reggae

The Selecter | Human Algebra (2023)

new wave, reggae, ska
May 26, 2023May 26, 2023

It’s been 43 years since the release of The Selecter’s seminal debut album Too Much Pressure and while it still inspires and resonates today, their new studio album Human Algebra keeps the fire burning with a stellar collection of hard-hitting tracks in the band’s own inimitable style. Human Algebra, released April 21st, is a word from the wise – from questioning ‘fake news’ (“Big Little Lies”), to pointing the finger at keyboard warriors (“Armchair Guevara”), and the scourge of knife crime (“Human Algebra”). Human relationships are also touched upon (“Boxing Clever”), along with a touching tribute to the late great Ranking Roger from The Beat (“Parade The Crown”).
As ever, The Selecter are led by their iconic frontwoman Pauline Black OBE and co-fronted by original member Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson with original drummer Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge. Human Algebra is produced by Neil Pyzer, who also contributes Sax, Guitar and keyboards. The rest of the band feature John Robertson on Guitar, Lee Horsley on organ and Andy Pearson on bass duties. The Selecter

compilation, reggae
April 21, 2023April 21, 2023
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Studio One Space-Age Dub Special is a brand-new Studio One release on Soul Jazz Records which draws on more rare and classic dubs taken from the mighty vaults of Studio One Records.
Most of these tracks are taken from Studio One’s superb long out-of-print series of dub albums released between 1974 and 1980 such as Zodiac Sounds, Ital Sounds and System, Roots Dub, Dub Store Special, Juks Incorporation and others. Many of these classic dub albums were originally released only in Jamaica in short-run pressings with special silk-screen printed sleeves all with striking minimal designs, and which now fetch many, many £100s of pounds.
These tracks, credited to the Dub Specialist, use the original music tracks to seminal Studio One rhythms, which are broken down, reconstructed, and manipulated using the studio mixing desk as an instrument.

reggae
April 14, 2023April 14, 2023

Probably no other Jamaican artist has brought more international acclaim to his island home than Desmond Dekker, barring, of course, Bob Marley, but Dekker came first. Many were introduced to the island’s unique musical sound by the singer’s many hits, most notably “Israelites” and “0.0.7. (Shanty Town).” Needless to say, he was even more influential in his homeland. All Music
The original King of Reggae, Desmond Dekker introduced the sound of Jamaica to the world at large through a series of international hits, with his music gracing the UK pop charts on no less than 7 occasions between 1967 and 1975. This incredible run of hits included, ‘007’, ‘It Mek’, ‘Pickney Gal’, ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’, ‘Sing A Little Song’ and the first Jamaican-produced recording to top the British 7” singles listings, ‘Israelites’. All of these essential recordings feature on the ‘The ‘Essential Artist Collection’, which also includes the very best of his remaining work, with almost every track a major Jamaican best-seller. Trojan Records

deluxe edition, punk, reggae, ska
March 23, 2023March 23, 2023

Dance Craze is a 1981 concert film recorded at various venues throughout 1980 at the height of the 2Tone movement featuring exclusive live recordings by The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers.
This new expanded Deluxe Edition 3 disc box set features the previously unreleased 27 track film soundtrack, along with the original 14 track vinyl album. Newly remastered from the original production masters.
Available as a 3LP Vinyl Box set including the original poster, and a 3CD Clamshell Box Set with the original poster. Chrysalis Records
Directed by Joe Massot (responsible for the Led Zeppelin concert film The Song Remains The Same) Dance Craze was originally released at a selection of cinemas across the UK, US and Australia and there was an album release at the same time (on cassette and vinyl). A comprehensive reissue programme restores the film and presents expanded deluxe editions of the audio on both vinyl and CD. SDE

reggae

The Selecter | Human Algebra (2023)

Various Artists | Soul Jazz Records presents STUDIO ONE Space-Age Dub Special (2023)

Desmond Dekker | Essential Artist Collection (2023)

Various Artists | Dance Craze (Deluxe Edition) (2023)