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.

The recording debut of Baptista from Nagoya in Japan — ‘impulsive and driving but earthy and dark, buzzing with dense energy like a jungle yet spacious like the hall of a mountain king’ — topped off with a remix by Hodge.

From the Life Style LP, produced by Alvin Ranglin in 1981, where it’s entitled I Hold The Handle. The lyrics re-purpose The Heptones, drawing its male-vs-female venom. Barrington’ superb singing luxuriates in this restrained, mid-tempo setting.
Plus dub.

Gospel house the Detroit way. Plus a tough techno-jazz bubbler, and Billy Love in soulful ecstasy, school of Marvin Gaye.

Two knockout Wackie’s 12” sides, paired together for maximum pressure. Each originally appeared on separate twelves, around ‘85 and ‘80. The A-side is another deadly Sugar shot, one of so many for Wackie’s. Backed here with the more obscure Zion Land, a stunning, shimmering roots chant. Both sides extended mixes.

Beau Wanzer and Shawn O’Sullivan.

Two disco classics — Groovin’ You’ and Till You Take My Love (with Merry Clayton) — and the blissed-out jazz-funk of Modaji, featuring Hubert Laws.

Surprisingly the first time on 12” for this brassy, string-laden, modern/Northern crossover classic, more Philly than NYC. Beautifully written by Thom Bell, expertly remixed by Tom Moulton.

The first official 12’ release of these two walloping classics by one of the very greatest soul singers of all time. Undimmed after forty years.