Reggae & Dancehall 361 Items

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.

Reissue from 1989, amazing leftfield Lovers Rock featuring extended dub version - emotional love bomb. Re-mastered and restored.

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.

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.

This is one of Leroy Simmonds' best-known songs, with a melancholy voice that is irresistible. It was a hit in the U.K. at the time and was later remade by other labels such as Ariwa, but this is the first take. The reverse side is a Lovers Rock version of "Come On Sister," which also has a disco/funk take.

Alpha Blondy (born Seydou Koné; 1 January 1953 in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast) is a reggae singer and international recording artist. Many of his songs are politically and socially motivated, and are mainly sung in his native language of Dioula, French and in English, though he occasionally uses other languages, for example, Arabic or Hebrew.

Vocals courtesy of the late great Jamaican singer Bim Sherman, whose unique haunting voice made him a firm favourite throughout the 70s/80s/90s with the roots reggae crowd as well as On-U Sounds taking Bim to other worldy realms. Originally released on Youth and Alex Patterson’s WAU! Mr Modo label in 1989 and produced by Sound Iration (Nick Manasseh and Scruff). Originally recorded as `It Must Be a Dream’ in the 70s, on this cut, Bim revisits the track in `89 with a meditative part-digital rhythm from Sound Iration backed with a phased-out dub version on the flipside.

Tena Stelin’s ‘Wicked Invention’ is one of the most highly-sought UK digital roots reggae vocal albums, produced by Sound Iration (Nick Manasseh & Scruff), essentially, this is the vocal version of the classic dub album `Sound Iration in Dub’. This vocal set, like the vocal counterpart was released on Wau! Mr Modo in 1989. Features the sound system belters ‘Orthodox Music’, `Jah Equity’ and the title track. Limited to 500 copies only.

Reissue time for the 1989 debut album by the Stuttgart classic SKA maniacs originally released on the Unicorn label. No Sports were the main name in the Germany SKA-revival scene of the 80's, along with Skaos, Busters and Blue Beats. Clearly inspired by the 2-tone sounds of Madness and Specials, this legendary band went on for almost 30 years and included 27 musicians in their different line-ups. This long overdue reissue is out on the 'Black Butcher' serie from Mad Butcher Records.

Killer 1989 digital bizniz from the one and only

Reissued in a fine style, the ultra-classic 80s thriller ‘There You Go’ by Johnny Lee on the original Fat Bwoy imprint. This long time and in-demand gem is distributed through TRS Records by popular request. The people have spoken. Sweet vocals on this heavy and bold ‘Declaration Of Rights’ riddim, perfect combination and class.

Killer combination roots tune from these two legends. Released in 1986, but the music sounds more in a 1980-81 Roots Radics style. Backed with hard dub version.

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!

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.

Pt. 6 of the 'Dub me crazy' series by Mad Professor. Reggae meets twisted electronics for wild dub trips!

Originally released in 1986 on the same Ariwa imprint. True D.I.Y. business from this UK dub pioneer.

Synth lovers rock at its best! Jamaican born and New-York based, Laury Webb is a singer, musician, producer, actor, former model and writer. He's been called both the Opera Dread and the Frank Sinatra of Reggae. Laury's musical career began with a role as keyboardist and later backing vocalist with the reggae vocal group The Meditations (with whom he continues to perform). Laury Webb posses a unique and eclectic vocal style. He has performed at some of New York city's premier musical venues, including Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, The Village Gate, S.O.B.'s, The Ritz, The Lion's Den, Joe's Pub, Leopard Lounge, Kenny's Castaway, Central Park Summer Stage, The Baggot Inn and The Brooklyn Bowl. After enjoying years of being a back-up musician, Laury launched a solo career with his Tigerbone Band. During that period he recorded and releases singles "Woman My Queen" and "It Seems The Same". He was fresh out of college and touring with The Meditations, when he purchased a small organ for his girlfriend/mother of his two children for Christmas. By the time her birthday came around he was so broke and could not afford to purchase a birthday present for her so he gave her a writing pad and pen and told her to write down whatever came out of her mouth, and he sat at the keyboard and began playing and singing. “Woman My Queen”, was the result. “It Seems The Same” was begun in America but I did not finish writing it till the music was recorded. My cousin, Barry Biggs, worked with me on this one. We both sang on the backing tracks.

Straight from the long forgotten tapes of Avi and never released before. The DUB version of Ish I'm Neshama (Man with soul) that was featured on his iconic Lokeach Et Hayom Leat album that was released in 1986 as the first ever reggae and dub record to be made in Israel. Produced by the greatest of the greatest Yossi Fine and Dennis Bovel.

This 7" with the special dub version sees the light of day for the first time ever, alongside its' original track. Fiyah ??

Jamaiel Shabaka was born in the parish of St.Thomas, Jamaica. As far as he remember, he grew up like a child in the country side by farming vegetables under the sun with his family. At the age of five of seven years old, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, California. He discovered music with his mum playing piano and that's how he started singing.

Sometimes he came back to Jamaica and there he experienced Sound System for the first time. There he met a brethren named Ras Kiddus. Jamaiel wanted to meet Sugar Minott so he asked Ras Kiddus to help him. Ras Kiddus brought him to the Youth Promorion yard and organized a meeting. Sugar Minott took time to help Jamaiel to produce his song 'I Am That I Am' at Channel 1 studio on Maxfield avenue. The melody came to him with the inspiration of Jah Rastafari.

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.

Mad Professor, also known as Neil Fraser to his friends is renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking dub recordings, captivating live sets showcasing the creativity of dub sound engineers, and his collaborations with both reggae and non-reggae artists alike such as Lee Scratch Perry, Jah Shaka, Sade, The Orb, Massive Attack, Grace Jones and many more. Above all, he is celebrated for his prolific output in the genres of Dub, Lovers Rock, Reggae and more through his own Ariwa label and south London recording studio boasting an impressive catalog of over 300 releases, among other notable achievements. 

A few years back, we stumbled upon this outstanding Lovers Rock and Dub album which had a very unique raw sound and felt like a whole experience when listened to from start to finish. Alternate versions of the same tracks with different performers in varying styles, tape rewinds, it had us all wonder why it hadn’t gained wider recognition amongst Mad Professor's other releases. 

When we finally had the pleasure of meeting Neil at his recording studio, he revealed that this album was one of his earliest works. It was born out of a birthday gift from his wife—a four-track recorder that inspired him to venture into music-making after years of repairing and building electronics and audio equipment. When we asked him if he would be making music if not for that gift, he confessed that it was highly unlikely (!) 

Mad Professor further explained that this album, originally released in 1984, is a compilation of tracks recorded between 1979 and 1981, representing the nascent stages of his recording and production career, when the idea of establishing a studio and the Ariwa label were just beginning to take shape. He set up all his gear, including his first homemade four-track mixing desk, in the front room of his house in South London. With no prior studio experience, he positioned microphones where he thought they should fit and invited local musicians to collaborate. Errol Sly, Ranking Ann, Sergeant Pepper, Deborah Glasgow, Victor Cross, Sister Audrey, his backing band the Sane Inmates and a host of other talented local artists, some of whom would go on to become stalwarts in their respective genres, all contributed to this album, capturing the raw essence of Mad Professor and Ariwa's early sound. 

Lovers cover of the Manhattans' dance classic masterpiece "Crazy". The urban sound faithful to the original song is superb. The flip side is a first-class cover of the classic by the Blood Sisters, a sister group to One Blood. Both sides are recommended for soul music fans!!

Earl Lindo production from 1984...

1984 mandatory re-issue for british dub-roots combo. Co-produced by On U Sound and Cherry Red the album shows the masterful production of wizard Adrian Sherwood and a series of sublime vocal performances by stalwarts Bim Sherman, Mikey Dread and Prince Far I. The sublime line-up is completed by master musicians Crucial Tony, "Deadly" Headley Bennett, Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah and Evar Wellington. Enjoy the purity of this aquatic sound 1

* First ever official reissue * Remastered from the original analog tapes * LP includes insert featuring lyrics with translation, archival photos and liner notes with artist bio and album story

Já Bô Corre D’Mim

After his first LP Stranger Já Catem Traboi, Tchiss decided to further experiment with reggae and funaná, inspired by the local rhythms of the island of Santiago. Gathering some of the best Cape Verdean musicians of the time, in 1984, together with Zé António on guitar, Bebethe on bass and Alírio on drums, he recorded his second LP Já Bô Corre D’Mim. An album that sings of a young man far from home, his unrequited love and saudade, the struggles of street life in a foreign land and a world of inequality. Recorded in just 3 days at the Pomodoro Studio in Sutri, the album fully expresses the deep and layered sound of Tchiss’ music, where upbeat tempo, powerful vocals and electrifying guitar solos tangle together in a dynamic mix of traditional melodies and cosmic reggae.

Tchiss Lopes

With music in his finger tips and football in his feet, Narciso “Tchiss” Lopes was born on the São Vicente island of Cape Verde on July 27th 1959. Surrounded by the island’s vibrant musical scene, Tchiss began playing guitar at the age of 6, and when he was not playing music, he was playing football for one of Mindelo’s best teams.

Soon enough, at the beginning of 1980, the political situation pushed Tchiss to emigrate at the age of 21. With his heart full of hope and ambition, he moved to Portugal and then to Rome, where he obtained an 11-month contract on a Greek cargo ship. As his father before him, Tchiss became a man of the sea, and his first world tour thus began: from Civitavecchia to Lagos, Nigeria to Senegal, Poland to Scotland, all the way to his dream land, Brazil. Experiencing the sounds of Brazil on his own skin, Tchiss returned to Rome, where his musical career finally exploded.

Tchiss toured Italy from north to south, playing in cities such as Milan, Rome, Naples and Palermo, and brought his music all over Europe: in the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Luxembourg and Germany, to name a few. He defines himself a musical communicator and never stops spreading his music and love all around the globe.

There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley--a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary--is one of them. The idea that a single-disc collection could represent the depth, breadth, and power of Marley's achievement is far-fetched, but LEGEND makes an excellent attempt. Every single one of its tracks is outstanding, and the artist's different faces--revolutionary ("Get Up Stand Up"), romantic ("Is This Love"), devout Rastafarian ("Buffalo Soldier"), and prophet ("One Love/People Get Ready") are equally represented.In addition to his moving message of love and unity, Marley is a master songwriter, as the timelessness of songs like "Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the gorgeous, poignant "Redemption Song" proves. Of course, a true sampling of Marley's output would require some early ska material, the Wailer's debut (CATCH A FIRE), the definitive NATTY DREAD, and his later-period opus EXODUS, but LEGEND provides a highly satisfying, if brief, overview of Marley's genius. A record well suited to any location, season, or time of day, it has proven universal in its appeal. The music herein is as essential as air.

Rhythm Discs! has unearthed the Disco MIX of Sister Candy’s lost gem Keep Bubbling / Version = originally released in 1984 on Raiders Records, the original has been remastered under exclusive licence from Sir Lloyd & Sister Candy. Includes a DJ Sports Remix!

Das Album mit dem Kultcover von Tony McDermott aus dem Jahre 1984 gibt es wieder auf Vinyl! - Aufgenommen im Channel One Studio mit den Roots Radics als Backing Band sowie der Top Horn-Section um Dean Fraser & Nambo Robinson, am Mischpult sass Soldgie (aka Cedrica Anthony Hamilton) und als Produzent fungierte Henry 'Junjo' Lawes.

Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Cult re-issue from this short-lived Bristol project. Their debut 4-tracks EP was self-released on Restriction Records in 1984 giving birth to a collective experience fueled by several members: Andrew Clarke (amj Almighty Groove, AMJ Dub Collective) Clive Smith, Rob Smith (co- founder of the influential trip hop band Smith & Mighty), plus members of Zion Band. Produced by Mad Professor at London Ariwa Studios and featuring extraordinaire trombone player Vin Gordon aka Don Drummond Jr. (The Skatalites, The Upsetters) this quintessential mini-album merged the original Jamaican reggae-dub feel with a more contemporary approach, focusing on the experience of established British bands like Aswad and Black Uhuru.

Limited to 6700 copies.

First time available since 2002. The legendary show was recorded in 1983 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and originally released as a 1LP highlights album in 1984. The Complete Captured Live features all 15 songs performed that night, including fiery versions of “Equal Rights/Downpressor Man,” “African,” and “Get Up, Stand Up”.