Back catalogue: All genres

Review: West Coast Classics US has taken the hip-hop community by storm with their ability to license such seminal west coast tracks. With an extra focus on gangster rap, the label offers a classic on each side of a 7". Their sixth release has a couple of killers on it! 2pac and Dr.Dre's 'California Love' really needs no introduction. A legendary track that ate up the airwaves around the world and on MTV when it was released in 1996. Not to be outdone, Ice Cube covers the B-side with one of his most important solo tracks that established him after leaving NWA., 'Jackin For Beats'. Getting original copies of these on wax would cost a day's wage for most people. Like the label suggests, these are West Coast Classics and are blueprints for gangster rap.

Review: Measured Mile records puts two classy soul tracks onto the same 7". Originally released in 1974, Act 1 - 'It's The Same Old Story' is often looked over classic of the era. Act 1 hailed from Detroit and featured Raeford Gerald, Roger Terry, Reggie Ross and George Barker. The band had two minor hits but often people recall 'It's The Same Old Story' as their favorite of their only full album. Ivano Fossati's 'Night Of The Wolf' is found on the B-side. A jam song that verges slightly into Latin music, asks for quite a sum of money for its original copy. Both tracks add up to a real gem of a 7".

Review: Intensified's latest offering, 'Ska Campbell' b/w 'Hamsterdam,' marks their triumphant return after 13 years with a limited edition vinyl release. 'Ska Campbell' pays homage to saxophone legend Dennis 'Ska' Campbell, while 'Hamsterdam' is a funky reggae tribute to the TV series The Wire. The band's authentic 60s ska, rocksteady, and reggae sound shines through, showcasing their undeniable love for the genre. With only 500 hand-numbered copies available in five different sleeves and vinyl colours, this release is a must-have for ska enthusiasts. The band's enduring status are evident in their confident delivery and wide appeal, making this single a welcome addition to their esteemed discography.

Review: Intensified, a longstanding UK ska band, returns with their first studio release in 13 years, presenting the delightful single 'SKA Campbell' b/w 'HAMSTERDAM.' True to their signature style, Intensified delivers a sweet and melodic ska anthem paying tribute to saxophone legend Dennis 'Ska' Campbell in 'SKA Campbell,' while 'HAMSTERDAM' offers a funky reggae nod to keyboard player Steffi's favorite TV show, The Wire. This release, featuring an infectious instrumental, sets the stage for their forthcoming 6th studio album later this year. The band's commitment to honoring ska's greats, exemplified by 'SKA CAMPBELL,' is commendable, showcasing their deep-rooted respect for the genre's history. Moreover, the diverse sleeve designs and vinyl colours add a unique touch, ensuring this release stands out in the ska community. Overall, Intensified continues to impress with their timeless sound and unwavering dedication to ska music.

Review: Over the last couple of years, we've been treated to numerous reissues of classic cover versions by Japanese reggae/rocksteady combo Inokasira Rangers, including takes on Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Pharrell's 'Happy' and New Order's 'Blue Monday'. Here we're treated to another, as the band's 2017 take on Underworld anthem 'Born Slippy' gets a fresh pressing. It's certainly a revolutionary revision, with Keichi Sokabe's surprisingly Karl Hyde-sounding lead vocal rising above a lusciously languid, sub-heavy reggae groove. Over on the flip they take on 'Groove Tube', a 1991 indie-pop-meets-acid house single from Japanese outfit Flipper's Guitar, reframing it as a baggy, glassy-eyed rocksteady number.