Joe Gibbs - Freedom To The People (Doctor Bird)(2022)(2CD)

 

Doctor Bird just keeps releasing fantastic early reggae music for the pleasure of all (including the hardcore reggae collectors!). This release focuses on the (very) early 70s productions of producer/engineer Joe Gibbs. This release has 54 tracks! Many of the tracks appeared on two compilation albums released by Joe Gibbs: "The Heptones And Their Friends Meet The Now Generation" (1972) and "The Heptones And Friends Vol. 2" (1973). For those that care, the base of the musicians backing up the artists on this release is the Now Generation band with offshoots of this band also billed as The Love Generation and The 3rd and 4th Generation. In other words, reggae music backing-band royalty. For those that love reggae music, this is a must purchase.

The Plugz - Live from the Kit Kat Club (recorded in Nov 7, 1982) (self released)(2025)(CD)

A fun release. The Plugz live at the Kit Kat Club from November 1982. This is a self release by Tony Marsico, bass player for The Plugz (and the Cruzados, and Bob Dylan, and Matthew Sweet). You can find him in Instagram.

While the band is described as a "Latino punk rock band", this release showcases the band moving beyond that classification. The energy is definitely there but the songs are more developed and maybe hint a little to what the The Cruzados became(?) In any event, this is quite good and worth getting. The Plugz were fairly well known in the Southern California. I think this release shows why. 

Inspiral Carpets - The Complete Singles (Mute)(2023)(3CDs)

 

My first adventure with Inspiral Carpets. The little I had heard of them was great. They had a very 60s feel to them because of that organ sound. A farfisa organ(?) However, buying their records always escaped me for some reason. I sort of forgot about them. However, now that I am a man of 'wealth' (well I have a gift-card), I decided to start with this compilation of singles. Yes, I am missing their deep cuts by starting with this compilation but I thought it would be a good place to start. Verdict? I need to buy all their albums. The 60s sound is there but more importantly they are more melodic than I originally believed. 

Various - The Sound of Young Jamaica (Studio One)(2012)(2CDs)

 

It is always exciting to find a Studio One release that I was not aware of! The LP has has been around for a long time but this 2 CD compilation of The Sound of Young Jamaica is new to these eyes. When I saw it listed at Studio One USA, I immediately added it to my cart.  Note, I do not remember that the original LP had these many songs so I think they added quite a few songs and used the same title as the original LP. 

Ok - the music is classic. Studio One (as many have said) is Sun Records and Motown combined but for Jamaica. Quite the simplification but you get the idea. If you like reggae music, you need this and you should buy it. Classic reggae. 'nuff said. Nothing sounds sweeter and original as Studio One reggae.

The Umbrellas - Fairweather Friend (Slumberland Records)(2024)(CD)

 

There seems to be some really nice guitar pop music being made in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Umbrellas (along with Chime School) have been releasing some great jangly pop. The Umbrellas have two singers: Morgan Alice and Matt Ferrara. I love her vocals and his vocals need a bit more getting used to. It is not that Matt Ferrara's vocals are bad but on some songs his singing style is more of a "talking-style"(?) A deep monotone voice. It is hard for me to describe but on some songs his delivery detracts a little from the great music. When he does actually "sing", the results are fine. Overall, a good record and certainly worth buying. Jangle-pop is not lost! The Umbrellas still wave the flag proudly.

For a taste, check out Goodbye or Echoes 

Creation Rebel - High Above Harlesden 1978-2023 (On-U Sound)(2024)(CD#3 of Box Set)

 

The third disc, Rebel Vibrations, of the box set High Above Harlesden 1978-2023. Solid dub album. Nothing spectacular but worth a listen. I should have paid more attention to Creation Rebel back in the day. Worth having. The rhythms are pretty good but not as good as their second LP, Close Encounters of the Third World from 1978 (2nd CD in the box set).

Various - The Violence Inherent In The System: A NFH Compilation of European Rock'n'Roll Bands (NKVD Records)(1991)(CD)

 

Tremendous collection of European rock'n'roll bands from the very early '90s. I was a big fan of the Noise For Heroes fanzine during this era. I had no idea that they had released this compilation or that they had their own record label. I hope to get my hands on more! However, this CD contains music that is sonically great. No frills, power rock'n'roll with a punky edge. If you are driving around the city and you put this CD on in your car, you may get a speeding ticket. One of my favorite tracks is by the Scuba Drivers, from France, with All Around. If you like that song, you will love the rest of this compilation. Highly recommended.