Reggae

There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley--a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary--is one of them

There’s a diverse mix of classic and new, with legendary figures like John Holt, The Tamlins and Cornell Campbell to laidback Texan groovers Khruangbin also offering an exclusive bass heavy-delight.

Flying high for the tenth anniversary of the Blackbird album here is the brand new Blackbird Returns remix album descending on the breeze.

After the success of 1974's Natty Dread and 1976's Rastaman Vibration, Bob Marley was not only the most successful reggae musician in the world, he was one of the most powerful men in Jamaica.

Originally released in 1972 in the UK on Island Records (ILPS 9202), the soundtrack album, and the film itself, was a landmark event in promoting reggae beyond Jamaica, particularly in the United States.

Studio One Roots 2 delves deep into the vaults of the legendary Jamaican Reggae label and features rare and classic roots as well as an unprecedented seven unreleased tracks that up till now had never seen the light of day.

The Jamaican musical group Toots & the Maytals can be considered as one of the best known and most important ska and rocksteady groups of all time.

Fat Freddy’s Drop hit the ground running with new studio album SLO MO, a bass-heavy blast of redemption and resolution.

Released in 1975 and produced by Lawrence Lindo aka Jack Ruby, Burning Spear's magnificent Marcus Garvey album set the benchmark for Roots Reggae and is still widely considered the greatest collection of its kind ever to see issue.

Seminal dub album produced by Winston Edwards. In 1974 Edwards left Jamaica to reside in the UK and through his strong connections with such reggae luminaries as Joe Gibbs, Lee Perry and King Tubby began to travel back and forth between London and Kingston (JA) to bring back recordings to issue on his Fay Music label here in the UK. In 1974 he released this seminal dub set, which is now considered a classic early Tubby’s dub album. A musical, tuneful and seriously heavy dubwise set with Vin Gordon’s unique trombone lines well to the fore. Essential dub.

The legendary collaboration between master percussionist Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah and producer Adrian Sherwood return with their first new studio album in twelve years.

Brand new selection of rare and classic releases made at Studio One by reggae's leading women!

U-Roy was a true reggae pioneer, dubbed The Originator for good reason.

Black Symbol provided other local Handsworth based bands with the opportunity to record their songs properly in the well equipped Outlaw Studio and then gave them the platform of this album with each band getting two tracks to showcase their talent.

Special new 25th anniversary edition of this most popular and highly-acclaimed of all Soul Jazz Records' Dynamite! series - 300% Dynamite is jam-packed with reggae tunes that crossed-over to become dancefloor hits and are 100% guaranteed to rock any party!

Fat Freddy's Drop release their fourth studio album 'Bays'. Following the worldwide success of 'Blackbird' in 2013, the New Zealand based seven-piece are back with 'Bays', a 9-track LP recorded at the band's Bays Studio in Kilbirnie, Wellington a former 1950s HMV vinyl pressing plant.

Soul Jazz Records’ Down Beat Special is a roller- coaster Greatest Hits ride through many of the all- time classic tunes hand-picked from across the mighty vaults of, without doubt, Jamaica’s finest ever record label and pioneering powerhouse of reggae music.

Natty Dread is Bob Marley's finest album, the ultimate reggae recording of all time. This was Marley's first album without former bandmates Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston, and the first released as Bob Marley & the Wailers.

This is a new half-speed master exclusively for RSD and part of the Two Tone Records 40th Anniversary celebrations.

In 1969, Marley teamed up with producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry who introduced him to the Barrett brothers – Aston (Family Man) on bass and Carlton (drums) – who would become a vital component of the Wailers’ 70s success.

Volume 4 of the Hot Sauce compilation LPs dedicated to the Trojan related UK labels between 1965 and 1975.

Above all, he is celebrated for his prolific output in the genres of Dub, Lovers Rock, Reggae and more through his own Ariwa label and south London recording studio boasting an impressive catalog of over 300 releases, among other notable achievements.  A few years back, Melodies stumbled upon this outstanding Lovers Rock and Dub album which had a very unique raw sound and felt like a whole experience when listened to from start to finish. Alternate versions of the same tracks with different performers in varying styles, tape rewinds, it had us all wonder why it hadn’t gained wider recognition amongst Mad Professor's other releases.  When Melodies finally had the pleasure of meeting Neil at his recording studio, he revealed that this album was one of his earliest works. It was born out of a birthday gift from his wife—a four-track recorder that inspired him to venture into music-making after years of repairing and building electronics and audio equipment. When we asked him if he would be making music if not for that gift, he confessed that it was highly unlikely (!)  Mad Professor further explained that this album, originally released in 1984, is a compilation of tracks recorded between 1979 and 1981, representing the nascent stages of his recording and production career, when the idea of establishing a studio and the Ariwa label were just beginning to take shape. He set up all his gear, including his first homemade four-track mixing desk, in the front room of his house in South London. With no prior studio experience, he positioned microphones where he thought they should fit and invited local musicians to collaborate. Errol Sly, Ranking Ann, Sergeant Pepper, Deborah Glasgow, Victor Cross, Sister Audrey, his backing band the Sane Inmates and a host of other talented local artists, some of whom would go on to become stalwarts in their respective genres, all contributed to this album, capturing the raw essence of Mad Professor and Ariwa's early sound.

As one of the innovators of this genre who was given the informal title "Godfather of Rocksteady" he wrote some original reggae hits which contains a lot of soul.

Hold tight! More Dynamite sounds from Jamaica.

Here is our Hot Sauce Volume 5 showcasing some seriously groovy and rare Rocksteady, Boss and Reggay tracks mixed expertly for yet another thrilling early Reggae experience on vinyl.

It is nearly impossible to imagine a time when reggae was not part of the cultural currency. Though Bob Marley and the Wailers cannot be said to have invented the style, they certainly brought it to the world stage, and this album was the torch that lit the way.

Studio One Soul 2 takes us further into Jamaican musics fascination with american soul and funk music.

Collectible original artwork re-issue for this acclaimed Roots Reggae harmony group classic from 1977.

Little Lion Sound's illustrious journey in the world of music reached a significant milestone with the release of their iconic album, Kingston Journey.

Dub music, as this heavily instrumental reggae became known, became very popular in the 1970s, when many of the 7” singles that came out of Jamaica had a ‘dub’ version of the A-side on the B-side.

The selection of subtle dub versions of the songs included serve to highlight the brilliance of the musicians playing in the classical 'rockers' style that dominated the latter half of the seventies.

Produced by Sly & Robbie, Brown Sugar was first released on the TAXI label in 1986, then reissued in 1988 on the RAS RECORDS label.

The immediate successor to ska, the soulful, melodic sound of rock steady first developed during the long hot Jamaican summer of 1966 and reigned supreme thereafter for two glorious years before finally being superseded by the more energetic style of reggae.

In the spirit of the classic jamaican recordings of the late 70s and early 80s, Pachyman brings us his sophomore record with ventures in dub and roots reggae.

‘Sock It To Me’ collects a dozen of the rarest and most collectable tracks from the Trojan catalogue, all of which have remained unavailable on CD and vinyl for half a century.

 Contains 12 Jamaican reggae chart hits from 1969-1972. 

Founded in 1971, Matumbi was among the earliest and best British reggae bands.

This is Africa Unite. Two worlds collide as a whole new generation of afro-beat artists reinterpret the classic songs of Bob Marley. As the name suggests, unity is at the heart of the album.

The Jamaican reggae group The Revolutionaries were set up in 1975 as the house band of the Channel One Studios. 

By the end of the 1970s Linval Thompson had cut out a successful dual career for himself as both singer and producer. Naturally he moved in the dub field as well, getting further use out of rhythms he used in his other works. Dub had begun strictly as an album format with limited pressing runs for scene insiders, but it had swiftly gained the interest of the rank and file reggae buffs.

We pay homage to uk style lovers rock and spiritual roots reggae. Music with a message! Fronted by Frankie Dread & Tara Gold. Blessings

Following their departure from Lee "Scratch" Perry's Black Ark label and production, "Congo Ashanti" is the group's first release since "Heart Of The Congos."

Not sure what else to say here! Its Bob Marley's greatest hits! Live!

Exclusive collection of the Jamaican reggae singer and DJ. All the tracks are Clement Bushay productions from the years between 1974 and 1979 and never released on a single vinyl. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica on December 3rd, 1951, Prince Jazzbo, also known as Linval Roy Carter, burst into the music scene with his hit "Every Nigger is a Winner" and followed it up with "Step Forward Youth." These songs catapulted him to international fame, leading to a successful world tour. "Upon arriving in the UK, Prince Jazzbo connected with me, that I was already making waves with artists like Louisa Mark, Owen Gray, Tappa Zukie and Zabandis. This partnership led to a fruitful collaboration, and I am excited to share some of the incredible music that came out of our work together. I hope you enjoy it.” (Clement Bushay, November 2024)

Soul Jazz Records’ special new 20th anniversary one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition yellow coloured vinyl pressing (+ download code) exclusively for Record Store Day 2025 of their out of print classic Sugar Minott - Sugar Minott at Studio One.

Drum and bass reggae legends, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespear, are the featured strongholds of The Revolutionaries, a conglomeration of many of reggae's finest studio musicians, brought together to create some of the best dub of the late 70's.

Produced entirely by Bob Marley & the Wailers and mixed by longtime Marley associate Errol Brown, this Jamaican version will be on vinyl for the first time.

Released just six months after 'Catch A Fire', 'Burnin' is the equal of its predecessor in its musical focus and passion, yet it contains - arguably - an even better batch of songs.

Not your typical DJ album by any means, the music equals the toasts and vice versa – an essential release for a dub fan or a Big Youth supporter. Re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London. Out of print for over 20 years!

Following hot on the heels of their Jamaican 1967 debut album 007 Shanty Town, Desmond Dekker and the Aces were ready for Action! the following year.

Black Uhuru's first US tour took place in 1982. Back then, Reggae was in its infancy in the US and there were only 3 Reggae radio shows in California: Doug Wendt in San Francisco, Roger Steffens in LA and Lance Linares in Santa Cruz.

The fifth Soul Jazz Studio One release after Rockers, Roots, DJs and Studio One Soul is Studio One Instrumentals. Studio One instrumentals are the foundation of Reggae.

Nkrumah Jah Thomas is one of the great Deejay voices of Jamaican music.

Le Chant du Monde are proud to present the second production of their new ‘Snow’ collection, simply titled Secret Nuggets Of Wise Reggae. 

Roast Fish Collie Weed and Corn Bread is a studio album by Jamaican reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry, released in 1978. 

The Pioneers became one of the first Jamaican acts to achieve international success with their UK hit, “Long Shot (Kick De Bucket)”.

The Melodians are a rocksteady band formed in Jamaica, which recorded several hits.

Classic Roots Reggae album from 1982 produced by Prince Jammy at Channel On and King Tubby's.

One of the best reggae albums of the ‘80s and one of the real highlights in the Real Authentic Sound label catalogue finally gets an LP reissue! Lascelle "Wiss" Bulgin, Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, and Cecil "Skelly" Spence all contracted childhood polio, and met at a Jamaican rehab centre.

Deep Nyabinghi drumming and chanting on a version of the Ethiopian national anthem gets things underway on Slave Call, a majestic journey through the spiritual roots of reggae. Later songs add guitars, bass, keyboards, and horns to build a more standard reggae sound on that foundation, but there’s always a dignified restraint and the profundity of the nyabinghi beat. the entire album revolves around Leonard Dillon’s Rastafarian beliefs, with even the cover of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” rewritten to a religious end.

Released in 1986, Brutal has never been reissued on vinyl until now. 

Lee “Scratch” Perry's posthumous masterpiece Destiny, crafted alongside Bob Riddim, is a transcendent journey through reggae's legacy and future. 

Recorded in 1982 at Tuff Gong studio for vocals, mixed at Channel One by Scientist and Henry "Junjo" Lawes, this 1982 album was reissued only once on vinyl in the USA via RAS Records in 1991.

Now re-issued on 180 gram including comprehensive sleeve notes by Burning Sounds, Michael Palmer Meets Kelly Ranks At Channel One was originally released in 1985.

Merge Records release Happy Hour in Dub, a heavenly set of dub versions to pair with Hollie Cook’s critically acclaimed 2022 album Happy Hour.

The Jamaican reggae and dub musician Linval Thompson’s career began around the age of 20. He has done much work to shape the reggae music during the last centuries.

Following The Maytals’ signing to Island Records in 1973 they recorded and released their fourth album From the Roots.

During the latter half of the seventies very few came close to emulating the success of the productions of Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson.

Kaya was originally released in 1978 and consists of tracks recorded alongside those present on the Exodus album in 1977. The album has a very relaxed, laid back sound, lacking much of the militant quality of the Wailers lyrically and musically. 

Bush Doctor is the third studio album by Jamaican reggae musician Peter Tosh. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer he was one of the core members of the band The Wailers (1963–1974).