Back in stock: Classics/Ska

Review: Jamaican rocksteady grandstander Keeling Beckford enjoyed a near three-decade hiatus after the release of his second album Stay Tuned, which would have seemed to round out his LPs game for good (though his usual remit of 7"s would carry on strong). So it of course came as a surprise that he might release a brand new record as recently as 2019, on the very same New York reggae and early hip-hop label 12 Star, which Beckford helped found way back in 1978. The label was also graced by Horace Andy and Delroy Wilson over the years. Try Me now hears a reissue through his own Keeling Records sublabel: here, Beckford's stylistic rocksteady rollicks take the form of loving lullabies, where all the tracks seem dedicated to the smitten-sounding voice heard through the wire in the opening sequence. Angelic, intumescent, cloud nine rocksteady, from a real and enduring Kingston great.

Review: An attention-evader even for the most ardent dub reggae fan, Black Jade's Contempo remains a mystery decades after its release. In the act of reissuing the LP, Solid Roots still only partly lift the veil: first set to tape between 1975 and 1976, the album was recorded by a still shadowy cadre of Notting Hill residents, who are said to have freely distributed it during Carnival. Their continued anonymity may form part of a decided effort to mythologise, though it almost certainly also reflects a niche facet of deeper-shades dub. Authenticity abounds: we hear preemptions of the hiss-floored undulations of Chain Reaction in this record as much as we do the busy instrumental imbroglios of Horace Andy, with the manly bass-charges of 'Virulence' polarising the sensitive subby coos of 'Love, Love, Love'.

Review: From a young age, Delroy Wilson's exceptional talent was evident, blending the styles of US soul singers like Bill Withers into the Jamaican rocksteady and lovers rock scenes. His classic Studio 1 album, originally released in 1969, is brimming with soulful reggae tunes, including a funky rendition of 'Broadway.' This album perfectly captures the feel-good essence of ska, rocksteady, and bluebeat, infused with soul and heart. The seamless connection between swing, soul, and traditional island rhythms is palpable, making every song a heartfelt sing-along experience. As Delroy Wilson transitioned smoothly from ska into rocksteady, this album showcases his growth as one of reggae's most celebrated vocalists from the early 60s through the 90s. Highlights include 'Can't Stand It,' 'I Love the Way You Walk', 'Money Love', 'Your Love is Amazing' and the timeless 'Don't Know.' Despite the chaotic nature of his discography, this album stands out for fans of soulful, funky rhythms, offering a concise glimpse into Wilson's enduring musical legacy.

Review: Amy Winehouse had many talents even beyond the jazz sounds she was so famous for. The troubled soul had a live magnetism like few others and tapped into the greats while adding her own smoky style to whatever she sang. Next to her well-known albums such as Back to Black, she also took part in several recording sessions in which she covered some of her favourite ska and reggae tracks. Now a selection of them have been put together for this new album The Ska & Reggae Collection: Studio on 2Tone. The likes of Alton Ellis and Jools Holland feature and help make this a great reminder of what a talent she was.