Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: June 2022

Review: The Frightnrs wrench us from our comfort zones with this new 45, demonstrating the best of what NY funk has to offer, thanks to their new song 'Always'. The title track of their forthcoming album, they truly frighten with this one, eschewing the need for vowels in the process. Upping the stakes from former album cuts like 'All My Tears', this one is much heavier, and is exemplary of the recording techniques used by producer Dan Klein; that of reusing and remixing samples recorded years prior.

Review: Compiling a slew of tracks that are either impossible to find or which have never been issued, the legendary Jamaican label Studio One have put together a fresh selection of all the best songs recorded by its women artists over the years. Harkening all the way back to the early '60s and through to the '80s, this boundless, romantic blossom of lovers' bass and vox charts both covering and original hits from the likes of Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Hortense Ellis.

Review: The 5th studio album by Jamaican reggae artist Lincoln Thompson released back in 1983, 'Ride With the Rasses' was well-loved by those who knew it. A proud proclamation of his Rastafari faith, Prince Lincoln and his Royal Rasses are considered one of the mainstays of roots reggae. The record is conscious at every turn, influenced by the band's label going bankrupt the year prior forcing their return to Jamaica from the UK (referenced in 'Come Spring', the yearning for hot weather). The tone gambol's from serious messaging on the state of the world at the time, to a relaxed and chill attitude like in 'Ride With The Rasses'. The real attraction in Lincoln's work is his falsetto voice, something that distinguished him from his roots peers Bob Marley and Peter Tosh (the latter of which taught Thompson to play instruments). This is a well-deserved repressing of an incredible piece of underrated roots history.

Review: vBlack Buffalo's beefy reggae offerings are irresistibly tasty and this new Special Love 7" is a limited offering from the upcoming DJ Moves album. For special love he links up with 'Jah'Mila' which mixes classic rhythms with some crisp drums and steely digital dub aesthetics. The vocal brings a fresh approach as it twists and turns in emotive fashion. DJ Move goes solo for the flip side instrumental and works the mixing board hard, with spaced out effects and plenty of headiness. It's a great taster for the album ahead.

Review: Jim Murple Memorial is a multi-generational and multi-talented group of seven French musicians who formed in 1996. They have been mixing up r&b and original ska sounds ever since and have put out various albums and single sin scent decades. They are now back with a new offering than finds them serving up the tracks 'Covida' - here sung in Spanish - and also 'Comes Love' on the flip. They are both pressed up to this tidy 7" on limited vinyl by the Liquidator Music label. A crucial pick up for those who like their rhythms fat and their drums heavy.