Perfect uptempo rock steady from the Gaylad (copping a little British Invasion, a bit late in the day). The flip carries the swing, though: a magnificent horns cut to Delano’s Tell Me Baby, by The Gaysters.

A scorcher from the golden age of gospel, via its cardinal label.
From 1960, during the family’s second decade with Savoy, featuring Gertrude Ward, Christine Jackson, Mildred Means and Vermettya Royster — and Clara, totally riveting and in-your-face with evangelistic fervour and raw soul.
Plus a rambunctious, floor-filling Wade In The Water, by Jessy Dixon and his Singers.
Handsomely sleeved (showing a contemporary but slightly different Wards lineup).

Tough NYC digi excursion on the E20 rhythm.

The Afrotone’s beautiful, sad excoriation of war, militarism and stock notions of military heroism.
Scars of war? Me no want.
Originally out in 1983 on Vin Hur. With the High Times Players.

Superb, fat, classic roots production by Michael Forbes, with full horn section, organ, expert percussion and drumming. Strong, heartfelt, resigned singing by Mike Anthony (not to be confused with the much more prolific Lovers singer from Lewisham).

Sublime vocal harmony roots. Pure Abyssinians manners.
George Wright and the boys cut one of our favourite Lovers a few years later… Secret Admirer.
Killer.

Sublime, masterful singing — poetic, polyphonic, evocative sufferers — over a stately and atmospheric Java excursion, more sombre than mystical. Super-soulful. Ace.

Minimal, deep, dazed roots, steeped in session vibes.
Featuring Sly and Robbie at Channel One, from the same master tape as Rocks And Mountains (and likewise a Shaka plate, back in the day).

Their 1971 LP debut.
Bad Tune is… a bad tune. An all-time scorcher, push comes to shove.