New releases last four weeks: Reggae Classics/Ska

Review: Jay Z's cult fav At Studio One is now available for the first time as a very limited vinyl pressing following its huge success as a download since first release more than a decade ago. This unique album combines Jay Z's famous Black Album acapellas with classic Studio One reggae riddims from the very heart of 1970s Kingston. The result is a seamless fusion where killer backing tracks complement Jay Z's vocals perfectly and create an all new and superb listening experience. If you're a fan of reggae-hip hop blends, this LP is a must-have addition to your collection.

Review: In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the groundbreaking self-titled album from GT Moore & The Reggae Guitars originally released on Charisma in 1974 is being reissued. This record, which bridged the gap between the 'Pub Rock' scene and the emerging sound of reggae music in the UK, arrived amidst the onset of "Reggae Fever." G.T. Moore, formerly of the legendary folk group Heron, emerged as the first white musician to authentically delve into reggae. The eponymous debut album from the Reggae Guitars featured session musician John 'Rabbit' alongside Tom Platt, who engineered the iconic 'Catch A Fire' album. With a mix of originals and covers, including tracks by Bob Dylan, Heptones, and Diana Ross, the album stands as a testament to the fusion of musical styles and influences during that era.

Review: On its 20th anniversary comes a reissue of No Doubt's 1992-2003 singles collection, which brings together the very best of the ska and pop rockers' contributions to music at large over their first decade of stardom. Known as the alt-rock group fronted by Gwen Stefani, No Doubt were a formative act for the spreading of a distinctly American, pop-oriented form of ska punk. With Gwen's brother Eric on keys, and with bassist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young also in tow, No Doubt's career was a slow-burning exponential curve skywards, which saw a successful takeoff despite some early flops. A huge team backed their recordings; notable on this compilation is two production features by Sly & Robbie, 'Underneath It All' and 'Hey Baby'.

Review: More Specials is the second studio album from the Coventry band, originaly released in 1980 and reportedly splitting opinion among their fanbase, although it's come to be seen as a classic containing many of their best loved songs, from ska knees up 'Enjoy Yourself' to the deadpan reggae of 'Do Nothing'. Produced by the band's own keyboardist Jerry Dammers, it had a more eclectic and less obviously punk sound than its Elvis Costello-produced predecessor, with the band's constant disagreements on the direction of the sound proving a creative rather destructive force here, even if it would - barely more than a year later - cause them to eventually split.

Review: Soul Jazz returns with another of its supremely assembled and vital compilations, and this one focuses on reggae. Down Beat Special offers a thrilling journey through timeless hits carefully selected from Jamaica's revered Studio One Records, the epitome of reggae excellence. From Michigan and Smiley's 'Nice Up The Dance' to Dawn Penn's 'No, No, No' and The Wailers' 'Simmer Down,' this collection pulsates with iconic tracks. Originally a limited edition 7" box set, this remastered edition boasts 18 rare gems, including works by The Skatalites, Bob Marley, and Horace Andy.