Various - Sand Surfin' (Border Town Rock N' Roll 1964-67) (Norton Records)(CD)(2013)

 

This is Volume 9 of the El Paso Rock series from Norton Records. The focus is on mid-60s recordings from the Suemi and Coronado labels from El Paso, as well as the Frog Death and Goldust companies in University Park, New Mexico. 

So the kids in El Paso, Texas and New Mexico were into surf music and raw rock n' roll! No matter how far from the beach these bands were, they still cooked up some great music including surf instrumentals. If you are interested in teen garage and surf music from the 60s, then you are going to enjoy this release. 

Also, this release comes from Norton Records, so you know that the quality is going to be through the roof. Also, the liner notes are written by Billy Miller and Miriam Linna, so you will be informed and laugh. Listen to the Scavengers play Ghost Riders '65. (Note- while this is is the first release on the Suemi label, the band was actually from the Pacific Northwest), and for more local fare, The Celtics  - And She'll Cry.

Misty in Roots - The John Peel Sessions (Strange Fruit)(1995)(CD)

 

Ok, my current obsession with UK roots reggae band Misty in Roots is making me spend more money than I should on albums. For example, this one. This CD arrived a few days ago from Germany. However, upon listening to the mighty Misty in Roots play live at the BBC for John Peel it is well worth the expense. Misty in Roots is popular because they have largely stayed true to their sound since the 70s. Misty in Roots plays roots reggae music with a portion of African influence. 

Misty in Roots is incredibly tight. Their sound has a groove to it. They can be hypnotic. This release spans appearances on John Peel's radio show from 1979 until 1986. My main attraction to this CD is hearing them play those early tracks in a live setting. The first 6 tracks are from '79/'80 and really capture that classic Misty in Roots sound. For a taste of what Misty in Roots sounds like on this CD, check out Bail Out.  Check out this source here for the full release. 

Popsicle - Stand Up and Testify (Telegram Records)(1997)(CD)(Swedish Pop Collection #11)

 Another CD from the Swedish Pop Collection I purchased from my friend and collector A. Popsicle is a band that formed in Stockholm in 1991. According to Discogs this is the last full album they released. I have a few of their albums and I think I reviewed an earlier album by them. Simply put, if you like indie guitar pop, then Popsicle is good for you. Check out Train Across the Bridge. I also enjoyed Vibrant Days. If you like these songs, you will like this album.

Johan - s/t (spinART)(1997)(CD)

 

Blast from the past. Indie-pop band from The Netherlands. US release in 1997. I picked up a second copy when I bought that Swedish pop collection from A. I originally bought this CD back when it was released. I probably have not heard it in over 25 years. I relistened to this release for this post and I like it! Some great fuzzy guitar pop on this release. Take a listen to this one, Suffer Baby. I also like Easy (It's) Overall, this is an excellent album. Worth picking up if you find it.

Prince Lincoln Thompson and The Royal Rasses Band - Harder Na Rass (CD)(Burning Sounds)(2023)

 

Wow, what a wonderful reissue. This album is the dub album to Prince Lincoln Thompson's first album, Experience, from 1979. The original dub album you have here came out in 1979. What makes this a must-have release for the reggae fan are the following. First, the melodies of Prince Lincoln Thompson are fantastic. Second, this was mixed by Prince Jammy at King Tubby's. 'Nuff said.

You should have everything by Prince Lincoln Thompson in your collection. This dub album belongs in that collection. Well done Burning Sounds! Here is a taste, Universally Dubbed.

Various - Lost Deep Soul Treasures Volume 4 (Sounds of Soul) (CD)(2001)

 

Random purchase from Norton Records during one of their sales. I saw this title and I immediately wanted to buy it. According to Discogs this is listed as an 'unofficial' release. There is no booklet, no information on the artists, no credits of any sort. This compilation just contains 23 tracks of great soul music. Based on what I hear,  I would agree that this is a deep soul compilation. That is, the songs are more heartfelt cries and laments. Lots of songs to slow dance to with your partner. For example, give a listen to Blues Brothers No. 1's Letter of Regret. This was released in 1976. Another representative record is Freddie Watson's It's All Over Now. This was a B side from 1970! I really think it is worth trying to find all the volumes of this great series. If you like soul music, get this..Great soul music for all that love this genre.

Various - Beat From Badsville Vol. 4 (Stag-O-Lee)(German Import)(CD)(2016)

I finally found a copy of Vol. 4. I don't know for sure if these songs were actually pulled from Lux and Ivy's (of The Cramps) legendary collection of rock'n'roll, RnB, rockabilly, and doo wop 45s. However, after hearing this CD and Vol. 3 earlier, it seems exactly what I would expect from them. This 24 song CD is grouped into 4 sections; The Rock'n'Rollers, New Dance Trend, Instrumentals, and The MadDaddies. Each section has six songs and include selections from the likes of Gary Link & The Rock-A-Fellas, The Vocaleers, The Ramblers, and Jivin' Gene and the Jokers. Yeah, I have never heard of these bands or artists before but that is the point. We should have! Most of these 45s were probably released in the 1950s and early 60s(?). Most of these 45s were likely small run, regional releases. Overall, the music on this release is naked and pure. If you are interested in what raw, music for teens, sounded in that era, then get this release. For a sample, check out: Bo Toliver with Begging. The Ramblers with Devil Train.

 

Various - Fire Over Babylon (Dread, Peace and Conscious Sounds at Studio One) (Soul Jazz Records) (CD) (2021)

 

Another gem from Soul Jazz. The releases under the Soul Jazz Studio One Series are top notch and should be trusted by the public. The theme for this release is "Dread, Peace and Conscious Sounds...". In other words, this release is full of great roots and culture reggae music - my favorite kind. Those that know me personally know that my love of reggae music is unquestioned and my passion for the music released on the Studio One label is unbound. This release satisfies the soul.

Some of the hardcore will complain that Soul Jazz doesn't dig deep enough to find rare tracks from the Studio One vaults. While that may be true, they always include a few treasures. The same is true on this release. For example, The Prospectors - Glory for I is new to me. Go buy! 

The Gladiators - Presenting The Gladiators (Studio One - SOR-017) (CD-Deluxe Edition) (2018)

Presenting..originally released on Studio One in 1978- has been reissued in a Deluxe Edition by Studio One. What a treat! This band, this label, and this release are considered classics in the reggae world. Led by vocalist, Albert Griffiths, The Gladiators, a self-contained band, also backed up other musicians at Studio One. Aside from including the full, original album, this Deluxe Edition, also includes some dubs, some unreleased material, and even some alternate takes.

The Gladiators had some success in the UK with releases on Virgin and Front Line in the mid-70s, but this Studio One release is where I got my first taste of this roots reggae band. This release also comes with a handy and pretty booklet which provides some background of the band some of the members that have passed through the ranks. The music? Well, listening to this album on CD for the first time allows me to hear some background harmony parts that I had not heard on the vinyl release. On some the tracks the bass can really be heard and distorts a little but if you are a fan of reggae music and Studio One, that will not be a problem. By the way, the bass parts are credited to Clinton Fearon and Bagga Walker. Solid!! If you are a fan of reggae music, you should have this. This CD is worth getting even if you prefer vinyl. Enjoy - Listen to Roots Natty

Roots Underground - Tribesman Assault (CD)(Wackies)(2003)

Pure dub. Originally released on LP in 1977 on the Wackies label out of New York. If it is on Wackies, then you know it is a classic. This CD is a reissue out of Germany. Back in the early 2000s, a lot of Wackies music was being re-issued for the first time on CD and Germany was carrying the point. I wonder what was the connection? Who knows. Based on my Discogs collection,  I already own the LP and the CD of this album. So, this is a double! I picked this copy a few months ago while visiting Chicago. It doesn't matter, I can't pass up any Wackies music when I see it in a used bin. : )

Roots Underground is made up of Jerry Harris and Trevor Earl Witter aka 'Jah Witter'. The Love Joys (from the Wackies stable of artists) provide some backing vocals. However, the star of the show is the music. A solid dubalbum that is meant for serious reggae music listeners. Here is what this album sounds like Open the Gates. 

 

Various - Brown Acid - The First Trip (CD) (2015)(Riding Easy Records)

 

Heavy Rock from the American Comedown Era. The first in a series of albums that documents and celebrates the 'heavy rock' or 'acid rock' era in the U.S. I tend to associate this sound with the early '70s. I was just a kid but this is the music that seamed to 'be in the air' during that era. Long hair, bell-bottoms, and barefoot. The liner notes to the CD describe the music contained here and in this series as:

"After Flower Power and before punk, heavy, hard rock bands dominated the American music scene. In towns across the country, garage bands that had grown up taking drugs, flashing peace signs, and listening to The Beatles had witnessed the atrocities of Vietnam and Altamont, gaining a new perspective in a darker, crunchier, and more bombastic sound in their music."

The bands on this CD are not famous. They come from garages and basements in Camden, New Jersey (Snow),  Farmington, Michigan (Lenny Drake), and Freeport, Illinios (Tour) among others. This compilation seems to be put together from 45 singles that these bands produced and pressed themselves. 

This is a solid release and is worth for all of you acid rockers from that era. I was a 7 year old in 1970 but I consider myself an acid rocker. My favorite on this CD is Zebra with Wasted from 1971.  However, Raw Meat's Stand-By Girl from 1969 is heavy! Looking forward to more from this series.

Various - The Sound of Young Sweden (Summersound) 1999 CD (Swedish Pop Collection #10)

 

There is something about Swedish pop bands. There is a sincerity about them. There is an element of innocence. I often call this type of pop as 'pure pop'. The Leslies' The Girl at Collins Ave is a great example. Pure, melodic bliss. These are some of the reasons why I bought that Swedish pop collection from my friend A.

This a compilation of young Swedish bands that came out in 1999. I do not know most of the bands on here, which include: Leslies, Happydeadmen, Acid House Kings, The Concretes, Edson, Shermans, and Club 8. Some of the bands have female vocalists which is always a favorite of mine. The Concretes' The Jeremiad is solid and captures that innocence that I mentioned above. The MVP of the album for me is Acid House Kings' Find Out for Yourself. Worth searching for this whole album.

Misty In Roots - Chronicles: The Best of Misty In Roots (1994) CD (Kaz Records)

 

Misty In Roots (MIR) - one of the finest British reggae bands ever.  While not as famous or prolific as their British brothers, Steel Pulse or Aswad, MIR's music is just as vital as those bands. In the UK, MIR was a significant participant in the Rock Against Racism Movement in the late 70s. During that key time in the UK, MIR often shared concert stages and audiences with bands such as Tom Robinson, 999, Elvis Costello, and Sham 69. If you do not know, those bands and musicians are not reggae bands!

This compilation mostly features MIR's 1980's output. So while some of their critical hits from the 1970s is missing, the music here is still fantastic and really captures some of the hypnotic roots reggae music that MIR is best known for...and those horn charts....if you like horns, MIR is your band! For a taste of Misty in Roots check out Wise and Foolish

Delroy Wilson & Ken Boothe - Sarge/Unlimited (2 CD) (Doctor Bird) (2024)

 

A 2-fer from Doctor Bird Records out of the U.K. that features two of the greatest vocalists in reggae music: Delroy Wilson and Ken Boothe. Delroy Wilson's Sarge was originally released in 1977 in the UK on the Charmers label, while Ken Boothe's (Boothe) Unlimited is from 1972 and was released in the U.S. on Clocktower. Each album comes with bonus tracks that contains some 12" inch single versions. Note- there are some questions regarding the re-issue of the Ken Boothe album. I am not sure how true these claims are so just be aware that this CD release may not exactly match the original album. Be aware, that the Ken Boothe album comes in a 'Showcase style' - the vocal version is followed by the version (i.e., dub). In addition to the original album, this CD includes 7 more tracks from 12" singles.

However, I think this is still a must have CD. Both Delroy Wilson and Ken Boothe are considered reggae royalty so any re-release of their music should be celebrated. I do not have the original albums so I am very happy that I now get to hear some fine 70s output from both of these stars. Both albums contain familiar songs to the more serious reggae collector and fan. For newbies, these are good performances. For a taste, check Delroy Wilson doing Moving Away and Ken Boothe doing Look What You've Done For Me

The Reflectors - First Impression (Burger Records) 2020 CD

 

Under the radar but this is superb power pop! I first heard this album on cassette from Burger Records. I was blown away but I had no idea they had released this on CD. Right from the opening song, Act A Fool, you know you are in for a treat. 

These guys are from Los Angeles and a few of them were in a band called IMAGES. I may need to look into that band as well. A quick look at Discogs tells me that they have released a couple of other albums. Need to get this. Check out Break Me Down. This is great stuff. A+

Dub Judah - Twinkle's Riddim (Twinkle Music) (1992) LP

 

This UK release from 1992, contains the dub versions of Twinkle Brothers' Babylon Rise Again LP from 1991. 

Solid but not stellar LP. While the Twinkle Brothers are a force in roots reggae music, some of the riddims on this album are good but some are only decent. There are other, more vital albums to buy before getting this one.

Check out Tormenting Dub for a taste.

Thee Sacred Souls - Lucid Girl/Losing Side of Love - 7" 45 rpm - (Penrose) 2024

 

Thee Sacred Souls with another banger of pure soul music. Another release that reeks of 60s or early 70s soul music. Yet, this is a 2024 release. If you do not believe me then listen to Lucid Girl. The B side is hypnotic and worthy of your attention. This should be in your collection.

Judah Eskender Tafari - Great Escape/Bezos vs Musk 7" 45rpm (Daptone Records) (2024)

 "New release" from Ronald Merrills aka 'Judah Eskender Tafari' on Daptone Records. Roland passed away in 2020 so the fact that there is a new 45 rpm released is surprising - but a nice one. The other surprise is that this release is on Daptone - a label more known for its soul and funk releases than reggae. Yet it works. This is a solid reggae song (in case you were wondering) with a riddim that is slow and moody- it definitely has a groove. That is ok by the way,  because Judah's best songs have always been over slower, melodic riddim tracks. What carries the tune (as always) is his voice. The B side is the dub. You should get it. Take a listen:

Great Escape

Billy Tibbals - Onwards and Upwards/Lucy - 7" Curation Records - (2022)

 

Wow...power pop supreme!..Billy Tibbals is being mentioned a lot on my feeds since I think he is currently touring Europe. This is his first 7" single. It is from 2022 on Curation Records. The A side, Onwards and Upwards, sounds like 1970s power pop classic. Would have been a hit back then and should be a hit now! The B side is bouncier and has a slightly more complex arrangement. Maybe a little baroque? Who knows. While not as catchy as the A side, it is still a gem. I must buy all of his output now! 

Max Romeo - Let the Power Fall (1971) (Dynamic Sounds) (Jamaica)

 On a trip that I took recently to Chicago, I stumbled on this album by legendary reggae artist, Max Romeo. From 1971, this appears to Max's second album. Early 70s reggae with a dash of reggae pop. For example, this album includes a version of Neil Diamond's Cracklin' Rosie and Wini Scott's Puppet On A String (which was also done and popularized in reggae circles by Jamaican singer Ken Boothe).

This LP contains two songs that are more 'roots' oriented. Specifically, Holla Zion and Macabee Version are tracks that are a little different from the reggae pop of the rest of the album.  

V.A. - Roots from the Record Smith: Lloydie Slim Productions 1973-1976 (2022) (Digikiller Records)

This is the LP that has the vocal versions that appear on the dub album reviewed earlier. Pure class from Digikiller! Ronnie Davis sort of steals the show with at least 4 tracks on this 10 track LP. The fact that Ronnie Davis appears on this LP should be enough for you to go and get this. However, if you hesitate just a little, consider that Cornell Campbell, Tappa Zukie, Hortense Ellis, and The Heptones also appear. In fact, the song included by The Heptones (Tripe Girl) is one of my favorite reggae songs ever. So, just go get this. It is a must for serious reggae collectors and fans. By the way, if you are new to reggae, then consider that this LP is a nice snapshot of what reggae music in the 1970s sounded like. Jus enjoy.

For just a taste of what you find on this album, consider these two cuts included on this album, The Heptones - Tripe Girl and I Roy - Look A Boom