Back catalogue: Reggae

Review: The brilliant 'Late Night Attack' is the latest reissue in 10 Roosevelt Jamaica's Harry J grail series and it features this long-awaited 1987 gem. Sharing the rhythm of the previously reissued 'Jam The Calypso,' the track showcases Vicious Irie, aka Sedley Downer, delivering an electrifying performance that stays with you long after the beats have finished tumbling. His powerful lyrics ride the fast-paced Harry J digi riddim to make this release a must-cop for these final days of summer when dub still sounds best played nice and loud.

Review: Bugle's fifth studio album is a powerful and introspective offering that reveals his growth as an artist and his unwavering commitment to conscious lyricism. The Jamaican reggae luminary fearlessly navigates a diverse landscape of themes, from love and life to faith and social issues, with a depth and honesty that resonates deeply. Bugle's evocative vocals, reminiscent of reggae greats like Garnett Silk and Luciano, soar over intricate rhythms and soulful melodies, drawing the listener into a world of introspection and conscious reflection. Collaborations with reggae giants like Buju Banton and Damian Marley on 'Thank You Lord' add a powerful dimension to the album, highlighting the unity and strength of the reggae community. 'Hopes (Small World)', featuring Capleton, is a fiery call to action, a sonic embodiment of the genre's ability to address social injustices and inspire change. Tracks like 'Patience, God & Time' and 'Heads Up' offer moments of quiet contemplation and encouragement, while 'Inside Warm' and 'Love Story' explore the complexities of love and relationships with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and relatable. An exploration of the human experience, a tapestry woven with threads of love, loss, faith and resilience.

Review: Fiery new cross-Channel digital dancehall, emerging from the collaborative efforts of French producer Manudigital, who has here invoked the many voices of various UK greats - the likes of Brother Culture, Demolition Man, Daddy Freddy, Falle Nioke and Liam Bailey. A star-studded cast of a-capella GOATs accompany the French maestro, across eight heaters all designed on a simple Casio keyboard in the latter's keep. We're not quite sure how Manudigital has managed to track down these ledges - save for speculating that he's simply well-connected - but regardless, these are maximised, optimised 'hall heaters; handsy digital' hallmarks only the deftest of fingers can handle dialling in and/or wheeling up, lest the plates get too hot.

Review: Originally released in 1982 and produced by Donovan Germain, this rare roots DJ album by Lee Van Cleef offered a pre-digital glimpse into the future of reggae. Recorded with The Roots Radics and The Taxi Gang at Channel One and Harry J's studios, the album captured a distinct era of Jamaican music. Featuring hard-to-find tracks and period-appropriate artwork, this release on Germain's Revolutionary Sounds label stands out as a classic example of early dancehall styles. Lee Van Cleef's unique voice and the album's historical significance make it a prized piece for fans of vintage reggae.

Review: This Ninjapan Music Vinyl Sampler album from Japanese label Ninjapan Music is a well-assembled dive into the roster of artists they have been working with. It is their first vinyl outing and is a diverse mix of names from across a wide dub spectrum, all of whom reflect the label's commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Each track comes with some innovative production techniques that merge Japanese dub influences with contemporary beats and rhythms. Perfect for a wide range of settings, it features the likes of Any Guppy, Dan Lj, Tikaros, Mifyah and more.

Review: The Park Heights series is back with another one of its tasteful collections and this one, JA to BK: Dancehall from Park Heights 1987-1988, is another all-killer no filler long player. Featuring ten tunes from Park Height's productive late '80s period. Many of these jams are by Francis who had a great influence on the early digital reggae sound both in Jamaica and New York. Eight of these have never before been reissued and two have never been realised at all. Some are sweet rolling cuts with rat-a-tat-tat snare work like 'Want The Dollar,' some ride on vamping chords with low-end wobble like 'Settle Them A Settle' and some are hot steppers.

Review: Phillip "Fatis" Burrell was a visionary producer who discovered and nurtured many of Jamaica's top reggae artists, including Luciano, Sizzla, and Capleton. A devout Rastafarian, Fatis demanded integrity from his artists and held them to high standards. He founded the Xterminator label, known for its tough yet soulful music and worked with legendary musicians like Sly & Robbie. Fatis formed a strong partnership and friendship with many reggae greats and collaborated on albums that shaped reggae's international presence. His sudden death at 59 left a deep void, but his legacy lives on through his music and his children, no least with this great compilation.