Balaxy Orchestra - Wilky May Trip (Self-published) + Orchestre International Du Vetex - Le Beau Bazar (Via Lactea Records)
In the absence of a solid bio (the only thing that we found out about the band is that they arose from the ashes of The Milleniums) we're forced to judge Balaxy Orchestra's debut album purely on its musical merits.
Various Artists - Songs For Reggae Lovers 4 (Greensleeves)
'Songs For Reggae Lovers', Greensleeves' annual valentine's soundtrack is already at its fourth edition meaning it's getting harder to fill the track list with decent lovers tunes.
Richie Spice - Book Of Job (VP Records)
When discussing yet another album of an artist it pays to re-read all earlier reviews to keep from repeating oneself, but 'Book Of Job', the new album by Richie Spice gives us little other choice.
Etana - Free Expressions (VP Records)
The concept of "free expression", reminded yours truly of the eponymous weekly class in high school; for many the probably the first (and only) time to "star" on a stage.
Bombino - Agadez (Cumbancha)
Bombino could have been the name of a hardcore reggaeton artist, but is, in fact, the pseudonym of the young Tuareg musician Omara Moctar debuting with 'Agadez' on the Cumbancha Discovery sub-label.
Various Artists - Bossa Nova And The Rise Of Brazilian Music In The 1960s (Soul Jazz Records)
If, like yours truly, you're a fan of the subtle sensual charms of bossa nova, but never got beyond Astrud Gilberto's 'Girl From Ipanema' (originally 'Garota De Ipanema') or Antonio Carlos Jobim's 'Desafinado', the Soul Jazz Records compilation 'Bossa Nova And The Rise Of Brazilian Music In The 1960s' might well be a godsend.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Songs From A Zulu Farm (Razor & Tie/Proper Records)
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was founded in 1964 after Joseph Shabalala got a vision in a dream.
Debademba - Debademba (Chapa Blues/Naïve)
With 'Debademba' we might already be looking at one of the best African releases for 2011.
Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha - Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha (Helmy Levit)
This album debut by Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha reached us From the Far North (read: Finnish Lapland).
Los Callejeros - Présente! (Self-published)
Los Callejeros may claim they're above all a live band, the fact is yours truly also enjoys their album releases.
Ephraim Juda - Coming Home (Urban Tree Music)
Teutonic reggae is doing well as proven by Ephraim Juda, who, only a few months after Cornadoor, is also releasing his debut effort.
Hi Kee - Self Reliance (Truesounds)
Yours truly had honestly never heard of Hi Kee, nor of the English Truesounds label, on which his debut album now appears, for that matter.
Campina Reggae - Armoei Troef (Hoekaf-records/Self-published)
With 'Armoei Troef' ("poverty allover") Campina Reggae introduces the successor for its 2008 debut 'Vet En Verstaanbaar'.
Jah Love - Strength For Life (Self-published)
'Creation', the 2007 debut album by Jah Love, a five-member band from Pavia in Italy, didn't make it this far north, but we're happy to offer you its successor 'Strength For Life'.
Bushman - Bushman Sings The Bush Doctor (VP Records)
Yours truly has never been a big fan of tribute albums, but for 'Bushman Sings The Bush Doctor' we'd gladly make an exception.
Diplo - Riddimentary (Greensleeves)
For 'Riddimentary' Diplo (born Thomas Wesley Pentz and one of the faces behind Major Lazer) got carte blanche in the archives of the Greensleeves label and using his favorite tracks he composed one continuous mix for this album.
Ginjah - Never Lost My Way (No Doubt Records)
'Never Lost My Way', Ginjah's album debut (recorded with the help of producer Kemar 'Flava' McGregor) immediately confirms his vocal talent, but for those who aren't big on no ballads this is not immediately recommended listening.
Dennis Brown - Dennis Brown At Joe Gibbs + Culture - Culture At Joe Gibbs (17 North Parade/VP Records)
'Reggae Anthology: The Crown Prince Of Reggae' was barely in the racks and 17 North Parade/VP Records is already serving up 'Dennis Brown At Joe Gibbs'; undoubtedly a questionable move in terms of commercial planning, but yours truly is always up for some Dennis Brown.