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