Back in stock: Roots/Lovers Rock

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Du men don't come much more legendary or iconic than King Tubby and Horace Andy, so having them together on one album was always going to result in straight fire. And so it proves on The King Tubby Tapes, a double album of deeply affecting roots and lovers rock first issued on Jet Star Records' 'Charm' imprint. It showcases Dubby's audio skills and Andy's distinctive vocal style while including selections from his 1979 album Pure Ranking and a second album of dub remixes. Session men Robbie Shakespeare, Carlton "Santa" Davis, Tony Chin and Bernard "Touter" Harvey all feature this one.

Review: Black Uhuru and Sly & Robbie was a powerhouse collaboration that gifted reggae some of its most vital anthems. Backed up by the toughest rhythm section in the business, Black Uhuru were able to push a new urgency in Jamaican music which has lost none of its power over 40 years later. This compilation on TABOU1 gathers together a treasure trove of A-sides, dub mixes and even especially resotred dubplate specials from Black Uhuru's purple patch between 1977 and 1980, when they were recording almost exclusively for Sly & Robbie's Taxi label. Some of these tunes are beyond the wildest dreams of any reggae devotee who knows their onions, but even for the casual listener there's magic in every riddim.

Review: This 2xCD set celebrates Dennis Bovell's exceptional talent during the golden years of reggae, from 1977 to 1981, a time when he was also playing a pivotal role linking punk and post-punk to reggae via collaborating with Orange Juice and producing key records such as The Slits' debut Cut. Featuring a mix of major hits and rare tracks, this collection highlights his brilliance as a producer, arranger and pioneer of roots, dub and lovers rock. Not only was he one of the first to blend disco with reggae but he was also important for fusing the disco standard 12" and using for Lovers Rock artists. His use of the format to create dynamic dub edits is a standout element, cementing his legacy in reggae production. Disc 1 includes Errol Dunkley's title track, Marie Pierre's soulful gems and Janet Kay's classic 'Silly Games', which brought lovers rock to mainstream audiences. Tracks like Errol Campbell's 'African Queen', Angelique's 'Cry' and Africa Stone's 'Choose Me' capture the era's emotional depth and Bovell's masterful touch. Disc 2 delves into 12" extended mixes, showing Bovell's innovative fusion of reggae and disco. A lifetime of great music within just two discs.

Review: During last year's lockdown in Italy, contemporary dub producer Paolo Baldini was invited by Pressure Sounds to work on Bunny Lee's archive of recordings he made with singer Barry Brown during the mid-to-late 1970s. The results can now be heard on Praises, a set which adds a little more dub-wise spice to classic roots reggae cuts while retaining much of Lee's production and instrumentation. Brown's vocals - effortlessly soulful, hugely evocative and partially improvised - are simply superb, while Baldini's handling of Lee's riddims and musical arrangements is masterful. As a result, the assembled dubs, versions and vocal reworks sound faithful to the period in which they were recorded while adding subtle new touches and 21st century-ready low-end weight.

Review: We may not all have Common Ground between us, but we can certainly agree on many things when we look back on our vernal roots. This fresh 7" by the UK label homes in on one of the greatest lights to brave the Caribbean sonic Sea, Al Campbell. 'When Spring Is Around' was put out again by the label only last year alongside Ansel Collins on the B, but now a properly labelled version also materialises through their sublabel Jah Fingers. Campbell's canny song is a crackly breeze, detailing the lush renewal of love in the earliest months of the year. Keep your frog's hunkers coiled for this one, so that you can spring on it when Spring springs!

Review: 'Ain't No Sunshine' is one of the great soul songs. Originally recorded by Bill Withers, a legendary vocalist who simply walked away from the scene once he had said all he had to say, it has been covered many times. Here it is Yasushi Ide who steps up with a new version that comes featuring Ken Booth & U-Roy on this new 7" from Grand Gallery out of Japan. In original form, it's dubbed out to the max with oodles of echo and dark pads next to some original vocal toasting. 'Border Town' is then a more acoustic sound with gentle guitar strums and slow, persuasive rhythms.

Review: Israel Vibrations' Strength of My Life marks a triumphant return for the trio, following a hiatus that saw them regroup and rediscover their musical strengths. Produced in collaboration with Doctor Dread and backed by the formidable Roots Radics, the album showcases a newfound voice and power. From the uplifting 'Cool and Calm' to the introspective 'Live and Give,' each track is imbued with its own distinct style, complemented by the Radics' masterful instrumentation. The Vibes' vocal performances are stellar, conveying heartfelt religious devotion, social commentary, and personal reflections with conviction. With contributions from reggae luminaries like Augustus Pablo and Dwight Pinkney, Strength of My Life exudes quality. Against all odds, Strength of My Life turned out to be a triumph, the beginning of the group's partnership with the Roots Radics.

Review: There are few better combos in reggae than Junior Dell & The D-Lites and Prince Alphonso & The Fever, and they are mainstays of the Original Gravity label. this endless treasure trove of timeless sounds turns up another fine double sider here in which Junior Dell's soulful vocals shine over The D-Lites' rich, vintage ska rhythms and rolling groove 'Just Can't Get Enough'. On the flip side, 'The Prince of Port Antonio' is a lively instrumental blending jazz-infused brass with a deep reggae swing. Both tracks nod to classic Jamaican sounds while keeping things fresh.

Review: Ijahman Levi is getting a lot of love from the Jahmani label out of Jamaica as they are reissuing plenty of his pivotal early works. This ultra-rare original version of 'Chariots of Love' was first released on the Organisation label in 1977. While later recordings exist, including a duet with his partner Madge, this remains the definitive take. A sought-after piece of reggae history, it captures the essence of the times with its soulful vocals and deep grooves. This killer track is now available again for the first time in decades so is sure to fly off the shelves and into the bags of those who know best.

Review: This double-disc collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Lee Perry's evolution as a producer during a pivotal year in reggae music. 1970 saw Perry at the top of his game, fresh off the success of Return Of Django, and these recordings capture his adventurous spirit and groundbreaking studio techniques. The compilation features a wealth of instrumental works, showcasing the proto-dub experiments of his backing band, The Hippy Boys. With 14 tracks new to CD and many others unavailable since the 1990s, this release is a treasure trove for dedicated Upsetter fans. From the infectious grooves of 'Yakety Yak' to the dubwise explorations of 'Bush Tea' and the soulful sounds of 'Let It Be', this collection is a must-have for any reggae enthusiast.

Review: Tarrus Riley is among the crop of Jamaican singer/songwriters that are expanding the boundaries of reggae music today. Son of famed Caribbean vocalist Jimmy Riley releases his first album on VP Records. Songwriting and production collaborations with famed saxophonist Dean Fraser. All star band includes; Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Robbie Lyn, Paul 'Scooby' Smith, Glen Browne and others.

Review: If you're in the mood for some gently summery reggae-soul to warm you on cold winter nights, we'd heartily recommend this tidy new single from Tarrus Riley, son of legendary Jamaican vocalist Jimmy Riley. 'Love is Stronger Than Pride' is breezy, musically positive and gentle, with Riley delivering a slick and emotive lead vocal over a backing track rich in toe-tapping reggae grooves, subtle organ motifs, twinkling synth sounds and, most surprisingly, some rather lovely Spanish guitar motifs. It comes accompanied by a flipside 'Version' mix that's not all that dubbed-out, but nevertheless does a great job in showcasing the track's sunny and heart-warming instrumentation.