Reggae & Dancehall 166 Items

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on multi-colored vinyl, limited to 100 copies. Only available at hhv.de!

Joe Yamanaka, born in Yokohama, was of mixed descent. His father was a US Army soldier who hailed from the Caribbean. He played Psychedelic Rock with the Flower Travellin' Band. He was also a philanthropist, travelling around the world to help people in countries where conditions aren't great. He himself was raised in harsh conditions as well, being born in a brothel and growing up in an orphanage. In post-war Japan, it was not easy for him to grow up looking racially different from his peers. Joe Yamanaka joined The Wailers after Bob Marley had passed away and recorded with them 'Reggae Vibration'. The very first track is also called 'Reggae Vibration' and can be seen as his introduction to the genre, being a Rock artist in his home country. You will still hear a strong Rock influence in his songs. 'Reggae Vibration' was Recorded And Remixed At Tuff Gong Studios, 56 Hope RD Kingston Jamaica, In April 14th 1982 ~ April 30th 1982

This album was inspired by the music coming out of Jamaica in the mid 1970s, in particular the use of drum machines by Lee Perry and Aston Family Man Barrett (and Sly Stone in the USA) but also the instrumentals and dubs by Keith Hudson and Im & Count Ossie etc. Searching out, buying and listening to those records had a deep and profound effect on me and became a big influence on me as a musician, which continues to this day.
All instruments, recording and mixing by Nat Birchall

"Congo" by Nkrumah is a hypnotic slice of deep roots by Nkrumah aka Toronto's Kwame Salmon. The city that was home to Johnny Osbourne, Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo and countless other Reggae legends has produced another artist following this great lineage, a singer with a voice unlike anyone else. Originally released in miniscule quantities as a self produced dubplate/lathe cut, the 45 caused a sensation among Djs and sound system operators world wide. This official release features a different mix with an extended version and a spare, mesmerizing Dub version by Toronto's Heavy Manners crew reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s Rhythm and Sound releases.

Death Is Not The End turns 10 years old in May, and as part of the celebrations are committing a selection of Dinte NTS Radio shows from over the years to cassette. Kicking off with the recent special Skateland Soundtapes, 1980-1986 - comprising a selection of clips from sessions held at Halfway Tree, Kingston's most storied roller skating rink during the dancehall era's golden period of the early to mid/late 1980s.

Audio sourced with the indefatigable efforts of the Who Cork The Dance crew - big thanks going out to Jayman, Ruff House, Keimo, Omar, Gee Wizz and the one Jah Humble.

Twin Cities duo Feel Free Hi Fi return to their in-house imprint Digital Sting with their first full length entitled “I was so far in I was out.” After two prior EP's and collaborations with Equiknoxx and Duppy Gun Feel Free Hi Fi deliver 8 new tracks of their distinct but eclectic digital dub. Amalgamating many of the sounds, sonics, and aesthetics of prior releases into these eight percussive instrumentals. The industrial dub and weirdo dancehall remain but the focus is further refined while also exploring environmental and cinematic sounds to create often dark and heavy versions that are as singular as they are collective, as introverted as they are expansive.
The records come in double sided silk-screened printed custom DJ Jackets, with Obi Strip style stickers and hand stamped white labels created and printed by Digital Sting.

Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Reissued here for the first time, in an extended version, the UK reggae band’s only album, originally released on Ball Record in 1978. One of the best-kept secrets of the late 70’s/mid 80’s British reggae scene who, with Steel Pulse, competed for the title of best reggae band in Birmingham. The album includes these eight tracks plus both sides of the bands final single and a brace of previously unreleased tracks.

Next on deck, straight from Producer Dan Ubick’s Lions Den Studio, comes two more re-imagined soul classics from Los Angeles’ own Night Owls. First up, we have soul phenom Eli “Paperboy” Reed taking on Ray Charles’ classic “You Don’t Know Me” and Rocksteady champions Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, laying their beautiful soul harmonies to Eddie Kendricks’ timeless “If You Let Me.” For Side A’s “You Don’t Know Me,” Ubick had a tough assignment - find someone who could bring his own innate soulfulness to a song sung by “The Genius” in his prime. The answer came from Massachusetts-bred Eli “Paperboy” Reed, who moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi at 18 to cut his teeth singing in juke joints all over the Delta. Then, moving on to spend a year as minister of music at Chicago’s Southside church of Soul legend Mitty Collier (Chess Records) and relocating back to the East Coast to record for Capitol Records, Warner Brothers, Colemine Records, and now Yep Roc, Dan had found his man. On “You Don’t Know Me,” Reed’s voice ranges from belted lows to soulful highs that perfectly sets the stage for this more upbeat and Roots Reggae-infused rendition. With a tip of the hat to Jamaican legend and producer Bunny “Striker” Lee, Night Owls take Charles’ classic soul and R&B standard to new territory. On Side B is Eddie Kendricks’ “If You Let Me” feat. Jr Thomas & The Volcanos (Colemine Records), re-done here with a nod to another legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, and music producer, The Techniques’ own Winston Riley (Johnny Osbourne, Dave & Ansel Collins, etc.). Originally debuted on Eddie Kendricks’ post-Temptations 1972 masterpiece People…Hold On (Tamla/Motown), Night Owls create a decidedly more moody and dubbed-out tone here, laying into a bass-heavy one-drop feel that perfectly sets the stage for Jr Thomas’ soulful lead and Volcanos members Alex Desért (Hepcat, The Lions) & John Butcher’s (The Expanders) spot on backing harmonies. While keeping much of the original harmonic language, Night Owls bring this much-loved classic to new heights, primed for the dance floor.

South African Warrick Sony is a ground breaking composer who was behind the Kalahari Surfers project which now gets a vital spotlight courtesy of Emotional Rescue. This compilation shows how effortlessly eclectic his sound was - from jive rhythms to jazz, tabla to political speeches and much more in between. A Hindu pacifist who was once conscripted into the South African Defense Force, he founded this group as a way out getting his ides out there, calling on other musicians as and when he needed them. It was the first radical white anti-apartheid pop in South Africa and as this vital collection shows it explored polyrhythms, slow motorik, dub sound collage and even a goofy cover of Nancy Sinatra.

Sol Power Sound is back in a big way with a reissue and remix EP from the legendary Nigerian Ju-Ju king, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. The double A-side EP features 'Eyi Yato' a tune from 1981 that captures Chief Commander and his band at their absolute funkiest, with a driving drum and bass groove, wah-wah guitar, and signature call-and-response vocals. Remixers include the legendary dub producer Mad Professor, the disco don Eddie C, and the Sol Power All-Stars themselves.

The Sol Power All-Stars keep things organic with chugging drums, heavy analog synth bass and sequences, as well as Daniel Meinecke’s additional keys and solos. The Canadian disco don Eddie C goes a little electro and a little acid with his analog bass-heavy flip. Like a good dub should, Mad Professor’s version accentuates the drum and bass groove and drenches everything in vintage sounding Mad Professor delay, reverb, and filtered dub-sauce, live and direct from his classic mixing desk. Alongside an extended edit of the original, the Eyi Yato EP is sure to find a permanent spot in DJ record bags around the world.

"Rough and Rugged sees Toronto Reggae Don Nkrumah pairing up with the analogue production wizards behind the enigmatic Local Dish label for a wild, synthy Dub excursion. Sounding something between 80's Dancehall and a late 70's Cabe Verde grail, Nkrumah's cool baritone rides this deeply funky, synth soaked analogue riddim. Originally released as a lathe cut 7" in miniscule quantities this is an edition of just 500 copies. Just wait until you hear the Dub!"

Leisure DubandArmaniousreturn to follow up their debut release ‘Weekend Waiting’ (one of Gilles Peterson’s records of the year in 2021). It’s electronic late night soul on the A side with a heavy baseline mix made for sound systems on the B side. Pressed on a dinked 7 inch.

"You'll Never Know" was released as a coupling to "In The Mood For Love" on Ska Beat in the UK. Everything from the intro to the lyric and rhyme scheme is beautiful. Tanamo is good at calypso style singing, but the sad tune also suits him well. The coupling song, "I Love You Truly", is a wonderful song with a fast and furious performance of the Skatalites in their heyday and Lloyd Knibb's powerful drumming. Lord Tanamo's Lovers Ska, Double Sider!

This is a Lovers version of an absolute classic! Licensed from the catalogue of the legendary Harry J Studio, in a signature late 80s Digital keyboard & drum-machine style. Originally written by Toto, and made famous by Michael Jackson! As well as being sampled in SWV’s big 90s anthem & by Hip Hop legend NAS.

ZamZam 95 is a link with the enigmatic French producer Hiss Is Bliss. We’ve been fans since the very first drop on their 777Hz label and these two sides drive straight to the heart of the dub techno galaxy.

Little is known about Hiss Is Bliss beyond the fact that they hail from France, are steeped in esotericism, and create tunes as masterfully grounded in roots reggae as they are in techno and related strands of electronic music. Their releases are utterly free of hype, beautifully crafted 10” vinyl plates that let the singers and tracks speak for themselves.

At the risk of being cheeky, “Nope” is absolute dub techno bliss. The 808 kick propels the track relentlessly forward, saturated washes of color streak the night sky, while syncopated hi hats and warm, soulful chords bring life- dare we say funk- to a style too often stiff and clinical, too in thrall to the past to truly step forward. Matching Hiss is Bliss in mystery, Ras Lys’ vocal brings a Dread perspective on music and the sometimes shady business of music, a grounded contrast to the deep inner space explored by the tune itself. The B-side version “Abbadia” splits musical atoms through the desk, focusing squarely on the stripped 4/4 elements and gloriously distorted pads that echo and cycle like tides in a darkly shimmering sea.

The Pogues' live performance at Chalet-à-Gobet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on June 15th, 1989, stands as a testament to their electrifying stage presence and unrivaled musical energy. Te band delivered an unforgettable performance, blending their signature blend of punk, folk, and traditional Irish music with raw passion and fervor. The Pogues captivated audiences with their infectious rhythms, poignant lyrics, and Shane MacGowan's distinctive vocals. This historic concert showcased the band at the height of their creative powers, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of live music history.

Reissued for the first time on vinyl, here's Jamaican reggae singer George Faith second album, originally released on Hollywood Records in 1979. Amazing soulful reggae melodies backed by the likes of Sly & Robbie, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Tommy McCook, Earl "Chinna" Smith and more. Produced by the one and only Bunny Lee at Harry J Studios, and mixed by Scientist at King's Tubby's Studios!

Another inferno is ignited by the legendary producer Jack Ruby in the next installment of the reissue series. Once again, featuring the iconic Tyrone Taylor with "Birds of a Feather," whose vocals soar above a foundation of pure roots reggae, originally recorded in 1976. The heat doesn't stop there, as for the first time on 7-inch vinyl, we unleash the fury of "Death Before Dishonour," an instrumental by Jack Ruby's militant Black Disciples backing band with seriously blazing horns that leave an undeniable mark. This is the first time ever that "Birds of a Feather" and its instrumental counterpart are paired together.

"Lock And Key" was written by popular Trinidadian singer Lord Bryner. The chorus will stay in your head all day, and it is rare to find an original calypso that is so pop. The coupling is by Orville Alphonso. The melody has the smell of the Caribbean, and the ska vocals are sure to be a hit with calypso lovers. Two songs full of Caribbean moods are coupled.

Get ready for a double dose of roots fire with the next Jack Ruby reissue! This 12" packs a serious punch on both sides. First up, the legendary Tyrone Taylor with "Move Up Black Man." Originally recorded in 1976, this anthem for empowerment is finally getting its rightful release as a single. Next up, for an absolute deep roots experience, we have "Free Rhodesia" a monumental instrumental on the "Rockfort Rock" rhythm featuring the full lineup of the Black Disciples backing band. Jack Ruby himself introduces the band one by one, and for those who remember, this track gets a mention in the iconic film "Rockers," where Ruby requests the drumming talents of the one and only Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace.

All killer no filler 10 track compilation of peak late 80s digital tunes from Park Heights' most productive period. Pure fire produced between Jamaica and New York City. Featuring two previously unreleased tunes and the rest reissued for the first time.

Ten great tracks from Park Height's productive late '80s period, where Mr. Francis produced a lot of great early digital reggae both in Jamaica and right here in NYC. We've selected eight great never before reissued tracks from the catalog, plus two previously unreleased gems. As always, housed in a fresh jacket with the vibes of the time.

Peak 1987 all time, top tier digital reggae. Killer one-away rhythm and awesome militant vocal from Hopeton Lindo. One of our all time favorite politically conscious reggae tunes, still relevant today. Better still, this release is taken straight from the original master tape and is nearly a full minute longer than the original release, wherein Hopeton drops a bit of our favorite dancehall vernacular. Real hardcore DKR heads will know when they hear it.

Hard piece of stepping digital from 1989 with the masters of the era on the rhythm track, Steely & Clevie. Likewise, Conroy is one of the iconic artists of the late '80s digital era with numerous classics to his name.

Here's the inaugural release in a new series from the archives of the late great engineer & producer Philip Smart. Philip's resume is impeccable - early friend and collaborator of Augustus Pablo, radio host and dj, first apprentice of King Tubby, and founder, producer and engineer at one of the major reggae studios of New York City history, Hc&f. Many years back our brother label Goldshop did a series of 45 reissues of the dancehall classics from Philip's Eclipse label. We always wanted to go deeper, but time moves fast, and unfortunately, Philip left us in 2014. But everything in due course, and now with his estate we've gone thru the archives to assemble a fantastic series of releases. This first release is a must - produced by Philip during his time as engineer at Tubby's studio, this is an awesome rockers style take on the moody Paragons classic. The flip features a classic blueprint mid 70s Tubby's style dub, HPF in effect with the first Prince, Philip Smart at the helm. Originally released thru Brooklyn's legendary Keith's record shop back around the time it was recorded.

Keith Hudson, who temporarily worked as a dentist in the ghettos of Kingston, emigrated to New York City in 1976 and died there prematurely in 1984. He is best known for his work as a producer for artists such as U-Roy, Big Youth, Ken Boothe and Horace Andy and within short order Hudson brought his all-round talent to full fruition.

In 1974, he produced two ground-breaking albums. “Pick A Dub” was one of the first official dub albums ever, and is still considered to be one of the greatest moments of Jamaican music. In addition, the unique “Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood” became the first concept album in reggae history. Thematically dedicated entirely to black history, this masterpiece captivates with an atmosphere that is as dark as it is deeply spiritual, charged by Hudson’s eccentric vocals.

In 1981, he created the dub masterpiece “Playing It Cool, Playing It Right” which he produced with the help of Wackie’s founder and mastermind Lloyd ‘Bullywackie’ Barnes. It remained the only collaboration between the two producers. Hudson decided to release it on his own label Joint International as he has done on his previous releases.

The album continues Hudson’s psycho-acoustic journey into the abyss of existence and has the power to overwhelm the listener with the beauty of artistic self-empowerment. “Too Much Formula” sings Hudson, whose voice occasionally recalls Sly Stone, “Darkest Night” answers an echoing background chorus found elsewhere on the track “California”. Hudson’s production techniques are fascinating on this album. We often hear a kind of flashing-whip sound on the snare, which adds dynamics to the whole album. Rarely has a dub record sounded so electrifying, with radical spatial sound spreading out in all directions and rarely has it been as crystal clear, with warm bass and echophonic treatments as contained within these 30 minutes of music.

43 years after its first release and 20 years after its last re-release on the German-British label Basic Replay (Basic Channel/Honest Jon’s), “Playing It Cool, Playing It Right” is now finally available again via Week-End Records, with a newly revised master and a rare interview with Lloyd ‘Bullywackie’ Barnes, talking on the making of this amazing album.

A dig into the vaults leads us to the lesser-spotted Jah Free, a stalwart of the 90’s dub scene and purveyor of all things musically DIY.

* This 12” comprises of slices of `Lightning Clap’, the lead cut being a vocal.

* Originally released on the Jah Free Music label in 1993.

Limited edition 7"

the label say:

" During our search for souvenirs from imaginary cities, we stumble upon other curiosities. We present our new sublabel ‘Curio Cabinet’. A Series of 7-inch records in-between the Souvenir releases. The first curiosity comes from Mills Boogie's moniker Sly Boogie. He kicks off the series with an Electro infused 130 bpm Dub track that asks to head nod at half speed. Weird Dust juggles a solid stepper version of the Bushman Slyde track on the flip side. Heavy subs included! "

Pat & Roxie's "Way Of Fortune" begins flowing from the impactful theme of the Skatalites. The duo vocals are not as slick as those of the Blues Busters, but the mood is stylish. The original release was on Jamaica's Down Beat label, and the UK version was never released. Rare ska vocal that fetched over 150,000 yen at the Drum & Bass Recoreds auction.

Killer combination roots tune from these two legends. Released in 1986, but the music sounds more in a 1980-81 Roots Radics style. Backed with hard dub version.

Reissue of the cult album by THE Bongo HOP for the 20th anniversary of the Underdog Records label.

Reissued for the very first time on vinyl here's Prince Alla's (aka Keith Blake) debut album, under the Ras Allah pseudonym, originally released on Tappa Zukie's Stars Records in 1978. Featuring a who's who of the roots reggae community with top notch contributions from the likes of Sly & Robbie, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Don Drummond Jr., Bingy Bunny (Roots Radics) and more. Recorded at the almighty Black Ark and mixed at Tubby's. Produced and Arranged by Tappa Zukie.

We've been overdue to let off a modern gem from the Wackie's vaults, so here we go. Another of our favorite 12 Tribes related artists, the late great Judah Eskender Tafari, on a hard and moody but uplifting digital stepper straight from the Bronx. B-side features a great ghostly raw rhythm version from Bullwackie.

This album consists of unreleased Dubs recorded between 1986-90 at the early Blakamix Studios.

Blakamix have re-opened the tape vaults and let Mixman loose to revamp and revitalise and give the Dub Doctor treatment to these early Dub tapes.

Jamaica's ska originators celebrate their 60th anniversary with two new songs on a limited edition 45! Both tracks are midtempo ska groovers, with cool lyrics and hot horns. Beautiful old skool label art designed by Chema Skandal, big hole black vinyl DJ friendly press of 1000 copies. (

Wise Records is thrilled to announce the release of the EP 'Max Romeo Sings Classics'. The EP includes newly recorded versions of "Kingston Town", "Man Next Door" and "No Place Like Home", recorded with Max's touring band during a break between gigs on tour in France, and mixed by legendary producer Dennis Bovell.

Time Splitters is a various artist compilation created and produced by Richmond VA based Deskulling in collaboration with veteran Spanish Town JA artist I Jahbar between 2021 and 2023. This 21 track 50 plus minute Dancehall epic also includes other veteran vocalists such as G Sudden, RDL Shellah, Buddydon, and Darkchild plus newer talents such as Fearless, Longdon, Latty, King Kush and 1 Solar Boss. Alexander West who passed away in 2023 contributes an ethereal and heartfelt album closing performance on “Granny Grenade”. Time Splitters is a sprawling creation that captures a multiplicity of emotions, life complexities, spiritual evocations, and musical dimensions. Deskulling's eclectic productions are rendered to the perfect minimalism and provide a rich and varied platform for vocal performances that move between dark and light, sad and joyful, heavy and soft. A lot of work went into this release over a few years from many people during times of inner and outer complexities, turmoils, and tribulations. This release musically, lyrically, emotionally, represents life's spectrum's fully. Thanks for listening.

Inspired in equal parts by gangsterism and the exceptional talent of U Roy on King Tubby’s sound system, Josie Wales left gang violence behind to toast on U Roy’s Sturgav sound system at the dawning of the 1980s; after a popular set of albums for Junjo Lawes, Michael Chin and George Phang, the excellent Ruling was produced by singer Tristan Palmer and released on Ossie Thomas’ Black Solidarity label in 1986. Josie is on fine and commanding form throughout, equally at home on spongy Roots Radics rhythms and early digital tracks built by Steely and Clevie. An exceptional slice of mid-1980s dancehall – all killer no filler!

Dennis Brown's roots classic "Milk and Honey" freshly remastered, complete with Clive Hunt's original "Bitter Sweet" dub (under his Azul moniker) on the A Side. On the B side, Jay Glass Dubs unfolds a skewed and deconstructed contemporary dub. Strictly limited-edition white label vinyl.

Limited edition original 7" single - only 250 copies!

Limited edition original 7" single - only 250 copies!

Piano skanked & cosmic dub stepper from Tapes & DJ Sotofett, this is the original live rhythm take from the two artists 2013 dub remixes for Thug Records. B-side a bit more dreamy with stiff plastic drums, rubbing sub bass and a whistly whirly synth solo guiding you through the instrumentation.