The absolute bee’s knees in chilled, atmospheric, vibesing reggae.
From the elusive 1980 Studio One LP Showcase, like the terrific flip ‘Oboe’ (presumably a spliffed-up ‘Obeah’).
Beautifully limber, expansive production-work, dubwise from the off, featuring ace percussion, scrubby guitar by Eric Frater, and Mittoo zoning clean out.
Released on its Jack Jones for the first time, and sounding predictably deadly on 12”, though you’ll wish it ran for miles.
Total one-of-a-kind murder.
Dubplate, deejay piece to Fulk Reid’s Golden Daffodils (itself put back till the next batch of Digikillers, because of manufacturing problems). Mojo Blue aka Jah Mojo, from Santic.
Terrific, deep roots, protesting the imprisonment of Desmond Trotter for the 1974 murder of a US tourist in Domenica. (Trots was fingered by a young lady from Antigua called Pretty Pig, the court was told.)
Originally released on the Jumbo Caribbean Disco label run by Brooklyn’s African Record Center shop. Discomixes, both sides.
Don’t miss it.
Opportunity knocking once. Mid-tempo doowop-ska. On the flip, the Sneer Towners, hardly a household name themselves.
Ace, quirky one-away — effervescent singing on a bubbling rhythm, with ticking drums and deft keyboard interjections.
A teenaged Montgomery and friends from school, trying out Wild Bill Davis and stuff from the radio, with a JA twist.
Quality US roots in extended mixes. More Relation started up in New York in 1977, backing the likes of Larry Marshall and Carlton Coffee.
A locomotive Ben E. King cover and some wistful Deadly Headley. Derrick’s singing is clear as a bell; Striker Lee works the throttle. One to stick next to DM’s Seven Letters.
Bringing together two sevens originally released in Jamaica on the Afro Black label, in the mid-seventies. Rootical domestics, soulfully delivered, over tight, funky playing. You Let Me Down is Wackies’ sublime Black Harmony rhythm, no less.
Collectors’ heaven, utilising Joe ‘Basement Session’ Morgan’s own imprint Fish Tea, going since the 1980s.
The ska originator in his 1964 prime; plus a knees-up Baba Brooks.
A double-header of booting, irresistible JA rhythm and blues.
His masterwork, from 1975. Great songs — a tough mix of mysticism, politics and philosophy — with Robbie Lyn from the Sound Dimension, Geoffrey Chung gently testing the reggae envelope, Clive Hunt from Wackies, a sprinkling of Black Ark, masterful drumming by Horsemouth… and PM’s compelling voice.
Wow… the triumphant comeback of the indomitable King Culture. Super-heavy, Radics-style, wrecking-ball rhythm; proper singing; tough dub. The mixing of the harmony singing is magical.
‘Close your eyes. What do you hear? Do you hear your own heartbeat? Do you hear the grasshopper which is at your feet?’ ‘Old man, how is it that you hear these things?’ ‘Young man, how is it that you do not?’
Musical Kung Fu care of Clive Hunt at the Black Ark.