COVER VERSION VS ORIGINAL SONG Since the early 1960s and even prior, numerous iconic Jamaican hits were derived from popular foreign songs. The original pop and soul tracks were frequently embraced by audiences on the island, leading reggae artists to create their own renditions. Some of these artists gained fame by covering chart-topping songs, turning these adaptations into timeless classics.…
That Winston Rodney is one of the giants of reggae music is indisputable. Since he started his professional career in 1969, he has recorded scores of classic performances and only a handful of disappointing ones. “Creation Rebel” is just one of his many classic songs, and is a remarkable performance that features the arrangement and bass playing of Leroy Sibbles.…
The Sensations – Everyday Is Just A HolidayB Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics – Rock Away The sweltering rocksteady classic Every Day Is A Holiday, with the soulful Bobby Davis as lead vocalist, stands out as one of The Sensations’ top hits for the Treasure Isle label. Initially released in 1969 in Jamaica and the UK by Treasure Isle and…
REISSUE Jamwax’s next reissue, due for release on January 9, 2025, is another blast from the past. This release features a single from 1966 by Laurel Aitken & The Soulmen. Originally issued in 1966 on the UK’s Rainbow label, the 7″ vinyl includes two tracks. Last Night is inspired by the ’60s sounds of The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, while…
A. Johnny Clarke & Lord Sassafrost – Take Heed B. Johnny Clarke & Lord Sassafrost – Get In The Groove Label: Black Joy – DH 819 More info @ Discogs This edition features two legendary reggae artists who have enjoyed sustained success since the 1970s: Johnny Clarke and Leroy Smart. We’ll kick things off with a 12” single from 1982…
U Roy – I Can’t LoseB Errol Brown – Rema Skank This rocksteady double-sided gem showcases the talents of deejay Daddy U Roy, The Jamaicans, the exceptional sound of Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, and the expert mixing of sound engineer Errol Brown. The legendary U Roy made his mark at Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle studio in 1970 with three…
NEW RELEASE Fluoman was a French painter who used fluorescent paint and put his brushes at the service of reggae music. His first fluorescent paintings depicted Bob Marley, Family Man, Culture… His encounter with Cédric Myton and the Congos through the Jah Live label, with whom Fluoman worked, was decisive. During The Congos concert at La Mutualité, he exhibited his…
STAY UPDATED WITH OUR PICKS OF THE WEEK In general, Reggae Vibes’ weekly Spotify Playlist is compiled of tunes that were released in the previous week, a blast from the past, a dub piece, chart toppers and new entries in the dancehall & reggae charts, and tracks from albums and EPs that were reviewed in the past seven days. Share…
This is a conscious four-track riddim EP release from the pairing of Ashanti Selah, the eldest son of the legendary soundman Aba-Shanti-I, with a very strong roots and culture approach, and riddim master Zac Harkavy. It is an excellent groove, with some haunting, atmospheric female backing vocals deep in the mix, with three lead vocals: Zed Regal’s Magical Connection is…
REISSUE Jamwax Records of France is set to re-release Justin Hinds’ 1987 7″ single on January 9th this year. Given that copies of this rare single have been commanding exorbitant prices on Discogs, we wholeheartedly welcome this initiative. The immensely talented Justin Hinds was a pivotal figure in the development of Jamaican music, enjoying success from the ska era through…