Reggae & Dancehall 354 Items

Originally released in 1980, this album is the final work to emerge from the Black Ark studio, before its permanent destruction. It concludes a series of such LP masterworks as Super Ape, War In A Babylon, Police And Thieves, and The Return Of The Super Ape. Enthrallingly, it crosses the soundworld of Roast Fish Collie Weed And Cornbread with new hybrids — like the irresistible elevenminute opener, rolling and delirious, a kind of reggae prophesy of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing, but musically richer, and more glazed, randy and visionary.

/ hotter fire ... Colored Vinyl

Colored Vinyl

reissue incl. rare 12" mixes

Hard piece of stepping digital from 1989 with the masters of the era on the rhythm track, Steely & Clevie. Likewise, Conroy is one of the iconic artists of the late '80s digital era with numerous classics to his name.

Inspired in equal parts by gangsterism and the exceptional talent of U Roy on King Tubby’s sound system, Josie Wales left gang violence behind to toast on U Roy’s Sturgav sound system at the dawning of the 1980s; after a popular set of albums for Junjo Lawes, Michael Chin and George Phang, the excellent Ruling was produced by singer Tristan Palmer and released on Ossie Thomas’ Black Solidarity label in 1986. Josie is on fine and commanding form throughout, equally at home on spongy Roots Radics rhythms and early digital tracks built by Steely and Clevie. An exceptional slice of mid-1980s dancehall – all killer no filler!

Toaster Jah Thomas began his career on the west Kingston sound systems of the mid-1970s, making a massive splash with ‘Midnight Rock’ in 1976. After a debut LP for Channel One, his self-produced Dance On The Corner raised the bar several levels. Voiced at King Tubby’s studio, mixed by Tubby, Jammy and Scientist and edited by the King himself, the album has Thomas chatting over hard Roots Radics rhythms earlier used by Barrington Levy – the perfect platform for Thomas’ relaxed chants, vexed rants, and commentaries on Jamaican life. This is Jah Thomas at his best – a must for all fans of reggae, dub, deejay, and dancehall!

UK SKA Classic Originally ON THE Unicorn Label From 1988. Finally Reissued Thanks TO MAD Butcher!

Reissued here - for the first time - this ultra-rare reggae album originally released in 1974. Considered by many to be the first reggae "lovers" album ever, conceived by producer Clement Bushay and reggae singer Carl Bert. Featuring: The Cimarons, Jackie Parris, Junior English, Dego Sensation. Engineers: Steve Wadey, Clem Bushay and Lee Perry ... Four unreleased tracks from the original versions are included here!

Pt. 9 of the 'Dub me crazy' series by Mad Professor. Reggae meets twisted electronics for wild dub trips!

Originally released in 1989 on the same Ariwa imprint. True D.I.Y. business from this UK dub pioneer.

Pt. 4 of the 'Dub me crazy' series by Mad Professor.

Reggae meets twisted electronics for wild dub trips!

Originally released in 1985 on the same Ariwa imprint. True D.I.Y. business from this UK dub pioneer.

Double sided killer Wackie's from 1978 - Both sides fully smoked out dubwise trademark Wackie's style, essential.

Originally released on the Jumbo Caribbean Disco label from Brooklyn. "Big Leg Mary" is on the same rhythm as Wayne Jarrett's killer "Come Let's Go" (same rhythm as Dkr-125 ). Wasn't It You is a different cut from the earlier one on the Senrab label (a different cut of DKR 132), but equally as killer.

Out now! The revival of Ruddy Henry's "New Girl In Town," a cherished rubadub gem. Originally launched in 1986 under the AIT label (All Island Television), a short-lived yet impactful music project spearheaded by producer Peter Moodie. This revival features the stellar instrumental and synthesizer sounds courtesy of the talented Star & Rhythm King backing band. A heartfelt shout-out to our dedicated team in Kingston for their boots-on-the-ground efforts in locating Mr. Henry.

We've got a passion for two things: reggae and motorcycles, and we're thrilled to present a reissue that fuses these two loves in a fantastic tune. Singer Earl Anthony first graced the music scene in the early '80s, gaining recognition for his hit "Sensi Man Rock." However, he also left his mark with a few other undercover tracks over the years. In this feature, we highlight a hidden gem from 1987, a scorching digi production that celebrates his Kawasaki motorcycle and his woman's passion for high-speed thrills.

In the ongoing Harry J reissue series, we present Freddie McKay's 'Bag Over Shoulder,' one of his final recordings in 1986 before his untimely passing. Freddie, a truly talented singer, seamlessly navigated from the early Ska days right up to the Digital era. Check out this outstanding tune, giving a shout-out to all the backpack posse.

Finally here, the first release in our long planned Parish label reissue program. Students of late '80s digital reggae know that Edgar Whyte's Parish label is one of the finest labels of the period, issuing many singles and albums, with a unique selection of artists and a bunch of killer original rhythms. We've been working on this program a long time and are very pleased it's finally here. There will be a killer selection of reissue and previously unreleased tunes coming in 2024, all from master tapes. We figured it's only fitting to start off with what is likely the most in demand Parish single for '80s digital collectors, and from one of the label's signature artists. Everton Chambers' "This Love of Mine" came out in 1988 and is extremely tough to find, a ruff piece of stepping digital, even favored for play by the late great Jah Shaka.

Willie Williams is one of those outstanding reggae individualists who has carved out his own musical niche, making a lasting impact as a beloved roots vocalist and lyricist. His unusual vocal tone is distinctive and affecting, and he has taken a singular approach to music production which parallels his uncommon spiritual beliefs; like his friend and collaborator, Yabby You, Williams is one of a select coterie of reggae figures who wear dreadlocks and celebrate the culture of rastafari, but who reject the notion of Haile Selassie’s divinity, standing firm in their belief in Jesus Christ. He will always be best remembered for his landmark Studio One recording “Armagideon Time,” which was memorably covered by The Clash, but Williams’ career has been long and varied, his story taking in many different twists and turns. Another truly original reggae great.

Reissue of the highly sought-after 7” from 1979 by Chicago reggae outfit Gypsy Fari. Gypsy Fari was a project born in the south side of Chicago after a chance meeting between St Kitts expat Leroy Webster and local music grad Kevin Coleman. The pair set out to blur the boundaries of genre with their unique brand of music, spearheaded by Webster’s Caribbean roots and fused with the soul and blues the midwest is famous for. A striking stand-out of the band’s repertoire comes via their debut recording, laid down at Curtis Mayfield’s legendary Curtom Studios. The EP opens with Chi-Town Reggae - a super-charged blend of reggae and disco, led by Websters infectious vocal, steeped in soul and powered by a relentless rhythm section. Hail Jah follows closely, written on the hilltops of the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica, it’s a deadly roots reggae missile that pays homage to Websters beginnings. Once dubbed by a local news outlet “Gypsy Fari are to Chicago reggae what Muddy Water is to Chicago blues” - now remastered, repackaged and made available again for the first time since its initial release.

Jamaica’s supreme rhythm builders during the 1980s and 90s, Steely and Clevie joined forces at King Jammy’s in the aftermath of ‘Sleng Teng,’ with Clevie on drum machines and Steely on synths, to fashion countless hit rhythms for the rising stars of the dancehall movement. Dubbist was the first Steely and Clevie dub album, an irresistible collection of tough digital dub workouts that strips bare the computerised wizardry at the duo’s core. Collecting dubs cut at various studios, including King Jammy’s and Tuff Gong, these killer dubs will delight all digital dancehall fans

One of the most popular and high profile of Jamaican reggae vocalists, Gregory Isaacs was a rough diamond who clawed his way out of the harsh western Kingston ghetto with an instantly recognisable voice that was wonderfully emotive, expressing both his toughness and determination for betterment, as well as the bleeding heart of a vulnerable lover. New Dance is one of the excellent mid-1990s dancehall albums expertly produced by Anthony Dehaney, alias Bunny Gemini, working as usual with the Firehouse Crew, this time with Fatman Thompson of King Tubby’s studio at the mixing desk and guitarist Lascelles Beckford of the Gifted Roots band as special guest. As usual, Gregory rides the rhythms with considerable aplomb, feeling completely natural atop the hard-edged rhythms and tackling a range of topics along the way. Much of the album deals with love lost, love gained, and love deferred; ‘Say A Special Prayer’ revamps the evergreen ‘Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On’ and ‘New Dance’ salutes the allure of dancehall music in the open air. This is one of Mr Isaacs’ better offerings from the mid-1990s, worth getting to know if you’re not already familiar with it, and a must-have if you’ve worn out your original copy.

Rare late 80s reggae/dancehall heat coming yet again on Dinte sub-label 333. This time it's the turn of Hugh Maddo's Pop Style LP. Recorded in Jamaica at Byron Lee's Dynamics & Herman Chin-Loy's Aquarius studios for the Bronx-based Jamaazima label in 1987, it is issued here under license from co-producer and label owner, Nami Harmon. The record features a host of celebrated and renowned musicians incl. Winston Wright, Bobby Ellis, Carlton "Santa" Davis, Dwight Pinkney, Willie Lindo and Mikey "Boo" Richards amongst many others - alongside the sublime vocals of Killamanjaro's Hugh Maddo aka UU Madoo. A must.

Mallory Williams (son of Jamaican pianist and band leader, Luther Williams), a celebrated musician, singer, arranger, and producer, launched his musical journey in 1976 as a keyboard player in various bands within Jamaica's vibrant tourism industry. Along his path, he performed and toured with prestigious groups like Jimmy Cliff's Oneness Band and also We The People Band, providing backing for countless Jamaican artists.

In 1985, during the reggae's digital revolution, Mallory Williams collaborated with Tony DaCosta (from Skatalites fame) and his group the Tony DaCosta Affair (tda), to craft the remarkable single "Yu Saaf." This release not only showcases DaCosta's impressive vocal range but also highlights Mallory's instrumental talent, which incorporates a pioneering proto-digital rhythm. We are thrilled to announce that the 7" reissue of this single will be released back again on Mallory's original 'now' imprint. "Yu Saaf," which translates to "You're Soft" is a pure sound business! It not only serves as a testament to Mallory's production skills but also possesses the power to silence any selectors.

Fully licensed, 140 gr vinyl. Re-issued for the very first time on vinyl – in more than 40 years ! – here’s the third album by the cultish Jamaican band. Backed by such reggae luminaries as Sly & Robbie, Errol ‘Flabba’ Holt, Tommy McCook, Ansel Collins, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith and others , this is a true gem meant to last ! The group was formed by Maurice Wellington and his Trenchtown's childhood friend Eric Lamont, joined around 1975 by Lousi Davis and by Errol 'flabba' Holt. The group split up in 1980.

The compilation you hold in your hands features the best of U Brown’s 1983 release Jam It Tonight, cut at Channel One with the Roots Radics, coupled with enthralling earlier singles laid at Channel with the Revolutionaries. The high points are many in this thoroughly agreeable set that showcases the best of peak-period U Brown; beginning with the devotional ‘Jah Is My Father Still’ and ‘Walk With Jah Love’ from Jam It Tonight, the title track speaks of reggae music’s unstoppable nature and ‘Reggae Gone International’ is a celebratory take of the ‘Pick A Dub’ rhythm, here totally reconfigured, Maxfield Avenue style. ‘Rub A Dub All The Time’ (aka ‘Tu Sheng Peng’) is a killer take of the Dennis Brown song of the same name, while ‘Blow Mr Hornsman Blow’ is an awesome re-working of the ‘Take Five’ rhythm, and ‘Come Along’ a beautiful deejay counterpart to Sugar Minott’s ‘Steal Away Girl’. U Brown has since gone on to enjoy all kinds of musical adventures in the UK, USA, and Europe, where he settled in the 1990s; listen to the artistry on No Stoppin’ This Music and marvel at his enduring talents.

The reissue of "Jah Lives" by Thanks & Praises, originally released in 1988, is out now on 7". This captivating song was initially unveiled as an obscure vocal-only B-side, tucked away on the rare High Gate imprint serving as a perfect example of conscious underground US Digi roots.

Recorded and mixed at Monkey Hill Studio in Queens, NY, it was the creative hub of the talented musician and producer Dennis Mann (who is featured on drums and percussion here). Although the studio ventured into diverse music genres, only a select few reggae tracks were ever recorded within its walls. We are honored to present "Jah Lives" as a testament to the rich musical legacy left by Dennis Mann.

As a side technical note it is worth mentioning that "Jah Lives" was originally recorded using a multi-track cassette recorder, also known as Portastudio. Despite some inherent difficulties of extracting audio from a 35 year old cassette and dealing with issues such as sound bleeding, we took on the challenge of restoring it to revive the true essence of the song. To release 'Jah Lives' solely as a vocal cut would have been a tremendous disservice, so we also embarked on a meticulous restoration process to present the song in all its proper glory. In addition to the never-before-heard instrumental version, the reissue will offer listeners the chance to fully embrace the complete spectrum of the song and truly appreciate its beauty.

Delving into the captivating world of the NY reggae scene of 1989, "So Dem Say" by Winston Fisher (aka Fisha) is an extraordinary yet elusive one-away record. Cherished by Digi dancehall aficionados, it's now poised to make a long-awaited comeback. Originally released as a 12" vinyl single, this sought-after classic is set to be revived in an economical 7" edition with none of its original essence, timing and power compromised. Everything remains intact and sourced directly from the original sources. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated release of this timeless gem.

A very rare independent LP known among Japanese new wave maniacs is officially reissued on Music That Shapes! THE AIR Music International is an experimental band that brings a background of dub and roots reggae to avant-garde free jazz sessions with fuzzy psychedelic guitars. The album was self-produced in 1984 in collaboration with the indie label ICR. The album is dedicated to LEE Perry and quotes Holger Czukay and Upsetters. This album has an unparalleled vibe and is highly recommended for dub, free jazz, new wave, environmental music and ambient music lovers.

U Roy’s chart topper of 1970 “Wake The Nation” released with it’s original dub “Non Violence”.

Sonia Ferguson's debut song, released in 1978. The original song is a mellow instrumental by The Memphis Horns, but the lyrics attached to the song, except for the chorus part, are her original. The reverse side is a representative song by The Heptics (an alias of Paul Dawkins), released in 1979. It is a mature lovers' rock song with a light rhythm and elegant and beautiful electric piano tone. Paul's gentle voice with a hint of elegance accelerates the romantic mood of the song.

A cover of Ollie Baba's song, which appeared only on Sonia Ferguson's only album, "Magic Lady" (1980). It is a pure and healthy love song. The flip side is a Smokey Robinson classic that everyone knows, backed by the iron-clad rhythm section of Sly & Robbie, and is one of the biggest hits of the UK Lovers Rock era.