Buju Banton – Trust / Steppa – Track of the Week
(Gargamel/Roc Nation/Island) My tastes in reggae music are fairly specific: Studio One, proper Jamaican dub and roots from the 1970s and early 1980s (think Junjo, Linval and the Roots Radics at…
Monkey Marc Vital Sound Q&A by The Groove Thief
"I feel that now the time is ripe for Vital Sound. I feel there is no better time for music with a message that speaks to the reclaiming of power by people across the planet. We are in desperate…
Puffers Choice Vol. 3 – Scotch Bonnet Records
Mungo’s Hi Fi have long been tastemakers in the sound system scene, with their ongoing series Puffer’s Choice putting the proof on 12”. The third installment’s twelve eclectic tracks feature…
Burning Soundz ft. Naptali and RSD Remixes – Pure & Divine EP
An unintended geographical twist, coronavirus-induced, found Rob Smith (well-known as both RSD and for his collaborative work with Ray Mighty as Smith & Mighty) locked down in New Zealand earlier…
Keith Lawrence featuring Tippa Irie – Dem Too Bad Mind
7" and digital formats Consummate South London selector and presenter Keith Lawrence presents his latest 7" release on his Muzik-Ed label. Dem Too Bad Mind Ft Tippa Irie by Keith Lawrence Keith has…
Manudigital – Dub Trotter
A weighty tribute to prior travels, now perhaps slightly yearning, Manudigital’s Dub Trotter takes listeners from Europe to Asia to the Americas. Composed during the artist’s 2018-2019 global tour,…
Mikey Majestic Mix for NiceUp
NiceUp Crew · Mikey Majestic Mix For NiceUp In the early 90's I had a notion to learn the bass guitar. As reggae has always had the best basslines, I bought a cassette of Lee Perry and the Upsetters…
McPullish interview and Lone Wolf McDub LP review
A stalwart of the American West’s reggae scene, McPullish has arguably crafted his greatest work yet on his 2020 release Lone Wolf McDub. Tumbling in like a skanking soundtrack to a forthcoming…
Just Bee – Mpondo 1957
With the final track off the Summer EP 2020 (and what a summer it has been, especially here in the USA), Just Bee makes a sonic statement about the frenetic, unifying powers of uplifting future bass…
Mikey Majestic Crucial Selection
"Ace Ninety Skank" aka "S90 Skank" is my hit pick. This record was the first Big Youth 45 I brought. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it. The tune was recorded in the mid-seventies for Keith…
MouseFX In Jamaica
The MouseFX In Jamaica EP is a triumphant cultural continuation, finding the leading voice of Cantonese reggae in the genre’s home country. Paired with producer Skunga Kong (son of singer I Kong,…
Jinja Cat Crucial Selection
From my collection I've picked this 7", which is my hot little copy of the "Living Dangerously" riddim. Produced by Paul 'Jah Screw ' Love, for Time 1 International records. Despite the lack of album…