Review: First released as an unofficial bootleg LP way back in 1976 and later officially issued on CD, Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1975 concert at The Quiet Club in Chicago finally gets a 'proper' vinyl release. This time round, the hour-long recording has been stretched across two slabs of wax, pressed at 45rpm, to ensure a loud, bass-heavy cut. It's a fantastic snapshot of one of reggae music's most iconic bands at the peak of their powers, laying down fabulous versions of classic cuts including 'Trenchtown Rock', 'Natty Dread', 'Rebel Music', 'Midnight Ravers' and 'I Shot The Sheriff'. If you're a fan of Marley - and most people are to a certain extent - you need this in your life.
Review: The Fishmans are a Japanese band who were very ahead of their time. Formed in 1987, they mixed reggae, dub and psychedelia into their live ensemble. If that wasn't groundbreaking enough, through the 90s they also added elements of ambient, synth pop and shoegaze. This double album, originally released in 2005, is now available on vinyl for the first time. Standouts include the live version of the shimmering 'A Piece of Future', the spacey lullaby 'Weather Report' and the rocksteady 'Magic Love'. The charm of the band is immediately understood after one listen to this album - one of our favourite Japanese vinyl transfers of the year so far.
Review: Emotional Rescue closes out another brilliant year with one final hot drop. This sorting 7" Safari by King Sporty was the artist's first ever single back in 1976. It comes after the label has served up plenty of reissues of the man known as Noel Wiliam's tackle but this one might be the best. It's from his album Deep Reggae Roots and is nice tropical excursion with steamy hits, wooden percussive sounds and funky bass over a low-slung groove and chanting vocals. This one is backed with a special disco mix by Lexx that reworks the tune for more lively moments.
Review: The second 7" in the Konduko series reissues this mega-rarity, Noel Williams aka King Sporty's own version of Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle. The connection between Marley and Williams was long-standing, both living in the tenements of West Kingston and gaining their musical foundations as part of the Studio One, that would reach fruition when they later co-wrote Buffalo Soldier together.
Clement Dodd's organisation was more than a label, running a sound system, studio, pressing plant and its own distribution. As Deejay on the system and later releasing his debut single on the label, William's learnt his craft, taking this knowledge to Miami and replicating much - expanding the Konduko label to encompass studio, plant and distribution.
First recorded with Lee Perry, Marley's 1971 original was famously rerecorded for The Wailers move to Island Records and their 1973 album, Catch A Fire. Here, a rare Williams' vocal is backed with horns atop a reggae-funk groove. The songs message of struggle is universal and everlasting, even with a touch of Miami swing.
This is backed by Young Girl, a single in its own right, from the same period. A rocksteady, breakbeat shuffle bely the songs roots in late 60s soul, with a powerful counterpoint vocal from wife and partner, Betty Wright. A collector's item itself, together they are essential.
Carl Johnson - "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much" (5:05)
Trevor Walters - "Blood Is Thicker Than Water" (5:35)
Review: First released this time last year, the second instalment in Athens of the North's 'For The Love of You' compilation series returns to stores in lightly tweaked form. Like its' predecessor, the collection is a loving celebration of lovers rock, with a focus not on original songs but reggae-fied cover versions. This edition ('2.1' rather than '2') includes all but one track from the original pressing, which has been replaced by Byron Walker and Sandra Edwards' brilliant take on Dennis Edwards' 80s soul fave 'Don't Look Any Further'). It remains a brilliant comp all told, with our current favourites including Valerie Harrison's super-sweet cover of Melissa Morgan boogie classic 'Fools Paradise', a smouldering interpretation of Simply Red's 'Holding Back The Years' by Pete Cambell and a seductive shuffle through Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long' courtesy of Fallon Jennings.
Review: Original rudeboy Roy Ellis is best known for his Symarip association. Here he's back with an all-new 7" that shows he is still on top of his game. 'Rudy Skankin' On The Moon' actually first dropped as a set of vocals by Melbourne Douglas on Original Gravity's Reggae Dynamite Vol. 2. Now it comes as a sequel to 'Skinhead Moonstomp' which was an OG skinhead reggae anthem by Ellis's Symarip. It's a timeless sound with all the swagger you would expect, great vocals and plenty of Hammond organ action. Flip it over for an early reggae version by the Woodfield Rd Allstars.
Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.
The Heptones - "Love Has Really Got A Hold Of Me" (3:50)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Breezin' Up Brentford Road" (3:44)
Review: If you're reading this you will already be familiar with Jamaican rocksteady and reggae vocal trio The Heptones and their very many lovely tunes. This one with Woodfield Road All Stars is as smooth as they come. 'Love Has Got A Hold Of Me' has slow motion grooves and lazy drums with the most gently persuasive acoustic riffs next to soul drenched and warm vocals. On the flipside is 'Breezin' Up Brentford Road' which has some lovely hammond organ vibes and an evn more laid back swagger to it.
Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are a clever exercise in nostalgia, being a contemporary project under the wing of modern reggae label Original Gravity, but for all intents sounding like a full-blown lost rarity from the late 1970s. Their latest of at least six new seven-inches to grace our ears in recent years, 'Last Night Reggay', is one-such midnight ditty, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of shame and relaxation one often experiences after a tumultuous night out. The version by Woodfield Rd. Allstars is just as boxy and spacious, and comes with an out-of-this-world synth solo.
Review: Here's come another sure shot from Dave Barker, a classic reggae vocalist whose croon joins the dots with the genres connection to US soul and r&b. 'We A Fe Come Over' is an uptempo, rocksteady-esque riddim produced by Neil Anderson, featuring some joyous trombone from Michele Fortunato and The O'Gees on extra brass where it counts. On the flip, Anderson leads the Woodfield Rd Allstars in a pristine version which centres some classic 60s-style Hammond organ flexing from Abramo Riti for a feel-good flavour sure to appeal to everyone who hears it.
Review: The original Gravity label has assembled its Woodfield Allstars once more for a jam-packed 7" that offers up some summer ready and ska tinged reggae rollers. 'Hipshaker' is denied by its gleeful organ work which shines brighter over the earthy drums. 'Ruff & Tuff' has well defined guitar plucks and bendy baselines that pull you in different directions and 'Striker's Shuffle' picks up the pace with a little more immediacy while 'Rudeboy Riot' shuts down with a fat-bottomed groove and lovably lazy vibe.
Review: Legendary reggae partnership Junior Dell and The D Lites are bcc with more of their charming sounds on the one and only Original Gravity label. This latest crucial 7" starts with 'Step On' which is all warm and fuzzy with plenty of vinyl cracking built into the mix. The swaggering drums are topped with horns, fills and some stylish vocals that you will well recognise from a classic of the same name by The Happy Mondays. There is much more florid attitude to the fat horns that very much take centre stage on flip-side sound 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor', though the Hammond organs are also superb.
Review: Contemporary reggae artist Junior Dell and his backing band the D-Lites do it just as their forbears did back in the 70s and 80s. Stalwarts of parent label Original Gravity and favourites of theirs, it comes as no surprise: Dell recharges the reggae genre with seemingly limitless battery power, asserting without compromise the Jamaican genre's unstoppability. Appeals to infinitude aside, it still would've certainly needed a heck of a lot of electrical power to fuel all those soundsystems. Even so, 'Can't Stop The Reggae' is a serene track, deploying a lovers' tinge whilst Dell peppers the sound with his suspended vocal lilts. Woodfield Rd Allstars go a little more experimental with things, electronically sequencing their vintage drums and bubbles to a highly miscible eight-note blessup.
The Beat On The Street (feat Donovan Kingjay) (3:02)
Button Down (2:27)
Dis Sound Run Town (feat Horseman) (2:41)
Rudi's Serenade (2:35)
Review: Guillermo aka Existencia Pasajera is part of a new wave of artists from the Andes who is making rightful waves in the wider underground. He's got a few great releases dropping this year, and this one on the tasteful Prozpektiva is among them. 'Dreamless' starts off with an eerie piano progression that is suspenseful and noir as twitchy techno beats and synths bring an intergalactic feel. 'Universal Express (feat Dismal)' is a brightly melodic tech stomper with Italo overtones and then hints of garage underpin the nice and punchy 'Now Or Never'. 'Disco Cydonia' (feat Dismal)' best more wiry and weird again then 'Space Groove' closes out with more celestial energy and squelchy acid lines.
Review: Original Gravity sidestep into rocksteady with a new 7" one from Woodfield Road Allstars, limited to just 120 copies. Fixtures of the OG label since 2021, the Allstars' music so far has made for a stellar panorama in highly saturated dub reggae. New cuts 'The Sensational' and 'Farewell Chelsea Girl' both bring a civic verve to a hard-limited amplitudinal window; track one takes full advantage of the low rumbles spat out by the Mellotron when it clips the upper limit. Track two lets up on things, opening out the steambox to reveal an equally brow-sunned, Hammond organic two-toner.
Review: Given that Neil Anderson's Original Gravity label is an unashamed tribute to the 1960s ska and rocksteady sounds he loves (with occasional diversions into rhythm & blues and reggae), it's little surprise to see the imprint's house band, Woodfield Road Allstars, take on 'Shank I Sheck', a much-loved 'riddim' that was written, and first recorded, by Baba Brooks way back in 1964. The Woodfield Road Allstars version is a hazy, head-nodding rocksteady treat rich in heady Hammond organ licks, languid trumpet solos and jazz guitars aplenty. Over on the flip, Prince Deadly (likely an alias for Anderson) provides a lightly rewritten riff on the same core ingredients, naturally pushing the trumpet to the fore while reaching for dub-style effects and other 'versioning' studio tricks.
Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "Malostran-Ska" (2:42)
Junior Dell & The D Lites - "Remember To Forget" (2:51)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Beseda Blues" (2:43)
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.'
Junior Dell & The D Lites - "Skinhead Vibration" (2:35)
Woodfield Rod Allstars - "The Mighty Big Ben Silekta" (2:40)
Woodfield Rod Allstars - "Brixton Rumble" (2:44)
Woodfield Rod Allstars - "I Raggazzi" (2:18)
Review: London's Original Gravity is a bastion of top notch dub and reggae and has been for a while. For their next outing they round up some of their best bits on a new compilation series they are rightly calling Boss Sounds. Volume 1 is a doozy that opens with label regulars Junior Dell & The D Lites and Woodfield Road Allstars. 'Skinhead Vibration' kicks things off with singing organ chords over slow, ska-tinged drums with plenty of sweet fills and a lively vocal up top. The Allstars then drop the more wobbly and funky number, 'The Mighty Big Ben Silekta' and two further jams on the flip that keep the riddims rolling.
Review: London label Original Gravity excels once more here with some authentic dub sounds from the one and only Woodfield Rd Allstars. This excellent collective has been on many a great tune on this label as well as several others and this limited 45 rm proves their might in the field once more. 'Big Shot' is a funky cut with some natty chord work and off-balance drums that tumble to and fro, while the percussion is organic and crisp up top. Things slow right down on the flip for a more traditional reggae sound that hints at the sounds of ska. 'Soul Shakedown' is perfect to go those asses wriggling.
Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are a superb combination who do a fine line in cooking up brilliant covers of nostalgic classics. Original Gravity is their home and after a few supper drops in summer they are back once again with 'I'm A Man'. It's a big old ska number with raw horns and hard hitting vocals delivered in a passionate style that is sure to get big reactions. On the flip, as is always the way, Woodfield Road Allstars step up with a more languid and laid-back dub sound for chilled out sessions.
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Shake Up The Dance" (2:52)
Review: Original Gravity brings the goods once more here with Donnoya Drake. It's a single that first dropped back in summer 2002 but arrives back on wax in time to heat up your Christmas parties. 'Only You' is a cover of a classic jam with an authentic reggae low-end and neat chords that never let up. On the flip, the ever-excellent Woodfield Rd Allstars step up with 'Shake Up The Dance' which has big brassy notes that bring a ska edge to the rocksteady rhythms. Two different but equally effective tunes.
Review: Versions of this have been used in several high-profile adverts which have helped bump up its popularity. It's a perennial favourite with funk and ska fans and that's why it once again gets reissued by Original Gravity. Junior Dell and The D-LITES did a fine job with cooking up their raw ska rendition of Mel Torme's classic 'Comin' Home Baby' with big stabs, driving drums and the great call and response vocals fearing Donnoya Drake are left intact for maximum effect. On the flip, a slightly more stripped-back Part 2 keeps the rhythm coming hard and fast.
Review: This one seems to get reissued every year, and for good reason: it's a mighty fine 7" from London reggae legends Junior Dell & The D-Lites, who are staples of the Original Gravity label and known for their expertise in vintage sounds. Many of their finest tracks have been reissued over the years and 'Twenty Flight Ska' is as worthy as any. It delivers a raw sound with punchy ska horns, smooth rhythms, and deep rolling bass. On the flip side, 'Orange Street Breakdown' takes a more laid-back approach while radiating warmth with its relaxed groove and sun-drenched melodies. Both tracks capture the beautiful essence of classic ska and reggae.
Review: Original Gravity rediscover a classic by Woodfield Rd. Allstars, who again prove their mastery over the art of stylistic emulation via this 7" record, 'Hippy Boys Shuffle'. The so far exclusively Original Gravity-releasing band (and/or production outfit led by one Neil Anderson) here lay down two new soul/reggae/bossa nova cuts. 'Hippy Boys Shuffle' is an 'as retro as it' gets womper of a track replete with Hammonds, saturated twang-strums and tremolo'ing hooks, all amounting to a fruitful yet bodily mod stew. B-side 'Twenty-Four-Seven' opens with a "can't you feel the music getting hotter?" sample - we sure can - before launching into a divine reinterpretation for the ages.
The Umoza Music Project - "Down By The Beach" (3:05)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Ghetto Guitar" (4:25)
Review: The crucial Original Gravity label is busy this month with three red hot new 7"s all dropping in quick succession. The top-notch funk crew has this spilt 7" from Umoza Music Project and The Woodfield Road Allstars up here on limited wax. The a-side is a sunny bit of original rousing 70s reggae direct from the islands. Backing vocalists provide plenty of butter while the lead laments a love lost and the rhythm rolls on. On the back side is a much more stoner-paced and funk drenched laidback instrumental with Balearic guitar licks that look to the stars as organ chords warm you through and the rocksteady rhythm gently sways to and fro. Two gems for sure.
Review: London based multi-racial 8-piece Maroon Town formed 30 years ago. Their impact was immediate as they were the first collective to mix up ska, reggae, funk, hip hop, rap and Latin music. Their fresh sound came with conscious and uplifting lyrics and came with an extra seal of approval thanks to production by John Bradbury of the Specials. The band played all over the world, had tune synched to major Hollywood films and dined deals with Dr Martens. They still play the festival circuit and now comes a reissue of some of their pre-2000's material with these two high energy steppers primed and ready to make you move.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
The Regulators - "Don't Look Back In Anger" (Re-mixed & Re-mastered) (4:55)
Prince Deadly - "Dub Look Back In Anger" (4:47)
Review: You can't beat a good cover of a classic tune and they don't come much better than this version of Oasis's masterpiece 'Don't Look Back In Anger' by The Regulators. Original Gravity come through with it on 7" in its 'Re-mixed & Re-mastered' form. The lead melodies come from big fat horns, while the lazy drums sway to and fro and bring an all-new kind of energy. Prince Deadly then gets to work on the studio dials to dub it out to perfection on 'Dub Look Back In Anger'. Two doozies.
Junior Dell & The D Lites - "Cool Right Down" (3:13)
Woodfood Rd Allstars - "Cool Version" (3:15)
Review: A 45 that perfectly captures the laidback, island vibe of reggae music. Side-1 features Junior Dell & The D Lites' 'Cool Right Down', a catchy tune with an infectious island flavour. The unique vocal performance exudes a relaxed charm, paying homage to the chill personality of Jamaican life, while the smooth rhythm and warm melodies create an inviting atmosphere. Side-2 delivers the instrumental version, 'Cool (Version)', by Woodfood Rd Allstars. The track comes alive with dynamic instrumentation, allowing the rhythm section and melodic elements to shine. The absence of vocals puts a greater focus on the groove and the track's energy is elevated through its rich, vibrant instrumentation. Together, these two tracks offer a well-rounded experience of classic reggae, blending relaxed vibes with dynamic instrumental interplay.
Review: Original Gravity Records has another super serving up early reggae sounds lined-up here. This new 7" from Max Iss & The Minions (which is the latest alias for the ever prolific label boss Neil Anderson, complete with a session toaster in tow) offers two boss rhythms. The sound harks back to the reggae of the late sixties and is punctuated with U-Roy-style shout-outs. Opener 'Lord Cumiana' is a big and brassy groover designed to light up the dance and on the flipside is 'High Roller', with more rolling brass and a lush organ melody to get you hypnotised.
Review: Junior Dell & The Delights are back with a mighty fine new single that comes imbued with plenty of proper good old school ska and reggae values. It's an upbeat rhythm that will get you on your toes with its energetic horns and riffs, swaggering drums and superb vocal work. On the flip of this limited 7" is, of course, 'In A While Crocodile'. It's a continuation of the a-side with just as much swagger and energy. Both tunes are essential and mark another fine drop from this great modern day outfit.
Review: This one was only reissued back in summer but such its is enduring appeal and superb impact once played through a beefy sound system, here it comes again. It is another top 7" version of Fatboy Slim's megahit 'Praise You', in authentic rocksteady style, performed by Jamaican vocal group Junior Dell & The D Lites, who've been active since the 1960s. "Mi haffi praise you", gleefully intones Dell, against an impressive interpretive backdrop of jubilant brass and cabareting bubbles. The B-side procures a more curious and laid-back instrumental, Woodfield Rd Allstars' 'Cool Cool Runnings'. Do not sleep.
Review: Junior Dell & The D-Lites are one of reggae's most accomplished outfits and they have a vast arsenal of tunes to back that up. This one is one of many delightful dubs - and it now makes its way to us via Original Gravity. 'East Of Hurghada' has a noodling melodic lead and nice dusty drums with a more textured horn eventually taking the main stage. On the flip, Woodfield Rd Allstars step up with 'Lickle Fat Mattress' which is another blend of ska, reggae and dub with some natty keys.
Review: This new tune on the crucial Original Gravity label finds Donnoya Drake covering the classic Shirelles joint 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow.' She re-sings the vocal in her own way, adding extra soul and spice, while the reggae rhythms swagger down low with plenty of drum fills and undulating guitar riffs. On the flip, Junior Dell & The D-Lites offer up 'I Can't Turn You Loose' which is a classic reggae sound with big horns energy and fat bottomed low ends all sweeping you up inna lovely rhythm that never lets up. Another 7"s of gold from this label.
Review: One-man ska, rocksteady and reggae production line Neil Anderson does a good line in re-imagined cover versions, with his Original Gravity label offering up unlikely but inspired takes on such non-reggae classics as 'Don't Look Back In Anger', 'Peter Gunn' and 'Green Onions'. Now, with the assistance of toaster Junior Dell, he's turned his attention to Rebel MC - now better known as Congo Natty - and his late 80s hip-house classic 'Street Tuff'. Given that the Rebel MC version sampled a Toots and the Maytals track, turning it into a dusty, head-nodding, analogue-rich reggae jam makes perfect sonic sense. Throw in Patois-laced raps and a faithful rendition of the song's much-loved chorus and you have a smile-inducing future classic on your hands.
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Mash Down De Bamboo Bed" (3:00)
Review: Donnoya Drake's rendition of 'Be My Baby' beautifully captures the essence of the classic by Ronnie Spectre and The Ronettes, infusing it with soulful vocals and a pop sensibility that pays homage to the original while adding her own flair. Her rendition is a classy interpretation that showcases her great singing skills. On the flip side, the Woodfield Rd Allstars deliver a ska classic with 'Mash Down De Bamboo Bed.' Released under the UK label run by Neil Anderson, known for his love of various music genres including soul, funk, blues, r&b, Latin and ska, this track exudes authenticity and skillful musicianship. Anderson's dedication to recreating the sound and vibe of the original era shines through, making it a standout release on his label.
Review: Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 explodes onto the scene with four irresistible tracks that capture the essence of early reggae. Max Iss & The Minions kick things off with the infectious title track, setting the tone for an EP filled with soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies. Donnoya Drake delivers a stellar rendition of the funk-soul classic 'Mr Big Stuff,' while reggae legend Dave Barker lends his smooth vocals to 'Gimme Little Sign,' adding his own twist to the soul nugget. The instrumental track, 'Gimme Little Version,' by Woodfield Rd Allstars, rounds out the EP with its lively organ-led groove. Produced by Neil Anderson, each song is expertly crafted, blending elements of reggae, funk, and soul to create an electrifying listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned reggae enthusiast or new to the genre, Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving from start to finish.
Review: Celebrate The Bullet was the revered second album by The Selecter back in February 1981. It came on the heels of the massive debut Too Much Pressure and a serious run of singles including the likes of 'Missing Words' and 'On My Radio.' Here though things slowed down a little with lyrical commentaries still coming thick and fast on everything from racial to social issues. At the time, the recent murder of John Lennon and an assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Regan meant the album got little to no mainstream support because of the title. For this special reissue, the original production tapes were dug out and remastered by Alchemy Mastering at AIR.
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