Reggae & Dancehall 43 Items

Top quality soulful, sophisticated music from 1974

Celebrated session guitarist, Willie Lindo, steps from behind the scenes and into the spotlight to deliver some top class original compositions and sublime cover versions.

Death Is Not The End together all three LP volumes of the critically acclaimed If I Had a Pair of Wings LP compilation series for a bundled edition.
"...all of the music on this compilation is the result of the forward-thinking artists and producers that realised the worth of local Jamaican artistry during a time when the island's leading political figures had not yet managed to throw off the colonial yolk. These are sounds with a certain innocence and the optimistic promise of better to come, with the influence of American pop ballads and doo-wop looming large, yet already pointing to the innovations of the future. Listen keenly and take in the sounds of the Jamaican music industry at its very beginnings, its singers and players drawing from the popular styles of the island's larger neighbour and already changing those styles into something their own." - David Katz
Lauren Laverne's comp of the week on BBC Radio 6 Music w/c 11th Jan.
Guardian feature: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/12/a-thousand-teardrops-how-doo-wop-kickstarted-jamaica-pop-revolution-reggae-rocksteady

"Good music never dies!" - This was Diane Ellis' mantra when she set out to produce this, her first record, in 1979. She recalls hearing the Rose Royce classic Love Don't Live Here Anymore on the radio and instantly thinking it would make for a great reggae cover, immediately envisioning the sound she was looking for. Drafting in the legendary Boris Gardiner and vocalist Sharon Forrester they created this timeless version of a perennial classic - now available here in it's full extended discomix glory for the first time on 12" since it's original outing, and backed with hornsman cut placing Dean Fraser's sax front row center.

The record was made when Ellis was studio manager for the world-famous Tuff Gong studios, but wanted her outing as a record producer to be a totally independent venture - gaining the great Bob Marley & the TG team's blessings in the process. And so Aquarius Studio in Half Way Tree was where it was all laid-down. Diane credits the Legendary owner and pioneering producer, Herman Chin Loy, as also being of great help on the record, providing a guiding ear throughout the process.

Despite this the evident strength of this first production, Ellis would follow up with only one other production, Junior Tucker's cover of "One of the Poorest People" (this time one recorded at Tuff Gong studios, and releasing the 56 Hope Road subsidiery). While both records performed well on local radio and charts, Diane exited the music industry shortly after. Now 43 years later, Diane is overjoyed her production is having a comeback, saying that "the support and love felt during the project can never be replicated, and I give thanks to all who supported then and now".

2023 repress -

The next Moonshine release comes courtesy of Australian-based Erin McKimm aka Sekkleman. It's been over three years since his last full release and we are very excited to show you what he's been up to.

With his Disco Deception album, Prince Fatty (who links up with Shniece for the occasion) delivers a captivating blend of disco-infused reggae and soulful grooves. Each track resonates with his signature low-end energy, and is fuelled by Fatty's impeccable production and Shniece's soul-stirring vocals. From funky basslines to shimmering horns, the album captures the essence of classic dub and ska while infusing it with modern flair and plenty of hooky horns and melodies. Shniece's dynamic range and emotive delivery elevate each song to really create a magnetic atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish, all with character to spare.

L.A.B is a reggae band from New Zealand. Its founding members are Brad Kora (backing vocals and drums) and Stuart Kora (backing vocals, keyboard and guitar) of the band „KORA”. They soon engaged Joel Shadbolt on lead vocals and guitar, Ara Adams-Tamatea, formerly of “KATCHAFIRE” as bassist, and Miharo Gregory as keyboardist. The band mostly composes reggae music, with a mix of electronic, blues, rock and funk music.
Their song "In the Air" topped New Zealand chart in March 2020. At the end of the year, it was ranked as New Zealand's best-performing single of 2020. "Why Oh Why" also topped the New Zealnd chart in December 2020. L.A.B released 5 full length albums so far – called 1, 2, 3, 4 and V !
Echo Beach outa Germany came up with the spirit injection to let PAOLO BALDINI do some DUBs on the backcatalogue of L.A.B and to do an IN DUB album. Here we are – here we go – here we dub.
A perfect blend of POP DUB. Listen to it loud.

King Most is a revered American edit and remix master who is back with yet another big vinyl drop. This one is the first on his own new KM label and has already, we're told, been getting some high-profile plays from the likes of A-Trak. The A-side pairs off two epic classics - 'Bam Bam Tom Tom Club' has that languid, ass-wiggling groove you know and love with a twisted reggae vocal to make for something brilliantly original. The B, meanwhile, is a vinyl-only exclusive pack with Jamaican sunshine. 'Reggae For Roy' is perfectly organic and horizontal with its new reggae beat delivered under a classic Roy Ayers vocal.

Keith Hudson, who temporarily worked as a dentist in the ghettos of Kingston, emigrated to New York City in 1976 and died there prematurely in 1984. He is best known for his work as a producer for artists such as U-Roy, Big Youth, Ken Boothe and Horace Andy and within short order Hudson brought his all-round talent to full fruition.

In 1974, he produced two ground-breaking albums. “Pick A Dub” was one of the first official dub albums ever, and is still considered to be one of the greatest moments of Jamaican music. In addition, the unique “Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood” became the first concept album in reggae history. Thematically dedicated entirely to black history, this masterpiece captivates with an atmosphere that is as dark as it is deeply spiritual, charged by Hudson’s eccentric vocals.

In 1981, he created the dub masterpiece “Playing It Cool, Playing It Right” which he produced with the help of Wackie’s founder and mastermind Lloyd ‘Bullywackie’ Barnes. It remained the only collaboration between the two producers. Hudson decided to release it on his own label Joint International as he has done on his previous releases.

The album continues Hudson’s psycho-acoustic journey into the abyss of existence and has the power to overwhelm the listener with the beauty of artistic self-empowerment. “Too Much Formula” sings Hudson, whose voice occasionally recalls Sly Stone, “Darkest Night” answers an echoing background chorus found elsewhere on the track “California”. Hudson’s production techniques are fascinating on this album. We often hear a kind of flashing-whip sound on the snare, which adds dynamics to the whole album. Rarely has a dub record sounded so electrifying, with radical spatial sound spreading out in all directions and rarely has it been as crystal clear, with warm bass and echophonic treatments as contained within these 30 minutes of music.

43 years after its first release and 20 years after its last re-release on the German-British label Basic Replay (Basic Channel/Honest Jon’s), “Playing It Cool, Playing It Right” is now finally available again via Week-End Records, with a newly revised master and a rare interview with Lloyd ‘Bullywackie’ Barnes, talking on the making of this amazing album.

High ranking anthem from 1982 with the Roots Radics in full effect and backed by world cup winning Scientist dub. Sampled countless times in drum and bass, this is the first time legit seven inch pressing for this original ruling version. Both tracks produced by Henry "Junjo" Lawes, recorded at Channel One and mixed by Scientist at King Tubby’s studio. Limited one-time press only, 7-inch-single with Jah Guidance label prints in a grey/white sleeve with Johnny Osbourne and "Junjo" images. European pressing.

Frontline is the 9th studio album by Dub Pistols. Chief rabble-rousers & festival favourites, the band are known for their veritable feast of jump-up party-starting sounds, melding dub, reggae, dancehall, ska & DnB into an irresistible tonic that has seen them amass a merry band of Pistoleros across the world.

For this chapter, they are joined by a stellar band of featured artists including both legendary & award-winning collaborators such as Horseman, Top Cat, The Freestylers, Myki Tuff and Chezidek alongside long-term Posse members The Ragga Twins, Lindy Layton, Natty Campbell, King Yoof and Cheshire Cat, and regular Dub Pistol frontman Seanie T.

So, saddle up and join the gang, it's time to ride to the Frontline!

Part 3 of 3 of the Disciples dub plate 7" vinyl series. Green Colored Vinyl. Played regularly as dubplate by King Shiloh sound system and many more. This fast tempo steppers tune drops well in sessions every time.

The Disco Reggae Lovers series reaches a zenith with the first ever reissue of Dambala and their beautiful reggae roots song Lorraine. Long a diggers secret, it seemed only apt to ask the DJ who brought it to the attention of many, with a wonderful dub by label stalwart, Lexx. Born in Lagos, Nigera but growing up in the Harrow Road area of West London, Augustus "Gus" Anyia immersed himself in the music of area during the vibrant 60s awakening of African and Caribbean cultures. Learning drums as a boy, he quickly progressed to classical guitar and would perform at school and beyond. Jamming with guitarist Alvin Christie led to them forming Dambala in 1975. Their first releases set them on their way, produced by Jimmy Lindsey, mixed by Dennis Bovell and cut by Porky. From there more singles followed, repeatedly touring Europe and recording for a TV documentary, before pressures took hold and following a change in line up, the band recorded their sole album, Azania. Lorraine was the stand out, a wonderful love song of youth's forlorn love, it's warm drum and bass encompassing the yearning lyric. A small masterpiece of UK roots in it's own right, this special 7" comes with a simple, but perfect dub mix from Lexx and will be followed by a comprehensive reissue of Dambala by the label.

In 2020, Cosmic Shuffling took the global rocksteady and ska scene by storm with its hit singles ‘Eastern Ska’ and ‘Short Break’ taken from the band first album “Magic Rocket Ship”. Highly acclaimed by the fans of sixties Jamaican sounds, this first album was sold out in a few weeks only. Now the band returns with brand new music!

Warning! This is original SKA music of the highest calibre. This new double A side 7” record will set the dancefloor on fire. ’jupiter’s Garden’ is an heavy, slow and extremely groovy instrumental ska blown by a six-piece horns section. It is instantly reminiscent of Don Drummond's melancholic compositions with The Skatalites. The music made by these Jamaican legends in the sixties will never be equalled, but Cosmic Shuffling pays a striking tribute to the style and sound of the Greats. Ready to take off on an outerspace dancing journey?

On the flip side, ‘asteroid Field I’ continues the journey through a zone of intense turbulence: the tempo becomes fiercer, the chords move away from traditional harmonies and the virtuoso soloists display their talent one after the other. All of this on a frenzied rhythm worthy of The Soul Brothers.

You can’t miss this record. Double scorcher. Double fireball. Available on 7” vinyl record with pantone silver ink label. Limited screen printed and numbered sleeves edition of 90 copies!

Geneva’s finest ska and rocksteady band, Cosmic Shuffling, announces a new album Cosmic Quest for May 5th 2023. First single out of the album released on 7” vinyl, Hope FOR Longer Days is another banger from the cosmic septet. Driven by a pick guitar in fine style, this perfect rocksteady groove with wistful horns and voices is expertly recorded and mixed in a sixties fashion by producer Mathias Liengme and sound engineer Roberto Sánchez. On the B side, you’ll be delighted by an extraordinaire organ version reminiscent of the Soul Vendors or Crystalites greatest days.

feat. Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, Luciano, ...

Crafted at the renowned Ariwa Studios in South London, the new track features lyrics and vocals by Askala Selassie, which have been combined with an iconic Aswad instrumental “Warrior Charge”

(Record Store Day Exclusive) Legendary A&O 90's album reissued in 2 volumes incl previously unreleased tracks!The vintage UK Dub sound: roots, spirituality and heavy basslines. Bass-music, play Loud! Incl "Jerusalem", "Stepping Up", "Promised Land", "Great Tribulations".