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Essential! The mighty debut album from African disciples Culture pairing up with the Mighty Two, Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson is one of the landmark sets of roots reggae, a defining moment of the genre dropped during the year when two sevens clashed. And though the apocalypse didn't rain down from the skies in '77, this album was certainly a world-changing event, one of the finest moments in Kingston's rich musical history! Gibbs provides the trio with a set of uplifting rhythms over which to harmonize, and Culture comes correct on every track, combining a tightly harmonized approach with a rawer, rootsier sound. This 30th anniversary edition combines the 10 tracks of the original LP with 5 bonus numbers, and includes "I'm Alone In The Wilderness", "Pirate Days", "Two Sevens Clash", "Caling Rastafari", "I'm Not Ashamed", 'Get Ready To Ride The Lion To Zion", "Black Starliner Must Come", "Jah Pretty Face", 'See Them A Come", "Natty Dread Taking Over", "See Dem A Come (12" mix w/Prince Weedy)", "See Dem Dub", "Natty Dread Taking OVer (12" mix w/I Roy), "I'm Not Ashamed (12" mix w/I Roy)" and "Not Ashamed Dub". CD

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US issue of some of Sonny's African recordings from the early 80s. The groove here is afro-pop, with crisp guitars and a lighter beat than Fela's style of afrobeat, but with similar cascading horn parts. The production's a bit slicker too, with the vocals pushed way forward in the mix. Titles include "Tell Them", "Liberation", "Amen", "Olu Ebube", and "Tire Ni Oluwa". LP, Vinyl record album

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Choice early 80s rockers from Augustus Pablo and the Rockers crew: Augustus Pablo, Junior Dan, Flabba Holt, Jah Bunny, Robbie Shakespeare, Albert Malawi, Style Scott, Santa Davis, Horsemouth Wallace, Bingy Bunny, Chinna Smith, Hugh Mundell, Delroy Williams, Norris Reid and others. Includes "Earth's Rightful Ruler", "King Alpha & Queen Omega", "Jah Love Endureth", "Rastafari Tradition", "Zion Hill", "Java", "Lightning & Thunder", "Israel School Yard", "City Of David", and "Musical Changes". CD

Titles include "Behave Yourself", "Feel Free", "Girls Like Dirt", "Let Love Be Strong", "Sweet Sensimilla", "Poor Immigrants", and "Put The People First". LP, Vinyl record album

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14 tracks from U Roy, Big Youth, Prince Jazzbo, I Roy, Dean Beckford, Godsons, Berry Simpson & Lloyd Young. CD

Music from Udokotela Shange Namajaha, Nelcy Sedibe, Umahlathini Nabo, Amaswazi Emvelo, Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo With Makgona Tshole Band, Moses Mchunu, Johnson Mkhalali & Ladysmith Black Mambazo. CD

Music from Safi Abdulla, Ras Iley, Baron, Bro Resistance, Black Stalin, Nelson, Red Plastic Bag & Johnny King. CD

No need for a leap of faith where Bluey's concerned – as we've been loving his music with Incognito for many many years, and we're more than happy to hear the man on his own! The vibe here is every bit as soulful and righteous as the best Incognito work – but there's also a more personal sound, too – especially since Bluey's on lead vocals on every track – quite a change from before, as he often lets other singers take the lead! Turns out, Bluey's a hell of a lead singer on his own – with this warm and slightly raspy style that really fits in wonderfully with the grooves – which are heavy on Bluey's own guitar, plus keyboards and other instrumentation from Ski Oakenfull and Richard Bull. If you like Incognito as much as us, there's plenty to love here – and titles include "Stronger", "Leap Of Faith", "Sky", "Keep Myself Together", "Ain't Nobody's Business", "Got To Let My Feelings Show", and "Live Like A Millionaire". CD

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A really great combination of talents – the songs of Bill Withers and the vocals of Anthony David – a singer whose acoustic undercurrents make him a perfect partner for Bill's music! If anything, the presentation here might be even more spare and stripped-down than Withers' originals – as the music was recorded on the Atlanta scene, with backing from some of David's key associates – all in a laidback groove that's jazzy and electric one minute, spare and acoustic the other. The songs give David a majesty we've never heard before – and titles include "I Can't Write Left Handed", "Use Me", "Hope She'll Be Happier", "Lovely Day", "Kissing My Love", "Spend The Night", "Hello Like Before", "I Don't Know", "Grandma's Hands", and "You Can't Just Smile It Away". CD

Titles include "King Sa", "Esw Yo Wapi", "En Amour Ya Pas De Calcul", "Gagner Gagner", and "Loyenghe" – and two tracks feature guest work from M'Bilia Bel. LP, Vinyl record album

Titles include "Spotted Cow", "Rosebud In June", "John Barleycorn", "Saucy Sailor", "King Henry", "Sheep Crook & The Black Dog", and "Royal Forester". CD

Music from Joe Higgs, Lucky Dube, Bunny Wailer, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Yellowman, Alpha Blondy, Mutabaruka, Augustus Pablo, Dennis Brown & more. CD