Demonstrating the global appeal of roots reggae, this new album from Chinese reggae artist Liu Rui (aka Stinging Ray) is a welcome display of the classic sound of reggae music. He has built up a name in reggae internationally, founding ‘China Man Yard Records’ (the first label dedicated to Reggae, Dancehall and Soca in China) […]
King Kong and Eek a Mouse: Wake up the Town
Originally released on King Kong’s 2018 album Repatriation, here is the familiar and welcome sound of Wake up the Town with the unmistakable vocals of Eek a Mouse. This great track, remixed and remastered, is newly released by irie ites records along with an instrumental version by Mafia and Fluxy. The original album featured twelve […]
Lee Scratch Perry: Destiny
With the passing of Lee Perry in 2021, it might be thought that his musical output would come to an abrupt halt but here is a new release containing tracks he was working on before his death. This happened of course with Bob Marley too, where enough unreleased material was found in the vaults to […]
RIP Sinead O’Connor
With Sinead O’Connor’s passing, at the age of 56, it is worthwhile to spend a moment reflecting on her powerful contribution to reggae. In 2005, she released Throw Down Your Arms, a reggae album where her beautiful voice soars above an excellent rhythm section including Sly and Robbie (who also produced the album at Tuff […]
Friendly Fire Band: Black Cab Riddim
From Birmingham’s Friendly Fire label comes this seven-track release of versions around the Black Cab rhythm, which itself is derived from the classic Sly and Robbie Taxi rhythm. It opens with Earl Sixteen’s impressive and crystal-clear vocal/dub over the basic rhythm track. Entitled ‘As We Come In’, it’s a fine start to this collection followed […]
Red Star Martyrs featuring Zion Irie: Rootsman
Here’s a new release from UK producer Stanley Woodfield (aka Red Star Martyrs) with three versions of the uptempo track Rootsman. The first is a straightforward likeable vocal track with the vocals provided by Zion Irie. Secondly is the ‘jungle’ take on the same track, featured here and engaging enough with its pronounced rhythm bringing […]
Messian Dread: Dangerous Discomixes
Back to the future with this new album from Netherlands producer Messian Dread. Discomixes were of course the rather misleadingly named extended 12” mixes of reggae singles popularised in the 70s and 80s, often starting with the vocal track then sliding straight into the dub version, where the rhythm track is adorned by vocalising and […]
Easy Star All Stars: Ziggy Stardub
New York’s Easy Star All Stars are a studio band with a fluid membership, recording under the accomplished guidance of producer Michael Goldwasser who also provides input on guitar and synths. The band gained attention upon release of its impressive track-by-track reggae reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s masterpiece Dark Side of the Moon in 2003. Entitled […]
David Cairol: Morphed Faces
Featuring top Jamaican musicians including Sly Dunbar, Earl ‘China’ Smith and Bongo Herman, this is a new and highly melodic reggae single from David Cairol. With two studio albums under his belt, he has toured widely from his base in France, including travels to his spiritual inspiration in Jamaica where he took part in workshops […]
Origin One: Dance Again (featuring Charlie P)
Here’s a new release from Nottingham-based DJ and producer Origin One (Kevin Thomson). It’s an advance single from his forthcoming EP entitled ‘Step in Time’. The EP, due for release on 24th March, includes vocals from Rider Shafique, Nadia Latoya (MELONYX), and K.O.G., and is aimed at highlighting the problems experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown. With funds […]