Back catalogue: Roots/Lovers Rock

Review: Is there a more consistent partnership in UK lovers rock than Pamela 'Aisha' Ross and Neil 'Mad Professor' Fraser? The pair has been working together consistently since 1986 and continue to periodically deliver killer cuts. 'Guide & Protect', which was first featured on the CD (but not vinyl) edition of Ross's 1987 album High Priestess, is one of their best - a sweet, life-affirming affair in which Ross sings sweetly and emotionally atop a typically synth-heavy, dub-flecked lovers rock 'riddim' by the effervescent Fraser. On this 7" edition, an edited version of the 1987 original comes backed by 'Aztec Warrior', a deliciously dubbed-out Mad Professor take on the same riddim featuring echoing flute and brass snippets.

Review: Only Roots has head into 2014 in busy fashion with several new7"s all dropping to keep dub lovers in a happy mood. This one tackles the delightful Marie Bowie, who was produced by Barry Biggs for 'It's My House'. It's a soul drenched sound with her vocals adding all the lovestruck vibes you need next to plenty of sunny melodies. On the flip is 'House In Dub' which is a killer dub in its own right but if you prefer this without the vocal, you have us worried.

Review: The Sound of Thunder label is fast approaching its tenth release and just before that mini milestone it offers up a couple of sublime dub and roots cover versions of some classic tunes. Errol Dunkley is first up on this 45rpm and adds his own spin to 'You Are My Sunshine' which is deep and loved up, with yearning vocals and whimsical harmonica leads. On the flip is a track that is just as deep cut and hazy with Zacharie Ksyk's version of 'Blowing In The Wind' making for heart melting sounds.

Review: Many of you reading this may recognise this song from Dennis Brown's rendition on his iconic Visions LP, but this version actually predates that one. It was originally penned by Winston MacAnuff, also known as the Electric Dread, and features vocals by Earl Sixteen. It has previously debuted as a 7" on Gibbs' Belmont label in 1975, while Sixteen went on and recorded it again for Derrick Harriott on the Wild Flower label a year later. This rendition is often considered the definitive cut, but we shall leave you to decide on that one.

Review: Two previously unheard righteous anthems from the sweet-voiced Icho Candy. The A side, 'Get Up Natty' was cut at Channel One in the mid-eighties, with backing by the Gifted Roots Band, and features an instantly recognisable bed of squelchy FX, elastic synth leads and choppy upstrokes, while the flip is an emotive new cut featuring legends from the Firehouse and Channel One production camps on the riddim. It's great to hear Icho still in fine style, delivering a timeless anthem with a positive message. Both sides also include excellent dubwise versions. Another jewel in the constantly expanding Digikiller catalogue!

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: Federal and Dubstore Japan reissue highly sought after gem, Willie Lindo's cover of Love Unlimited Orchestra's 'Midnight And You'. 'Midnight' is a louche, smooth-as-sin nocturne punctuated by hammond wobbles, whispered nothings and surely one of the most in-the-pocket basslines in reggae history and the legendary Lloyd Charmers gives it a sparse, small hours dubbing on the B-side, removing all fat and showcasing the unparalleled rhythm section. Absolutely essential stuff.

Review: Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, presents the second release from its new Mellow Reggae Series project. Launched earlier this year by Mato & Ethel Lindsey, with a stunning cover of the famous 'What You Won't Do For Love' by Bobby Caldwell, the series continues with the same duo, now taking over 'Baby Come Back', the underground AOR/Blue-Eyed-Soul classic from The Player. Like he always does, Mato delivers an outstanding version, delighting us with his matchless skills for dub production. Already matching on Bobby Caldwell's rendition, Ethel Lindsey ensures yet again the perfect vocals over Mato's production.

Review: As well as navigating the realms of dub and reggae, infusing each track with his signature vintage sound and infectious grooves, Prince Fatty is well known for taking famous songs and flipping them into reggae territory, a wonderful mix of the familiar and the unepxected that usually works wonders on the dancefloor. With the fantastic 'Black Rabbit,' dub don Prince Fatty masterfully tackles Jefferson Airplane's 60s anthem 'White Rabbit', which took its inspiration from Lewis Carroll's surreal story Alice In Wonderland but hooked those references up to the drug experiences of those countercultural rtimes. The A-side is graced by with the vocals of regular Fatty collaborator Shniece, whose performance does more than simply ape Grace Slick's, adding lines and heaps of her own personality, while rich basslines, swirling echoes and soulful melodies all showcase some exceptional production skills. Naturally, there's a dub version on the B-side, and all in all this a testament to Prince Fatty's enduring influence in the contemporary reggae scene.

Review: Horning Sounds is fast approaching 50 releases and is doing so with some classic roots and lover's rock from Ruddy Symbol, who are also behind that landmark 50th. This new reissue is of their classic mid-eighties sounds, namely 'A So The System Work'. It's as laid back and loved up as this stuff comes - the loosely picked guitars, the oh-so-sweet falsetto vocals and the gentle chords all serve to melt your soul. Flip it over for a dub version but the A-side really does take some beating.

Review: Reissued via Only Roots in full, rejuvenated form, Rockers Meets King Tubbys In A Firehouse is a dub studio album by Augustus Pablo and King Tubby, first released in 1980. "Fire House" is a reference to the Waterhouse section of Kingston, where King Tubby's studio was located; however, one could consider it a double-entendre, not least since the only place to safely record such incendiary music is in a proverbial "fire station", otherwise all manner of fiery dub hell would presumably break loose. With the likes of Mickey "Boo" Richards, Leroy Wallace and Albert Malawi on drums, Robbie Shakespeare on bass guitar, and Earl "Chinna" Smith on guitar - together credited as the Rocking All Stars - the group conspire to produce such well-sculpted dub firebombs as 'Jah Say Dub' and 'Zion Is A Home'. This new reissue comes in the crispest quality yet, and once again rejumbles the original tracklist slightly.

Review: Being the prolific maverick he was known and loved for, we're still catching up with the output of the mighty Lee Scratch Perry long after his passing. Amongst the posthumous releases coming to light of late is this album on Tricky's False Idols label, in which Perry linked up with UK producer Daniel Boyle for a follow-up to their double hits of Back At The Controls and Black Album. It's a wide-ranging affair taking the dub approach to many different genres, with some noticeable contributions from artists like Greentea Peng, Shaun Ryder and Tricky himself. It's another fine reminder of what a gift of inspiration Perry was to the world of music, restlessly creative well into his later years.

Review: Prince Fatty makes a triumphant return with the Artikal Intelligence LP, recorded alongside The Supersized Band in South London. The album boasts 10 tracks spread across two sides, featuring an impressive lineup of vocalists including Cornell Campbell, Big Youth, Marcia Griffiths, Earl 16, Winston Francis, Omar, Shniece, Nina Miranda, Horseman, and Fatlip. With a stellar cast, heavy low ends you would expect and plenty of infectious energy, this album demands to be played loud and promises to captivate with its blend of reggae, soul, and inventive rhythms.

Review: Samory I, one of Jamaica's most promising reggae artists to watch, releases his eagerly-awaited solo debut album Strength. The LP follows Black Gold, his 2017 collaborative album with the iconic producer Rory 'Stonelove' Gilligan. Named after Samory I's affectionate moniker for his son, Strength is an 11-track storied opus produced by esteemed Jamaican producer Winta James, whose credits include hits with Protoje, Chronixx and Damian Marley. Samory I said the LP represents "the struggles I've overcome, both mentally and physically." Growing up in Kencot, a rougher neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, he faced many adversities and found reggae music as a form of salvation. He used his voice as both an instrument and vehicle for social change in his community. The album is a true reflection of its title, proving that courage and love prevails above all.