Maikal X - Genesis (Rock 'N Vibes)

Maikal X's name might not ring a bell yet, but you might know Michael Parkinson from his time with Postmen, when he performed under the pseudonyms Shyrock and Rocka Rolla (since their dissolution Postmen was reduced to a one-man act around Remon Stotijn aka The Anonymous Mis and the band's name was changed to Postman).

Luciano - United States Of Africa (VP Records)

What immediately makes 'United States Of Africa' stand out is the fact there is not a single picture of the Messenger to be found on the entire package, but that piece of trivia, of course, does not detract from the musical qualities of this album.

Various Artists - The Definitive Collection Of Federal Records, 1964 - 1982 (17 North Parade/VP Records)

After compilations on Junjo Lawes' Volcano label, Joe Gibbs and of course Randy's (the birthplace of VP Records on 17 North Parade), a retrospective of the work of Federal Records could not stay behind.

Various Artists - Evolution Of Dub Volume 3: The Descent Of Version, Volume 4: Natural Selection & Volume 5: The Missing Link (Greensleeves)

Last year we already served you the first two parts in Greensleeves' Evolution Of Dub series.

Gotan Project - Tango 3.0 (Ya Basta Records/Universal)

The title of this new album by neo-tango collective Gotan Project almost makes a review unnecessary.

Richy Pitch - Ye Fre Mi Richy Pitch (Barely Breaking Even)

Richy Pitch debuted in the mid-1990s, deejaying at London hip-hop club Scratch.

Daniel Asher - Stand Tall! (Studio Skanky)

After Nazarenes and Roots Circus, once again, Swedish reggae is sounding from our speakers (the popular Uppsala Reggae Festival might have something to do with that).

Clinton Fearon - Mi Deh Yah (Makasound)

Clinton Fearon will forever and a day be linked to his period as bass player/vocalist with The Gladiators, but honesty compels to say Fearon has also has managed to build himself a more than decent solo career delivering solid roots together with his backing band The Boogie Brown Band.

Capleton - I-Ternal Fire (VP Records)

Six long years, Clifton Bailey aka Capleton aka King Shango made us wait for a follow-up to his 2004 'Reign Of Fire' album.

Samy Izy - Tsara Madagasikara (Network Medien)

'Tsara Madagasikara', the debut album of Malagasy formation Samy Izy houses a true wealth of musical information about the vanilla island.

Badume's Band - Addis Kan (Innacor Records)

A group of Breton musicians throwing themselves on Ethiopian music from the nineteen sixties and seventies with a passion… admittedly, it's not the most obvious of combinations.

Various Artists - Next Stop... Soweto Volume 2: Soul, Funk & Organ Grooves From The Townships 1969 - 1976 + Next Stop... Soweto Volume 3: Giants, Ministers And Makers, Jazz In South Africa 1963 - 1984 (Strut Records)

Just in time for the start of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Strut Records label drops part 2 and 3 in their 'Next Stop.

Soldiers Of Jah Army - Born In Babylon (DMV Records/Grooveattack)

'Born In Babylon' sounds more subdued than its predecessor, 2006's 'Get Wiser', and the addition of Puerto Rican horns men Hellman ‘Helms’ Escorcia, Rafael Rodriguez, Yamuel Marcano and Mario Castro adds an new dimension to SOJA's sound.

Jodian Pantry - Never Stay Away… The Journey Begins (Advocate Records)

Introducing: Jodian Pantry, a new female talent on the Jamaican music firmament.

Romain Virgo - Romain Virgo (VP Records)

Although he is still a relatively new face in the Jamaican music scene, Romain Virgo probably doesn't need further introduction.

Skatroniks Jamaica - Skalsa #1 (Skajam Records)

No idea what happened with Jazz Jamaica, but the bulk of the musicians in that band, now led by keyboardist Bigga Morrison, regrouped as Skatroniks Jamaica.

Various Artists - Ayobaness: The Sound Of South African House (Out Here Records)

This year, the FIFA World Cup takes place in South Africa and with the compilation 'Ayobaness: The Sound Of South African House' ("ayoba" is an expression to indicate when something is crazy or great) the Outhere label serves up an album that could well be the perfect soundtrack to this event.

Maka Jah - Roots Rock Revelation EP (Artikal Music)

Backed by Artikal Krew, Antillian Maka Jah has been making a name for himself with our southern neighbors for some time now.

Various Artists - Joe Gibbs 12" Reggae Discomix Showcase Volume 4 (17 North Parade/VP Records)

In part 4 of this series of 12" disco mixes from the archives of Joe Gibbs, you might think the best is already behind us, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Beres Hammond - Just A Man (17 North Parade/VP Records)

'Just A Man' is a bit of a strange reissue; recorded for Joe Gibbs, this was the second album in Beres Hammond's discography, but don't expect a reggae album, for 'Just A Man' is all about disco and soul.