Various - Jah Children Invasion Vol. 6: Digital Dawn (Wackies)(2024)(LP)

 

From the good folks at Deeper Knowledge (or aka "Digikiller"), we have a new selection of Wackies music but this time in a purely digital style. Solid set of digital releases from some legendary reggae performers including Horace Andy, Milton Henry, Jackie Mittoo, and Chris Wayne. I do not think this is available in CD format so you need to buy the LP.

This LP includes an interesting version of the Bobby Caldwell classic, "What You Won't Do For Love", by Wayne Chin. It works in a digital reggae style. The stand-out track for me is from Milton Henry with "Make it Right". Milton has such a smooth voice.  I would recommend this LP for advanced reggae music listeners only.

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

Various - Roots from the Record Smith in Dub (2023) LP (Digikiller Records)

 

Another outstanding release of great period reggae music from those fine folks at Digikiller! This is the Dub release of the vocal various artists album featuring tracks produced by Ivan "Lloydie Slim" Smith between 1973-1976. There is not much in the way of liner notes but based on the listing, Lloydie was producing records that featured The Upsetters, and The Aggrovators as backing bands. Some of the tracks just lists King Tubby so I am assuming that King Tubby was at the controls for those. What can I one say? If you like reggae music, then you need this album. Nuff' said. The 70's was my favorite era of reggae music. This dub only release is very good. I need to get the vocal album!