Deterge - (2018) Superannuated 2xCS

 Fusty Cunt ‎– 193

Privileged Male Scum - (2017) Deep In Your Guts CS

 Self-released ‎– none

Gaylads - (1967) Soul Beat

 Studio One ‎– 001

The Gaylads are a Jamaican vocal group. They were one of the top rocksteady vocal groups active in Jamaica between 1963 and 1973. The group, formed in Kingston, originally consisted of singers Harris "B.B." Seaton, Winston Delano Stewart and Maurice Roberts.

There would be several line-up changes throughout The Gaylads' ten year history, with Maurice Roberts remaining the only constant member.

Besides recording several hit records, The Gaylads also backed many influential musicians (including Ken Boothe) on recordings.

Originally released in 1967. Recorded by Jamaica Recording Studio & Co., Publishers. Manufactured by Jamaica Records Manufactures Ltd. 13 Brentford Rd. Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I.
Made In Jamaica

Glen Brown And King Tubby - (1996) Termination Dub (1973-79) CD

Blood & Fire ‎– 015

Glen Brown is one of the unsung heroes of Jamaican music. He began as a singer in the 60's, developed his skill as a melodica player, and then made his indelible mark as a producer in the 70's. His forte was the rhythm. Not the bouncing, melodic bass of Studio One, but the heavy pounding rhythms ideally suited to the era of Rasta militance. Typically he would develop a new rhythm, make umpteen cuts with various singers and DJs, hand them over to King Tubby for mixing, and then move on to the next one. He didn't have many rhythms, but boy were they good! Top titles too: "Leggo The Herb Man Dub", "Wicked Can't Run This Dub" and "Request Granted Dubwise" (possibly his best and a surprising omission from this compilation). They were well-suited to Tubby who keeps them simple - chopped, rewound and echoed to the max. Sometimes he interferes too much, when all you want to hear is the bass boom and the drums pound. But you can't really argue with the quality of tracks like "Father For The Living Dubwise" or "Melodica International". Blood and Fire have established themselves as reggae archivists without parallel. Respect granted dubwise.

Gregory Isaacs - (2014) Slum In Dub CD

 Tad's Record ‎– 0912 

I've found this to be strangely absent on many 'Best Dub' lists, despite its obvious place among the classics.
There are utterly wonderful tunes, bass-lines, and general high musicianship by some of Jamaica's greatest musicians behind the expertly and lovingly produced Dub job on these Gregory Isaacs tracks by his Highness Prince Jammy. This is one of Mr. Isaacs' best selling albums despite Isaacs' voice being only present here in a few tiny, manipulated snippets. There is also some terrific percussion work on the album, juxtaposed with the vital intricate drumming of the trap kit.

Habitat Sound System - (2007) Meets Prince Zohar And The Mystics CD

 Gematria Records ‎– 002

Wow! This is by far the best modern dub record we've heard in ages! And you know we love us some vintage dub (Lee Perry, King Tubby, Prince Jammy, etc.) but we've been pretty underwhelmed with so much newly recorded dub these days. Most dub records recorded in the last decade tend to be nothing more but slick exercises in smoothed out reggae and cheesy electronics. Maybe perfect for swanky lounges and as backdrops for radio dj's but when we want dub we want it to be in our face, raw and vibrant, sizzling and brimming with heat and magic. And the debut full length from Habitat Sound System delivers just that!
This is REAL dub, designed to ring in your ears and move your body. No laptops or electronic middle of the road shortcuts here, instead you get a record that echoes with the true sound of organic dub. The instrumentation includes bass, piano, melodica, harmonica, organ, trumpet, electric and acoustic guitar, array mbira, analog synth and of course tasty blown out vocals. When demos from this record started surfacing, dub folks were freaking out, as they were hungry for something new and exciting in a scene that had been overtaken by dull and predictable modern dub, drab and boring and so pointless. Even some of the true originals like Scientist and Mad Professor heard this and gave it major props, in fact Mad Professor ended up doing additional mixing, and even mastered the disc. We first heard Habitat Sound System, fronted by Irwin's brother Preston, earlier this year on a great split with Monosov Swirnoff on Eclipse records, and while this is a way different beast than what Swirnoff does when he plays with Ilya Monosov or in his psych-rock outfit The Shining Path, there is no doubt that he definitely has his finger on the pulse of dub in a way that's been totally kicking our asses! When we first got this in and were playing it in the store, it not only had everyone working nodding their heads and subtly sort of grooving, but customers who instantly bought copies didn't believe us when we told them it was a brand new record, as they were convinced that this was a lost seventies gem from Jamaica. Truth is, Habitat Sound System have created a timeless and near perfect slab of summery dub. So damn good and of course highly recommended!

Horace Andy - (2014) Get Wise CD

 Pressure Sounds ‎– 083

UK reissue specialist Pressure Sounds set the dubplates aside for one of their rare album unearthings in this 1975 Horace Andy LP with cult producer Phil Pratt. Pratt has been running a successful takeaway restaurant business in West London for years, so it made sense that he and Pressure Sounds would strike up a relationship that commenced with the compilation Phil Pratt Thing in 1999.

Phil Pratt was the singer of outstanding 60s singles such as the proto-roots rocksteady classic Reach Out. He then put down the mic for his Sunshot label, chairing of some of the early 70s most distinctive productions: often featuring the spiky guitars of Earl Chinna Smith and Tony Chin of Soul Syndicate band.

It is alleged that Horace Hinds – cousin of Justin – took the name “Andy” due to having songwriting abilities similar to Studio 1 penman Bob Andy. Session drummer Fil Callender recalls Andy auditioning and the musicians being taken aback at his high honey vibrato voice. Yet in a moment that illustrated his vision, impresario Coxsone Dodd was impressed by the unusual tone – one that would be imitated repeatedly in a crowded market of other singers in years to come.

Pratt met Andy at Studio 1 and they began to work together. Al Campbell, who supplies backing vocals for this set, and recorded his own massive pre-lovers rock hit Gee Baby at Sunshot, has claimed that Andy wrote Strange Things for John Holt and The Half for Dennis Brown. Pratt corroborates this in the informative liner notes by Pressure Sounds owner Pete Holdsworth.

Two of the most famous tunes included here – Zion Gate and Money The Roots of All Evil - are better known for the versions voiced for Bunny Lee. But these less exposed cuts have their own subtle power. As well as deep roots we hear brooding lovers in a cover of Ken Boothe’s Let Your Teardrops Fall (which may also have inspired the melody to the Abyssinians’ Good Lord) and culture/romance fusions in the title track (a topical precursor to Andy’s Tappa Zukie smash Natty Dread A Weh She Want). The original record’s ordering has been juggled and embellished with some dub versions and Jah Stitch’s celebrated deejay cut to Roots of All Evil - Evilous Things.

Music-wise there isn’t much to say beyond asking: what would you expect of Horace Andy singing with Phil Pratt producing and Sly and Robbie, Dougie Bryan, Earl Chinna Smith, Fully Fullwood and Santa Davis playing the rhythms? That said, the reissue is a little rough ‘round the edges soundwise. Though it captures the high fidelity sound of vinyl nicely there’s a slight hiss behind many of the songs. But given the time and money involved in locating a mint first press, the majority of collectors will accept this as a fair deal.

The ‘Get Wise’ album was built around a series of singles recorded mostly between 1972 and 1974, as finances permitted. Eventually, a 10-track album was released in 1975. The CD version contains two additional bonus tracks not found on the 14-track album reissues (tracks 15 & 16).

Inturns - (2015) Consider Yourself CD

 Pressure Sounds ‎– 086

This album used to be hard to get before “Pressure Sounds” saved it from obscurity. Inturns are better known as “The Viceroys” and started as a Rocksteady group releasing a couple of rather unsuccessful “Studio One” singles. It’s a shame how this group has been abused by the industry and taken advantage of by producers, only their love for music kept them going. It was first released on the obscure, Jamaican label “Chanan Jah” in 78′ and is produced by “Phil Pratt” so no, it’s not Rocksteady or from “Studio One”. Let us focus on what this album is instead, namely one of the finest Roots Reggae Lp’s ever. I have owned the “Burning Rockers” release for over 10 years and it’s still one of my favorites.

First song on here is “Send us”, a repatriation tune where lead singer “Wesley Tinglin” tells us about the necessities of all black men and women to return to Africa and how he wishes for that day to come. It’s all done over an excellent, organic sounding track which is just a tad bit melancholic and a perfect introduction to the album. Things get way more upbeat next, on “Consider yourself” a love song with great harmonies and while being a good song it’s not one of my favorites on here.

Iv’e always been more of a fan of the “sufferers” tunes (no matter the artist performing it) but the third song, “Detour” is absolutely awesome with great organ and a very catchy refrain (it also was the title of the album when it was released by “Burning Sounds” under the alternative name “Interns”). It’s one of the best songs on the album and would be a perfect anthem song (although “Jah ho” would get that honor if there ever was a Viceroys/Inturns anthem). Another stand out song is “Nothing is impossible” a bit more on the melancholic side although the lyrics are very inspirational. I love the harmonies on this tune.

No review of this album could be complete without mentioning “Jah ho”, despite the spelling it got nothing to do with god and is more a examination of the pirates that kinda discovered Jamaica and what they where up to. It’s easily their most famous song and has been covered by multiple artists (who all made it bigger than “Viceroys” ever did). Once again it’s very catchy and easily get stuck in your head.

There is 2 extended 12″ mixes on the re-release of the tunes “Nothing is impossible” and “Detour” which incorporates the dubs. I don’t care too much for the dubs but im sure some will be happy they are there. As far as musicians go we get greats like “Robbie Shakespeare”, “Carlton Barret” and “Ansel Collins”, it was recorded at “Channel One” and definitely has an organic feel to it, no digital vibes, it’s all real instruments.

It’s a must have album, very few titles come close to “Consider yourself” (or whatever your release is called). It’s the best and most needed re-release “Pressure sounds” have done. It’s early on in the year but this is the release of the year as far as im concerned. If I did not already own 2 versions of it i would buy it immediately and not regret it. Viceroys has released 3 more albums which all are very good (as of this moment they are not easily available) but this is the best of the bunch.

Irie FM - (2010) Skills Of The Youths CD

 Mascom Records ‎– none

Irie FM is a vocal-instrumental experience that counts nine people, gathered around one idea.The band plays roots reggae in the original style along with dub versions of all songs which are played live as “Showcase” versions. The original music is interpretated by the compact setup of instruments containing both rhytm and brass section: the Drum, Bass, Rhytm and Solo Guitar, Keyboards, Percusions, two Trombones and Saxophone.
Formed 2001 in Belgrade, Serbia
IrieFM started by playing traditional roots reggae enriched by jazzy brass moments. As they grew more mature as a band, their music gained plenty of new dub, soul, and punky reggae features. Recognized as Jamaican spirit guardians, in 2006 IrieFM were invited to open for the greatest dance hall artist of today, Capleton. After this, they almost went straight away to Del Arno’s “D.A.B.Ing” studio, where, after two years of ripening, their album “Skills of the Youths” is ready to be picked. Their career continued by their trip to India, and by their signing for “World Music”, and the whole subcontinent market, alongside the likes of Sade, Richard Bon or John McLaughlin

Jackie Mittoo - (1995) Tribute To Jackie Mittoo 2xCD

 Heartbeat Records ‎– 189/190 

A fabulous collection of Jackie Mittoo's cuts for Studio One, which stuffs 31 numbers onto two superb CDs. A few reach as far back as the ska days and his time with The Skatalites, but most come from later in the decade and the dawn of reggae.

Although the set does include a lavish booklet with an excellent biography, frustratingly few of the songs are actually mentioned in the notes, and many of Mittoo's biggest hits -- "Ram Jam," "Darker Shade of Black," "Hot Milk," and "Peanie Wallie" aren't included. For trainspotters it's even more frustrating, as the compilation is a chronological jumble, no dates are given for the songs, nor are the accompanying bands (which include the aforementioned Skatalites, The Soul Brothers, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension) listed.

Details, details: forget all that, and just immerse yourself in the fabulous music. Even with the notable omissions, Tribute to Jackie Mittoo is a phenomenal celebration of the artist's work, beautifully showcasing his versatility, and the myriad of styles he worked within. Delta blues, sizzling reggae riffs, lush numbers, breezy compositions, psychedelic pieces, even Nyabinghi offerings can be found within. There are instrumental versions of hits across the entire musical spectrum from "Old Man River" through contemporary British chart busters, and of course his solo takes on a myriad of Studio One classics.

Beyond the spectacular musicianship all these tracks boast, there's Mittoo's superb arrangements, a craft at which the organist excelled, as he engagingly blends musical styles together, conjuring up a myriad of atmospheres, and sometimes even seamlessly shifting moods between his own solos and the accompaniment. There are too many masterpieces here to list, amongst them a number that were recut to much effect later in the '70s including "Drum Song," "West of the Sun," and "Ghetto Organ.".

Jackie Mittoo - (2000) The Keyboard King at Studio One CD

 Universal Sound ‎– 008 

As Soul Jazz Records enter into the mighty vaults of Studio One , the most respected label in reggae history we present you with this showcase of Jackie Mittoo , one of the defining figureheads of reggae music, and his years at Studio One. From forming The Skatalites, at age 15, alongside Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook and others to his work as writer, arranger, producer at Studio One records during the sixties, writing and playing for artists such as Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths and The Heptones (to name a few), to his career as a solo artist as well as leader of bands such as The Soul Brothers, Soul Vendors and The Sound Dimension, Jackie Mittoo is at the heart of reggae music. He was one of the instigators of Ska music, Rocksteady and Reggae. In the seventies, DJ music and Dancehall were based upon classic rhythms of the sixties, many using the instrumental tracks that Jackie Mittoo created at Studio One at this time. This compilation features the work of Jackie Mittoo at Studio One. It features music recorded as a solo artist (as opposed to the numerous singers that he accompanied). Most of these are taken from his recordings in the mid sixties where he was recording on an almost daily basis at Studio One's Brentford Road studios developing the funky reggae sound that was his trademark. Soul Jazz Records are releasing this CD as the first of a series of Reggae artists to be covered following the success of the 100%Dynamite releases. Jackie Mittoo is as much an icon of Reggae as he is to fans of Funk music. He is without doubt the funkiest keyboard player ever to come out of Jamaica! This is the first volume of Jackie Mittoo' s music to be released on Soul Jazz Records. A second volume featuring his work for other producers in the seventies such as Bunny Lee and Sugar Minnot will be released later on in the year. "CD of the Week. The coolest man who ever lived" THE GUARDIAN***** "Named by MOJO as one of the 100 cult heroes of all time, this is a lovingly curated compilation" THE INDEPENDENT "After Soul Jazz Records' groundbreaking 100% Dynamite CD's comes Jackie Mittoo. If you've caught the funky reggae bug, you need this" MUZIK "Rocksteady, compulsively funky Ska and Soul. An excellent Soul Jazz compilation".