Curfew' and 'Sweet Sensimilia', the latest offering is 'Evening Love', a fresh take on Sammy Dread's emotive 'Morning Love' from the iconic dub album Scientist Meets The Space Invaders. Nazamba shines on 'She Nah Lie', delivering poetry steeped in warmth and romance, enhanced by the finesse of the Roots Radics.
Are You Lonely For Me, Baby (feat Malik Moore) (3:33)
Review: Night Owls are coming off the back of their best-selling tune yet and follow-up 'Ain't That Loving You' (feat. Chris Murray) backed with 'Are You Lonely For Me, Baby' (feat. Malik Moore) is likely to be just as hot. It finds the Night Owls stepping up their game as they flip Johnnie Taylor's super sweet Stax classic ballad into a delightful dancehall anthem. On the flip is another version of a 1966 classic with all-new bass and bounce, a tough rhythm and deep vocal delivery from Malik Moore of The Lions and Ocean 11 association.
You Don't Know Me (feat Eli "Paperboy" Reed) (3:09)
If You Let Me (feat Jr Thomas & The Volcanos) (3:20)
Review: Straight from Producer Dan Ubick's Lions Den Studio, Night Owls presents two re-imagined soul classics here. First, soul sensation Eli 'Paperboy' Reed tackles Ray Charles' 'You Don't Know Me.' Ubick sought someone to infuse soul into the song once sung by 'The Genius' himself, finding it in Reed, whose journey from Massachusetts to Mississippi's Delta shaped his soulful style. On Side B, Jr Thomas & The Volcanos bring their Rocksteady flair to Eddie Kendricks' 'If You Let Me,' paying homage to Jamaican legend Winston Riley. Night Owls' versions inject new life into these classics, ready to ignite the dance floor with their infectious grooves.
Review: Night Owls are back with a fresh take on Lee Moses' 1970s cut Got That Will, transforming the soul classic into a dancehall-inspired banger. Dan Ubick leads the production, bringing in powerhouse vocalist Gina Murrell and the tight rhythm section of Wilder, Colie, and Rivas to infuse the track with new life. As if that wasn't enough, Kingston's Ranking Joe adds his signature toasting, giving the track an extra layer of authenticity and drive. The B-side, Got That Dub, takes things deeper with Roger Rivas on the mix, dialing up the echo and delay to create a spaced-out, dubbed-up version. With steady radio play on BBC Radio 6 and KCRW, this release is already making waves. DJs and collectors will want to act fastithis record is primed for late-night sound system sets and is sure to fly off the shelves.
Review: Nikolajev is an original pioneer of Tallinn's techno scene. He is back here on the Sad Fun label with two more of his bass-driven dance floor delights. First up is 'Lego Dub' which has no sharp edges and just silky synths, rolling drums and flanged up sounds that swell with warming intensity. On the flip side is 'Tongue Double' which slows things down and brings a little sense of funk next to some playful synth lines that wiggle about the mix and are underpinned by true low end menace, perfect for maximum volume on a sound system.
Review: Niney The Observer's Set Dub Free vinyl delivers two exceptional dubs straight from the heart of the 1975 dub scene, a period when the genre was reaching its peak. On the Side-1, 'Set Dub Free' presents an unreleased dub cut of Michael Rose's 'Freedom.' This track showcases Niney's mastery in crafting deep, resonant dub that captures the essence of the era. The production is rich, with heavy basslines and echo-laden effects that transport listeners to the golden age of dub. On Side-2, 'Dub Born Free', features a rare King Tubby dub cut to 'Rasta No Born Yah,' originally voiced by Sang Hugh. This track is a true gem, blending Tubby's innovative mixing techniques with Niney's powerful rhythms, creating a sound that's both timeless and deeply rooted in reggae history. This 10" is ideal for any dub enthusiast looking into the creative forces that shaped the genre.
Review: The Plymouth soundsystem and collective known as No Ice Cream Sound take their namesake after the historic Johnny Osbourne song 'No Ice Cream Sound', which hears one of the many most popular faces and voices of reggae decry "ice cream sound", his shorthand for tunes and soundboys who'd dare soften the original intended rawness of roots music. Here the boys take a thousand-watt megabulb to a gelato the size of a glacier with 'This & That', which hears residents Charlie P and Jman go back to back, trading verses and rhythms in a soundsystemic pattern. Fusing influences of both rubadub and roots, the two versions featured here are truly twin whirlwinds, not for slackened belts by any stretch.
Review: This is a 7" gem that comes on random coloured vinyl and is a great new chance to own a classic bit of reggae form the 90s. The legendary four tacker was first dropped back in '94 by this cult German Ska band and it has plenty of attitude that encourages you to stay rude yourself. 'Stay Rude - Stay Rebel' kicks off with big horns and uptempo drums, 'Tour De France' keeps the pressure on and 'Love Song' strips things back a little more with a more laid-back and swaggering sound. 'Girl (Tango)' has a more playful and funky edge with some sumptuous sax leads.
Review: After a long a post-COVID quest to repurpose his music as a vessel for healing, Richard Norris (The Grid, Beyond The Wizards Sleeve) tops up the fourth edition of his oracular, thinking-man's-dub Oracle Sound series. Volume 4 describes its the nine dub versions as "outernational, widescreen versions", and if by widescreen Norris means the stereo field, then this is realised with abundant clarity on the outset that is 'Connected Dub', on which ample effects riffle across a club-readied plod, as a knowing gravel-voice suggests a paternal spirit guide keeping watch over the reels. 'Earthsea Dub' continues, nodding to Ursula Le Guin's fictive planet through sloshing water FX and ticklish 808s, while the three closing 'Ceefax' bits take teletext retro-nostalgia headspaces to the extreme. Jon Carter's Guest Mix is a special closing freakout, one that could convey itself well even over copper wire, never mind the now ubiquitous fibre-optic.
Review: Former Grid member and now ambient superstar Richard Norris delivers two new oracular divinations for his very own Group Mind label, the imprint formed in and after the COVID-19 lockdowns to help mindfully assuage the creeping anxieties of the age. A six-track 12" limited to just 30 copies - numbered and signed by the artist himself (move quick, hares) - these six tracks segue between dub and deep listening, fronting the bass and keeping percussive elements spread and panned. Best on the obverse is the A3, 'Mystery Dub', whose endlessly delayed stabs and cutoff conga samples well convey a vacuum-of-space vibe. The B-side moves into snake-charming dancehall territory, the punning, chordophonic 'Rockers Sci Fi' and the vocal blissout 'Stronger Together' being the ethereal highlights.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.