VA - Jungle Mania (1994)

Jungle is a genre of electronic music derived from breakbeat hardcore that developed in England in the early 1990s as part of UK rave scenes. The style is characterized by fast tempos (150 to 200 bpm), breakbeats, dub reggae basslines, heavily syncopated percussive loops, samples, and synthesized effects. Long pitch-shifted snare rolls are common in old-school jungle. Jungle was a predecessor to drum and bass, a well-known genre of electronic music.

"Jungle Mania" kicks off with the epochal ragga jungle scorcher "Oroginal Nuttah," if you don't already have that on hand. None of the other tracks are as unhinged or pulverizing, but in all their soul and strut, they add up to a pretty essential field report from the front lines of jungle's golden era. If you have more than a casual interest in jungle, get and keep this within arm's reach– it's an inexhaustibly crucial text. Jungle is still MASSIVE!


Tracklist:

01. Shy FX & UK Apachi - Original Nuttah [04:01]
02. Leviticus - The Burial [05:43]
03. DMS & The Boneman X - Sweet Vibrations [04:34]
04. M-Beat - Style [05:05]
05. Aswad - Warriors Jungle Beat (Beatmasters Mix) [04:10]
06. Barrington Levy & Beenie Man - Under Me Sensi (Jungle Spl
iff) (X Project Remix) [04:34]
07. Deep Blue - Helicopter [05:26]
08. Subnation - Scotty III [06:06]
09. DJ Taktix - The Way (Shadow VIP Mix) [05:19]
10. Firefox & 4-Tree - Warning (Powder Mix) [04:42]
11. Dawn Penn & Bounty Killer - You Don't Love Me (No No No)
(Reel 2 Reel Junglist Mix) [04:45]
12. Ratpack - Tra La La Boom (Jungle Edit) [04:05]
13. Tom And Jerry - Maximum Style [04:57]
14. Krome & Time - The Licence [04:49]
15. Nicky Blackmarket - Geese Tune [04:37]
16. Shy FX & Gunsmoke - Gangsta II [06:42]


VA - Jungle Mania (1994)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

Junior Byles - A Long Way (1999)

One of Jamaica's most tragic figures, Junior Byles was also one of the island's greatest root stars. His vocals were quite unique, and although his soft, almost husky voice would never ring from the rafters nor give voice to anger, the gentle timbre still expressed deep emotions. His was the voice of the meek and was all the stronger for it. The closest comparison is perhaps with the vulnerable tones of Slim Smith, but while the former Unique made his mark with love songs, Byles would speak not for the lovelorn, but for the oppressed. The two men did share another link, however, both suffered from serious psychological problems that in one case ended one man's career and left the other in ruins.

Junior Byles most popular record is probably "Curly Locks" issued on Orchid in 1974. His recorded output continued unteil 1982, with singles for a number of producers including Lloyd Campbell, Blacka Morwell, Joe Gibbs and Niney the Observer, one of the original rockers reggae producers who´d also worked with producers Joe Gibbs and later with Channel One´s JoJo Hoo Kim. Niney had long recognised Junior´s talent - and his brand of hellfire reggae meshed neatly with Junior´s iration - their collaboration is presented here on this album.

Tracklist:

1 Jah Will Be Mine
2 Rasta No Pickpocket
3 Trial And Crosses
4 Order Of The Day
5 Stick Of An Ounce
6 I Don't Know
7 Babylon
8 Whip Them, Whip Them
9 Africa
10 Take My Share
11 What We Do For Them
12 It Was A Long way
13 Sugar Sugar
14 Da Da

Junior Byles - A Long Way (1999)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

Creation Rebel - Rebel Vibrations (1979)

The product of the fertile and prolific British producer, mixmaster, and dub genius Adrian Sherwood, Creation Rebel was one of Sherwood's first endeavors as a producer. Originally the backing group for the late reggae great Prince Far-I, Creation Rebel worked with Sherwood from 1977-1980, recording some of the best reggae dub music this side of Lee Perry during the early English punk era. Languorous, funky, spacy, and totally intoxicating, it's exciting to hear the awesome production/mixing talents of Sherwood in their early days. Similarly, the band (drummers Style Scott and Fish Clarke, bassist Clinton Jack, keyboardist Bigga Morrison, guitarist Crucial Tony, and percussionist Slicker) play with a grace, effortlessness, and power that most studio bands would kill to achieve. With the band's talents so wonderfully used by Sherwood, this is without a doubt some of the best and most important non-rock music to be made in England in the late '70s.

"Rebel Vibrations" is an instrumental dub affair that can now be appreciated as largely experimental in its approach, described by Adrian Sherwood as "...exploring the unique possibilities of space in sound within the disciplined structures of rhythm, using bassline melodies and relying as much on the understated side of the overall result as on the overstated...". Originally released on pre-On-U Sound label Hitrun in 1979.


Tracklist:

1. Rebel Vibration
2. Jungle Affair
3. Hunger And Strife
4. Ian Smith Rock (Dub)
5. Diverse Doctor
6. Mountain Melody
7. Black Lion Dub
8. Doctors Remedy


Creation Rebel - Rebel Vibrations (1979)
(256 kbps, cover art included)

Olodum - Pela Vida (2003)

Olodum is the most well-known of the Samba Reggae bands based in Salvador Bahia Brazil. Their style has an Afro swing combined with elements of reggae.

One of many similar groups in the city (and elsewhere in Brazil), it offers cultural activities to young people, largely centered around music; it also offers theatrical productions and other activities. Founded in 1979, its stated aims are to combat racism, to encourage self-esteem and pride among Afro Brazilians, and to fight for civil rights for all marginalized groups.

Samba-Reggae is a music genre born in Bahia, Brazil. As the name suggests, it was originally derived from a blend of Brazilian Samba with Caribbean Reggae. It arose in the context of the black pride movement that occurred in the city of Salvador de Bahia, around the 1970s, and it still carries connotations of ethnic identity and pride for Afro-Brazilians today. Bahia's population has a large proportion of dark-skinned Brazilians who are descendants of African slaves who were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 18th and 19th centuries. These Afro-Brazilians played a major role in the early development of samba, which first took form in a Bahian style of dance and music called "samba de roda”. Samba de roda was brought to Rio de Janeiro by Bahians around 1900, where it was combined with harmonic and rhythmic elements from European influences (such as chorinho and military marches). By the 1930s, samba de roda had developed into the faster, more harmonically complex Rio-style samba that is now played in Rio's Carnival. Samba-reggae represents an effort by black Brazilians to develop a Carnival parade music that they could call their own, and to form all-black or mostly-black blocos with which they could parade during Carnival. The afro bloco music was very different because they aimed to recreate and strengthen their community through their music. Olodum is undoubtedly the most famous musical act performing samba-reggae in Brazil.


Tracklist:

1 Voltei pra Voce
2 Boiada Olodum
3 Venha me Amar
4 Olodum Forca Divina
5 Olodum pra Balancar
6 Acima do Sol
7 Olodum Ventania (Cabeca de Nego)
8 Olodum do Pelo
9 Clima do Veráo (Bota um Chopp aí)
10 Olodum Maré
11 Black Man
12 Manifesto Pela Paz
13 Natureza Viva
14 Submerge
15 Hino Nacional

Olodum - Pela Vida (2003)
(192 kbps, cover art included)

Negus Roots Players ‎- Negus Roots Meets The Mad Professor In A Rub A Dub Style (Dub Rockers Volume 2) (1983)

A disciple of Lee "Scratch" Perry, Mad Professor was one of the leading producers in dub reggae's second generation. His "Dub Me Crazy" albums helped dub make the transition into the digital age, when electronic productions started to take over mainstream reggae in the '80s. His space-age tracks not only made use of new digital technology, but often expanded dub's sonic blueprint, adding more elements and layers of sound than his forebears typically did. In the mid-'90s, he returned to the basics, debuting a more retro-sounding style on the "Black Liberation Dub" series. 

Additionally, he ran his own studio and label, Ariwa, which was home to a stable of vocalists (with an emphasis on lovers rock and conscious roots reggae) and some of the finest British reggae productions of the era. As his reputation grew, he became a remixer of choice for adventurous rock and techno acts, most notably revamping Massive Attack's entire second album under the new title "No Protection".

This album was Recorded at Aquarius Studios, Kingston, Jamaica in 1983. Mixed at Ariwa Studios, London by The Mad Professor. A1 is titled "Dubbing Jah" on back cover vs. "Dubbing In A Jar" on label. Guess there was never a 'Dub Rockers Volume 1.


Tracklist:
A1 Dubbing In A Jar
A2 Bad Man Dubbing
A3 Lightning Dub
A4 Cruel Dub
A5 Classic Dub
B1 True Skank
B2 Wicked Skank
B3 Skanking Girl
B4 Wolf Skank
B5 Skanking Princess


Negus Roots Players ‎- Negus Roots Meets The Mad Professor In A Rub A Dub Style (Dub Rockers Volume 2)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

More Rockers - Selected Cuts From More Rockers - 12 Inch Selection (2001)

More Rockers is an alias used by British producers Rob Smith (formerly of Smith & Mighty) and Peter D (part of an early Massive Attack lineup).

Both aren't always on the tracks together (playing a bit of "musical chairs" back and forth), but the sound remains the same regardless -- elements of jungle breakbeats, reggae, and R&B are fused together.

The duo first began issuing singles (including a cover of Roberta Flack's "First Time I Saw Your Face" in 1995, which earned More Rockers a vote by Melody Maker for Single of the Year), before issuing such full-lengths as 1998's "Selection 2" and the 2001 compilation "Select Cuts from More Rockers", often utilizing the vocal talents of such artists as Henry & Louis and Marilyn McFarlane.



Tracklist:

More Rockers - Dis Ya One 1:06–
Virginia - Rainbows (More Rockers Dub) 5:52–
More Rockers - Show Love 4:31–
More Rockers - Badness A Madness4:32–
On - First Time I Saw Your Face (More Rockers Mix) 5:57–
More Rockers - 1, 2, 3, Break 5:12–
More Rockers - Another Day (More Rockers Alternative Mix) 5:47–
More Rockers - Sweetest Hangover 6:42–
More Rockers - Your Gonna (Make Me) (Peter D Mix) 5:10–
More Rockers - I Need Some Lovin (Smith & Mighty Mellow Mix) 5:14–
More Rockers - Brite Future 4:07–
On - First Time I Saw Your Face (Yorkshire Dub Mix) 6:54–
Henry, Louis & Smithy - How Can A Man Be Happy (Dub) 5:55–
Henry & Louis - Love & Understanding 4:49–
Virginia - Rainbows (Henry & Louis Mix) 7:21

More Rockers - Selected Cuts From More Rockers - 12 Inch Selection (2001)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

Nicolette - Now Is Early (1992)

From rare-groove to rave to trip-hop and soul, Nicolette was one of the most eccentric dance vocalists of the 1990s, working with everyone from the one-shot rave act L.A. Style to electro futurists like Plaid. Born in Scotland though she was raised in Nigeria, France and Switzerland, Nicolette debuted with the single "Wicked Mathematics" after being one of the first signings by the eponymous label run by Shut Up and Dance. Her debut album, 1992's "Now Is Early" showed her to be an uncommonly mature talent who wrote her own songs (some engaged in political commentary) and featured a warm, crystalline voice. Besides various vocal gigs (including Massive Attack's "Protection"), Nicolette rarely recorded during the next four years. Finally in 1996, she was signed to Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud Records. Her second album, "Let No-One Live Rent Free in Your Head", appeared that same year. Nicolette also contributed an edition in Studio !K7's "DJ Kicks" series.

"Now Is Early" is the debut studio album by Scottish singer Nicolette, produced by English electronic duo Shut Up and Dance and released in 1992 by the duo's label, also titled Shut Up and Dance. The album follows several singles in the early 1990s by Nicolette and Shut Up & Dance, and features Nicolette's soulfully-sung torch songs in a stream-of-consciousness style set to Shut Up & Dance's breakbeat hardcore production. Largely ignored upon release, "Now Is Early" is now regarded as a "lost classic" and forerunner to jungle music. It was re-released in 1997 by Studio !K7. It was ranked as the 57th best album of the 20th century by Spex. It was listed by Exclaim! on their "100 Records That Rocked 100 Issues of Exclaim!" list.

Tracklist

1 No Government 2:02
2 Dove Song 4:55
3 Single Minded Vocal 3:09
4 I Woke Up... 4:46
5 Waking Up (Remix) 5:07
6 O Si Nene 5:56
7 It's Only To Be Expected 5:41
8 Wicked Mathematics 4:49
9 A Single Ring 2:09

10 School Of The World 5:28 (bonus track)

11 Udi Egwu 6:29 (bonus track)

Nicolette - Now Is Early (1992)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

Sister Nancy - One Two (1982)

"One, Two" is a 1982 album by Sister Nancy. A great album and well worth investigating – one of the defining DJ albums for the 1980s that you really should have in your collection if you are a Reggae and Dancehall fan. Full of great 80s dancehall rhythms.

For those that don’t know, Sister Nancy was born Ophlin Russell-Myers as is widely recognised as the first serious dancehall DJ – she is also the sister of dancehall pioneer Brigadier Jerry. Sister Nancy is most famous for her song ‘Bam Bam’ that features on this album which stills gets dropped in dancehalls today to huge forwards.

The album was originally released in 1982 on Techniques Records (produced by Winston Riley) with the album artwork that you see above, and was then re-released in 1999 on CD (again on Techniques Records) with a far inferior album cover with a strangely 80s feel to it. (see below)

Sister Nancy is still playing life, had the chance to see her last October on stage.

Tracklist:

One Two
I Am A Geddion
Ain’t No Stopping Nancy
Gwan A School
Coward Of The Country
Bam Bam
Transport Connection
Pegion Rock
Roof Over Mi Head
Only Woman Dj With Degree

Sister Nancy - One Two (1982)
(ca. 224 kbps, cover art included)

Olodum - Egito Madagascar (1987)

Olodum is a cultural activism group created with the objectives of fighting racial discrimination and socioeconomic inequality. They have recorded ten LPs/CDs and have worked with Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Cliff, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, and Spike Lee. The group draws 4,000 people to parade in the bloco (which has about 200 musicians) at Salvador BA carnival, gives lectures on social and political issues, and publishes a monthly news journal, Bantu Nagô. The group also runs a factory for clothes and musical instruments sold to the public and a school for Salvador's poor children.

They play powerfully percussive pop which combines thunderous traditional African rhythms with intensely sensual samba melodies. Olodum is a weird phenomenon - more a musical collective and Africanist social movement than simply "a band".

Their first "samba-reggae" records in the mid-1980s helped reinvigorate Brazilian pop, and several Olodum songs are now standards. Beware of synthy, iffy production on later albums, though.

On the album "Egito Madagascar" (1987) they play awesome, thunderously melodic percussion-and-chorus. This is the start of the whole samba-reggae sound, and it's an absolute classic.

Tracklist:

A1 Madagáscar Olodum
A2 Salvador Não Inerte/ Ladeira Do Pelô
A3 Olodum Florente Na Natureza
A4 Raça Negra
A5 Um Povo Comum Pensar
B1 Arco-Íris De Madagáscar
B2 Reggae Dos Faraós
B3 Faraó Divindade Do Egito
B4 Encantada Nação
B5 Vinheta Cuba-Brasil


Olodum - Egito Madagascar (1987)
(192 kbps, cover art included)

Gary Clail's Tackhead Sound System ‎ - Tackhead Tape Time (1988)

On this album, the Dancehall Demagogue meets the kings of cut-and-paste funk pastiche. By the time this album was released, Gary Clail's stern political imprecations had become an integral part of Tackhead's live shows; he would sit at the mixing desk and intone radical exhortations while the band ripped things up onstage. With "Tackhead Tape Time" they take it to the studio, and the result is taut, tough, and funky. 

Clail isn't much of a singer (though he makes an admirable attempt on "Reality"), and the content of some of his pronouncements can be a bit eye-rolling, but he and Tackhead certainly seem to bring the best out in each other -- the samples of Margaret Thatcher, military officers, and news reporters (as well as the occasional snippet of reggae toaster Prince Far I and someone who sounds suspiciously like Andy Fairley) combine perfectly with Tackhead's robotic and yet strangely passionate electro-funk to create something eerie, exciting, and booty-moving. Highly recommended.


Tracklist:

A1 Mind At The End Of The Tether
A2 Half Cut Again
A3 Reality
A4 M.O.V.E.
B1 Hard Left
B2 Get This
B3 Man In A Suitcase
B4 What's My Mission Now ? (Fight The Devil)


Gary Clail's Tackhead Sound System ‎ - Tackhead Tape Time (1988)
(192 kbps, cover art included)

Rebel MC - Rebel Music (1990)

"Before Michael West began recording on his own as Rebel MC, he was half of the Cockney rap duo Double Trouble; afterwards, he went on to become a prime mover in the development of London's jungle movement of the early to mid-'90s. As Rebel MC, he made two not terribly distinguished albums of music that seemed to lack definition; this was the first of them. 

Where some artists intentionally borrow from multiple dance music genres and make a virtue of eclecticism, on "Rebel Music" Rebel MC just sounds confused, unable to decide whether he wants to stick with house music, reggae, or hip-hop. He tries to resolve the confusion in part by recycling previously successful songs, such as Double Trouble's hit "Street Tuff" (offered here in a remixed version), and in part by recycling tunes from within the album itself ("Better World" is presented in no fewer than three different mixes). Most of the material is rhythmically and melodically pedestrian, though the scintillating "Cockney Rhythm" and a nice funky reggae remix of "Better World" both stand out. This one's worth keeping an eye out for in the bargain bins, but not necessarily something you should make a concerted effort to acquire." - allmusic.com

Tracklist:

1. Just Keep Rockin [Sk'ouse Remix - Double Trouble / Rebel MC]
2. Street Tuff [Scar Mix - Rebel MC / Double Trouble]
3. Music Is The Key
4. Love?
5. Storytime
6. Mc² Feat. Clement Irie
7. Better World
8. Rebel Music
9. Commin' Brand New Feat. MC Kinki
10. Set Yourself Free
11. Cockney Rhythm [Remix]
12. Better World [Peace Mix]
13. Better World [Unity Mix]


Rebel MC - Rebel Music (1990)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

More Rockers - Selection 2 (1997)

Rich soulful jungle music that is actually as fulfilling as the Caribbean inspiration so often attributed to the genre. 

More Rockers is actually a collective of Bristol-based artists, who, much like well known Bristolians Massive Attack and Tricky, approach the U.K. electronic movement with the sound of their island heritage. The common thread in More Rockers is Rob Smith, (who also records as one half of Smith & Mighty) and Peter D. Rose. And although the two play musical chairs (sometimes writer, sometimes producer, sometimes both or neither) More Rockers maintain a consistent sound throughout. That sound is simple jungle breakbeats flavored with a masterful understanding of the dub sound system roots. 

The first thing you notice is the bass. A full deep round tone that most electronic producers would kill for. It's that magical sound that feels completely natural, even comforting, yet supernaturally powerful at the same time. Opening track "The Cure" is stamped golden by the sing-along R&B prowess of L.D., and it is followed the toaster's romp of "Million Trillion." The disc progressed into a mixed affair, blending from track to track as they become less catchy and more DJ based. But that doesn't mean it get boring. MCs, rappers, and vocalists still slither though the mix. Nothing on this record is throwaway, as More Rockers come to embody not only the sound of U.K. jungle, but continue to wear their roots on their sleeves.


Tracklist:

The Cure (feat. L.D.)
The Frush (feat. Preddy)
Million Trillion (feat. Niji 40)
Quick 170 (feat. Mc Bunx)
Stop Fighting
Show Love (feat. Marilyn McFarlane)
Dub Plate
Rwanda (feat. Andy Scholes)
Badness a Madness (feat. Navigator)
Sound Boy
Out of Control (feat. L.D. & Niji 40)
The Grind
Bongo Music
Party
Brite Future
Rainbows (More Rockers Mix)
Musical Disc

Piano Mix

More Rockers - Selection 2 (1997)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

Shut Up And Dance - Death Is Not The End (1992)

Ragga-techno hit-makers and sampling pirates without equal on Britain's early hardcore breakbeat scene, Shut Up & Dance were an early influence on the development of jump-up breakbeats and b-bwoy attitude into the streamlined version of drum'n'bass which emerged later in the '90s. The duo of PJ & Smiley, both residents of East End stronghold Stoke Newington, formed both the label and group Shut Up & Dance out of their bedroom in 1988. The imprint first released records by the Ragga Twins and Nicolette during 1989 before Shut Up & Dance the group debuted later that year. Early singles like "£10 to Get In" and "Derek Went Mad" displayed the pair's approach to hardcore techno -- sampling well-known pop groups with little fear of retribution, piling chunky breakbeats over the top, evincing plenty of ragga attitude and displaying an unflinching criticism of the emerging rave scene's dark side.

Follow-ups from their 1990 debut album "Dance Before the Police Come!" became early anthems in the hardcore/jump-up scene. The year 1992 brought another album and the chart-hit "Raving, I'm Raving"; with a vocal by ex-dancehall DJ Peter Bouncer, the single hit number two on the British charts midway through the year and sparked another modest hit, "Autobiography of a Crackhead." Unfortunately, the success brought copyright lawyers from at least six major labels, responding to obvious transgressions against their artists. Shut Up & Dance spent two years of legal wrangling, in similar fashion to American hip-hop contemporaries like Biz Markie and De La Soul; the hassles eventually bankrupted their label. After re-emerging in 1994 with their response (an EP titled "Phuck the Biz"), the duo recorded third album "Black Men United" for Pulse-8 in 1995.

Tracklist:

A1 Death Is Not The End 4:07
A2 Raving I'm Raving (Remix) 4:18
A3 Autobiography Of A Crackhead (Acoustic Version) 5:37
A4 Cape Fear 4:12
B1 Here Comes A Different Type Of Rap Track Not The Usual 4 Bar Loop Crap 2:52
B2 The Green Man 4:05
B3 Java Bass  3:47
C1 So What You Smoking? 3:33
C2 Runaways 4:44
C3 Blue Colour Climax 4:13
C4 Pure White Black Life 7:11
D1 The Art Of Moving Butts 4:06
D2 Down The Barrel Of A Gun 3:41
D3 My C-Lab Crashed And Did This 4:34

Shut Up And Dance - Death Is Not The End (1992)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

Armagideon ‎– Steppin Forward / Natural Elements Dub (1995)

This album features two lp’s on one cd from this Bristol based instrumental dub crew "Armagideon". It was recorded and mixed at Armagideon Sound Studio, Bristol.

Tracklist:

1 Zion I 3:49
2 Eternal Combustion 3:30
3 Heartical Vibes 3:50
4 Weakheart Drop 3:28
5 Politricks 4:01
6 Hi Fibre 3:58
7 Not Only You 3:49
8 Chill 3:34
9 Foundation 3:44
10 Cosmic Thread 3:56
11 Mother Earth 3:52
12 Herbal Input 3:51
13 Free Spirit 3:37
14 Moving Air 3:55
15 Blazing Fire 3:43
16 Eastern Dawn 3:47
17 Galactic Travel 3:51
18 Guidance 3:52
19 Aquadub 3:55
20 Joyous Arising Intro 1:03

Armagideon ‎– Steppin Forward / Natural Elements Dub (1995)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

I-Roy ‎- Musical Shark Attack (1976)

Along with U-Roy, Dennis Alcapone, and Big Youth, I-Roy was one of a quartet of DJs that reigned supreme over the Jamaican music scene during the early to mid-'70s. Of the four, I-Roy was the most eloquent, and his toasts were littered with references to pop culture, from movies to historical figures. He was also one of the most prolific, cutting scores upon scores of singles, and dozens of albums. Although the DJ's sun began to set at the end of the decade, I-Roy continued to record sporadically up to the '90s, by then, though, his life had taken a tragic turn.

By the '90s, the DJ was afflicted with a variety of health problems and his financial situation was so precarious that for stretches of time he found himself homeless.

By the end of his life, I-Roy had become financially reliant on his mentally retarded son. A second son was in prison and was killed there in October 1999. This terrible tragedy was perhaps the final blow for the weakened legend, and on November 27, 1999, the DJ died in a Spanish Town hospital from heart problems.

A more than worthy release during I Roy's Virgin stint in the 1970s, "Musical Shark Attack" mixes satirical swipes at Natty Dread with political period pieces and eulogies to his heroes (black political leader Marcus Garvey and, refreshingly, West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding).

The album features tracks like album features "Semi-Classical Natty Dread" and "Tribute to Marcus Garvey.".

Tracklist:

1 Semi Classical Natty Dread
2 Musical Shark Attack
3 Drum Sound
4 Is Love I A Deal With
5 Social Development
6 Jamboree
7 Skyjuice And Festival Dumpling
8 Run For Your Life
9 Tribute To Michael Holding
10 Everybody Ballin'
11 Tribute To Marcus Garvey


I-Roy ‎- Musical Shark Attack (1976)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

WordSound - The Red Shift (1994)

Remember the early nineties, when the dark and powerful force of WordSound-I-Power raised from the dungeons of Crooklyn! The unique blend of arabian sounds, dark electronics, Dub, Funk and HipHop. Bass-loaden, majestic and suprising.

"The Red Shift", a compilation of label talent, charts a course through urban back streets, up mystical peaks, down the Nile, and into outer space. Freely mixing hip-hop, dub, funk, jazz, rock, Middle Eastern and African music, this album showcases sonic sculptures fashioned from the infinite world of sound. Featured artists run the gamut from cutting-edge hip-hop producer Prince Paul, who creates an aural collage from the turntables on Pablo\\\'s Theme , to the mighty voice of Jamaican dub poet Oku Onuora, spouting fiery wisdom on Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Rising from the post-industrial ruins of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, new outfits Roots Control and Scarab also participate in the festivities as they stake their claim as the future stars the WordSound label.

Tracklist:

1 Chicken Walk 5:46
2 Esse 3:53
3 Pablo's Theme 3:43
4 Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (feat. Oku Onuora) 4:55
5 Elephant, Mosquito 2:31
6 Condition Critical (feat. The Rockstone Coalition) 6:00
7 Dub-Hop Anthem 4:49
8 The Ill Jazz 3:08
9 Youthman 5:01
10 All Rise 4:42
11 World Cup (feat. Scarab) 5:15
12 Track 14 2:27

WordSound - The Red Shift (1994)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

Skin Flesh & Bones ‎- Dub in Blood, Vol. 1

From the linernotes: "Skin, Flesh & Bones can be called one of Jamaica´s top recording, stage and night clubs bands. This group of very talented young musicians have been so popular because they play Roots Reggae. Thay know the heavy sound sthat the dancing public likes, and they lay it on them - keeping everyone rocking the dance halls and night clubs."

Recorded and mixed at Channel One Studios by Ernest Hoo Kim and Ossie, this is a crucial component of any dub collection, presenting some heavyweight dubs to tunes from Al Campbell and George Faith.


Tracklist:
A1 Dub In Blood
A2 Skin Dub
A3 Flesh Dub
A4 Bones Dub
A5 Heart Dub
B1 Dub To The Vein
B2 Injection In Dub
B3 Syring Dub
B4 Doctor Dub
B5 Medicine Dub

Track 10 "Medicine Dub" is credited on both label and artwork but does not appear on the disc.

Skin Flesh & Bones ‎- Dub in Blood, Vol. 1
(320 kbps, cover art included)

Keith Hudson ‎– The Black Breast Has Produced Her Best, Flesh Of My Skin Blood Of My Blood (1974)

Ominously knows as "The Dark Prince Of Reggae", Keith Hudson was born into a musical family in Kingston, Jamaica in 1946. His musical education began as Hudson worked as a sort of roadie for Skatalite and Jamaican trombone king Don Drummond.

By age 21, Hudson, who had been trained as a dentist, sunk his earnings into his own record label, Inbidimts, and had a hit with Ken Boothe's recording of "Old Fashioned Way." Not long after this chart success, the suddenly hot Hudson was producing some of the biggest names (and soon-to-be biggest names) in reggae - John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, and the great toasters U-Roy and Dennis Alcapone, all of whom benefited from what would be Hudson's trademark production style: groove-centered, bass/drum-dominated, lean and mean stripped-down riddims.

By the mid-'70s, Hudson began releasing more solo work, hitting paydirt from the start with his 1974 debut, "Entering the Dragon" and his intense second record, "Flesh of My Skin", an ominous, dark record that earned Hudson his title as reggae's "Dark Prince." In 1976, Hudson relocated to New York City and worked pretty much nonstop, producing as well as recording solo records up until 1982. He succumbed to lung cancer in 1984, at age 38, robbing reggae of one its greatest, most adventurous, and unhearalded producers and performers.

The title tracks, spread across a vocal cut and an accompanying instrumental version, beautifully intertwines R&B, pop, and roots reggae. "Stabilizer" meanders across even more genres, blurring the lines between C&W, blues, R&B, and reggae, across an inspired version of Hudson's own 1972 single "True True True to My Heart." For "Stabilizer," Hudson and his backing group the Soul Syndicate Band deftly connect the dots between genres, while "Testing of My Faith" erases them, cleverly twinning C&W with roots reggae. The song is faintly reminiscent of the theme to "Midnight Cowboy," assuming Jon Voight disembarked not in the Big Apple, but Trench Town. In which case, "Fight Your Revolution" sends "Shaft" era Isaac Hayes on a Greyhound bus to Memphis. The music on this set is so astounding that it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of Hudson's dramatic lyrical themes and the album's overarching concept of the black experience and history. On "Faith," he pleads to "be just like any other man," but if his prayer was granted, the world would have lost one of its most unique artists even sooner.

Playlist :
Hunting
Flesh Of My Skin
Blood Of My Blood
Testing Of My Faith
Fight Your Revolution
Darkest Night
Talk Some Sense (Gamma Ray)
Treasures Of The World
My Nocturne
I Shall Be Released
No Friend Of Mine
Stabiliser

Keith Hudson ‎– The Black Breast Has Produced Her Best, Flesh Of My Skin Blood Of My Blood (1974)
(320 kbps, cover art included)

International Beat - Their Most Explosive Hits

The break-up of the original version of The Beat in 1983 was a great loss at the time. The band was close to breaking big in the U.S. and had they stayed together probably could have approached The Police in terms of popularity. Instead various members went their separate ways and the musical world gained General Public and the Fine Young Cannibals. Often overlooked in the divorce of The Beat were saxophone player Saxa and drummer Everett Morton, who in my humble opinion were just as responsible for the unique sound of the band as any of the other members.

Enter Tony Beet who through a chance meeting with Saxa at a pub in Birmingham one night helped to launch the International Beat. The band was formed in 1990 by Beet along with ex-Beat members Everett Morton and Saxa and also featured Ranking Roger as a special guest at select shows. Beet, who was the the guitarist/vocalist and songwriter for the band was also able to recruit ex-Dexy's Midnight Runners/General Public piano player Mickey Billingham as well. They toured in the early 90's and also released a studio album called 'The Hitting Line' in 1991. The album was produced by Ranking Roger and he often guested with the band at some of their shows. The International Beat toured the UK and United States before calling it a day in 1992.
Tracklist:

1. I Fought The Law (Rizla Club Mix)
2. Hands Off, She's Mine
3. Over The Valley
4. Mirror In The Bathroom
5. Sign Of The Times
6. Hard World
7. The Fitz
8. Head Man's Plan
9. Takin's The Pills (Version)
10. Are You Ready?
11. I Fought The Law (Radio Edit)
12. Rock Steady
13. Stand Down Margaret (Live)

International Beat - Their Most Explosive Hits

(320 kbps, cover art included)

VA -. Get on up! - Joe Gibbs Rocksteady 1967 - 1968

Adding considerably to their stock of rocksteady and early reggae releases under Joe Gibbs' name, Trojan has released this 26-track collection spotlighting the producer's 1967-1968 output for his own Amalgamated label.

While other discs cover more of Gibbs' early reggae and reggae sides, here the focus is on his earliest rocksteady material. And while Lee Perry actually oversaw most of the sessions these cuts were culled from, Gibbs' unerring ear for talent and taste in backing bands is felt throughout. Stellar vocal groups like the Pioneers and the Versatiles were regular Gibbs artists, while unique solo singers like Errol Dunkley and Roy Shirley made some of their best records with the producer. In addition to fine contributions by these acts, the collection also includes fine instrumentals by Tommy McCook and Neville Hinds, as well as more vocal treats by the Overtakers, the Mellotones, Dennis Walks, and Jackie Robinson. The rock-solid support comes from guitarist Lynn Tait & the Jets (who come up with some fine instrumentals of their own here), which featured such Jamaican musical luminaries as pianist Gladstone Anderson, organist Leslie Butler, drummer Joe Isaacs, tenor saxophonist Felix "Deadly Headley" Bennett, and trumpeter Bobby Ellis. A fine disc tailor-made for the discriminating fan of vintage Jamaican sounds.


Tracklist:

1) Errol Dunkley - You're Gonna Need Me
2) Tommy McCook & His Band - Feel So Fine
3) Keith Blake - Musically
4) The Dynamics - My Friends
5) Errol Dunkley - I'm Going Home
6) Keith Blake - Woo Oh Oh
7) Overtakers - The Big Take Over
8) Lyn Taitt & The Jets - Dee's Special
9) Neville Hinds - Tit For Tat
10) Pioneers - Give It To Me
11) Neville Hinds - Soul Glide
12) Mellotones - Fat Girl In Red
13) Pioneers - Dip And Fall Back
14) Roy Shirley - The World Needs Love
15) Dennis Walks - Having A Party
16) The Groovers - Day By Day
17) The Creations - Get On Up
18) Pioneers, Lyn Taitt & The Jets - This Is Soul
19) Jackie Robinson - Over And Over
20) Lyn Taitt & The Jets - I Spy
21) Jackie Robinson - Let The Little Girl Dance
22) Eric 'Monty' Morris - Cinderalla
23) Pioneers - Tickle Me For Days
24) Lyn Taitt & The Jets - Sleepy Lady
25) Hugh Malcolm -Mortgage
26) The Versatiles - Let Me Through (Please Mr. Gateman)


VA -. Get on up! - Joe Gibbs Rocksteady 1967 - 1968
(320 kbps, cover art included)

African Head Charge - My Life In A Hole In The Ground (1981)

Their debut album from 1981 that plays on both the title and concept of David Byrne and Brian Eno's experimental "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts", African Head Charge - led by Adrian Sherwood and percussionist Bonjo Iyanbinghi Noah -- engage in free-form sonic explorations set to dub and African rhythms.

Tracklist:

1 Elastic dance
2 Family doctoring
3 Stebeni's theme
4 The race Pt. one
5 Crocodile shoes
6 Stone charge
7 Far away chant
8 Primal one drop
9 Hole in the roof

African Head Charge - My Life In A Hole In The Ground (1981)

(320 kbps, cover art included)

Keith Hudson - Torch Of Freedom (1975)

Whether you know him as The Dark Prince Of Reggae, the Ghetto Dentist or

just plain Keith, the legendary artist and producer Keith Hudson created

some of the most idiosyncratic, innovative and atmospheric reggae that ever came out of Jamaica.

Intensely militant, "Torch of Freedom" was the record that got Hudson signed to a worldwide deal to Virgin.

Odd because "Torch" is so accusatory and nakedly polemical you would think that it would frighten major labels away from this fire-breathing reggae singer known as the Dark Prince. This was the start of a heightened international profile for Hudson, who at this point had left Jamaica for New York ready to make it big in the Big Apple.

Tracklist:

1 Lost All Sense Of Direction
2 Jah Jah
3 Don't Look At Me So
4 Look At Me
5 Don't Let The Teardrops Fool You
6 Teardrops
7 Like I'm Dying
8 Turn The Heater On
9 So Cold Without You
10 Five More Mins Of Your Time
11 My Time
12 Torch Of Freedom
13 Freedom Movements


Keith Hudson.- Torch Of Freedom (1975)
(256 kbps, cover art included)

Byron Lee & The Dragonires - Reggae Hot Shots (1971 - 1973)

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires have been a respected and well-known part of the Jamaican music scene for more than four decades. At times numbering as many as fourteen members (dancers excluded), BL & D were founded in 1956 as a so-called "big band". The band has helped popularize many differnt styles. In the fities, they played calpyso, cha-cha, bolero, merengue, and easy listening. During the sixties, they focuesd on ska, rock steady and reggae, in the seventies and eighties they specialized in calpyso, while in the nineties they have played primarily soca.

A first-rate show band, BL & D have travelled all over the world. Their first album "Fire Fly Jump Up" was released in 1960. Since then the prolific group has gone on to make more than seventy-five albums.

This compilation fetures material from the reggae albums recorded from 1971 to 1973. Only four of the songs here are of Jamaican origin, the othersreggae versions of well-known pop tunes. The eighteen tracks come from the LPs "Going Places", "Reggay Hot Col And Easy" and "Regay Roun´ The World". These were all released on Byron Lee´s Dynamic label, the latter two were also released in England by Trojan Records.


Tracklist:


1. Message to a Black Man
2. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
3. Theme from "Shaft"
4. Back Stabbers
5. Your Love Is Amazing
6. Breakfast in Bed
7. Chick a Bow
8. Maegre Dog
9. Hot Reggae
10. Mammy Blue
11. Julianne
12. Can't Wine
13. Bam Sa Bo
14. For Your Precious Love
15. A Little Love
16. Flying Machine
17. Three Bells
18. Good Morning Jamaica


Byron Lee & The Dragonires - Reggae Hot Shots (1971 - 1973)
(320 kbps, cover art included)