Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: "Emotional Rescue presents the first ever reissue of Sugar Minott's rare 12" of I Remember Mama. Recorded in Soho in mid-80s London, the Boogie meets Reggae song comes in vocal and instrumental mixes, as well as a wonderfully teasing long Discomix by NAD aka Dan Tyler (Idjut Boys).

Having grown up and become a star out of Kingston, JA, with over 50 albums and hundreds of singles for the likes of Studio One and Black Roots labels, the legendary vocalist was a pioneer of the Dancehall and then later Lovers Rock sounds.

Based in London for much of the 1980s, a chance meeting in the Wackies offices he met producer Steve Parr, who had recently opened the Sound Design Studio next door.

Hatching the idea to create a label to showcase their capabilities, Parr played all the instruments except the distinctive sax by friend Andy MacDonald, while Minott's delivery is at his prime, storytelling in the Jamaica tradition of hardship and praise.

Released on 7" and 12", they have striking differences. The "Sound Design" instrumental / version sees the studio team craft a disco meets reggae in a cod-style to wonderful, almost Balearic effect.

The collaboration with Dan Tyler continues, as he again works his desk dubbing magic. Extending and editing between the two mixes, teasing the instrumental before finally bringing the sax and vocals together for a 'discodub' finale. "

Review: Suns Of Arqa are back on Emotional Rescue with a new single that finds them building on their illustrious career fusing Indian classical approaches with dub energy. "Acid Tabla" works off a steppers thrust but equally capitalises on the textural, rhythmic delights of the titular tabla. Who better to remix such an outernational dub excursion than Adrian Sherwood? His treatment is a light, respectful tweaking that keeps the spirit of the original intact. "Asian Rebel" on the B side is a more confrontational track with its abrasive sonic splashes and unsettling bassline. Hyphen Collective then seek to make a more meditative brew out of such fiery ingredients, and their dub mix more than rises to the challenge.