MORGAN HERITAGE - The Journey Thus Far (Oct. 27, 2009)
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VP Records highlights the very best of Morgan Heritage. This must-have compilation chronicles the favorites, highlights, and rarities celebrating the talented family’s “Journey Thus Far”. This family of talented performers has released eight studio and two live albums, and “The Journey Thus Far” is a comprehensive disc that features the group’s finest recordings to date, plus two previously unreleased tracks. It also features concert footage of The Morgan’s performing in Senegal and Gambia, plus nine of the group’s most popular videos. Stand out tracks include “Don’t Haffi Dread”, “Down By The River”, “She’s Still Loving Me”, “Your Best Friend”, “Tell Me How Come?” and “Brooklyn and Jamaica”. Two previously unreleased Morgan Heritage tracks appear exclusively on The Journey Thus Far: “Here To Stay” (produced by Kurt Riley) and “Guards Up” (produced by Frenchie - of the UK’s Maximum Sound). “The Journey Thus Far” demonstrates Morgan Heritage’s collective building process and their extraordinary evolution from a precociously talented teen aggregation, into one of contemporary reggae’s most powerful sonic and lyrical forces. Throughout their profound journey, Morgan Heritage has pioneered Jamaican music’s popularity in such far flung locales as the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the rural Northern U.S., where many residents had never even heard the word reggae prior to their appearances there. They’ve succeeded in helping to make roots reggae relevant to a generation of fans who weren’t even born when Jamaican musical icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown were touring the world.
BLACK UHURU – Black Sounds Of Freedom (Oct. 6, 2009)
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The recently revamped Greensleeves Classic Reissue Series starts off with a standout title from the back catalogue that no reggae connoisseur should be without. Black Uhuru’s “Black Sounds Of Freedom” album was originally released in 1977 on Prince Jammy’s own label in Jamaica and Third World Records in the UK. Its title then was “Love Crisis”. At the height of Black Uhuru’s international success in 1981, Jammy set about remixing the album and renaming it “Black Sounds Of Freedom”. It was released on Greensleeves Records and reached a much wider audience the second time around. Set to be re-released on October 6th, this deluxe double CD features “Black Sounds of Freedom” and “Love Crisis” in its original form. Also included are “King Of All Time”, “Crocodile Style”, “Love Your Girl” and “Ride Into Zion” – which is the DJ 12” mix to “African Love”. The four‐deejay versions are from legendary Waterhouse mic man U Black. These rare cuts were originally released on the album “West Bound Swing A Thing”. “Black Sounds Of Freedom” showcases the early talents of one of the most influential vocal groups to ever come out of Jamaica.
VARIOUS ARTISTES – The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 (Oct. 6, 2009)
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The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 features some of the hard core tracks that were running the streets and reggae mix tapes in 2009. The hallmarks of the series are cutting edge tracks from dancehall’s most exciting artistes. This latest edition showcases songs about money and sex. Standout tracks include Mavado’s “Neva Believe You” and Assassin “Pree Dis”. Notable emerging artistes included are Jah Vinci, Chase Cross, Laden, Gaza Indu and Chino. The presence of hit makers Mavado, Busy Signal, and Vybz Kartel give the collection the timely and credible flow that dancehall anthems fans have come to expect. This compilation highlights Greensleeves’ on-going efforts to provide authentic reggae vibes on its compilations.
VARIOUS ARTISTES – Jackson Lovers (Oct. 6, 2009)
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Originally Recorded in 2008, Jackson Lovers presents some of Jamaica’s best young talent in a reggae tribute to the world’s most iconic artist, the late great Michael Jackson. The collection features remakes of many of Jackson’s greatest hits, remakes that were recorded exclusively for this album. It includes Dennis Brown’s mid‐80s version of the Jackson 5 hit, “Never Can Say Goodbye”. Jackson Lovers is a undoubtedly a real treat for all Michael Jackson fans, and fans of reggae music in general. Stand out tracks are Tarrus Riley’s rendition of “Human Nature” and Carol Dexter’s “Bad”.
VARIOUS ARTISTES – The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2009 (Oct. 6, 2009 )
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The Biggest One‐Drop Anthems 2009 features the top roots reggae hits that have dominated global reggae charts in 2009. Showcasing the top exclusive tracks, monster Jamaican hits and UK smashes, the highlights of this compilation are: Da’Ville “Missing You Right Now”, Capleton’s “Acres” and Gappy Ranks’ “ Heaven In Her Eyes” - just to name a few. As the fifth edition in the series, this CD presents a snap shot of the key artistes in the genre with hits across two continents. As usual, the Biggest One Drop Anthems 2009 highlights Greensleeves’ on-going efforts to provide authentic reggae vibes on its compilations.
JAH SHAKA – Jah Shaka Presents the Positive Message (Oct. 13, 2009)
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For more than four decades, Jah Shaka Sound System has been the number one Roots & Culture sound system in the world. Unrivaled, Jah Shaka Sound System was crucial in the development of the international roots reggae audience. A recent US booking at the 2009 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival has earned him notoriety with a new generation of U.S. music fans. Staying true to the positive message of reggae music, Jah Shaka has selected 15 vintage tracks from the Greensleeves catalogue that capture the essence of his eponymous dance. As an added bonus, this CD package showcases rare photos and sleeve notes by reggae historian Noel Hawks.
Also available a VP / 17 North Parade Box Set with several 7” Singles from Jah Shaka The Evolution of Dub box Set and More: Contact me today for details: tesfa@vprecords.com
WINSTON RILEY – Quintessential Techniques (Oct. 13, 2009)
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Winston Riley has produced numerous reggae classics in his 40 plus years in the business, and is the only Jamaican producer ever to have #1 hits in the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. Disc 1 features early reggae smashes such as Dave & Ansel Collins’ Double Barrel (#1 UK Hit in 1969) and classic reggae versions of R&B hits including; The Techniques’ “You Don’t Care” and “Ready Or Not” by Johnny Osbourne (which served as inspiration for the Fugees’ hit of the same name). Disc 2 features Riley’s dancehall years, including four songs on the classic Stalag 17 riddim, arguably the most important (and imitated) dancehall riddim version ever. Stand outs are Tenor Saw “Ring The Alarm” (one of the first and most recognizable ‘sound clash’ song ever recorded) and the ubiquitous hip hop sample, Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam”. This latest edition of the Reggae Anthology series undoubtedly ranks among the best, and is a must have for collectors. As an added bonus, this CD features rare photos and extensive liner notes by Daddy Lion Chandell.
MICHAEL PROPHET – Righteous Are The Conqueror (Oct. 20, 2009)
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Greensleeves Classic Reissue Series second standout title for this month, is an essential for any reggae connoisseur. Michael Prophet’s Greensleeves debut “Righteous Are The Conqueror” was originally released in 1980 alongside another stand out Michael Prophet set “Gunman”. Henry “Junjo” Lawes – one of Jamaica’s biggest producers at the time - produced the album at the legendary Channel One studio, alongside the mighty Roots Radics backing band. This superb reissue has been remastered, and as a bonus includes two exclusive 12” mixes of “Cassandra” and “Help Them Please” ‐ these tracks have never appeared on CD before.
MICHAEL PROPHET – Gunman (Oct. 20, 2009)
http://www.vprecords.com/michaelprophet.vp
The success of “Righteous Are The Conquerer” led producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes to reassemble the protagonists at Channel One Studios the following year (1981). “Gunman” served as the follow up album, and was an instant classic. Mixed by Scientist, at King Tubby, “Gunman” captured the height of reggae’s golden age and the massive title track became a cornerstone of 80’s reggae. Tracks from this album appeared in the popular video game “Grand Theft Auto”, making these songs relevant to multiple generations of music fans. The release of “Gunman” as a twelve‐inch single gave Michael Prophet his biggest hit and signature tune. Michael went on to cut three more classic “Junjo” produced Greensleeves 12” singles. These tracks are added to this re‐mastered edition. All four 12” single mixes are on this CD for the first time.
CHUCK FENDA – Fulfillment (Oct. 27, 2009)
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Roots reggae artist Chuck Fenda has the living fire. His voice and music are on fire with passion from the heartbeat of Jamaica. His songs present reality, hope and love for the people. Fenda’s upcoming album, “Fulfillment” brings him full circle; showcasing his lyrical wisdom on a variety of one drop and roots riddims produced by Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor, including the new ‘Ghetto Riddim’ and identifiably the most spiritual album from the artist to date. Characterised by collaborations with like‐minded artistes such as I‐Wayne on the track “Thin Line”, “Bad Boys” with Sammy Dread and “Time Rough” featuring Bush Man. Heavy airwave rotation of tracks contained on the album include “Herbalist Farmer” and “Cold Fi Di Money”. Through his conscious songs and high‐energy performances, Chuck Fenda has cemented himself as one of the few that will play a great role in the revolution of Jamaica’s music across theglobe.
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