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

Various Artists - Roots Rock Rebel: When Punk Met Reggae 1975-1982 (Cherry Red Records) 3 CD Box Set (2024)

 I was excited when I heard about this box set. The interaction of reggae and punk in the UK was a real thing. Given my age, I actually lived through this era and I am familiar with a lot of the music on this 3CD collection from the good folks at Cherry Red Records. All (most) of the punk bands you would expect to be represented are included. For example The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers are represented, as are the 2-tone roster bands (e.g., Specials, English Beat, Madness, Selector, Madness). 

Unfortunately, the end result is a little underwhelming. While I applaud the effort, some of the songs included in here seem a bit forced. What I mean is that some of the songs included in the box set fit the bill of being reggae influenced but are not at all interesting or noteworthy (e.g., The Pop Group's contribution or Public Image Limited's contribution).  Maybe this should have been a killer 2 CD set(?) Anyway, collectors will want to pick this this but you may not get play it that often. May be best to find a used copy.

Highpoint? This box set includes Aswad's Warrior Charge.

The Chosen Few - I Love the Way You Love Me (Rock A Shaka) Japanese Import CD (2020)

 

Yet another label putting out quality reggae music reissues is Rock A Shaka from Japan. This album is a reissue of a 1975 album released in the UK as Everybody Plays the Fool on Trojan Records. I was not too familiar with The Chosen Few prior to hearing this release. I am pretty sure I have heard the occasional single here and there but I have never had a full release from them. Why? Well, The Chosen Few (at least on this release) concentrate on reggae versions of popular soul, disco, and funk songs. So, this is not roots music. Nobody is singing about Selassie or Rastafari on this album. However, I am enjoying this album for what it is worth. I recognize some of the songs covered here and it is nice to hear a good reggae version of them. There is one song that really caught my ear which is La La At The End. I had never heard it before and it is pretty good and a good indication of how this album sounds. By the way, for the hardcore reggae listeners, there is a good version of the classic Queen Majesty! Try it you will like it.

This reissue has an extra track on it. Children of the Night. 

Rockers All Stars - Chanting Dub With the Help of the Father (2022) (Onlyroots Records) LP

 

Onlyroots Records from France is another great label that puts out quality reissues of Jamaican roots reggae music. As an example, consider this reissue of an LP that came out in 1978(?) with the original title, Dub With the Help of His Majesty. This album was produced by Augustus Pablo and Everton Da Silva for Pablo's Rockers label. The great musicians playing on these tracks are simply credited as the Rockers All Stars. Rest easy, if they are playing with or for Pablo, they are top-of-the-line! The dub music on here is solid, thunderous, and hypnotic. 70s reggae music is the best era for roots reggae and the dubs from that era are hard to beat.

 This is a solid release for advanced reggae listeners but even the novice reggae fans will enjoy real authentic dub music from one of the masters. By the way, the tracks for this album were mixed at King Tubby's and Harry J's. Just that last sentence will send the hard core reggae fan to the store to buy this album. You should as well. 

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! 

Thee Sinseers - Sinceerly Yours (2024) Colemine Records (CLMN 12030LP) CD digi-pack

 

Over the last few years I have been trying to catch up with the 'new soul' or 'retro-soul' music that has been emerging in the U.S.  Colemine Records has been one of the strongest labels releasing this type of music. Daptone Records and Penrose Records pretty much dedicate themselves to releasing new soul music that really sounds "old". As a perfect example, consider this release by Thee Sinseers. When you play this you are going to think that it came right from the '60s. Actually, when you play this album you are going to be transported to East LA, cruisin' in a low-rider, holding hands with your girl, doing a one-hand lean on the steering wheel, and blastin' sweet soul music out of your car speakers as you ride down Hawthorne Ave. The songs on this album could easily fit on any of the early East Side Story comps you enjoyed all those years ago. 

The production is flawless. The horn charts are sharp. The melodies are to die for, and the feelings expressed by the songs are real. Vocals are shared by many but the songs sung by Adriana Flores are especially beautiful. Check out It's Such A Shame.  

  If you like soul music of any era but especially the sweet soul music of the 60s and 70s, this is a must purchase. Go get it!