Vintage Wackies, and — spun out of Horace’s all-time greatest album — unmissable.
Appearing originally on the Solid Groove label out of Croydon in South London, Exclusively is sometimes misconstrued as the UK issue of Dance Hall Style. The tracks from both were recorded at the same sessions - with Bullwackie joined at the controls by Junior Delahaye and Prince Douglas - and issued close together in 1982-83, Croydon first.
Half of Exclusively non-exclusively versions four tracks from the Stateside release - three are re-titled - and also Eating Mess, which appeared on the first pressing of Dance Hall Style, though unlisted on the sleeve. The mixes are all different (and without dubs). Five further specials include the funky Musical Episode, a superior Bob Marley tribute, and a version of Rougher Yet.

Stalag alert! With Ansel Collins, a killer Big Youth, and King Tubby.

Superb Blood & Fire selection of scattered late-seventies outings, all in discomixes. Treasures include the opener, Reggae Rhythm, with its blaring horns, originally out on Trio International; the 12” mix of Pure Ranking by Jammy, at Tubby’s; and the deadly triumvirate of Everton Da Silvas — Youths Of Today, Don’t Let Problems Get You Down and Mr. Bassie.

Unmissably looking back over Sleepy’s almighty discography, with top-notch On-U cohorts like Style Scott, George Oban, Dr Pablo, and Skip McDonald, and Adrian Sherwood’s loving, respectful artistry, and Horace himself gloriously on song.
Magnificent do-overs of timeless classics like This Must Be Hell, Safe From Harm, Rock To Sleep, Materialist, Mr Bassie; plus six new songs.

Phil Pratt productions, 1972-1974; Sunshots recorded at Channel One, Black Ark, Dynamic Sound and Randy’s Studio 17, with house engineers Ernest Hoo Kim, Lee Perry, Carlton Lee and Errol Thompson at the helm, and backing by Sly & Robbie, Family Man, Chinna, and co, aka Soul Syndicate. Check the versions of Money Money Money and I Don’t Want To Be Outside.

Three front-rank reggae singers — with extensive credits for such producers as Coxsone Dodd, Augustus Pablo and Glen Brown — whose work at Wackie’s without question includes their very best. Originally two 10s.

Lovers Rock utilising Delroy Francis’ tough do-over of the Java rhythm, no less; with Althea & Donna coursing through.

Superb, fat, classic roots production by Michael Forbes, with full horn section, organ, expert percussion and drumming. Strong, heartfelt, resigned singing by Mike Anthony (not to be confused with the much more prolific Lovers singer from Lewisham).

With a Nitty Gritty dubplate do-over of Trial And Crosses.

Thumping soundboy frightener from 1987, with nice Eastern flourishes.