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Taken from the album: "Reggae Anthology: The Gussie Clarke Story", Gregory Isaacs' "Rumours" is a archetypal slice of original JA dancehall. Originally released in 1988 on Music Works in Jamaica, and on Greensleeves here in the UK; the track is produced by Augustus Clarke and sees the development of digital technologies within the Jamaican music cannon which would go on to define the dancehall genre.
Isaacs' vocal – ruminating on the police assuming his modest wealth has been achieved through illegal means - is delivered with a wry, dark sentiment whilst the instrumental section is full of primitive sampling, splashy digi-drums and a bassline composed on the Casio MT40 which was gaining huge popularity in the scene after the infamous "Sleng Teng" riddim.
On the flip we have a fully expanded exercise in top tier digi-dub version! Adding a multitude of extra layers, including a mystic melodica line, brash synth stabs, sizzling electronic strings and huge reverb splashes it sees Clarke go wild on the, what was then, quite new technologies - digital mixing desks and DSP effects and such like.
A classic of the dancehall genre - available for a limited time once again!
Isaacs' vocal – ruminating on the police assuming his modest wealth has been achieved through illegal means - is delivered with a wry, dark sentiment whilst the instrumental section is full of primitive sampling, splashy digi-drums and a bassline composed on the Casio MT40 which was gaining huge popularity in the scene after the infamous "Sleng Teng" riddim.
On the flip we have a fully expanded exercise in top tier digi-dub version! Adding a multitude of extra layers, including a mystic melodica line, brash synth stabs, sizzling electronic strings and huge reverb splashes it sees Clarke go wild on the, what was then, quite new technologies - digital mixing desks and DSP effects and such like.
A classic of the dancehall genre - available for a limited time once again!
TRACK LISTING
A. Rumours
B. Rumours Version
Dancehall originals don't get much bigger than this one! Based around Winston Riley's "Stalag Riddim" (also used by Dillinger, Sister Nancy, Big Youth & General Echo to name a few!), "Ring The Alarm" contains one of the most iconic vocal deliveries of the era. Toasted by Tenor Saw, and containing his infamous vocal fx (r-r-r-olling his 'R's,) it's an empowering, feel-good sound system record - not dealing with anything heavy like politics or babylon - just a call to arms to get everyone on the dancefloor - and it works 100% of the time! Massive everywhere from Kingston, London, Manchester, NYC... anywhere with an urban environment and multicultural legacy you're gonna hear this blasting outta the stacks come carnival season!
On side B we get the original dub on by Winston Riley which really makes you focus on that bass weight, whilst funky organ solos and heavy guitar chops fill out the space. Finally we get a rub-a-dub dancehall style by Nardo Ranks who takes cues from Barington Levy and Eek A Mouse with his non-stop toasting through the track leaving us breathless and obviously playing a small part in fueling the embryonic soup that would become hip-hop.
Essential 12"!!
On side B we get the original dub on by Winston Riley which really makes you focus on that bass weight, whilst funky organ solos and heavy guitar chops fill out the space. Finally we get a rub-a-dub dancehall style by Nardo Ranks who takes cues from Barington Levy and Eek A Mouse with his non-stop toasting through the track leaving us breathless and obviously playing a small part in fueling the embryonic soup that would become hip-hop.
Essential 12"!!
TRACK LISTING
A. Ring The Alarm
B1. Stalag Version
B2. Skin Out
Classic set of Henry 'Junjo' Lawes produced tracks, recorded at Channel One Studios backed by The Roots Radics and mixed by Scientist and Sylvan Morris - Includes "Prison Oval Dub"
TRACK LISTING
1. Prison Oval Rock
2. Prison Oval Dub
3. You Say You Love Me
4. Good Loving
5. Rip And Run Off
6. Please Jah Jah
7. Robber Man
8. Hammer
9. Stay Away Girl
10. Mary Long Tongue
Presented with a carefully selected set of digital multitrack master recordings from the archives of the iconic Jamaican Reggae Producer Bunny Striker Lee, next generation UK producer and dub engineer Prince Fatty (Mike Pelanconi) fed the audio into the analogue realm for mixing through a carefully built audio analogue system similar to that used by Osbourne Ruddock (King Tubby), producing 10 new dub mixes for the modern age.
TRACK LISTING
1. Jah Jah Dub The Conqueror
2. The Invasion
3. Press The Dub Along
4. Don't Try To Dub Me
5. Dub Is Shining
6. Give Thanks & Dub
7. Garden Of Dub
8. Prophetic Dub
9. No Dub In Their Heart
10. Abudajonoi
Now ain't this summat spesh.... A re-vamped selection of Dennis Brown songs recorded and produced at Jammy's and now remixed and remastered with a selection of new vocalists, deejays and toasters adding ad-libed lines and improvisations to the original compositions!
The A-list selection of vocalists includes Protoje, Dre Island, Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco and more (no Chronix though?! - ed). Some of Dennis Brown’s finest performances for King Jammys, remixed and refreshed with 21st century flavor, the album also includes a newly remastered solo feature for Dennis Brown, “You Satisfy My Soul” (a King Jammy personal favorite). The vinyl LP includes the special bonus addition of the Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley feature "Can’t Keep (A Good Man Down)" backed with "Can’t Keep Version".
King Jammy is one of reggae’s most prolific and innovative producers, with "Tracks Of Life" he shows himself strong once again. Part tribute and part greatest hits, this album will win new listeners and inspire fans to dig into the original songs. The album is a blend of raw and vibrant vocal performances revisiting vintage Dennis Brown from the King Jammy catalogue.
The A-list selection of vocalists includes Protoje, Dre Island, Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco and more (no Chronix though?! - ed). Some of Dennis Brown’s finest performances for King Jammys, remixed and refreshed with 21st century flavor, the album also includes a newly remastered solo feature for Dennis Brown, “You Satisfy My Soul” (a King Jammy personal favorite). The vinyl LP includes the special bonus addition of the Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley feature "Can’t Keep (A Good Man Down)" backed with "Can’t Keep Version".
King Jammy is one of reggae’s most prolific and innovative producers, with "Tracks Of Life" he shows himself strong once again. Part tribute and part greatest hits, this album will win new listeners and inspire fans to dig into the original songs. The album is a blend of raw and vibrant vocal performances revisiting vintage Dennis Brown from the King Jammy catalogue.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: One of my favourite reggae producers of the 80's, maybe ever, shines a light on the incredible vocal talent currently spearheading Jamaica's roots n culture renaissance.TRACK LISTING
1. High Grade Morning Feat. Protoje
2. Gun Town Feat. Dre Island
3. Wash Dem Away Feat. Agent Sasco
4. Love And Live Feat. Alborosie
5. Back To Africa Feat. DYCR & Tristan Palma
6. Give Love A Try Feat. Projexx
7. Real Love Feat. Aza Lineage
8. Run The Track Feat. Romain Virgo
9. The Magic Touch Feat. Jesse Royal
10. You Satisfy My Soul
11. Can't Keep Feat. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
12. Can't Keep (Jammys Version)
The only authorized reissue of volume 2 of the all time classic dub album, originally released by Starlight Records on 1982. Now matched with a second disc of original vocal versions it includes previously unreleased tracks from Hell & Fire, Sister Nancy and Papa Tullo. Recorded with Roots Radics at Channel One, produced by Linval Thompson and mixed by Scientist & Prince Jammy it finds the Thompson and Scientist slap bang in their golden period, producing some of their most inspired work of their career. With new cover art by Tony McDermott (plus an impressive 2' by 2' poster) this is an excellent edition of one of the dub genre's greatest treasures. You need this!
TRACK LISTING
1. Earth (2:58)
2. Reconnaissance (3:04)
3. Base (2:38)
4. Life (3:45)
5. Contact (3:24)
Side 2
1. Denial (3:34)
2. City Of Gold (3:52)
3. Betrayal (2:50)
4. Conquest (3:46)
5. Victory"(3:51)
Side 3
1. The Viceroys - I'm Toiling On (2:53)
2. Sister Nancy - Can't Test (3:04)
3. Anthony Johnson - Africa (2:59)
4. The Viceroys - Rise In The Strength Of Jah (3:36)
5. Hell & Fire - Playboy Girl (3:36)
Side 4
1. Papa Tullo - Raggae Explosion (3:08)
2. The Viceroys - We Must Unite (3:50)
3. Freddie McKay - A Message (2:44)
4. Barrington Levy - I Love I Love You (3:09)
Bobby Digital is a disciple of King Jammy who went on to produce some of the biggest reggae songs in the 90s and 00s. This collection celebrates the high water marks of this unique talent who helped shape the future of Reggae music. Fans of Jammy will instantly recognize Bobby's palette (included Yamaha's DX-100, Casio's CS01 & CZ1000 keyboards and the iconic Oberheim DX drum machine). Featuring a who's who of guest vocalists; old legends like Johnny Osbourne, Jimmy Riley and Sugar Minott are joined by new schoolers, Shabby Ranks, Beenie Man and Capleton as they move through the new collection of riddims and digital sounds in fine style. A great comp which aptly shows the development of dancehall and reggae as we get crossed the millennium.
TRACK LISTING
A
1. Inaculator - Daddy Lizard
2. Little Sound Boy - Johnny Osbourne
3. Dem Bow - Shabba Ranks
4. Wicked In Bed - Shabba Ranks
5. Tek Him - Mad Cobra
6. Sweet Jamaica - Tony Rebel
B
1. Sitting In The Back Seat - Glen Ricks
2. Play Play Girl - Johnny Osbourne
3. Substitute Lover - Half Pint
4. Missing You Now - Sanchez
5. Hold On To Your Love - Garnett Silk & Jimmy Riley
6. Are You Gonna Say It - Singing Melody
C
1. Set Me Free - Gregory Isaacs & Ninjaman
2. Bless Me - Garnett Silk
3. Original Full Up - Leroy Sibbles & Beenie Man
4. Carpenter - Pinchers
5. No Threat - Cocoa Tea
6. Gun Jezebel - Terror Fabulous
D
1. How Them Flex - Cocoa Tea & President Brown
2. Everything Is Everything - Carlton Coffie
3. Bawl Fire - Capleton
4. Never Gonna Give Jah Up - Sugar Minott
5. Country Roads - Morgan Heritage
6. Solid As A Rock - Sizzla
Ten tough disco mixes - vocal and dub - with Horace at the peak of his late 70’s form. Originally complied for Blood and Fire, “Good Vibes’ is remastered with new artwork and updated sleeve notes from original complier Steve Barrow. Definitive versions of "Skylarking", "Reggae Rhythm" and brilliantly infectious discomix takes of"Mr. Bassie" and "Pure Ranking". 'longside nuff dubs! Nicely remastered through the Abbey Road suite, these cuts are sounding as loud, dynamic and intoxicating as ever. A great set.
TRACK LISTING
Reggae Rhythm / It's Gone International
Serious Thing / A Serious Version
Skylarking / A Better Version
Youths Of Today / Jah Youths
Don't Let Problems Get You Down / No Problem
Mr. Bassie (Discomix)
Pure Ranking (Discomix)
Good Vibes / Dub Vibes
Control Yourself / Version Under Control
Ital Vital / Ital Ites Dubwise
40th anniversary edition of the classic ‘Two Sevens Clash’ album now expanded with a second disc of 12” disco mixes, DJ cuts and dubs. "Two Sevens Clash" from Culture was the must-have reggae accessory for any self-respecting music fan back in that long hot summer of ‘77. Loaded up with hit anthems like “See Them A Come”, “I Am Not Ashamed”, “Natty Dread Taking Over” and the prophetic title track. "Two Sevens Clash" remains the defining album statement of the year that reggae crossed over.
TRACK LISTING
A1. Calling Rasta For I
A2. I'm Alone In The Wilderness
A3. Pirate Days
A4. Two Sevens Clash
A5. I'm Not Ashamed
B1. Get Ready To Ride The Lion To Zion
B2. Black Starliner Must Come
B3. Jah Pretty Face
B4. See Them A Come
B5. Natty Dread Taking Over
C1. Two Sevens Clash / Prophecy Revealed (feat. Mr Bojangles)
C2. Fulfillment - The Mighty Two
D1. I'm Not Ashamed / Under Tight Wraps (feat. I Roy)
D2. I Am Not Ashamed (Version) - The Mighty Two
E1. See Them A Come / Mask Mi Mask (feat. Prince Weedy)
E2. Informer
E3. Informer (Version) - The Mighty Two
E4. State Of Emergncy - Joe Gibbs & The Professionals
E5. Natty Pass His GCE - Shorty The President
F1. Natty Dread Taking Over / Invasion (feat. I Roy)
F2. Natty Gone Clear - Joe Gibbs & The Professionals
Right now, you have in your hand (or browser) a total classic. Not a reggae classic, or roots classic (though either statement would be true), but a classic record amongst all the other records that ever there were. Recorded at Black Ark in 1977 and mixed by Lee Scratch Perry and Scientist, "Heart Of The Congos" finds Cedric Myton and Roy Johnson treating us to ten superlative, spiritual reggae cuts. All over the tracklisting you'll find infectious grooves, soulful vocals and yearning lyrics, all wrapped in those strangely psychedelic audio effects Perry and Scientist made their own. In "Fisherman" and "Congoman" you have two of the finest tracks ever to leave Jamaica and the religious riddim of "Can't Come In" on the flip could make any heathen into a true believer. 20 years after the release of Blood & Fire’s outstanding but now deleted ‘Heart Of The Congos’ reissue, VP Records /17 North Parade release a definitive, 2017 remastered 3CD & 3LP edition, put together with both respect and gratitude to that illustrious antecedent. This new deluxe 3CD & 3LP editions are the first to feature the now almost impossible to find original mix of the album, unavailable since producer Lee Perry withdrew the set in 1977. Also includes the more well-known re-mix, dubs, disco mix, seven and twelve inch versions and ‘Don’t Blame It On I’ an overlooked previously unreleased track unearthed, too late to include on the Blood & Fire release, by Steve Barrow and David Katz in 1997. Buy a copy, put it on your turntable and thank me later.
TRACK LISTING
LP 1
A1 Fisherman
A2 Congoman
A3 Open Up The Gate
A4 Children Crying
B1 La La Bam-Bam
B2 Can't Come In
B3 Sodom & Gomorrow
B4 The Wrong Thing
LP 2
C1 Ark Of The Covenant
C2 Solid Foundation
C3 Don't Blame It On I
C4 At The Feast
D1 Neckodeemus
D2 Solid Foundation (Disco Cork Mix)
D3 Foundation Dub
LP 3
E1 Congoman (12" Mix)
E2 Congoman Chant
F1 Bring The Mackaback
F2 Fisherman Dub
F3 Noah Sugar Pan
"Pick A Dub" showcased the enduring strength and pivotal importance of the rhythm to the development of reggae music. Keith Hudson’s complete mastery of the genre and the unqualified praise that followed its release was fully justified. The album’s “œaustere sonic qualities” are awe inspiring, the superb rhythms are given full rein, unencumbered by extra effects and studio trickery. The overall effect is as mesmerising now as it was over forty years ago. Both CD & double LP set contain bonus tracks featuring eight vocal cuts of the featured dub including two previously unreleased tracks.
STAFF COMMENTS
Martin says: One of the greatest dub albums ever released, certainly in the top 5, and imperative listening for any appreciator of the form. Carlton and Aston Barrett and Augustus Pablo contributed music, while vocal fragments include Hudson, Horace Andy and Big Youth. Hudson's sparse handling of production and lack of studio ornamentation allow the heavyweight rhythms and echoing, dreamlike vocal melodies space to shine.
VP dig deep into their extensive vault of Jamiacan sounds to pay tribute to the superb songwriting skills of the one and only Robert Nesta Marley with the superb "Trench Town Rock" compilation. Including massive hits from Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson, Leroy Smart, Beenie Man and many more, this set offers a fascinating glimpse of how these internationally recognised songs were adapted back home and made hits again for a core Jamaica audience. So sit back and soak up some authentic island vibes as the platter spins into the dusk.