Roots Archives News Dispatch

Monday · 41 dispatches

The Tighten Up Show – Rarities Special (07/08/2026)
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The Tighten Up Show – Rarities Special (07/08/2026)

Presented by Jamaican music aficionado, this show features two hours of ska, rock steady and reggae gems from the 60s, 70s and 80s that have either never previously seen issue or have remained unavailable on any format since their original release!

The first Linton Kwesi Johnson release in more than twenty years (!): a very limited edition “dub plate” 10 inch to celebrate the release of Dread Beat an Blood!
Release

The first Linton Kwesi Johnson release in more than twenty years (!): a very limited edition “dub plate” 10 inch to celebrate the release of Dread Beat an Blood!

"We are thrilled to unveil the first Linton Kwesi Johnson release in more than twenty years (!): a very limited edition “dub plate” 10 inch to celebrate the release of Dread Beat an Blood! Dread Beat an Dub/Five Nights of Dub: four BRAND NEW dubs mixed live by @dennisbovell of t…

Just reissued on its original label (Ariwa), the 1983 "Yard Style" LP by Johnny Clarke
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Just reissued on its original label (Ariwa), the 1983 "Yard Style" LP by Johnny Clarke

Big news! Just reissued on its original label (Ariwa), the 1983 "Yard Style" LP by Johnny Clarke. This is easily one of his best albums and one I personally have been longing for!

Soon available: Keith Hudson 'Melody Maker', 2CD Edition on Doctor Bird Records
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Soon available: Keith Hudson 'Melody Maker', 2CD Edition on Doctor Bird Records

Keith Hudson: Melody Maker, 2CD Edition - bringing together many of his finest productions from the golden age of Jamaican music.

I Love Jah (Rastafari Anthems From The Roots Era) on Doctor Bird Records
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I Love Jah (Rastafari Anthems From The Roots Era) on Doctor Bird Records

By the early 1970s, Rastafarian culture had begun to significantly influence Jamaica’s creative communities. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the music industry, as reflected in the sheer volume of recordings released throughout the remainder of the decade that championed t…

Jah Woosh & Sis Bee - Rebellion, reissued on Burning Sounds
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Jah Woosh & Sis Bee - Rebellion, reissued on Burning Sounds

Jah Woosh was one of Jamaica’s most distinctive early reggae deejays, emerging in the 1970s as the art of toasting became a defining part of reggae music. Born Neville Beckford in Kingston, he first gained recognition as a sound system deejay before breaking through with the powe…

Satta Dub reissued
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Satta Dub reissued

TRS Records AVAILABLE NOW! 🌿 Back in print, one of the defining albums in the history of Jamaican dub. The Abyssinians – Satta Dub pairs the group’s timeless roots harmonies with deep dub versions crafted by some of the finest engineers and the cream of Jamaica’s session musi…

Cherry Red Records releases Reggae In The Sun
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Cherry Red Records releases Reggae In The Sun

Available to pre-order - Reggae In The Sun, 2CD Edition. For those seeking to enhance their summer season by immersing themselves in the glorious sound of Jamaica that we present ‘Reggae In The Sun’,...

Rumble in the Jungle 20th Anniv. Edn
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Rumble in the Jungle 20th Anniv. Edn

OUT TODAY in all good record stores or direct from Soul Jazz Records Feat. General Levy, M Beat, Barrington Levy, Beenie Man, Ragga Twins, Cutty Ranks, Shut Up and Dance & more! 'Rumble in the Jungle' still one of the best old-school jungle comps out there' Pitchfork

VP Records July Digital Releases
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VP Records July Digital Releases

VP Records have another top ranking run of digital Catalogue releases coming up this month! There’s come crucial titles on July’s drop from Cocoa Tea, Sugar Minott and Garnet Silk, plus an unreleased gem from Horace Andy and under-the-radar gems from Johnny Osbourne, Jimmy Ril…

New 7-inches from Thompson Sound
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New 7-inches from Thompson Sound

Now comes the first wave of a new 7-inch series that revisits some serious reggae gold. Produced by Thompson and remixed by Roberto Sánchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Spain, these releases pull from riddims recorded and mixed at Channel One between 1979 and 1981. The line-up i…

Various Artists: Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Jungle Lion - The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 1, 2CD Edition
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Various Artists: Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Jungle Lion - The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 1, 2CD Edition

• Includes some of Lee Perry’s most influential productions. • Many tracks new to CD. • Features numerous major Jamaican hits. Throughout his illustrious career as a record producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry consistently sought to test and, if possible, extend the boundaries of re…

'Living For The City: Soul Reggae Classics' on Trojan Records
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'Living For The City: Soul Reggae Classics' on Trojan Records

An essential collection showcasing some of the finest and most sought-after reggae interpretations of r&b classics from the 1970s, performed by some of Jamaica’s most celebrated artists. Includes numerous long-standing classics alongside long-forgotten rarities that have remai…

Burning Sounds reissues Kunta Kinte Roots
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Burning Sounds reissues Kunta Kinte Roots

Raw, defiant, and steeped in heavy roots reality, Kunta Kinte Roots captures Ranking Dread at the height of his powers — riding the rhythm with fire and authority over deep Channel One–style dub backdrops. These recordings embody the militant sound of late ’70s Jamaica: hypnot…

VP Records coming through with the good stuff this June!
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VP Records coming through with the good stuff this June!

VP Records coming through with the good stuff this June! All these titles will be up on all digital and streaming platforms this month 🔊🔊🔊

Sugar Minott's Roots Showcase LP on Black Roots Records
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Sugar Minott's Roots Showcase LP on Black Roots Records

Self-produced album, early 80's tracks. Feat. Junior Roots, The Black Roots Players, Youth Promotion Band & Sugar himself.

Joe White & Lesley Butler: Jah Jah Dub & Ganja on Doctor Bird Records
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Joe White & Lesley Butler: Jah Jah Dub & Ganja on Doctor Bird Records

Joe White & Lesley Butler: Jah Jah Dub & Ganja, Two Albums on One CD. Two of the most collectable reggae albums from the mid-70s. These two exceptional albums are finally made available on this essential 2-on-1 set, enabling fans of classic melodica, dub and instrumental sounds t…

Soul Jazz celebrate 25 yrs of working with Studio One
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Soul Jazz celebrate 25 yrs of working with Studio One

Pre-order NOW! See all: tinyurl.com/39uzy35x Soul Jazz celebrate 25 yrs of working with Studio One with these brand new editions of 7 of their best-selling CLASSIC Studio One singles all released for the first time ever on ltd-edn one-off press groovy coloured vinyl.

Soul Jazz Records - Rebel Island Soul
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Soul Jazz Records - Rebel Island Soul

Pre-order now here: tinyurl.com/mr3kzv85 'Rebel Island Soul' new on Soul Jazz Records Nuff tunes! Extensive sleeve notes, nice package! Pre-order now to ensure your copy! Ships for release date 15 May

Sly & Robbie dubs made for producer George Phang back in the late 80s
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Sly & Robbie dubs made for producer George Phang back in the late 80s

Out now! From the Powerhouse vaults comes a brand new compilation of some killer Sly & Robbie dubs made for producer George Phang back in the late 80s 🔥🔥🔥 🔊 Listen now → Sly-And-Robbie.lnk.to/Power-House-Dub

Flashing Echo - Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Jungle Lion The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 2, 2CD Edition.
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Flashing Echo - Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Jungle Lion The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 2, 2CD Edition.

Flashing Echo - Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Jungle Lion The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 2, 2CD Edition. During 1973, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry pushed reggae into new territory - creating...

Misty In Roots - Live At The Counter Eurovision'79 'deluxe' reissue
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Misty In Roots - Live At The Counter Eurovision'79 'deluxe' reissue

These fine record stores are currently stock the Misty In Roots - Live At The Counter Eurovision'79 'deluxe' and 'standard' LPs. The deluxes comes on red vinyl with an exclusive red 7" and A1 poster. If you can't make it to one of these shops you can buy online at https://misty…

New Greensleeves digital release
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New Greensleeves digital release

Another heater from out of the Top Rank archives is now finally digitised and on all streaming platforms. The late Gregory Isaacs steps out with the key architects of the digital dancehall era, Steely & Clevie, on Hard Core - a lesser-known early 90s boomshot album from The Cool …

Studio One new releases
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Studio One new releases

🎶I’m Losing You- Lloyd Evans Don’t Wait Around-Albert Tomlinson💥 Now available!! #studioonerecords #coxsone #coxsonesmusiccity #rocksteady #vinylrecords

Johnny Osbourne ‘Dancing Time’ available on digital platforms
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Johnny Osbourne ‘Dancing Time’ available on digital platforms

💥 The 1984 Top Rank showcase from The Dancehall Godfather Johnny Osbourne ‘Dancing Time’ 🕺 💃 🔊 Now restored and remaster for 2026 on all digital and streaming platforms for the first time!! Listen now → top-rank.lnk.to/Johnny-Osbourne-Dancing-Time

7" reissues
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7" reissues

🙌 Two crisp 7” crisp musical biscuits droppin’ this month from VP Music Group 🔊🔊🔊 1st May - Ronnie Davis x The Aggrovators x Prince Fatty x Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee - “Sun Is Shining” b/w “Dub Is Shining” 22nd May - Johnny Osbourne x Tarrus Riley x Dean Fraser x Frenchie Maximum…

Freddie McGregor – Mr. McGregor LP reissue
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Freddie McGregor – Mr. McGregor LP reissue

Freddie McGregor – Mr. McGregor arrives on vinyl, revisiting the debut album from one of reggae’s most enduring voices. Featuring favourites including “Brandy”, “Rastaman Camp” and more. Pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, this limited edition run is capped at 750 individually …

Jah Woosh & Sis Bee - Rebellion . Released on CD & vinyl
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Jah Woosh & Sis Bee - Rebellion . Released on CD & vinyl

Jah Woosh & Sis Bee - Rebellion . Released on CD & vinyl . Jah Woosh was one of Jamaica’s most distinctive early reggae deejays, emerging in the 1970s as the art of toasting became a defining part of reggae music. Born Neville Beckford in Kingston, he first gained recognition a…

VP / Greensleeves May digital releases
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VP / Greensleeves May digital releases

VP / Greensleeves May digital releases

Cherry Red Records new release
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Cherry Red Records new release

Armagideon Time - When Punk Met Dub (1978–1984) A 3CD box set exploring the moment post-punk collided with reggae and dub - reshaping the sound of the late 70s and early 80s. Featuring The Clash,...

New Pressure Sounds Release !
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New Pressure Sounds Release !

PRESSURE SOUNDS IS BACK! News just came in about the 116th release in the Pressure Sounds catalog being no less than the 1978 "United Africa" LP by Cedric Im Brooks. Originally issued on the Water Lily label in Jamaica, this is one I know is on many people's most wanted list — an…

Cherry Red Records releases  Jungle Lion - The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 1
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Cherry Red Records releases Jungle Lion - The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 1

Coming in May, Lee 'Scratch' Perry presents Jungle Lion - The Upsetter Singles 1973, Chapter 1 (2CD). This compelling selection, comprising the cream of Perry’s productions from the early months of...

The Congos, ‘Congo Ashanti’, available once again!
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The Congos, ‘Congo Ashanti’, available once again!

🙌 This Saturday for Record Store Day UK we have an essential reissue of the sublime 1979 roots album by The Congos, ‘Congo Ashanti’, available once again! 🏃‍♂️ Roll out early to your favourite...

The Keyboard King  RSD reissue
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The Keyboard King RSD reissue

🔊🔊🔊 This Saturday for Record Store Day UK don’t miss this epic one from The Keyboard King Jackie Mittoo in combination with The Aggrovators and Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee at King Tubby’s - beyond classic!!

Doctor Bird new release
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Doctor Bird new release

Various Artists — Bring The Kouchie Come (46 Ganja Anthems) — Doctor Bird — DB2CD 174 — 2026

Doctor Bird new release
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Doctor Bird new release

Various Artists — Sweet Harmony: 1970s Reggae Love Songs — Doctor Bird — DB2CD 173 — 2026

Greensleeves April 20026
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Greensleeves April 20026

Springing forward into April with another set of top-ranking digital reissues from the vaults 🔊🔊🔊 This April we’re dropping classic material from Garnet Silk, Dennis Brown and Eek-A-Mouse, courtesy of producers Bobby ‘Digital-B’ Dixon, King Jammy and George ‘Power House’ Phang…

Studio One
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Studio One

🚨Now available🚨 Ska Authentic Vol 1 & 2 Bundle now available on Studio 1 website

Trojan Records reissues Ja-Gan on vinyl
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Trojan Records reissues Ja-Gan on vinyl

Record Store Day UK is back on 18th April! To mark the occasion, Ja-Gan by Leslie Butler is being reissued on limited transparent vinyl - its first availability since 1975. Find your nearest...

Clint Eastwood - Love And Happiness reissued by Burning Sounds
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Clint Eastwood - Love And Happiness reissued by Burning Sounds

Clint Eastwood - Love And Happiness . classic late-70s deejay set from one of Jamaica’s most commanding mic talents, Clint Eastwood emerged from the shadow of his brother Trinity to establish himself as a heavyweight voice of the era. Named in tribute to the cinematic “Man With …

Brand new release from Trojan Records on LP and CD
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Brand new release from Trojan Records on LP and CD

"Funk the Reggae Beat" features your favourite funk-flavoured tunes by the likes of Lee 'Scratch'Perry, Lloyd Charmers, Nicky Thomas and more. See the full track-list and order your copy now! https://trojan.lnk.to/funkthereggaebeat

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