Taitu Riddim Force meets Dub Creator - Dub Blessings/More Blessings 7" (Taitu Records)(2025)

Here are two dub version of "His Blessings" reviewed just below. Available on Bandcamp from Taitu Records. Dub Creator on the mix with Taitu Riddim Force (Mafia/Fluxy/Bubbler/Mikey Chung). Very good modern roots from Amanda at Taitu. More information on the Bandcamp page. These 45s are a must for any fan of serious roots music.
 

Rominal feat. Xana Romeo / Addis Pablo - His Blessings / Blessings Melodica 7" (Taitu)(2025 pressing)

From the Taitu Bandcamp page: "The ever-tough "Live In Love" riddim of Hugh Mundell and Augustus Pablo fame rides again with a vocal from the Romeo siblings, Melodica cut by Addis Pablo"  Mafia and Fluxy, Bubbler, and Mikey Chung on the riddim. From 2015(?)

Great release from Amanda at Taitu. Taitu releases prime roots music. You should get this. Check out Taitu Records on Bandcamp. 

Hemsley Morris - You Think I'M A Fool/Ernest Ranglin - Heart Beat 7" (Clancy's)(2023)Europe

 

Rocksteady music from 1968(?) but released in 2023. Can't tell if this is a reissue or newly released. Hemsley Morris has a nice voice and rides the Hot Milk riddim well. Reggae fans will recognize the riddim. B side is an instrumental of the riddim credited to guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Good release. Get it. Check out Hemsley Morris here.

Ras Talent - African Trap/African Trap Version 7" (I Aim, I Destiny, I Jah) (2022) Euro reissue

 

2022 reissue of a 1980 release by Ras Talent. Straightforward roots tune. Not a barn burner. Version side is the better side. I give this a C. There are better roots tune from the era available. Check it out here.

Wellesley Braham - Never Get Weary/Version 7" (Love Love Love) reissue 2023

 

Great late 70s roots reggae tune. I have heard this 45 on mix tapes and on the radio but thanks to the good folks at TRS Records, I now have my own copy.  European reissue. At one time, all reggae sounded this good. This is a must. Check it out here. 

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

Jah Lloyd/Vin Gordon - 7" Zion Rock/Rebel Rock (reissue, 2017, 1972(o))

 

Reissue of 1972 single. Tight, simple, hypnotic riddim with DJ Jah Lloyd providing a chanting vocal on the A side. Vin Gordon providing horn solo on the B side over the same rhythm. Issued by King Rocky Records and distributed by Deep Roots Record Shop out of France.

African Brothers - 7" Righteous Kingdom/Version (reissue 2020, 1973(o))

Solid 70s roots from the African Brothers. Sounds like Sugar Minott singing lead on this single. If you follow reggae music that will mean something. Reissued by Deep Roots Reggae Shop out of France. Worth getting a copy.