Jacob Miller & Ray I - Natty Christmas (VP Records)
It might still be a bit early in the year, but with the reissue of this legendary album by Jacob Miller and Ray I, VP Records is already gearing up for the Christmas season.
Mighty Sparrow & Byron Lee - Only A Fool + Again (VP Records)
In the glorious 1960s, apart from ska and rocksteady Jamaica also had to offer calypso.
Josie Mel - This Whole World (Minor7flat5)
This is already the second album Josie Mel recorded for the Minor7flat5 label and that means that for once, producer Brotherman doesn't simply rehash his old riddims.
Barrington Levy - Robin Hood (Greensleeves)
'Robin Hood' is a brilliant, somewhat forgotten album by Barrington Levy.
Gentleman - Another Intensity (Sony-BMG/Four Music)
Tillman Otto aka Gentleman is back! The album we've all been waiting for is titled 'Another Intensity' and that title hits the nail on the head as this album indeed sounds slightly different from predecessors 'Superior' and 'Journey To Jah'.
Culture & Don Carlos - Roots & Culture + Little John - Ghetto Youth (17 North Parade/VP Records)
Following the path laid out by Greensleeves, VP Records now also seems to dedicate themselves to re-releases.
Ranking Dread - Most Wanted: Fattie Boom Boom (Greensleeves)
'Fattie Boom Boom', the latest release in Greensleeves 'Most Wanted' series, is dedicated to the limited oeuvre of rub-a-dub deejay, rudeboy and notorious gangster Ranking Dread.
Various Artists - Greensleeves 12" Rulers: Henry 'Junjo' Lawes 1979 - 83 + Various Artists - From Dubplate To Download: The Best Of Greensleeves Records Ltd. (Greensleeves)
With 'Greensleeves 12" Rulers' Greensleeves introduces yet another series entirely dedicated to the popular 12-inch mixes that put the label on the reggae map.
Soldiers Of Jah Army - Get Wiser (Nocturne/Cornershop/Innerloop)
Thanks to the ever growing popularity of Groundation, their countrymen, Soldiers Of Jah Army, also get a chance to make it in Europe.
Captain Sinbad - The Seven Voyages Of Captain Sinbad (Greensleeves)
Captain who? Truth be told, yours truly had no idea who this toaster was, but it has to be said, 'The Seven Voyages Of Captain Sinbad' is a true deejay-gem and the cover artwork is something you'll rarely see these days.
Beta Simon - Kraity Payan Guez (Nocturne/Fakoly Production)
There seems to be absolutely no shortage of African reggae productions lately. In the previous months we already introduced you to Kajeem and Takana Zion and now it's Beta Simon's turn.
Michael Rose - Warrior Dub + Various Artists - Twilight Sound System presents Cultural Roots Showcase (M Records)
This summer Ryan Moore again rejoices us with some brand new releases on his M Records label.
Jahcoustix & Dubios Neighbourhood - Grounded (Modernsoul/Four Music)
Jahcoustix states he discovered reggae while traveling in Kenya, but his debut album, 'Grounded', can hardly be classified as pure roots reggae as it sounds just a little too sophisticated.
Israel Vibration - Stamina (Médiacom)
Although Israel Vibration are clearly on their return, 'Stamina' is undoubtedly one of their best efforts in years.
Frenchie - Dub To Jamrock (Nocturne/Corner Shop/Maximum Sound)
French producer Frenchie is primarily known for the two albums he produced for Anthony B. With 'Dub To Jamrock' he now completes his very first dub album.
Nasio Fontaine - Rise Up (Greensleeves)
Nasio Fontaine, the Rastaman from Dominica, a small Caribbean Island south of Guadeloupe and Martinique, has already four albums to his name. 'Rise Up' is a more than descent 'Best Of' compilation and at the same time a fine introduction for those who still have to discover this roots artist.
Jah Cure - Reflections... A New Beginning (VP Records)
Fans of Jah Cure can breathe a sigh of relief, because after years of imprisonment, the man was finally released at the end of July and by the time you read this review he will already have given his first performance in years at the Reggae Sundance festival in Eindhoven.
Culture - Two Sevens Clash, The 30th Anniversary Edition (Shanachie)
July 7th 2007 must have been just about the most overbooked wedding date in years, but it was also the 30th anniversary of the album that would give Culture iconic status : 'Two Sevens Clash'.
Takana Zion - Zion Prophet (Makasound)
The black continent continues to deliver new reggae talents. Last month we introduced you to Kajeem and now it's Makasound's turn to present their latest asset on their Makafresh sub-label: Takana Zion.
The Slickers - Break Through (Makasound)
With every new reissue on the Makasound label yours truly wonders if the cunning French have struck gold again and where 'Break Through', a hitherto virtually obsolete release by obscure trio The Slickers, is concerned, the answer has to be a resounding: "Yes!"