Juno Recommends Reggae Classics: September 2024

Review: Dubbed by Billboard as the most sampled reggae song of all time, the legendary 1982 recording 'Bam Bam' by Sister Nancy has been used by some of the most influential musicians of the modern period: Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Ye West and Rihanna to name a few. The dancehall classic has made multiple appearances in TV shows and Movies, standing the test of time as a quintessential anthem. Pressed on gold vinyl in an illustrated jacket, this reissue comes paired with the original Stalag riddim from Ansell Collins that Nancy samples on the B side. 'Bam Bam' remains an undisputed piece of history, the crowning jewel for the first-ever female Jamaican DJ to tour internationally.

Review: Home Hitters churn out edition 15 of their eponymous series, recollecting two noughties mainstays to a fresh white label A-and-B-sider. On the A we've 'Temperature', an experimental Sean Paul dancehall cut from the 2005 album The Trinity, although this is a faster take on dancehall than most would've heard it; the song's melody is infectious enough too, being one of those songs everyone knows as having wafted from car stereos or down-the-block house parties, and on which Paul waxes poetic about keeping the object of his affections warm. Enur's 'Calabria 2007' offered similar vibes, with its whimsical horn lead and carefree lyrical invitations.

Review: Following on from a recent, establishing album, production duo Pitch Black return to the fore with a long-time-coming but final set of recognitive remixes by none other than On-U Sound founder Adrian Sherwood. Nearly 30 years after first being mesmerised by OnU Sound's releases, a cheeky bit of radio ripping serendipitously led to Mike helping Pats Dokter, the label's official archivist, with his work restoring master tapes, and eventually to him creating visual content for Adrian's live shows. The resultant return of the favour was Adrian's offering to remix Mike's music, resulting in this toothed, bass-wringing set of new mixes of the likes of '1000 Mile Drift' and 'Third Light'.

Review: That the musical backlog of Hopeton Overton Brown took on a clinical name in the popular imaginary was not an accident. Before becoming known as Scientist, he was also known as the "Dub Chemist", owing to his technicality, incisiveness and exactingness in the studio. This is not, however, licence for us to prescribe, daresay dub, a too-rigid image of or name for the sound-doctor-as-artist; and it's releases like 'Direct To Dub' that prove this intractability, this willingness to break from the main. In sharp contrast to Scientist's albums - which are more or less studio opuses, and bear the marks of grand concept and perfectionism - 'Direct To Dub' is a much rawer direct-to-dubplate - and thus direct-to-dome - set of tracks. In the release's preceding sessions, Brown was joined by Amsterdam-based trombonist Salvoandrea Lucifora and backing vocalists Alyssa Harrigan and Peace Oluwatobi; prior to their arrival, he went about taking the studio apart and reassembling it to his specifications. The result was a liver take on Brown's talents; playing less the cold trepidation of a pharmacist, and more the carpal quickness of a spin-doctor. Brown, of course, knew that even the apparently 'cold' attitude of removal connoted with mixing and engineering was in itself a performance: "In dub mixing, the engineer now becomes the artist and it's a performance that the engineer do," he himself said in the run-up to this Night Dreamer reissue.

Review: The reissue of Annette Clarke's 'Sinner Man,' produced by the legendary Lee Perry, is a gem for reggae enthusiasts and vinyl collectors. Released on Harlem Shuffle Records, this 7" vinyl brings back the sought-after 1973 track that seamlessly blends reggae with a touch of ska, adding an extra layer of allure for fans of the genre. Side-1 features the original 'Sinner Man,' a track from early reggae days while hinting at the infectious energy of ska. Clarke's vocals are compelling, and Perry's production gives the song a timeless quality. On Side-2, the Lee Perry dub version takes the track to another dimension. With heavy echo effects and the rhythm pushed into the background, Perry's dub creates an immersive experience that highlights his genius as a producer.

Review: DJ Tron's Jamaican Champ is a vibrant 7" release on Switzerland's Burning Sole Records, featuring two standout ska tracks that are sure to light up any dancefloor. On Side-1, 'Jamaican Champ' delivers a creative, dancefloor-ready burner with expertly crafted sampling that keeps the energy high from start to finish. Flip to Side-2, and 'Spice Girl' takes over with a fantastic horn section and a groove that's impossible to resist. The saxophone work shines, making this a strong party anthem that captures the essence of classic ska while adding a fresh twist. This 7" is a must for fans of reggae classics and ska, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic vibes and contemporary flair. Whether you're spinning it at a party or enjoying it at home, DJ Tron’s Jamaican Champ is a winner.

Review: An eagerly awaited repress of DJ Shepdog's 2006 mashup of Damian Marley's 'Welcome To Jamrock' with Dead Prez's 'It's Bigger Than Hip Hop', effortlessly juxtaposing one of contemporary dancehall's most iconic vocals with undeniably one of the fattest basslines ever laid. This iconic pairing is flanked by ultra fun cut 'Sleng Hop' uniting the original Dead Prez acapella with another of the world's most famous basslines- Prince Jammy's Casiotone MT-40 'rock & roll' rhythm... You do the math!

Review: The 18th-anniversary edition of Studio One Soul 2 brings back a long out of print classic and one of Soul Jazz Records' best-selling collections. This second volume delves into Jamaica's deep connection with American soul and funk and features legendary reggae artists like Horace Andy, The Heptones, Ken Boothe, Jackie Mittoo, and more. These Studio One veterans reinterpret classic and obscure tracks by soul icons such as Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. The album showcases a mix of classics, rare and unreleased tracks, all digitally remastered, so it stands tall as one of the best celebrations of the enduring influence of American soul on Jamaican 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.

Review: Many reggae lovers have declared this one Jackie Mittoo's most consistent album - it features a superb mix of rhythms that are all enhanced by some inspired keyboard additions. This album was originally released back in the early 70s and features a dozen smooth, sultry sounds. While vintage reggae albums often mix recording eras, the tracks here evoke the essence of classic rocksteady - some of the grooves have a trance-like quality, hinting at the forthcoming dub era, but all of them capture the rich, immersive sound of that time in some style. A real treat.

Review: The reissue of Let It Be/Big Dog by The Soulettes and The Upsetters revives a sought-after gem from 1970, originally on the Upsetter label. This double-sided classic showcases Lee Perry's exceptional production skills. On Side-1, The Soulettes deliver a mesmerising reggae twist on The Beatles' 'Let It Be,' infusing the track with a catchy rhythm and soulful charm. Flip it over to Side-2 for 'Big Dog Bloxie,' an even more eccentric take on the same theme, brimming with Perry's signature experimental flair. This reissue celebrates a distinctive moment in reggae history.

Review: 'Heavy Manners,' is a groovy summer jam 7" from Germany's premier reggae duo, Marcus I and aDUBta. This collaboration, influenced by US Soul and classic Jamaican Reggae, brings the Studio One vibe of the 1960s to life. Following their debut album Cut A Wire Showcase (2023), they now deliver this upbeat, flying-cymbal track that's sure to set any dancefloor on fire. On Side-2, a minimalist riddim "Version," perfect for DJs craving that authentic vibe. After nearly two decades as a reggae drummer, aDUBta has fully embraced the sounds of 60s to early 80s reggae, gaining international recognition with Sounds From The Attic. Marcus I's soulful vocals and sharp songwriting shine throughout, recorded at aDUBta's Attic Roots Studio. The single, mixed analogue on a Tascam 388, is primed for sound systems worldwide, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this dynamic reggae team.

Review: Rocksteady is the kind of genre you know in sound before you know it in theory. Reversely, it's likely most music fans could point out a Jimmy Cliff or Skatalites track bursting from the speaker and have vague feeling that this is a distinct kind of reggae, but it takes a special kind of wisdom to know that this sound is called rocksteady, and was born of the cross-section of reggae and ska. Although its original upsurge lasted only a couple of years, rocksteady yielded several of Jamaica's most immortal songs, and - owing to the above genealogical scruple - is also probably the most contested of reggae formats with regards to who "pioneered" it, the innovations behind its irresistible beat claimed by a range of practitioners. Here LMLR compile close to 20 originals in the original rocksteady sound, amounting to what might be the yetmost serious wax-bound standoff between said still-undecided greats, still fighting for providential legitimacy.

Review: Jay Glass Dubs' Resurgence marks a bold step into experimental dub, filled with atmospheric depth and hypnotic rhythms. Released on Sundial, the six-track LP showcases his unique approach, blending dub with hints of post-rock, ambient and dreampop influences. Tracks like 'Hyperacousis (for Miles)' and 'Laguna' dive deep into expansive soundscapes, where echoing basslines and swirling effects create an otherworldly experience. With its rich textures and calming flow, Resurgence stands as a striking exploration of abstract dub, balancing introspective moments with a powerful sense of sonic movement.

Review: To commemorate 40 years of the influential On-U Sound label, this release highlights the remarkable contributions of the iconic Jamaican MC, Prince Far I. Known for his distinctive, gravelly voice and his impact on roots reggae, Prince Far I's work with the early 1980s On-U house band, Singers And Players, is a testament to his enduring legacy. This compilation brings together a selection of his guest appearances, alongside alternate versions and rare tracks that will resonate deeply with devoted dub reggae enthusiasts. Prince Far I established his legendary status in roots reggae not only as a producer but also for his unique deejay style, characterised by his deep, authoritative voice. After collaborating with prominent figures like Bunny 'Striker' Lee and Coxsone Dodd, he gained widespread recognition with the Psalms For I album, where he recited Bible verses over powerful, heavy rhythms. His partnership with Adrian Sherwood of On-U Sound began when Far I's Cry Tuff label, founded in 1976, was distributed in the UK by Sherwood's Hitrun imprint. The musicians who played with Prince Far I, initially known as The Arabs, became integral to the On-U Sound family, evolving into groups like Creation Rebel, Singers And Players, and Dub Syndicate. This compilation pulls from notable releases including War Of Words, Revenge Of The Underdog, Staggering Heights, and more, serving as a fitting tribute to Prince Far I's lasting influence in the world of dub reggae.

Review: Foundational reggae artist Dennis Walks' 'Waste Time in Babylon' has long been a much sought-after track and it is now the latest 1980s digital gem to be reissued on 45 as part of the 333 series. The tune was originally produced by Prince Jazzbo for his Ujama label in 1987 and finds Walks, who first gained recognition in the early 1970s working with producers Harry Mudie and Joe Gibbs, delivering his trademark powerful vocals over the iconic 'Racecourse Rock' rhythm. The track also features legendary keyboardist Winston Wright in fine form which helps to make this reissue a must-have for fans of classic reggae and digital-era fusions.

Review: Mole Audio present a very special new quart of tracks from Daktari (Oliver Linge & Olaf Pozsgay), who've teamed up for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with vocalist and dub legend Horace Andy for an original set of versions. Actually, it's a welcome comeback for both artists; Daktari also haven't released anything since the brilliant back-to-back waxes for Luxus in 1997, then 1999. Now that the Y2K scare has abated (25 years later, no doubt) Daktari are back with 'Rasta Forever', which moves minimally and spatiously, and manages to sound much "slower" than its dancehall tempo would initially betray. Andy's star line has to be, "we don't smoke spliff, we smoke chalice," alluding to the kind of cannabis smoking pipe often used by Rastafari. Alt mixes from DB ART, Rhauder, and Zion Train transition from greezier dancehall, to something more dub technical, to a bubblers' delight in a more classic sound; all do stellar reparative justice to Andy's towering, implicit demand for dues and honour paid, and, true to the Daktari name, prove amply effective at remedying our symptoms.

Review: Nkrumah Jah Thomas's label The Midnight Rock was a cornerstone of exceptional productions in early Jamaican music. As a savvy producer, Thomas maximised his rhythms and created numerous records for a variety of artists. He emerged at the perfect time and recorded breakthrough tracks in top studios like Channel One, often with the Roots Radics. While many of his sessions were released, some remained unreleased, trapped on multi-track tape. One such session featured Sugar Minott, known for his hit 'Good Thing Going.' Thomas has crafted fresh mixes from these sessions with this single addressing gun violence and featuring a vibrant Radics rhythm and a new dub on the flip side.

Review: French Latin ska/dancehall artist Manu Chao (Los Carayos, Hot Pants) shares 'Viva Tu', his latest single pre-empting his upcoming solo summer stomper of an album. A wholesome ode to the neighbourly charms of his Chao's home city, 'Viva Tu' translates to "long live you!", and sports a universal message of simple merriment and streetwise hobnobbing. From "the one who sells tickets on the subway, to the street-sweeper", Chao's call for love - mediated by the irresistible sweetmeats of rhythm guitar and trilling ad-libs - excludes no-one. It's also a great, sweet-hearted song.

Review: French-Spanish, Latin soul and Afrobeats singer-songwriter Manu Chao returns to the fore with Viva Tu ('Long Live You'), a heartwarming Latin ska and worldbeat album dedicated to uncovetable, amicable neighbourly relations between members of the public. After the release of the eponymous lead single, the full record comes now in full cordial force. With its sleepily descendant vocals giving off the sense of a narrator too sunkissed to care, Viva Tu is an al fresco listening experience, one that also nonetheless betrays Chao's seasoned, well-tanned skin in the game. Now 63, this is a comeback album "inspired by (Chao's) travels and people's daily lives", and it hears him hark after something like a universal language, flexing his multilingual chops by singing in Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. All this forms part of Chao's mission to address the various global issues facing humanity today, in such a manner as only he can do best; he treats music as a vehicle for a humanistic global activism, aiming to promote anti-capitalist, antifascist and without-borders content.

Review: Studio One Soul 2, the highly anticipated second volume of Soul Jazz Records' acclaimed Studio One series, dives deep into Jamaica's enduring love affair with American Soul and Funk. This special 18th anniversary edition features a vibrant array of legendary reggae artists like Horace Andy, The Heptones, Cornell Campbell, and Ken Boothe, all of whom got their start at Studio One before achieving global success. The album features a unique blend of classic and obscure American Soul and Funk tracks, reimagined with a distinct Jamaican flavour. Standout tracks include Cornell Campbell's stunning recut of The Mad Lads' Curtis Mayfield-penned 'Ten to One,' Winston Francis' soulful interpretation of The Five Stairsteps' 'Don't Change,' and Devon Russell's powerful take on 'Make Me Believe in You,' which arguably rivals Mayfield's original. This collection, featuring a mix of classics, rare gems, and previously unreleased tracks, has been meticulously remastered. Perfect for a serious reggae enthusiast, this compilation embodying the Studio One ethos of reworking influential soul records into a Jamaican soundscape.

Review: It's beyond the basics with a fresh new dub excursion for the premium customer; Another Channel amp up the form pioneered by the patently referent Basic Channel with a worthy widescreen dub upgrade. This eight-tracker from the Polish outfit nails the latter's original formula, whose essence lay in the irresistible combo of muted low end scoop-out drums, faint squinty noises, and Renaissance-perspectival ricochets, each component of which never once settled into rhythm or sound interpretable as a copy-paste prescription. Yes the flavours here are all analogue and none 'generative', as was the original intent of the dub techno pioneers. Another Channel's emulation of the sound is as faithful as a blindfolded chaplain, the strongest testament to which has to be the tricky sizzler known as 'Solid'.

Review: Mariko Ide delivers a creative rendition of DeBarge's classic 'I Like It' with her 'Lovers Reggae Mix' on this 7" single. Known for her emotional and transparent voice, Ide transforms the original into a delightful blend of Lovers rock and bossa nova, creating a fresh and breezy vibe that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The 'Lovers Reggae Mix' offers a laid-back, summery groove, while Side-2 retains the essence of the original track with a gentle, soulful twist. Taken from the Cafe Music compilation album, this single is a creative, unique, and brilliantly fun cover that showcases Ide's ability to reimagine familiar tunes in a way that's both respectful and refreshingly original.

Review: The superb Original Gravity label is back with more OG reggae brilliance and ska classics. This second volume of Ska Fever kicks off with a big stepper from Junior Dell & The D Lites in the form of 'Rude Girl' while Prince Alphonso & The Fever bring big playful brass to 'Malostran-Ska' and Junior Dell & The D Lites then return on the flipside of this 7" with 'Remember To Forget' which picks up the pace and is built on a hardcore rhythm. The legendary Woodfield Rd Allstars shut things down with a more melancholic vibe on 'Beseda Blues.'

Review: Laid Blak, the Bristol-based collective known for their genre-blending reggae sound, are back with a limited-edition release that's bound to excite fans. This strictly limited Trans Red 7" vinyl features the iconic track 'Red' from their debut album Red & Blak. Originally released in 2012, 'Red' has become a festival anthem, celebrated for its infectious chorus, "My eyes are red, I been burning!" Laid Blak's evolution from a studio project led by DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng into a powerful live act is well-documented. Their sound is a vibrant mix of dancehall, roots, ska, and hip-hop, with hints of jungle, bhangra and soul. The first side of this release introduces a fresh jungle remix by DJ Bunjy and DJ Kickback's side project, X-AMNT, offering a new take on the fan-favorite track. With more remixes on the horizon, this limited 7" is not just a collector's item but a celebration of Laid Blak's enduring influence in the reggae and jungle scenes.