Lloyd Parks - Time A Go Dread

This is a sweltering and slick release straight from King Tubby's studio and it is packed with plenty of highlights, which include the title track, ''Time A Go Dread''. Other highlights include ''Mafia'', ''Slaving'' and the absolute mesmerising track of ''Come Back Early''. Here Parks showcases his talent as a singer and the influence of King Tubby can be found on the alternate versions of each track. This is an early reggae style with some influence of dub treatments, which makes it a perfect snap shot into Jamaica at the time when Rastafarianism is about to take over the music from a lyrical perspective. The assembled cast here is quite impressive also, with Ansel Collins and Dillinger appearing among others.

Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records Presents: Studio One Lovers Rock

This is a glorious continuation of compilations by Soul Jazz Records, incorporating great vintage recordings by Coxsone Dodd. Lovers rock is a style of reggae music known for its romantic lyrics, and lush dreamy sounds that add to an idyllic thematic. The punk band The Clash introduced the term to a wider audience through their song ''Lover's Rock'' on their masterpiece of reggae fusion London Calling. The main highlights on this compilation include ''Oh Me Oh My'' by Jerry Jones. Sugar Minott bobs up with a really breathtaking number with ''Ghetto Girl'', and the inclusion by Marcia Griffiths of ''Truly'', which appears on her landmark album Naturally, is quite a standout. There is a mixture of 12'' disco-mixes throughout the album. This album is perfect for long flights or car drives.

Various Artists - Island Records Presents Reggae Discomixes: 22 Essential Extended Mixes

This a great collection of extended 12'' mixes of well-known reggae tracks between 1976 and 1982. The highlights include the classic track ''Klu Klux Klan'' from the enormously perfect album Handsworth Revolution by the sensationally dressed act out of Birmingham, Steel Pulse. Another highlight straight after that gem is by Linton Kwesi Johnson with ''Want Fi Goh Rave''; this track is absolutely sublime and can be appreciated by everyone for its musicianship and lyrics. On the other CD (this being a two-disc compilation), includes the closing track by Gregory Isaacs ''Cool Down The Pace'', from his seminal album Night Nurse. Basically, any compilation is going to standout if it includes a song from two of the most defining reggae albums ever, they are both supremely impressive albums both in their own right.

The Frightnrs - Nothing More To Say

What an absolute golden find this is, this record from 2016, fresh out of New York. The main identifiable aspect is the production which is scratchy with low fidelity, which well and truly adds to the allure and nostalgia incorporated in this piece. The highlights would be the track ''Nothing More To Say'' and "What Have I Done'', both have this really retro and vintage feel. The whole album has a genuine feel like the classics, early Wailers and The Paragons; this is pulled off remarkably well by the touch of a master. The sound is vintage organs, bass and staccato guitar, amazingly there is even some harmonica in one track. Again the level of ingenuity in the production is a joy to behold. The musicianship is also at a high standard, with a jazzy lounge room feel. 

Various Artists - Reggae

This is a really good starting point, which incorporates lots of early Bob Marley & the Wailers recordings. In his book Bass Culture, Lloyd Bradley states his personal opinion that the greatest reggae ever made is the early Wailers recordings. Lots of tracks are here including "Duppy Conqueror'', ''Trench Town Rock'' and my personal favourite which is ''Soul Shakedown Party''. There is even some old John Holt recordings and some Horace Andy gems;

This is immersed with some Lee Perry and The Upsetters. I picked up this album from Northside Records when I was in Melbourne and it only cost me $5, so I have been blessed with a serious bargain. If one was to describe reggae to another person, it would take the form like an iceberg, with the top parts incorporating the classics like Marley and Cliff, but there is a whole other world beneath what appears to be a small surface.

Righteous Man - R.I.O.T

I picked this up from an op shop one day for $2. I tried searching for information on this mysterious Righteous Man, and it eluded me on every search. ITunes did not recognise the album, and there was no track listing available. There is even an extra track that is not registered on the track listing on the back of the album. The back cover is graced by a photo of Ras Kimono and someone else who is unidentifiable. Ras Kimono is wearing what appears to be a Peter Tosh t-shirt with, what I can barely make out, the words Legalize It blazoned upon it. Musically it's quite interesting, it is obviously dancehall and the era is 1998. The track that really stands out is ''No Love'', which has synth trumpets and female backing singers. I cannot track down the unknown song name or anything thing about the enigma that is Righteous Man; it remains a seriously intriguing mystery.

Salmonella Dub - Ez On (Radio Cut)

This is a single from the album One Drop East, and it's quite the fusion of different influences from these guys from Aotearoa. There is a prevalent horn section with some futuristic synthesizer, with light vocals and thoughtful lyrics. I actually picked up this single from Northside Records in Fitzroy, Melbourne on a pilgrimage last year, for football and reggae releases. Again the influence of Herbs is massive, with choir like vocals and angelic harmonies. They are quite the seasoned act, having formed in 1992, having up to 12 albums in their catalogue. One Drop East was actually rereleased with remixes of the album tracks which really show how much digital influence is on this band's music, which is really a delight.