Joseph Cotton & Earl Heptones - "Misty Morning" (4:00)
Room In The Sky All Stars - "Smoking Horn" (feat Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton) (4:21)
Review: The latest from the Joe Gibbs label features a powerful roots rockers reinterpretation of The Sensations' classic rocksteady tune 'Everyday Is Like a Holiday.' The new version from Ruddy Thomas brings a different kind of energy while honouring the soulful essence of the original. It's packed with plenty of mad mixing desk effects and endless echo while warm vocals and deep basslines lock in a steady, hypnotic rhythm. On the B-side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals deliver 'Holiday Style' which has happy horns and melodies that sparkle in the hot summer sun. Real roots authenticity and dub mastery make this another vital 7".
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Review: Room In The Sky's latest limited edition release showcases The Inn House Crew and delivers some heavyweight roots rockers dubs featuring an impressive lineup of musicians from Jamaica and the UK. The collection includes performances by legends like Sly Dunbar, Flabba Holt, Vin Gordon, and Robbie Lyn, alongside talents such as Ben Bell, Horseman, and Jerry Lionz. Recorded at renowned studios like Tuff Gong in Jamaica and Ariwa, this is a record that is steeped in authentic roots vibes. The DIY-inspired artwork, featuring eco-friendly, inside-out sleeves, complements the music's raw and organic feel and makes it a must-cop for roots dub enthusiasts, especially as this pressing comes in a lovely scree-printed jacket so beautifully celebrates some deft craftsmanship and real heritage.
Barry Issacs & Deemas J - "Revolution Deh Yah" (feat George Dekker) (5:01)
The Rits Riddim Force - "Forward Lewi" (4:57)
Review: Room In The Sky has always dealt in a fine line of roots and reggae whether serving up various artists' collections, reissues or all-star studio bands. Here we get two crucial rhythms on a tidy new 45rpm. The first is Barry Issacs & Deemas J's 'Revolution Deh Yah' featuring George Dekker, a founding member of The Pioneers, the hit reggae group that had plenty of UK chart success. On the flip is The Rits Riddim Force with their 'Forward Lewi', a fleshy, warm and cavernous rhythm that invites you to sink in deep.
Review: J Nile is the son of reggae legend Gregory Isaacs and his vocal work is almost as powerful as that of his great father. To prove it once more he presents his powerful new album Tired which manages another sound both fresh and new but also a descendant of roots greats who have gone before, not least his dad. The authentic tunes feature collaborations with some of reggae's finest musicians including Sly Dunbar, Vin Gordon, Michael "Megahbass" Fletcher and Alan Weekes, With deep roots and a modern production edge in things like the shiny synth work, Tired blends conscious lyrics and soulful rhythms that capture the spirit of classic reggae. There are plenty of sunny horns and swaggering low ends with substance, soul and timeless grooves never far away.
Review: This is a new cut of new cut of the classic O'Jays track that was recorded with Winston Reedy and the Cimarons in the 1970s. 'Ship Ahoy' is as laid back and immersive as roots gets with its swaggering low ends and sparse, ruminant chords. The vocals are in no hurry either and add a lingering sense of soul that really cuts deep. On the flipside, the label's in-house production crew Room In The Sky Allstars offer up their melon-twisting and paired back 'Woy Hoy Dub.' Two classy gems.
Review: The renowned Jamaican reggae singer Winston Reedy is someone who has had several solo number-one hits that have made him widely known in the reggae world. He was also the lead singer for top reggae band The Cimarons with whom he saw much more success. He leads this new 45rpm with the super laid back and vibey 'Pirate' and it is paired with a 'Steady Rock' dub by The Inn House Crew, then backed with Jamaican-born, London-based artist, songwriter and producer Barry Issacs and a Germany-based Jamaican in Juliaiasiah whose 'Secret' is a sun-kissed delight.
The Inn House Crew - "Headlock Riddim" (feat Vin Gordon & Bongo Herman) (3:07)
Fawda Don - "Warrior" (3:24)
Barry Issacs - "So Mi Get It" (3:16)
Review: Winston Ready has played a big part in the evolution of reggae booth as a solo artist and as the mic man for The Cimarons. He has had plenty of hits in his time and is now a regular on this label, Room In The Sky, with a couple of tunes dropping this month alone. 'Cool It Amigo' is first up and is an earthy one with shakers and fat horns over deep bass. The Inn House Crew then appear as usual with a head-twisting dub and on the flip are two more cuts that rework the original, firstly Fawda Don's 'Warrior' then Barry Issacs's 'So Mi Get It.'
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