TURNTABLE LAB

77Klash
Code For The Streets Digi-EP

bass-infused dancehall from the producer of "Notorious"

Fiyah! 77Klash (pronounced two seven clash) is the man responsible for the huge riddim on Turbulence's "Notorious" and is finally back with more grimey bass-infused dancehall action. You should know the massive "Brooklyn Anthem" by now (we sold out of the vinyl with the quickness and the track recently got snatched for Madden '08), but 77Klash kills it yet again on "Mad Again" with a pulsing bass line and pounding drums that explode into the catchy as hell hook. Check "Code For The Streets" with its cool rock tempo that's unique to a lot of dancehall out there. "Yes Shotta" is one for the shottas out there, with the riddim mainly comprised of gun sounds and tons of gun talk, while "Fight" features a more introspective/mellow sound kit, but still wicked nonetheless.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Alice Russell
Hurry On Now (Boub Mix) Digi-12

reggae meets soulful vocals

I saw Alice Russell perform this past Friday night at a Turntables on the Hudson event and she was inspiring. It was a typically surreal experience being in a somewhat fancy spot where there were women spinning around and hanging upside down from these cloth harnesses attached to the twenty foot high ceilings on some Cirque du Soleil type stuff. I also noticed that the bartender who served me was wearing khaki shorts, which prompted me to try to figure out if it was some sort of mandatory uniform or of her own freewill. Either way, the shit was bizzare. That alone made the party worth it, but then I heard this unmistakeably unique and strong voice filling the room. There was Alice in all her humble beauty. Straight killing the vocals with an effortless yet powerful delivery that was actually even richer in person than it comes across in her recordings. That's really saying something considering the fact that Tru Thoughts releases are engineered and mastered really well and that this club didn't exactly have the most flattering soundsystem. The producer on this single goes by Boub and he takes "Hurry on Now" back to 82 with a digital dub rubdown that somehow totally works as it teeters on the edge of Corny Canyon. Alice's vocals tend to get in where they fit in and they seem to fit just about everywhere. That being said, I have to announce that the B-side wins again! The super minimal ersion on the flip leaves just enough vocals in the mix to avoid losing that loving feeling, but turns it into a completely new song. I'm loving the breakdown at the end of the tune, but y'all can't hear that without buying it I guess...
reviewed by Tkat

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Barrington Levy
Barrington Levy In Dub Digi-LP

outstanding Scientist dubs w/crashing, evolving mixdowns and plenty of vocals left in

This Auralux release digs up a lost Barrington Levy dub album that was originally released on Jah Guidance in Jamaica, and no where else. Barrington Levy started his career at Junjo Lawes' label, recording phenomenal tracks like "Collie Weed" and "Shine Eye Gal" over Roots Radics backing rhythms, and those tracks would go on to launch everyone involved into the top of dancehall music. Barrington had the smash Shaolin Temple/Bounty Hunter album, Junjo became the most powerful producer on the island, and the Roots Radics the most in-demand session musicians. Under the general radar, Scientist and Prince Jammy were the engineers responsible for the amazing sound that resulted from mixdowns at King Tubbys, and they in turn got their dues when Greensleeves started releasing the companion dub albums, where much of the material came from Barrington's sessions. Make a long story short, this record features 10 outstanding dubs from the Shaolin Temple era, 7 of which have never been released outside of that Jamaican Jah Guidance LP. If you're into that early 80s Scientist sound, it doesn't get much better than this - outstanding dubs with the crashing, evolving mixdowns and plenty of vocals left in.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Barrington Levy
Shaolin Temple Digi-LP

late 70s roots/dancehall vocal album

All of the material here was originally recorded by Junjo Lawes in the late 70s, some of it when Barrington was all of 16 years old! His talent at this point in his life is downright scary. I feel like an NBA prognosticator talking about "tremendous upside" and "freakish athletics" but damn, dude was that good. Check him out on pretty much any of the tracks here: "Collie Weed," his first major hit, the sublime cover of "Skylarking," "Shine Eye Gal," the sleeper "Looking My Love," they are all fantastic. Of course it helps that he was working with Junjo and the Roots Radics but the sound here is really all about Barrington. Bonus tracks include 12" versions of "Stray Away Girl, Shaolin Temple," and "Hammer" plus a Jah Thomas version of "Shaolin Temple."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Benja
Bo Marley vs. Disrupt Digi-LP

digi-dub + beats

There isn't much that sounds like this. Leftfield may be an understatement. The Jahtari guys take JA music and run wild with it, but somehow they stay tasteful. Definitely some 2.0 shit. Beatheads and dubbers take notice... Jahtari in your area.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae

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Benja & Bo Marley
Bauhelm / Fleisch Digi-EP

freaked-out digi-dubs

More digi-dub madness from the trio of Benja, Bo Marley, and Disrupt. The trio tags on each track, delivering retarded dubs at each pass. Bo adds the vocal dimension on his tracks, but for your reviewer, the dubs are where it's at.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae

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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Roots Rock Remixed (Fort Knox Five) Digi-EP

well done, classy remixes of Marley classic

Digital EP drawn from the official Bob Marley remix series originally issued on 12" in early 08. Despite low expectations, the series was actually delivered as there were no electro mash-ups or trance versions to desecrate Mr. Marley's good name. For the most part, they kept it on the organic, dubby, and breaky tip. For this digital version, the label has selected 5 of the better remixes, headlined by lab favorites Fort Knox Five and Patchworks. Aside from those two, check out the Benjamin Devigne Deep Jazz Remix, which sounds like some old school G-Stone downtempo; and the midtempo break version of "Kaya." And on this sunny summer day, I'm even feeling the semi-cheesy, acoustic beats version of "Mr. Brown."
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae

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Clouds
Elders Digi-EP

dub single with digi-dub + dubstep rmxs

2008 Jahtari release featuring the usual crew of super-underground dub producers. Clouds starts it off with their original vocal track "Elders."
Ras Amerlock creates the experimental dub version (Scientist on blow). Rootah comes with the more traditional crashing version, while Wadadda steals the show with a dubstep-inspired take.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Disrupt
Berzerk Dub / Echobombing Digi-12

instrumental digi-dubs

Two more grumbling slabs from the digi-dub forerunner Disrupt.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Disrupt
Foundation Bit Digi-LP

digi-dub full length from '07

Nasty 2007 digi-dub / 8-bit dancehall full length from the leader of the Jahtari movement. Plenty of fine moments on here the finest moments, like the glitchy "Blast You To Bits(1)," cavernous "Jah Red Gold and Green(2)," malfunctioning "Bomb 20(3)," and heavy closer "Selassi I Continually(4)." Really an impressive next-gen dub album and one that warrants playing out on big speakers. 10 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Disrupt
The Bass Has Left the Building Digi-LP

lo-fi digi dub madnesss

Disrupt is becoming the effective, blunted tip of the digi-dub scene. Here he drops his umpteenth release, creating more inventive ways to manipulate the lo-fi frequencies... seriously does this guy leave the house? It's just dripping from his brain. 12 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae / reviewer reccomended

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Dre Skull Feat. Sizzla
Gone Too Far (Buraka Som Sistema, Lee Mortimer) Digi-EP

excellent tracks feat reggae legend Sizzla

Dre Skull somehow got Sizzla to voice "Gone Too Far," and rather than doing the expected the electro on steroids version, he thankfully goes understated, bordering on feelgood. Bravo. Buraka Som Sistema takes a cue from Dre, and delivers something understated, but it's BSS, so we know that it's gonna drop into the madness at some point (and it does). The Goon Remix is pretty hot as well, in fact every mix here is pretty damn good... even the steroidy ones. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
new disco electro / top albums chart / reggae / reviewer recommended

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Easy Star All-Stars
Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band Digi-LP

reggae version of the famous Beatles album

After the success of their previous cover album, Radiodread, (I don't really think that title needs a whole lot of explanation), the Easy Star All-Stars have set their sights on what is arguably the most popular Beatles album, making it one of the most popular albums of all time. The boys cover the entirety of Sgt. Pepper in order, with vocal duties provided by lots of reggae stars including Luciano, U-Roy, Sugar Minott and even Matisyahu. You might say they had "a little help from their friends," (sorry, couldn't resist). Just like the last round of Radiohead covers, all of these feature tight arrangements, there was definitely no half-assing it. Reggae fans and Beatles fans alike should dig this one, and there's more than a few choice cuts on here if you're looking to add a popular cover or two to your reggae set. Check the title track, "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," "Getting Better," "She's Leaving Home" and "A Day In The Life."
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Ghislain Poirier
Soca Sound System Digi-EP

bass heavy electronic soca

Leave it Canada's Ghislain Poirier to revamp the often neglected Soca genre. Yup, I said it - SOCA. But this ain't your mama's soca. Ghislain mutates the style for 2009 with a huge electronic sound kit, big boomin bass, for high energy dancing like no other. Check Karnival and prepared to go nuts. If that wasn't crazy enough go for the vocal tracks Get Crazy, Immigrant Visa, and Wha-La-La-Leng. This shit is wild!



reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Hopeton Lindo / Disrupt
Rude Boy (Disrupt) Digi-12

digi-dub with vocals, Disrupt production

Jahtari's main man Disrupt taps Hopeton Lindo for his smooth vocal delivery on "Rude Boy." Dub version on the flip.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Illyah
Machines and Ghosts (Feat. Ltd. Candy) Digi-EP

digi-dubs with female vocals

This is a fresh approach to Jahtari's digi-dub style, incoporating downtempo-style female vocals. It's rough and smooth.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Jahdan Blakkamoore
She Said feat. 77Klash Digi-12

hybrid dancehall with dubstep touches

Cool dancehall styles Brooklyn's Jahdan Blakkamoore. Those familiar with this Shadetek Affiliate will know he isn't afraid to push the boundaries of typical dancehall and go for sounds that are more contemporary (i.e. dubstep, bass). "She Said" is an example of this and features a cool double time bounce and emotive synths with melodic singing and 77Klash peppering a lightning fast verse over the top. Goes well with the recent Mad Decent stuff for sure! Also includes the dubstep influenced "The General."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Jahdan Blakkamoore
The General (Marcus Visionary, Noah D) Digi-12

reggae, dubstep vocals

Jahdan Blakkamoore, reggae vocalist of "Sound Bwoy Buriell" / Noble Society fame, goes solo on Liondub Recordings. He packs dubstep hybrid beats by Noah D and Marcus Visionary.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Jahtari Riddim Force
Depth Charge / Farmer In The Sky Digi-12

lo-fi 8-bit reggae dub beats

Jahtari Riddim Force makes debut on Bastard Jazz with some pretty awesome lo-fi dub-tempo. These guys don't tickle the dub, they get into the bed and make it do the reverse cowboy (no homo) while recording it on betamax. Seriously, the beats are so enveloped in the dub, you can't call it either genre. Y'all gonna like this.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / bstrd jazz

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Linval Thompson
Whip Them King Tubby! Digi-LP

reggae dubplates from King Tubby, includes dub versions

Since Linval Thompson was both a prolific singer and music producer, he had some unique arrangements with other producers like King Tubby. Among other things, Linval used to trade his vocal service for dubplates and cuts of the Tubbys’ rhythm tracks that he was singing on. At that time, the progression of a song was basically this: track was voiced & mixed in the studio, then immediately cut to dub plate (with additional unique mixdowns). The dubplate was then played on the soundsystem at the dances, and if the response/demand was good enough, the producer would release it as a proper single. So this style, in conjunction with Linval’s extensive trading, resulted in him ending up with a closet full of dubplates and exclusives that are really just starting to see light now. You get 9 vocal tracks here from the likes of Horace Andy, Thompson himself, Johnny Clarke and Jacob Miller, with all 9 dub versions at the end... all of which was mixed down by the Dub Organizer himself. Most of the rhythms are familiar mid 70s roots steppers, but the vocals and dub mixes are previously unreleased. For starters, check out Linval on the title cut “Whip Them King Tubby,” voicing an war tune for Tubbys soundsystem over the immortal “King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown” rhythm. “Whipping Version” isn’t quite the drum monster of its famous brother, but it’s another superb rendering anyway. Another Pablo/Tubby favorite, “Rockers Dub,” gets a new treatment with Linval’s subtle “Whe The Wicked.” Also checkout Johnny Clark over a cool version of “Freedom Blues” for “Everybody Got To Be Free,” Horace Andy’s “Tell Me Why,” and Linval’s “Tell Me You Love Me.” Auralux is looking like the new kingpin for reggae reissues.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Major Lazer
Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do (Diplo & Switch) Digi-LP

dancehall full-length from Diplo & Switch

Diplo and Switch's new dancehall project has been getting lots of hype over the last few months, and it turns out that this time the hype was right: this shit has more jams than Knotts Berry Farms. The CD opens with the surf-rock single "Hold The Line," which features Santigold and Mr. Lex, and doesn't really let up after that. In addition to top notch production, the album also features a ton of dancehall stars and a few state-side up and comers who should be pretty familiar to the discerning lab customer at this point. Turbulence shows up for "Anything Goes," Mr. Vegas makes an appearance on "Can't Stop Now," while Mr. Evil (aka Leftside) and Swedish rapper Mapei both jump on an updated version of "Mary Jane." Brooklyn's own auto-crooner Ricky Blaze and the perennially slept-on Nina Sky lend their vocals to the Power 106 Anthem "Keep It Goin' Louder," (this one's got "crossover" written all over it) and Vybz Kartel squeezes a few lines into the pandemonium-inducing "Pon Di Floor." Solid tracks from beginning to end, this album is gonna be a force to be reckoned this summer. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / mad decent

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Major Lazer
Hold The Line (Diplo, Switch, Santigold) Digi-12

new dancehall cut produced by Diplo & Switch

Diplo and Switch have been teasing us with mentions of their Major Lazer dancehall project for over a year now, but we're finally in the home stretch, the album will be out soon and as evidence we present to you this officially official promo EP. "Hold The Line(1)" is a wild surf-rock, equine beat that features Santigold and Mr. Lexx. Is dance hall gonna be the new sound of the summer? Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / mad decent

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Marcus Visionary
Musical Murderation feat. Johnny Osbourne Digi-12

drum and bass with reggae vocals

Marcus Visionary taps legendary reggae vocalist Johnny Osbourne for this double A-side release. Old man Osbourne (he's approaching 60!) sounds as dynamic as ever. The dark beats and echoes kill it. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Mikey Murka
Downpressor Man Digi-12

dancehall track from Jahtari crew

Straight dancehall vocal track from the Jahtari crew, pretty tame for the crew known for the crazy digi-dubs. But authentic sounding tracks like this give the catalog some weight. Dub version on the flip.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Mr. Vegas
Oh My Gosh Digi-EP

dancehall meets bmore

Aaron LaCrate and Debonair Samir continue their Bmore remix onslaught, putting the mid-Atlantic touch to seemingly anything they can get their hands on. This time it's woefully underrated dancehall mainstay Mr. Vegas getting the treatment, as the duo bring us three versions of "Oh My Gosh" - one with raps from Verb; two riding the classic horn-riddled "Samir's Theme" beat and one that's more stripped down and suited for mixing. Also includes the hype "Whining Machine."
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / bmore / ghetto / juke / reggae

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Mungo's Hi-Fi
Sound System Champions Digi-LP

reggae vocals, diverse styles

2009 full length Glasgow's reggae champs Mungo's Hi-Fi. Has there been a more rounded, modern reggae production crew? This album doesn't include Mungo's recent forays into dubstep, but rather their more traditional vocal collaborations with the likes of Ranking Joe, Kenny Knots, Marina P, Mikey Murka and others. 12 tracks in all.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Mungo's Hi-Fi
Under Arrest # 1 Digi-EP

rocksteady reggae grooves

Can't resist the warm weather vibes of the Under Arrest Riddim. Here Scotland's premiere reggae label comes through with 3 tracks (with version of course) on this rocksteady style riddim thats just perfect for summertime. The main version features MC Ishu toasting the mic to perfection, while "Joints N Jams" has a more feminine approach thanks to Scottish vocalist Soom T. Also includes "No Time Fi Run" with Junior Dread.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Mungo's Hi-Fi
Under Arrest # 2 Digi-EP

contemporary rocksteady reggae grooves

More tracks on the Under Arrest Riddim arranged by Mungo's Hi-Fi. If you heard the first EP, you already know that this riddim is a warm weather groover on the rocksteady tip, so why not extend the good feeling with a second helping of tracks? Here veteran yard artist Ranking Joe gets in on "Step It Out" with an energetic vocal presence, Black Champagne gives it a go on "Working Harder" and Lyricson hits a nice falsetto style on "Rest Of My Days." Great vibes all around.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Mungo's Hi-Fi
Wickedness Digi-12

reggae dubstep

Mungo's bringing dat digi-dub heat. Listening to "Wickedness" makes me think that those cats up in Scotland must have some crazy green trees, 'cuz they sure know how to make the beats that get you stuck! A totally potent blend of reggae and dubstep aesthetics. The Refix version gets with a deep dubby skank so check dat!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Mungo's Hi-Fi
Yogga Yogga Digi-12

vocal reggae

2006 release from Mungo's Hi-Fi featuring vocals from Murrayman.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Niney The Observer
Sufferation - The Deep Roots Reggae Of Niney the Observer Digi-LP

dancehall + dub productions by Niney, extended/dj versions

Auralux investigates the deep roots work of producer Winston "Niney" Holmes, collecting many rare sides and extended mixes here from the peak of his recording career, that fruitful mid-late 70s period. Niney was one of those 70s producers who knew how to balance the experimental dub techniques with the straightforward toughness of the music, often lacing his songs with weirdness but never straying too far from the dancehall. Some wicked tunes nestled in here, with almost all of them appearing in extended and/or dj versions. The highlight for me is two versions of Gregory Isaacs' "Rock On," both the original 12" version with female answer vocal from Christine, and a heavy horns mix which is followed by the "Murderer Observer Style" dub. The Cool Ruler indeed. Other "name" appearances include Horace Andy on "Them Never Tell I," three tracks from Dennis Brown (check "Jah Is Watching You"), and Leroy Smart's "Jah Is My Light." As you would expect from the Auralux guys, there's also some great stuff from unknowns like The Rock Tone Band ("Burn Me Out"), The Jewels ("Jah I"), Ranking Buckers, Mr Stone and others. 14 tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Noah D
Killing Time (feat. Einstein) Digi-12

dancehall vocals over dubstep and drum and bass beats

Noah D is back with another slice of dubstep, and this time he's brought dancehall deejay Einstein to lend his voice to the tracks. The original mix of "Killing Time" while Einstein sings about, to put it mildly, his frustrations in regards to his finances and career, and what he plans to do about it. Also featured is the D&B mix, where Noah gives it up for all the ragga junglists out there. Boh!
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile / dubstep / baile / cumbia - new arrivals

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Poirier
Run The Riddim Digi-EP

dancehall from Montreal

Following up his Soca Sound System EP, Montreal's eclectic beatsmith Poirier (formerly known as Ghislain Poirier) comes through with the second (of three) EP's he's promised to do for Ninja Tune. Run The Riddim comes through with 4 tough dancehall riddims to cause raucus on the floor. He's even enlisted the help of dope deejays, namely up and coming vocalist YT from the UK, veteran Burro Banton, MC Zulu and long time collaborator Face-T, to lace the tracks with fiery vocal chatta. Check the hard hitting sounds of "Enemies," "Trust None Of Dem," "Gyal Secret Pictures," and "Let Them Hate." Fiyah!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Roots Manuva
Slime & Reason Digi-LP

sixth album from the UK hip hop veteran

Sixth studio album from Mr. Rodney Smith. Roots has been one of the steadiest hands in UK hiphop since he came on the scene almost a decade ago, and Slime & Reason is another solid showing, from toybox dancehall opener "Again & Again" to the slimey "Do Nah Bodda Mi," on through to the Toddla T-produced "Buff Nuff" and sub-sub-bass closer "The Struggle." Check out the companion Slime & Version EP (also available for download) for some nice dancehall remixes of tunes from the album.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Roots Manuva
Slime & Version Digi-EP

dub mixes off the UK rapper's latest album

Rrrrreeeeemix. These were previously only available on a bonus disc which came with the limited edition of Roots' recent album Slime & Reason. Like the title implies, they're mostly smoothed out digital dub versions of the album tracks, with the longtime UK vet coming off particularly nice on joints like Dub For The Worms, the bouncy Do Nah Bodda Mi and skanking I'm A New Man (New Version).
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Scientist & Prince Jammy
Dub Landing Volume 1 & 2 Digi-LP

recommended dub compilation

Volume 1 starts off heavier than lead with "Invaders," Scientist deconstructing the elements of Al Cambell's "Unfaithful Child" into a beautiful mess of voices, percussion hits and cymbal washes. Al Cambell tracks make a few other appearances in this set too, most notably on the double time stunner "Dark Side"- gotta wait until about the half way point for the vocals to come and tie the whole thing up. Scientist's timing is just ridiculous on that one. Also check the king kong bass and Freddie McKay vocals on "Beaming," and the further bass exploration "Time Passage." This is what it's all about folks. The second volume continues with the good shit, starting with "Earth," a version of the Viceroy's "I'm Trying On" that sounds more Jammy than Scientist to me... wicked cut in any case. Linval Thompson shows up on "Denial," Anthony Johnson's Africa gets dubbed for "Base" and "Contact" is probably my favorite cut on here. Strictly bass and occasional drum hits for the first minute, then vocals, then.... drums. Crashing Scientist drums. These recordings come from some of the last true dub sessions at King Tubby's, when the wits and intelligence of the engineers were laid out right before your eyes. No computer business here. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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See-I
Mean Joe Green Digi-12

dubby slowtempo reggae

DC-based See-I, who have releases on Bastard Jazz and ESL, emerge DC's Rhythm and Culture with this dubby slowtempo release. "Mean Joe Green" dribbles at 60 bpm (or 120 bpm, take your choice)... I'm already picturing blunted sundays. The Second Sky Mix adds some spark, but I'm feeling the super-slowness of the original.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae

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Solo Banton
Talk To Me (Disrupt) Digi-12

digi-dub with vocalist

First I've heard from this Jahtari vocalist, who definitely borrows some styles from Techniques artists of the past. Disrupt holds down production and digi-dub b-side.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Soom T / Mungos Hifi
Flying High Digi-12

digi-dub with female vocals

You know Mungo is going to kill the dub here, but the real surprise is female emcee Soom T. She switches over from dropping verses to singing the chorus with ease. She hasn't put out too much material, but you can definitely hear the potential.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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South Rakkas Crew
Mix Up Digi-LP

dancehall heaters galore with tons of big name guests

Are you ready? 'Cause this is the Souuth... Rakkas... Crrrreew!!! Don't be fooled by the generic promo cover - this is Mad Decent, the label that brought you Blaqstarr and Bonde Do Role, remember? And the Rakkas are here because they rock! Originally from Southern Canada, but now operating out of Orlando, SRC are mostly known for their banging dancehall riddims (Clappas, Red Alert, Bionic Ras, Chinkuzi, etc.) and their wide range of styles. This is their first EP premiering their blends to the public, so do not sleep. Everyone from Snackmaster and I to The Rub's Cosmo Baker have been hooked on their infectious styles since the promos were dropped off at the office. The whole album is pretty much on fire, but if you want the hand picked selections, check the dancehall / 80's house flavor of "Mad Again," which uses the keys from Inner City's "Good Life" to make a hard-to-resist hybrid. I never would have thought it possible, but SRC is big on surprises and they pull 'em off with a bang! Also check the Sesame Street pinball number song being cleverly flipped on "Twelve," the Jacksons' addictive "Can You Feel It?" melody on T.O.K.'s "Carry Feelings," the female pop sound of Sandy Smith and Geefus on "When You Play Dancehall," the old skool break mixed with Josh Wink's "Higher States Of Consciousness" on Kid Foreigner's "Hotter Than Them," the new dancehall feel of Capleton's "Real Hot Remix" and Mr. Vegas, Alozade and Hollowpoint on the "Under Mi Sensi - Retro Mix." I know our dancehall section has been lacking tremendously since there's no Frogman's to keep stock on all the new Jamaican 7"s, but this should make up for some of that (although I miss those Reggae Gold covers and promo posters!) Whoo! Very recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / dance+house / reggae / mad decent / and more

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The Bug
London Zoo Digi-LP

Heavily acclaimed dubstep album featuring collaborations with big names in reggae and dancehall

Kevin Martin (aka The Bug) has been at this for a long time, since back in '97 when the group included fellow future-Ninja Tuner DJ Vadim. After 10+ years in the game, Martin finally gets the chance to flex his nasty ragga and dubstep flavored productions for a wide audience with this, his full-length Ninja Tune debut. He's also picked the perfect MCs to flow over his dutty beats: Warrior Queen sounds ace over the slinky, Eastern inlfuenced "Insane" and half-timed "Poison Dart," and "Murder We" features Ricky Ranking, uhhh, murdering over some seriously sinister bass. Also check Kode 9 partner in crime Spaceape on "Fuckaz," the lone instrumental workout "Freak Freak," and "" with Aya and Ricky Ranking.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile / ninjay tune

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Unknown Artist
Outta Space VIP / Back Off The Wall Digi-12

breaks cover of rave anthem

Huge. UK's DJ Defkline and Red Polo have covered The Prodigy's rave anthem "Out Of Space" complete with replayed parts and vocals (from 9 Lives legend Top Cat) and an aggressive modern sound. With this version, they've replaced the lollipop with a dust-laced porkchop. Flip features "Back Off The Wall," a remix of Dizzee Rascal's "Stand Up Tall." Dirty party breaks all the way from the UK's Hot Cakes crew!

reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / dance+house / reggae / dance - lab recommended

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Upsetters
14 Dub Blackboard Jungle Digi-LP

benchmark dub album

Blackboard Jungle Dub is one of the benchmark dub albums- an all-time great for reggae music, one of Lee Perry's most highly regarded and widely known works, and one of the very first all-dub albums to be released. This is a Lee Perry masterminded affair with a tight and extremely funky version of the Upsetters band laying down the tracks. At the time, Perry did not have a studio of his own, so legend has it that this was mixed down by the Dub Originator himself, King Tubby, with some obvious help from Scratch. Look no further than Dillinger's "Dub Organizer" for the proof, but Tubbs never sounded this far out. The combination of his mixing genius with Lee Perry's wild imagination makes just about ever cut on here an amazing slice of perfection. Checkout stuff like the popping "Fever" version called "Drum Rock," the title cut that is called "Black Panta" and its alternate version "V/S Panta Rock," a killer sax-belch version of "Pop Goes The Weasel" called "Jungle Jim," and the decidedly easy flow of "Dreamland Skank." They also include 4 bonus tracks here from the same time period, all of which are previously unreleased. Taste "Upsetter Rhythm #1" and chalk up another dub masterpiece respectfully reissued by Auralux.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
Aquarius Rock: The Hip Reggae World Of Herman Chin-Loy Digi-LP

essential roots + dub collection

I could go into details, probably will, but here's the short version: if you're a reggae lover with a fondness for roots and dub, you can not go wrong with this collection. It's one of those compilations that throws a new light on a whole catalogue of music, in this case Herman Chin-Loy's Aquarius label, always sought-after for its completely unique early '70s sound. Whether on one-off vocals like Dennis Brown's "Songs My Mother Used To Sing" or the landmark dub album Aquarius, the sound is tough, sharp and unlike any other JA studio. Plus it's got breaks (Charlie Boy's "Funky Strip"), and Augustus Pablo blowing young & free on many cuts ("Aquarius Rock"). This collection from Pressure Sounds matches many totally obscure Chin-Loy produced sides with a few well-known numbers ("East of the River Nile" shows up in three forms), but almost nothing from the Aquarius Dub album (collectors altogether now: yes!). Lab pundits agree that this is the first true retrospective for Chin-Loy, earning this comp "much needed" and "highly recommended" marks. Along with ace one-offs like "Road Runner" (a Hi-Records worthy brassy instrumental rip on Donny Hathaway's "The Ghetto") there are multiple takes (typically including DJ and dub versions) of several cuts (check the "River Nile" DJ version entitled "Soul Vibration"... reeediculous). Augustus Pablo's "Song of the East" is one of the baddest, edgiest, hardest versions of the Drum Song riddim ever (that's saying a lot) and Herman's "I Man" lays claim to being the first recording of that foundation rhythm. A sureshot winner in any reggae collection.
reviewed by monk

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
Auralux Reggae Showcase Digi-LP

specially priced reggae label sampler

Label sampler from the finest reggae reissue label around, and it's specially priced just like the CD version (sorry, special price applies to MP3 version only). If you want to dip your fingers into the good, more obscure stuff without having to do the legwork, hit "ALL TRACKS" now. You might get hooked. 11 tracks total.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown Digi-LP

high quality jamaican versions of america n funk + soul

Essential Blood & Fire compilation. Almost all the tracks are Jamaican covers of popular US soul tunes, and I must say that I was a bit apprehensive with this. A lot of the Jamaican soul I've heard recently just doesn't cut it for me. Too much syrup, not enough nuts. B&F crew thankfully keep the tracks hard for the most part, with an excellent selection of both Jamaican artists and the tunes they cover. Boris Gardner's "Ghetto Funk" leads it off as one of the few original tunes, nevertheless a storming tribute to the hammond kings of the US. The In Crowd does an interesting and super heavy slow down version of Mandrill's "Mango Walk." Good breakdowns, great grunting. Lately I've also been feeling Alton Ellis' version of "It's A Shame" and it's super smooth intro. Ken Boothe's version of "Is It Because I'm Black" is flat out rediculous, and Jr Murvin's "Super Love" and Lloyd Charmer's "Darker Than Blue" keep that soulful grit climbing. This is exactly what I always hope Jamaican soul to sound like. Message straight to Soul Jazz head: Blood and Fire still wear the crown. Just kidding, but I enjoyed this a lot more than their Studio One Soul comp. This one also includes the Tamlins hit "Baltimore," Karl Bradney's "Slippin Into Darkness" and tons more. 18 tracks
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reggae / funk soul disco - lab recommended

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Various Artists
If Deejay Was Your Trade: The Dreads At King Tubby's 1974 - 1977 Digi-LP

tough reggae DJ vocals with prod by bunny lee + tubby

I had no idea what I was in for when I first picked this album up. From the opening tune, Big Joe's "In The Ghetto," I was immediately sold on the Blood and Fire label with its distinctive design (bit many times since), informative and lengthy liner notes and simply top notch roots music in the heaviest tradition. All production here is courtesy of Bunny "Striker" Lee, voiced and mixed at King Tubbys during the height of his powers. Tubby is most acclaimed nowadays for his solo dub excursions, but I think that these deejay tracks (where he is just as inventive on the boards) are where it's really at... the combination of things like Jah Stitch voicing "Set Up Yourself Dreadlocks" over a perfect Tubbys dub is just fucking gold bricks (thanks to Cornell on the original lyrics). What about Alimantado and Stitch messing around over a storming Ali Baba version for "The Barber Feel It"? Jah Stitch has a grip of big tunes on here, including the killer "Greedy Girl" simply one of the toughest riddims I've ever heard. Prince Jazzbo's "Good Memories" flips the sound with the sweetest Johnny Clarke melody over that always cool double drum sound. 16 tracks total, highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
Jahtarian Dubbers, Vol.1 Digi-LP

comp of digi-dubs, dubtempo, reggae

10 track compilation of reggae, dub, dubtempo from the Jahtari crew, representing no less than 8 producers. Jahtari has done an incredible job creating a homebase for the new dub scene, and this diverse comp is testament.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
King Jammy In Roots Digi-LP

rare reggae tracks produced by Jammy

Reggae compilation masters Auralux dip into the productions of King Jammy. Like their previous compilations, they go for the rare and the great here, focusing mostly on tracks from the pre-digital days. And man do they come with some serious tunes! You get extended (7 minute plus) versions of Michael Rose’s “Born Free,” Junior Reid’s “Jail House,” Barry Brown’s “School Days(2),” and a couple Lacksley Castell tracks; Hugh Mundell versioning “Queen Of The Minstrel” for “King Of Isreal,” plus the Johnny Osbourne classics “Lend Me Your Chopper” (can you please ball forward?!) and “Folly Ranking,” and a few Jammy’s dubs. Excellence, as usual.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Various Artists
Now Thing Digi-LP

comp of digi-dancehall dubs

Mo Wax's 2001 Now Thing compilation was pretty prophetic in terms of signaling the shift from sample-based hip-hop production (the Mo Wax of old) to more of a lo-fi digital sound utilized today by Diplo, Switch, etc (not to mention the whole dubstep connection). This comp features the digital dubs (instrumentals) of dancehall riddims from some of the scene's most respected producers. Taken out of the context of their more familiar vocal versions, these riddims turn into hyper-creative electro tracks at midtempo speed. You'll be surprised with the discoveries here. 15 tracks, artwork by Reas.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Various Artists
Roots Of Dancehall Digi-LP

quality early dancehall reggae compilation

This compilation from Auralux (favorite reggae reissue label) focuses on the highly influential 1978-80 period that found producers Linval Thompson and Junjo Lawes working together with the Roots Radics band and Scientist. That production battery cut a major chunk of the biggest dancehall tunes of the day, but rather than rehash all the tracks which have been issued to death, Auralux has put together an impressive collection of hard hitting rarities here. You get songs from obscurities like Reggae George, Lee Van Cliff, and Earl 16 alongside bigger stars (although never that big for Junjo/Linval) Horace Andy, Freddy McKay, Little John and Cornell Campbell- all of them super rare tracks and ones you'll actually be glad to have. Horace Andy opens up with “Jah Provides,” a previously unreleased stepper on the Real Rock rhythm, then comes back later with the painfully cool “Don’t Say No,” which is in the full extended 12” version here. George Nooks features on another previously unreleased track, “Worry Not Yourself,” a bass-heavy recut based on Burning Spear’s “Rocking Time.” Warble-king Don Carlos drops “Rootsman Party” over one of those powerfully slow Roots Radics rhythms, puching along at a screwed sirrup pace. I’m feeling this guy Reggae George too, he’s got one of the best tracks on here with “Down In The Ghetto”- check that intro. Twice. Cornell Campbell finishes things off with one of his great soaring/airy vocals over a double-timed beat on “Whenever You Want Me.” A note on the sound quality: the entire album was remastered with valve stages and analog tapes, so we get an album of tracks that is both crisp and incredibly true to the way the original records sound. Bass fucking heavy with every Scientist flourish detectable. 14 tracks.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Visionary & Peter Ranking
My Girlfriend / Sukiyaki Digi-12

drum and bass with reggae vocals

From Brooklyn's Liondub International, this record pairs the drum and bass duo Visionary with original JA vocalist Peter Ranking for fresh results.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Visionary & Peter Ranking
Now / Girlfriend Dub Digi-12

drum and bass with reggae vocals

Debut release from Brooklyn's Liondub International. This record pairs the drum and bass duo Visionary with original JA vocalist Peter Ranking for fresh results.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae / dstep+grime+baile

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Vybz Kartel
Pon Di Gaza Digi-LP

22 track reggae album

In a world of flash singles and filler albums, leave it to Vybz to craft a 22 track album. But not many artist have such drama-filled lives to gain such inspiration from. Within the last year Vybz has been wrongly jailed, dealt with multiple baby mama drama, experienced the death of friend, and had his headlining beef with Movado. You can hear it in the progression in the album. Interspersed amongst the club tracks, you'll find deep ballads that give you a real sense of his struggle.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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Vybz Kartel
Yuh Love (Dre Skull) Digi-12

poppy, electronic collabo between Vybz and Dre Skull.

Fresh off the heels of his track with Sizzla, Dre Skull is back with another digital dancehall production, this time collaborating with Vybz Kartel. Vybz shows off his vocal cords a bit (who knew the guy could sing?) and sounds damn sentimental on the track, definitely a 180 from a lot of the harder stuff he normally voices. The beat is a nice slice of electronic pop, but with obvious Jamaican influences in terms of rhythm and structure. Diplo and Switch had better watch their backs, looks like they're not the only ones putting a fresh spin on the Jamaican sound. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / reggae

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