Blending traditional Brazilian styles and instruments with reggae is a new one to me. But as everyone knows, Brazil adds an extra layer of spiciness to everything. So of course it’s brilliant! “Regal” actually isn’t that influenced by Brazilian styles compared to some tracks on the 2018 Rastramentals album, but it has a rich, live sound…
07/04/2021: “When I Let You Down (Extended Mix)” by M&G
I found about this one relatively recently. I listened to it non-stop for a while. Then I paid over the odds to import it from…
06/04/2021: “Poltergeist” by Kromestar
Kromestar continues to innovate today to drive bass music forward, but in the mid to late noughties, his incredible work rate and distinctive sound made…
05/04/2021: “Survival” by Annette Peacock
‘Genius’ gets thrown about a lot these days. But what does it mean? Originality? Greatness? Vision? Annette Peacock has all of those in spades. She…
04/04/2021: “Carefree Dub” by King Tubby and The Aggrovators
The rich, warm tones of King Tubby are unmistakable. The pulsing bassline provides a solid foundation for the track, but the melodic power of the…
03/04/2021: “Bayanyonyoba” by Senyaka
Sometimes, I hear a song like this and can’t believe how powerful it is. The groove is just unstoppable, and it captures something really ancient….
02/04/2021: “Touch Me In The Morning” by Marlena Shaw
This soulful seventies nugget was originally a Diana Ross song, released in 1973. Marlena Shaw’s 1979 version, from Love Bites, adds a few pinches of disco…
01/04/2021: “What I Need” by A/T/O/S
A/T/O/S are one of those rare acts which defy easy categorisation. Associated with Mala’s Deep Medi Muzik record label, they make music which is broadly…
31/03/2021: “Rage Of Plastics” by U.S. Girls
Misleadingly, U.S. Girls is actually one lady, not an all female American band. But it doesn’t matter – Meghan Remy’s got about 6 people’s worth…
30/03/2021: “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks
There was a lot of great music released in the 60s. And in the late 60s, even more so. Impressive, then, that The Kinks can…