New releases last four weeks: Roots/Lovers Rock

Review: Yet one more classic eight-tracker to now be reissued via Creation Rebel's home label On-U Sound, Rebel Vibrations was their third album for Hitrun and followed up 1978's Close Encounters Of The Third World and Dub From Creation. Similarly lackadaisical and spaced-out to its predecessors, Rebel Vibrations nonetheless charted a slight upping of the weighty ante - with bass parts becoming more prominent and starker - and a refining of the delays and FX as they sit in the mix.

Review: As part of a rather comprehensive looking back and reissuing of some of Creation Rebel's best and most enduring albums, On-U Sound pay due homage to their one and only in-house band. Close Encounters Of The Third World is one such album; it was first released in 1978, and draws a titular link between alienation and privation. The eight-track LP collates the instrumental talents of Lizard The Wizard, Dr. Pablo and Crucial Tony, and hears a fantastic mixing job by none other than Prince Jammy. With an initial charge to 'Know Yourself' before externalising the pilous inner monologue with 'Natty Conscience Free', Creation Rebel here demonstrate a stage of collective soul-searching and a subsequently serene set of songs.

Review: For the first time since 1982, Creation Rebel's Psychotic Jonkanoo is made available on vinyl. Curiously first released on the primarily post-punk oriented Glaswegian label Statik, their sixth album here keeps to the usual eight-track formula, yet hears a softer discographic progression; compared to their earlier works, it is less prodding and weighty, and instead opts for a headroomier and more reverb-laden atmosphere, through which the album's distinctive and novel call-and-response chants can peek. Bandleader Crucial Tony was aided on the vocal front by harmonies from other group members, in a style reminiscent of Black Uhuru, plus the occasional guest such as John Lydon of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Limited providing backing harmony (!) on 'Mother Don't Cry'.

Review: Formed in the early 60s and initally recorded at the now world-famous Studio One studios in Jamaica, Heptones are most famous for bridging the genres ska and rocksteady.. In 1971 they left to work with Lee 'Scratch' Perry and found international success with re-recording and or updating many of their tracks again. Cool Rasta was their first new recording for the legendary Trojan Records in 1976, an album that has all the hallmarks of early ska - see 'Do Good To Everyone'. Elsewhere, 'Dreadlock' is a great example of their rootsier side, and the the album is not short on political, conscious messages either with tracks like 'Black On Black' and 'Suffering So'. Cool Rasta is an album that always hits the mark - and this version comes with limited hand-numbered copies on 180-gram orange vinyl.

Review: This Best Of The Morwells album originally landed back in 1981 but has not degraded in any way over the ensuring 40+ years. It is a superb collection of vocal roots that first came on the American label Nighthawk Records and might be best known for standout hits like 'In God We Trust' and 'Africa' as well as 'Educate Your Mind.' The lyrics muse on plenty of still relevant socio-political topics while riding on nice deep rhythms with earthy drums and meandering leads. The band went on to become well-regarded and prolific session musicians in Jamaica and you might well have heard of them... none other than The Roots Radics.

Review: Lee "Scratch" Perry, a Jamaican record producer, singer, and songwriter, is largely acclaimed for his innovative and experimental production techniques. His Black Ark Studio, established in the mid-1970s, became a renowned hub for reggae music production, fostering the talents of numerous artists. Perry's Black Ark studio was not merely a recording space but an alchemic laboratory where he conjured sonic masterpieces. With his use of tape loops, heavy reverb, and other unorthodox techniques, Perry created a distinct and hypnotic sound that transcended conventional reggae boundaries. Artists such as Bob Marley, the Wailers, and Max Romeo flocked to Black Ark to collaborate with Perry. In his studio, Perry's intuitive approach to music making blurred the lines between producer and artist. He considered himself a "musical doctor" whose role was to guide and inspire the musicians. The Black Ark became a sanctuary for musical experimentation, where artists were encouraged to explore their creativity freely. This vinyl has been out of print and completely unavailable until now.

Review: The final Lee 'Scratch' Perry album is bittersweet but here for us to enjoy and pay our respect. The highly influential icon who passed away in 2021 was a groundbreaking artist to many. One of his last steps may have been to bridge the dub and hip-hop community better like only he could try. Step in Bob Riddim (Coincidentally a great name!) who performed many of the instruments here has the experience background to equal Perry's desire. Destiny is the result of this unique collaboration. Expect an album that catapults both of the artists to a higher level of expression. There is some irony that Destiny is the tribute to Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

Review: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.

Review: Prince Jammy's In Lion Dub Style showcases the dub master's unparalleled skill and innovation in the reggae world. Released under the Jammy$ Jamaica label back in the mid-70s, this album is a testament to his prowess as a producer and mixer with its pulsating rhythms, killer hardcore roots, deep basslines, and intricate dub effects. Each track immerses you in his signature sound and from start to finish, Jammy expertly blends traditional roots reggae and futuristic dub experimentation. In Lion Dub Style is one of many essential albums from this particular sound world and as such solidifies Prince Jammy's status as a true pioneer of dub music.

Review: Soul Jazz returns with another of its supremely assembled and vital compilations, and this one focuses on reggae. Down Beat Special offers a thrilling journey through timeless hits carefully selected from Jamaica's revered Studio One Records, the epitome of reggae excellence. From Michigan and Smiley's 'Nice Up The Dance' to Dawn Penn's 'No, No, No' and The Wailers' 'Simmer Down,' this collection pulsates with iconic tracks. Originally a limited edition 7" box set, this remastered edition boasts 18 rare gems, including works by The Skatalites, Bob Marley, and Horace Andy.