Reggae Retro UK

Rootspective Volume 1 released...

2012-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

We now have stock for 'Rootspective Volume 1' and at the cheapest price you'll find this groovy release on the internet, and if it isn't, please let us know! Comes in standard CD case, with insert.

Click here and head over to the catalogue and get your copy now!

CD Running Order:

1. ROBERT LEE - TOO MUCH WAR

2. HI-TECH ROOTS DYNAMICS & ALIEN DREAD - TOO MUCH WAR DUB Vs 2

3. MENE MAN - JAH IS THE RULER

4. HI-TECH ROOTS DYNAMICS & ALIEN DREAD - ABYSINNIAN DUB

5 .MARTIN CAMPBELL - RICHMAN Vs 2

6. PETER MARSHALL- THE ROAD IS ROUGH

7. AQUA LEVI - GOLDEN GRAINS OF SAND Vs 2

8. DEVON RUSSELL - SPEAK THEIR MIND

9. NEVILLE BROWN (Cornerstone) - BURNING IN THE CITY Vs 2

10. NEVILLE BROWN (Cornerstone) - BURNING IN THE CITY DUB Vs 2

11. ALIEN DREAD & HUMANO ESPECTRAL - MEXICAN WAY

12. WINSTON CLARKE - RISE & SHINE

13. ALIEN DREAD - SHINING DUB

14. ROBERT LEE - I SPY

15. HI-TECH ROOTS DYNAMICS - I SPY Vs

16. PETER “ROOTS” LEWIS - JAH IS MY SALVATION

17. HI-TECH ROOTS DYNAMICS - SALVATION DUB

18. MIKE BROOKS - BLESSED IS THE MAN

19. PETER MARSHALL - LORD TAKE UP THE KEY

20. REVOLUTIONARIES - KEY DUB Vs 2

News update February 2012...

2012-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our next release in mid March 2012 will be the previously only available on CD (full album) Derrick Morgan - Original Ska Vol. 2 on limited edition 160g Vinyl, in mid-weight picture sleeve and in a poly outer. The album features all original Jamaican 1960's Ska tracks. The album art-work has been fully revised, not only for the LP, but also for the CD, which will also be re-released (RRTLP/CD 011).

The newly revised LP sleeve courtesy of Cold Clarity Imaging

Also due in mid March, is the now in demand Kendrick Andy roots track,'Great Old Men' produced by Alien Dread. The tracks were originally released on 10" EP (now deleted). These will be available on 7" single, with the Dub on the 'B' side. Alien Dread has up-dated the rhythm and partially re-mixed the tracks, esp the Dub version for the 2012 re-release(AD 06-07).

^^ now available in the Gadd 59 catalogue ^^

Many more 7" singles are due from 'Gadd 59 Production' in the near future.

Current Gadd 59 7" singles are, Roland Douglas & The Messengers - Set Me Free (PG 012-07) & Ruben Da Silva - It's Time (PG 014-07). All tracks are on Original 1960's Treasure Isle rhythms. The B side Dub Vs for both 7" singles, were mixed by Wooligan at Mind Searchers Studio.

And finally, just to confirm, the up & coming CD entitled 'Rootspective' (due any time now) has had a last minute art change for the front cover, please see below.

New artwork provided by Cold Clarity Imaging

We will try to feed more updates to the blog this month, check back!

Rootspective Volume 1 update...

2012-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

Two images for you today to help flesh out the details of the up & coming 'Rootspective Volume 1' CD release, please click the images to enlarge.

The front cover.

Tray card - with final track listing.

From the liner notes:

Looking retrospectively at the ACL / Reggae Retro archives, this particular compilation of Roots vocal and Dub tracks concentrates on sides that were originally released on 7”/10”/LP vinyl formats dating from 1990 onwards. Some tracks gain a release on CD for the first time, and a percentage of the tracks are previously unreleased or new recordings. The rhythms utilized derive from various musicians: Martin Campbell & Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics, Alien Dread, King Melody, Neville Brown (Cornerstone), Rhythm Foundation and Kevin Delahaye. Where possible, most tracks have their respective Dubs or Versions, all mixed or re-mixed by Alien Dread. One track of particular note is ‘Abyssinian Dub’, which is a joint collaboration between Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech’s and Alien Dread, this track is previously unreleased. Also included are two of Alien Dread’s own instrumental productions, Mexican Way & Shining Dub.

JA artist Robert Lee’s constantly in demand “Too Much War” compete with a new Dub Mix by Alien Dread starts the compilation. The vocal was produced by Martin Campbell, at Record Factory, JA.

The compilation also features new/revised or previously unreleased Martin Campbell productions from Robert Lee, Mene Man, Aqua Levi, Peter ‘Roots’ Lewis, Peter Marshall, plus Dubs from the Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics. Also included, the Alien Dread Mix of Martin Campbell’s perennial Roots favourite, Richman (1981), this Vs has only been available on 7” (details, see below) to date.

The Next Versions of some older Roots Vocal & Dub productions have also been included; these are from Neville Brown (Cornerstone), Mike Brooks, Devon Russell & Winston Clarke.

Check back soon!

Release schedule for January 2012...

2011-12-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

The first two new 7" 45's from the revamped GADD 59 label will be on release mid January 2012. Roots & Contemporary tracks from Ruben Da Silva-It's Time (PG 014-07) & Roland Douglas-Set Me Free (PG 012-07) each with respective 'B' side Dubs mixed by Wolligan at Mind Searchers Studio and both on Original 60's Treasure Isle riddims, courtesy of Bunny 'Striker' Lee. Keep a look-out for next GADD 59 7's, from Ras Nyto & Cornelius Herb!

Again, mid January 2012 also sees the release of the Jah Frankie Jones & Trinity 7" (Striker Lee/Acl RRR 7005-07). This features the hard to find mid 70's Roots track: Ghetto Feelings (A) with the Trinity DJ Vs-Give A Helping Hand (AA). Both produced by Bunny 'Striker' Lee.

Also on release in January will be the Robert Lee 10" EP (Log On LOG 023-10). This features the in demand track 'Too Much War'(A) & 'Stride'(B), together with respective New hard Dub Vs mixed by Alien Dread. Produced by Martin Campbell. "Stride" has not been available on single or EP since the late 1990's.

Check us again for further up-coming new release info and specials!

Hot & Rich - Rocksteady (CD)... now in stock

2011-12-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

Taken from the liner notes:

Welcome to Jazz into Rock Steady & Reggae by Hot & Rich; eighteen instrumentals played over original 1967- 68 Rock Steady & early Reggae rhythms (Lynn Taitt & The Jets and Beverley's All Stars), recorded in Jamaica and supplied through the courtesy of Derrick Morgan O.D. HOT & RICH are Bob "Hot Dog" Ormrod and his son, Richard. With over 50 years of musical experience between them, they play everything, from Traditional to Free Jazz, Blues, Ska, Reggae, Latin, Calypso, Mento & South African music, and bring all of these influences to this first joint album. Their musical empathy, formed over 15 years of playing with bands like Skaville Train and Ska Bop, enables them to go into the studio, with little or no prior arrangement, and play track after track of innovative and passionate music. Over two days in December, 2003 at the Bijou studio, Taunton, they recorded 17 tracks, 14 of which are on this album. They played alto, tenor, soprano & baritone saxes, clarinets, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica & melodica.

The tracks range from a couple of loose, free-blowing numbers, on sax and harmonica or melodica, to the amazing 8-horn head arrangement of "Angel Nemali", all played by Richard in 1 1/2 hours. In those same two days they also found, or created, the tunes to fit, whilst keeping the essence and force of the original rhythms-the first time these rhythms have been used since their original 1967/68 release.

All tracks on this re-release CD have been re-mixed and re-mastered by Alien Dread at Phat Dubz studio. Also, an additional 6 tracks have been added, which did not feature on the original release (RRTLP 010-10 / RRTCD 010) in 2004. These derive from 2 tracks from the December 2003 session, plus 4 tracks from a later session in 2004.

We hope that you will enjoy this album. Also available by Hot & Rich: Hot & Rich Meet Martin Campbell & Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics. 10” Vinyl LP and CD (Reggae Retro RRTLP 021-10 / RRTCD 021). All Sax led, Jazz influenced, instrumentals on original Roots rhythms from Martin & the Hi-Techs.

Forenote by TOP BEAT, Fall 2011.

> link to item in catalogue here <

New Alien Dread channel on YouTube...

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, nothing much to report, aside from a colleague who has created a YouTube account to feed more of the Alien Dread music onto the internet, in the hope of a little more exposure. At the moment there are several tracks on the site and more to follow. The image used on the videos is the original cartoon sketch that featured on the Full of Dread CD.

Here are a selection of the tracks included so far, we hope you share these with your friends and please remember to rate - the thumbs up, thumbs down business may seem petty, but it helps advertise the videos.

You will find more tracks on the actual account which is:

http://www.youtube.com/user/AlienDread

The first track, 'Golden' is a brand new 2011 web exclusive and is based around an Alien Dread original that was written many years ago and has been updated in a more upbeat club-style.

Rocker's Lament & Mexican Way are due for a repress soon we hope, as the original 7" vinyl has now sold out, but these tracks will hopefully feature as bonus material on a new CD due for release early 2012...

Ras Nyto - Ghana (still in stock)...

2011-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick heads up guys, we still have some stock left of this rather splendid vinyl release on the Basement & Gadd59 labels...

This is a 10" release in a rather colourful brick design picture sleeve, pressed on quality vinyl.

On the A side you'll find... 'Working Man & Zion Drum' from Ras Nyto & The Aggrovators and then on the AA side we have... 'Ghana & Ghana Dub' featuring Ras Nyto and also The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics of course.

Here is 'Working Man' from a music lover on YouTube:

A link to the vinyl here: Ras Nyto - Working Man / Ghana on 10" vinyl in picture sleeve

Update - November 2011...

2011-11-17T04:57:00.000-08:00

November 2011 sees the release of the delayed, Jah Frankie Jones - Satta & Praise Jah LP (Striker Lee/Reggae Retro RRTLP 023). The album dates from 1977 and has been re-released with the original track running order and original/revised LP art-work courtesy of 'Beardfreak' at Cold Clarity imaging. All mid 70's Roots tracks produced by Bunny 'Striker' Lee, in JA. The tracks mixed by Prince Jammy and recorded at Harry J's studio JA. Initial limited press on heavy 180g Vinyl, in a heavy weight picture sleeve. Grab a copy while you can do so! 

Meanwhile, the newly revised GADD 59 label, will step forward with a series of 7" singles, in Pic sleeves in early December. The first two 7's will be: Rueben Da Silva - It's Time/Dub Vs (PG 014-07)and Roland Douglas - Set Me Free/Dub Vs (PG 012-07). Recently recorded contemporary Roots vocal tracks on original 1960's Treasure Isle rhythms. Produced by Phillip 'Gadd 59' Whittaker at Gadd 59 studio and mixed by Wolligan at Mind Searchers Studio.

Also due in December will be the yet again delayed Jah Frankie Jones/Trinity 7" Ghetto Feelings/Give A Helping Hand, Jah (Striker Lee/Reggae Retro RRR 7005-07). Limited coloured vinyl and in picture sleeve. This hard to find Roots track from the mid 70's is coupled with the DJ version from Trinity on the AA side, tracks mixed by Prince Jammy & King Tubby and recorded at Harry J's studio. Keep an eye out for our next update.

New Jah Frankie 7" - available soon!

2011-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Coming soon - pressed on quality vinyl in a picture sleeve!

For this winter, a re-mastered collection of vintage UK Reggae...

2011-10-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie - a YouTube snippet of various tracks from the forthcoming collection (title to be confirmed), this will be initially available on CD (unlikely to move to vinyl at this stage, but who knows?)... currently this is about 80% complete and on track for a December release.

Check it out below, and of course, stay tuned for more news.

All tracks re-mastered at Phat Dubz Studio (Alien Dread's base).

DannyG in scorching Sax riff shocker (on Alien Dread rhythms)...

2011-10-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Not widely advertised, or known it seems, but relatively popular in terms of initial interest in the vinyl, which was released early this year (January 2011).

DannyG is currently based in Italy and is a professional Saxophone player, with more than 3 decades of experience under his belt. He specialises mainly in Jazz, and this was his first musical adventure into the land of Jamaican rhythms, but as you will hear, due to his talent & professionalism, he took to the work like a proverbial 'duck to water'...

Still available on vinyl & CD in the catalogue - click here!

Also available for download at Bandcamp in MP3 & FLAC format - click here!

Alien Dread news...

2011-10-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since an Alien Dread update, but Andy (at Phat Dubz Studio) has been busy in his personal life and now has a whole heap of other material to re-master, including a plethora of Rocksteady material from the now dis-banded Hot & Rich, which is shaping up nicely. That particular album will be released hopefully next month on CD and is a re-issue of an earlier Hot & Rich album but with extra tracks included, and of course, a little spit & polish courtesy of Phat Dubz.

There are plans afoot to release an archival CD of the early Alien Dread material. This collection will more than likely present material from 2002 to around 2007, taken from Kortonic Dub, Conquering Dub & perhaps, Full of Dread. Details are sketchy at present, more news closer to the release date. The older albums are now mostly out of stock (or going out of stock) and will not be re-issued in their original form, so this will be a chance to step back in time with these UK Dub-funsters.

Finally, a YouTube video. This was brought to our attention last week. The track is called Guava Girl, apparently by an artist known as Inna Vision, but we are still trying to clarify exactly who was responsible for the mix. The musical score was written by Alien Dread (Flute Man Ting) and they had no idea that another engineer had picked up the rhythm track to use. It is a little disappointing of course that no effort was made to contact Alien Dread or this label, as the rhythm is our intellectual property, but that aside, whoever made this mix, did a damn fine job... check it out:

Lee 'Scratch' Perry back in his cloak, with dagger...

2011-10-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, in stock in the distribution catalogue we have some freshly cut vinyl & CDs for the Perry fans out there. This time on the 'Orchid' label. This is not a re-master, this is original!

Check it out in the catalogue - click here.

Hot & Rich ride again...

2011-10-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Due out next month in limited edition is the re-issue & extended version of 'Hot & Rich - Jazz into Rock Steady & Reggae' featuring Lynn Taitt & The Jets. Now out of stock on CD with extremely limited numbers of 10" vinyl floating around.

This particular collection features a fresh new production through Phat Dubz Studios in the UK, re-engineered by Andrew Passey and also features several new tracks from the archives (yet to be confirmed).

The CD packaging has also been updated by our friends at Cold Clarity Imaging, so all in all (we hope) an attractive release with truly vintage material on offer. Whether we will press to vinyl is undecided at this stage, but if the demand is there... maybe!

Other updates to follow... check the clip below for a newly posted Martin Campbell track on YouTube.

Better Run & Hide (back in stock)...

2011-09-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Martin Campbell & The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics 'rootsical' vibrations now back in stock on special clear vinyl with black speckles...

Comes with another classic on the flip-side, 'Give Me The Money' & pressed on quality vinyl & housed in a 'Log On' sleeve.

Check the catalogue - click here click here click here!

Channel One UK Dub Plates now available...

2011-08-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

At long last we can now offer this service.

Martin Campbell has made available exclusive Dub Plates.

The equipment is set-up and we are ready to roll, so if you have any interest at all in this service, please contact Martin directly at: martin.channelonejam@btopenworld.com

I just found this uploaded by one of Martin's online fans - big-up! and nice video compilation.

Interview with a certain Beardfreak !

2011-08-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Slightly out of the ordinary for this blog, but being as we are so busy at the moment, we thought we'd make a start on an interview series and the first man we could get to sit down with us, was our long-time label mate and sleeve designer who goes by the moniker, Beardfreak (also part of Cold Clarity Imaging).

RRR: OK Mr Beard, first up, what's with the name?

BF: I was always a fan of Gilbert Shelton's comics and enjoy sporting the occasional beard and I have been told by numerous friends over the years that I am unconventional, so - Beardfreak it is. But nowadays I'm pretty clean shaven, but people know me by that name & it has stuck.

RRR: That would be the rather hip Furry Freak Brothers! Cool OK, moving on - how did you get involved with this label?

BF: Erm, I think it was during 2000, I got to know a guy called Phillip Gadd who works on this label and runs his own studio. At the time I was working for a large IT firm and Phil used to visit the office where I worked and one day I was listening to Reggae and he came over to speak to me. He was the link to the head man, Top Beat and hooked me up with some of the Reggae Retro Records releases to listen to.

RRR: Yeah, it was around 2000 or 2001 when you first flashed up on our radar.

BF: Indeed, I was experimenting and just starting to develop graphic design skills during 2000, using a works PC primarily and had been using Adobe Photoshop for about a year, erm, basically dabbling at that stage and I knew little about finalising projects for print.

RRR: Can you recall the first release you were involved with?

BF: Most certainly, it was a 7" single featuring Peter Lewis on a Lee Scratch Perry rhythm.

BF: If I'm honest, I didn't really know what I was doing at the time, and this simple layout took me an age to complete, as I was just learning to use the layers palette and when I look at the cover now, although it is reasonable, I can see how 10 years of experience has broadened my skills. I don't particularly like the choice of font or the outlining, but the sleeve still looks pretty cool considering.

RRR: Well, to the layman, it looks fine.

BF: Yeah I know, but when you have worked in layout for 10 years, the older jobs start to appear amateurish, especially when using computer based design packages, as the standard effects, that everybody uses, become a cliché.

RRR: I know what you are saying, as there was a time when one could scan a record distribution catalogue and see the crude Photo-shopping. After the Perry sleeve, what was the next memorable project?

BF: Hmm (pauses) - difficult to say, but the one sleeve I really enjoyed doing was a now forgotten release by Martin Campbell called San Diego Dub, but I drew the sleeve when the album title was going to be Far Away Dub, so I hand drew a cartoon image of a dude slumped against a wall in his flat listening to music. That was the front image and then on the back, the camera pulls away from the house and you get to see a stylized view of an urban estate. It has a gloomy November feel to it and I really liked that sleeve.

RRR: Yes, you have worked on the majority of Martin's output over the past few years. What was he like to work with?

BF: Yeah, great, no problems at all you know. I have never met Martin in the flesh can you believe, hehe, but we have spoken and shared Emails. I can't think of any hitches or arguments over design and I have always been happy to take direction from him. Much of his own output is very personal to him and he often has specific concepts in mind, which always helps.

RRR: Which of his releases were you most pleased with, in terms of the look of the finished product?

BF: In terms of its impact and the general theme, Wicked Rule. I sampled a still from an old video, that featured a black slave taken in the US during the 19th century and simply highlighted the chain and cropped the image close... dead easy and effective. The back is also nice - an apocalyptic image with a silhouette of a hanged man. Pretty grim, but so is life.

RRR: Yes, Martin's 10" series has been popular, and in part, we think the sleeve designs have always helped create a unique collectible feel to the releases. What was the most technically demanding project?

BF: Another one of Martins. He wanted a street scene in Jamaica constructed, so I took a series of high resolution images and did a truly seamless build for him. That piece of artwork features on the back of Nothing's Changed - it took me hours, but the result was worth the effort and Martin was well pleased. It makes me wonder how many people actually know that image was purely the product of Photoshop... hehe

RRR: Away from Martin's releases, we hear you had a lot of involvement with Cornerstone?

BF: Oh yes (laughs) - yeah yeah, I got involved with Neville from Cornerstone, he used to live quite local to me and when the label put out two of his archived albums, I did the cover work. I love those CDs and felt really connected with the projects. Out of everything I've done for Reggae Retro, those two CDs are my favourites in terms of the design work. Me and Neville had fun with the 'City Runnings' CD and I actually got him to pose in the freezing cold on a sunny November morning by a local motorway junction. Hehe... I'll never forget those images we took, I asked him to hold up a sign with the word 'Africa' scrawled across it and cars were whizzing past, motorists were honking their horns and we were both laughing.

RRR: It was such a shame that we could never get that album established, but yes, the image is excellent on the cover and Neville was always an interesting character to work with. I believe he now lives in Ghana?

BF: I'm entirely sure, but I think so, yes.

RRR: OK, moving on again. You also had a lot to do with Alien Dread?

BF: Yep, me & Andy have known each other for about 24 years can you believe. I knew him when I was a teenager and when he lived around the Handsworth area in Birmingham. Andy was responsible for introducing me to serious Dub Reggae.

RRR: That was when he was working with King Melody?

BF: Yeah, but I only knew KM vaguely back then. I walked into a smoky little studio one day with Andy and got to see their original set-up. Quite a dingy hole in an extremely 'dodgy' area!

RRR: So explain your connection to Alien Dread.

BF: Hmm, well, yeah, I was responsible for promoting his music initially. I recall playing a mini disc of really raw sounding rhythms to Top Beat about 10 years ago and these rough drafts caught his attention.

RRR: Yes, the first major release was the notorious 'Kortonic Dub'... (both laugh)

BF: Oh yeah, good old Korton, and a cracking cover design, if I say so myself.

RRR: ...and you have produced all of Alien Dread's sleeves?

BF: Yes indeed. I also helped promote Alien Dread and was responsible for much of the web-based output.

RRR: ...and did you work closely with Andy throughout?

BF: Yep, up until recently we were speaking regularly and I was intimately linked to each project. One of my favourites was his recent work with DannyG the Sax player. I think that project was amazing to be involved with, as I could hear the evolution of the pieces, as Andy used to send me draft copies of each build to analyse. I hope he carries on developing his music.

RRR: There are other projects he has on the go at the moment, so we suspect Alien Dread will return at some point in the not too distant future. OK Mr Beard, I think that will do it for now, cheers for taking the time to engage in this dialogue and long may our partnership continue! Any final thought?

BF: Pfffffff - nah.

Martin Campbell - two new 7" releases on-line...

2011-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Richman & Dem A Laugh After Me (catalogue links below):

7" vinyl (translucent finish) in sleeve: Richman / Richman Vs.

7" vinyl (translucent finish) in sleeve: Dem A Laugh After Me / Dem A Laugh Dub.

You won't find these in the shops right now (as I type)... but you will find them in the on-line catalogue for purchase. A few hundred of each pressed, so if you fancy grooving to Martin's roots Reggae, check them out. There will be YouTube videos to follow and possible samples added to the catalogue, but in the meantime, a track from a recent release on The Spaceman Channel:

Alien Dread - Rocker's Lament (now out) ...

2011-07-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

Another new edition to the catalogue, the roots-style-groove "Rocker's Lament" just released on quality 7" vinyl and slipped into a stylish art jacket. Phat Dubz Studio knocked together a decent(ish) YouTube clip featuring the song (see below). Apparently the video features a troop of B-Boys from the Birmingham UK region... so, check it out if you like.

Alien Dread - Mexican Way (now available in catalogue)...

2011-07-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

OK, I've just added this release to the catalogue, so if you fancy a copy of the 7" vinyl, there it is. You may be able to pick it up at your local Reggae dealer as well, or ask them to order it in.

YouTube video also uploaded to the main Phat Dubz website... full tracks (lower quality of course):

New releases July: Alien Dread & Martin Campbell...

2011-07-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

July sees the re-release of the Derrick Morgan – Original Ska Vol.1 album., covering the 1960-66 period. Album has all new art work, plus all tracks have been restored by Phillip ‘Gadd 59’ Whittaker at Gadd 59 Studio, prior to re mastering for release.

Link to 10" vinyl release (lovely green vinyl) - Original SKA Volume 1 vinyl edition

Link to CD album (extra tracks included) - Original SKA Volume 1 CD album version

Sample track:

Also due in July are two 7” singles, one from Martin Campbell & the Hi-Tech Root Dynamics and the other from Alien Dread.

Martin Campbell features on the Original Vs of Richman (1981) and replete with an Alien Dread Dub Vs of the track on the AA side. (LOG 021-07). Alien Dread also steps forward with a new 7”single, and the featured tracks are in the Alien Dread Dub-strumental style. A side features a Melodica Inst, Mexican Way, which features Mexican Melodica player, Humano Espectral. The B side features one of AD’s Dub tracks ‘Real Dub’ (different riddim to the A side). (AD 04-07). Both singles will be in available in generic Picture Sleeves and on limited edition clear coloured vinyl.

Soon to be added to the main catalogues and available through most Reggae vendors.

Tribute to Jeff Reed of Skaville Train...

2011-06-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

A good proportion of our older Reggae Retro releases, most of which are now deleted, featured UK band, Skaville Train. They were active from 1986 until the mid 1990’s and mainly played ‘Live’ in the Bristol and South West area. They backed several well known Jamaican Artists from time to time, Devon Russell and Mike Brooks etc; They evolved into Ska Bop in the mid 1990’s, with several different line-up’s of musicians,but disbanded in the early 2000’s. Ska Bop played the Glastonbury Festival, several times. A constant member throughout , from the first inception of the band was Jeff Reed (Drums), sadly, Jeff (in his mid 50’s) recently passed away, after a long illness. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jeff appears on the following album, still available in the catalogue:

Show Case - Devon Russell & Skaville Train

Jah LLoyd - Soldier Round The Corner...

2011-04-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just a quick heads-up guys, we now have access to some stock of this classic mid-seventies roots release on 12" vinyl and CD from Jah Lloyd (recorded at Tubbys).

Details here: link to catalogue

King Edwards SKA classics now back in stock...

2011-04-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are currently re-stocking the catalogue with items from King Edwards, that will mostly feature vintage Jamaican SKA. We have worked with King Edwards for many years and long may that continue, as they provide some excellent archive material and still support the vinyl market.

LINK TO CATALOGUE

An update from Top Beat...

2011-04-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Top Beat (Reggae Retro Records) just mailed a release schedule. See below:

"April 2011 sees the re-release of the Derrick Morgan – Top The Pop album, which concentrates on his early Reggae tracks from 1968-70. Available on a 13 track LP- limited initial press of 300 only on heavy
180g vinyl, in heavy card Pic slv and Poly outer. The album is also available on a 24 track CD. All tracks have been re-mastered and the running order has been revised for both formats, plus both feature new art-work. See relevant entry for further details.

Also available in April 2011 is a limited edition 7 inch 45 from Peter Marshall – The Road is Rough / Soundboy. (In Channel One Uk Pic Slv). This is on the new Log On/Channel One (UK) sub label, Retro Beat, which will feature other older recordings at a later date. Both tracks were produced by Martin Campbell, in 1990 and 1987 respectively and previously unreleased. Digital style Roots / Dancehall vocal tracks.

Scheduled for a late May 2011 release is the next Martin Campbell 10 inch EP. This features a new heavyweight Roots vocal track: Them A Laugh After Me and Dub Vs and on the other side the much in-demand Roots track - Richman - which was originally produced at King Tubby’s (JA) in 1981. To compliment the main track, an extended Dub/Vs of Richman, mixed by Alien Dread, is also included. Also recently released, again from Martin Campbell, is the 7 inch 45, If I Achieve/Dub (LOG 019-07) another hard contemporary Channel One UK Roots tune..."

Talking of the Retro Beat label, this track just posted on the Spaceman Sounds channel on YouTube:

Clip of Martin Campbell live (2011)...

2011-04-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Recorded in March 2011 - Antwerp, Belgium. Thanks to the channel for the posting this!

Looked like a decent gig... respect to all involved.

It is truly great to see Martin globe-trotting and supporting the scene still. Martin is a busy man, what with running a business, running a studio and creating music etc. More power to him and long may he continue.

Talking of Martin - there are plans to release a new 10" vinyl EP soon and this is currently being organized. Also, Andy at Phat Dubz may well dub-out more Channel One UK rhythms over the next few months, as Martin is pleased with his production work, so that should be interesting.

Check back for updates... soon come!

Channel One UKs new Retro Beat label...

2011-03-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

OK, another release out this month. Martin Campbell who heads Channel One UK has some archived material from the 90s that he will gradually release through his new 'Retro Beat' label.

The first release is on 7" vinyl in picture sleeve and features two vocal mixes by Peter Marshall.

For more information - click here (link to Reggae Retro catalogue)

A heads-up & news updates...

2011-03-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have had requests for more Derrick Morgan material, so we are currently sorting out represses of 'Top The Pop' and 'SKA volume 1' - with new artwork and photography. So expect these in the catalogue very soon on vinyl and CD. There is some old stock left, but these are limited and the reissues are worth checking back for.

Martin Campbell has been silent for a couple of months, but in this time, he has been sorting out the studio and preparing new material. I can't say much more at the moment, but there is a new vinyl release imminent. It seems as though Martin has been quite busy recently, going to Jamaica, into Europe and also the States. He will no doubt be popping up on sound systems this year and when we think about it, he is a serious mover in the UK Reggae scene and doggedly sticks to roots & conscious material, which is refreshing in these revolutionary times.

At Phat Dubz Studios (mainly Alien Dread material & collaborative projects) there is not much news at present, but I spoke to Andy over there yesterday and he is busy on the rhythm building front and working towards a 7" or 10" EP and auditioning some work by a Mexican 'Melodica' player for possible inclusion. The EP will also feature a new vocal track with a guy called Soul Preacher on there from the UK. If you want to check out the tracks on Overcharge (their recent album) click here (MP3s on link)

Two tracks posted at Spaceman sounds...

2011-03-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Long time label mate Phillip Gadd runs a channel on YouTube called The Spaceman Sounds and posted two of our recent releases, check them out below and also check his page out, some decent tunes on there.

These tracks can be found in the catalogue here & here

Also posted on YouTube is a rather hip mix of an Alien Dread rhythm with dubbed on guitar licks. Sounds good to us - this isn't available in the catalogue, but worth your time. Check it out. Not bad.

Martin Campbell - If I Achieve now available...

2011-02-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Released on quality 7" vinyl in a heavyweight card sleeve is the new single by Martin Campbell called 'If I Achieve', on the Log On label. Engineered at Channel One UK (made in Jamaica).

On the flip side is the solid Dub by the Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics known as 'Guilty Dub'.

Click Here For Further Information

Derrick Morgan - No Dice! CD & vinyl now available...

2011-01-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

A quick update - new to the catalogue this month we have two archive releases of Derrick's older material, currently only available through this label.

Compiled by Top Beat at Reggae Retro, mastered by Top Beat and Phillip Gadd (Gadd59 studios) and artwork produced by Cold Clarity Imaging.

All tracks are authorized for release by Derrick himself, who we have known and worked with for many years now.

We have other products in the pipeline, so please check back soon. A busy month ahead at Reggae Retro Records with new material from Martin Campbell to sort through and supply.

Derrick Morgan - No Dice (12" vinyl)

Derrick Morgan - No Dice! (CD edition)

Cornerstone remixed at Phat Dubz Studio...

2010-12-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent post taken from YouTube, as a taster for a project that never came to fruition. There were plans to remix some of the material from the Mystic Heights album in dub style, and well, lets just say, like many good ideas, other projects occasionally take priority.

Anyway, here is a track on YouTube that displays what could have been - a quick mix by Andy of Alien Dread. This is "Move off Satan" - Alien Dread style!

"Overcharged" release by Alien Dread...

2010-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

New to the catalogue this month we have "Overcharge" - the definitive (well, we think so) collection by UK's own Alien Dread.

This CD album, as well as containing Alien Dread originals, also contains rhythm work supplied by Martin Campbell, vocals by Kendrick Andy, and Saxophone pieces by Italy's DannyG.

There are 15 tracks in total with the customary Alien Dread "dubby-goodness" and heavy bass style.

Compared to the earlier releases coming out of Phat Dubz Studios, this one has a fuller sound and rhythmically speaking, is far stronger; featuring (to the keen ear) a few Jamaican Reggae classics re-worked.

See the video below for a taster, and link to the catalogue with pricing and order information.

Link to Overcharge by Alien Dread

Cornerstone - philosophical Reggae...

2010-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

One of the unfortunate aspects of the current music scene is the fact that many great albums become obscure rather rapidly in the avalanche of annual releases and amongst these albums, I'd suggest Cornerstone's output was ignored.

How tragic that such vibrant, dynamic and interesting material vanishes, but such is life.

Neville Brown, the chief member of Cornerstone in the UK, released a wonderful collection of solo work in 2007 called "Mystic Heights" and this particular album, regardless of its "home brew" feel, has found its way back onto my own personal play-list time and time again, because, it is so content-rich.

This is conscious and contemporary philosophical musing at its best and a real antidote to the booty shaking dance-hall Reggae that seems to have gripped the mainstream market.

A friend posted two tracks on YouTube today off the album, so I encourage you to take a listen and if you feel justly inspired, consider buying Neville's album.

Link to Mystic Heights CD album

Spaceman Sounds rockin' the cosmos...

2010-11-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

A fairly new channel has been put together by long time label mate Gadd59 Studios, nested on YouTube. The channel features a lot of rarities mostly taken from original 7" cuts, along with selections of his own production work and samples from the Reggae Retro catalogue.

Check it out if you feel inspired, "clicky" link below the following sample video.

The Spaceman Sounds YouTube channel page

New release: Carlton Livingston RockSteady Part 1...

2010-11-28T07:27:00.001-08:00

A new release just out this month on the Gadd59 / ACL2000 Ltd. label. This is a 10" vinyl EP and features the vocal talent of Carlton Livingston. The title is RockSteady Part 1 and will be the first release in a series.

Sleeve Cover

Mixed by Phillip Gadd at Gadd59 studios UK.

Click for details