Bombino - Azel

This is an exotic listening experience from a very interesting musician from Niger. It is actually produced by the lead singer from the American band Dirty Projectors. It is a sort of eclectic take on reggae crossed with Tuareg music which is a sort of traditional Berber music straight from the Sahara. Omara Moctar, also known as ''Bombino'' is a guitarist possessing immense skill and poise probably from years of practice. He creates beautiful music and is a very original and creative take on the off-beat style of music of reggae. One could argue that reggae has its diaspora which is definitely reggae, it is has it's roots in Jamaica, but musically reggae does not have to be Rastafarian in a lyrical sense and could be identified for its repetitive rhythms and emphasis on the off-beat.  

Fat Freddy's Drop - Bays

Fat Freddy's Drop hail from Wellington, Aotearoa and are one of the finest contemporary musical exports New Zealand has to offer. I picked up this CD from the merchandise stall at the gig they played at in Hobart at the Odeon theatre on Liverpool Street. They actually do not have a conventional rhythm section and instead rely on a DJ who creates the bass lines and drum tracks. Their sound is hugely reminiscent of dub, and the formation of their songs is a ''riddim'' which is a reggae term. Repetitive rhythms that create massive amounts of groove on the off-beat, this is the formula of many reggae songs and some can include only possibly two chords. Their horn section is also considerably impressive. 

Various Artists - King Size Reggae

This is a compilation from the early reggae period released in 1970. It is produced by the influential reggae producer who was Jamaican-Chinese, by the name of Leslie Kong. Kong is responsible for many great hit songs from Jamaica during this vintage period. He launched the career of Jimmy Cliff. He was also the producer behind the scenes for not one but two Desmond Dekker singles in ''007 (Shanty Town)'' and ''Israelites". Long was the pivotal figure behind arguably reggae's longest lasting superstar, Jimmy Cliff and also started producing Marley's first single ''One Cup Of Coffee''. Reggae as it is known now in 2019 would not be anything like it is today if it was not for the magical hands of Leslie Kong behind the tracks many people admire.

Desmond Dekker And The Aces - Intensified

This is a great collection from the great vocal trio that showcases the massive output of music from Jamaica during the late 60s. Both Intensified and Action! were released in the same year of 1968, and it really showcases how much talent was in the reggae scene in this period. A lot of the most well-known tracks are on here including ''Ah It Mek'', ''Rude Boy Train'' and ''Israelites''. It also includes the title track ''Intensified'' which is a personal favourite. These two releases were part of a larger tending style of rocksteady, which along with ska had an immense impact on the later reggae music to come out of Jamaica throughout the 70s. Desmond Dekker remains one of the pivotal figures in reggae and the well-known voice behind many of its widely appreciated hit songs.

Desmond Dekker And The Aces - Action!

This is a terrific statement from the self-styled king of ska. All the classics are here including ''Mother Pepper'', ''Unity'' and ''007''. I particularly like ''It Pays'' which I find absolutely beautiful. Desmond Dekker had such an angelic and perfect voice. His voice is like a choir voice, innocent and childlike. ''Mother Young Gal'' also appears. Desmond Dekker is an artist not given the merit that some others receive for even measly contributions. Dekker had a personalised style and sound. His music holds up over time. I actually personally think his music sounds better to me now after listening to it for the first time when I was visiting Scotland and I fell in love with his music for its unmistakable charm.