Search:the ting tings
- 1
- A1: Prince Fatty - The Model
- A2: The Hempolics - Love To Sing (Mungo's Hi Fi Ft Solo Banton Remix)
- A3: Danny T & Tradesman Ft Dark Angel - Follow Me
- A4: Viktorious Ft Parly B - What A Ting
- A5: Disrupt Ft Zeb & Scotty - Jah Run Tings
- A6: Led Piperz Ft Solo Banton - Dub Invasion (Subactive Remix)
- B1: Mungo's Hi Fi Ft Sugar Minott & Daddy Freddy - Raggamuffin Rock
- B2: Stalawa Ft Delroy Melody - Buss Shot
- B3: Naram Ft Tenor Youthman - Golden Rule
- B4: Mungo's Hi Fi Ft Mr Williamz - Give Thanks To Jah
- B5: Bim One Ft Macka B - Don't Stop The Sound
- B6: Obf Ft Charlie P - Dub Controller (Future Mix)
Here at Scotch Bonnet Records we love Reggae music's rich heritage. Not only is it is as strong today as it ever has been, soundsystem culture has now spread to every corner of the world. To celebrate this we have compiled a few musically important releases from some of the key musicians and producers that have influenced and nourished Scotch Bonnet records since the start. Some have appeared on single, some are dubs that Mungo's Hi Fi couldn't stop playing on the Soundsystem, and there are some brand new pieces to keep it crispy fresh. The end result is Puffers Choice.
Zeb & Scotty without a doubt belong to the unsung heroes of the Jamaican-Caledonian underground, running tings during sound system nights all over Scotland in the 2010s – most notoriously for Mungo’s Hifi in Glasgow and Big Toe’s Hifi in Edinburgh. Wherever a heavy bass could be heard through wet nights, you could be sure the duo was tearing the place down inside.
Always getting the vibes best on a small stage next to a blasting rig, their vinyl releases remained scarce however. Luckily one of their magic moments, “Bring Di Sensi” on a Jahtari 8bit chip hop jam, was captured on tape in 2008 at the Glasgow School of Art during a Mungo’s Hifi session.
Now pressed to fine 7″ wax with an all new Dub cut on B and alongside beloved oddball reggae outro “Roll That Shit“, this heavyweight delivery is scheduled to arrive at all sound systems shortly!
- A1: Intro
- A2: Raw Born Reggae
- A3: Nah Lie (Interlude)
- A4: She Nah Lie
- A5: Tings Ah Gwan (Interlude)
- A6: The Children
- A7: Radio (Interlude)
- A8: Gunman
- B1: Trenchtown Ride (Interlude)
- B2: The Herbs W/ Barrington Levy
- B3: Clarendon (Interlude)
- B4: Farmers Rock
- B5: Farmers Rock Dub
- B6: Dog Ah Bark Studio (Interlude)
- B7: Curfew Drop W/ Linval Thompson
- B8: Outro, Until Next Time
Six years after Nazamba’s first offering, he delivers his final gift: A Message From Zion.
The journey begins with George ’Nazamba’ and Rico ‘O.B.F’, two kindred spirits connected by sound. Countless cross-ocean visits between Kingston and the French Alps, from enjoying hot beers on the beach to reasonings in snowy mountains. Moments that forged a pure brotherhood.
Out of this friendship grew his first album, the self-titled Nazamba in 2019. Now comes his second, a collaboration between Thompson Sound and Dubquake Records. Together, they unite two generations of reggae powerhouses. Produced by Rico O.B.F, the record reimagines classic Thompson Sound gems. Nazamba’s musical storytelling is accompanied by the Roots Radics, with guest appearances from Linval Thompson & Barrington Levy.
Then came silence. In 2022, Nazamba passed on to Zion. The album project was unfinished, yet full of life. What remains is raw, unpolished and painfully beautiful.
A Message From Zion, a celebration of Nazamba’s universe. His voice, wisdom, poetry, heart and spirit. Forward we ah go. Ah true.
- A1: Krome & Time - The Slammer
- A2: Q Bass - Funky Hardcore (Dj Hype Remix)
- B1: M&M Ft. Rachel Wallace - I Feel This Way (The Beefed Up Mix)
- B2: Run Tings - Fires Burning
- C1: Sonz Of A Loop Da Loop Era - Far Out
- C2: Rachel Wallace - Tell Me Why
- D1: Krome & Time - This Sound Is For The Underground
- D2: Q Bass - Hardcore Will Never Die (Telepathic Mix)
- E1: Phuture Assassins - Future Sound (2 Bad Mice Remix)
- E2: Dj Hype - Weird Energy
- F1: D'cruze Ft. Rachel Wallace - Life (Hands To Heaven)
- F2: Timebase Aka Krome & Time - Fireball
Suburban Base Records Presents: Classic Subbase – 3 part Vinyl Set Reissue
Suburban Base Records proudly unveils the vinyl reissue of the iconic 1997 album Classic Subbase, following huge demand after releasing the album digitally at the end of last year, this becomes our huge Christmas 2025 vinyl release. For the first time since its original release, this legendary compilation is available on 3 x black vinyl, housed in a fully illustrated sleeve that pays homage to the original classic artwork.
This essential collection features some of the most influential tracks from the Suburban Base catalogue, including genre-defining cuts from Sonz Of A Loop Da Loop Era, Krome & Time, QBass, M&M, Rachel Wallace, Phuture Assassins, DJ Hype, and D’Cruze. Each track has been digitally remastered to deliver enhanced clarity and punch while preserving the raw energy and spirit of the original recordings.
Unavailable for over 25 years, Classic Subbase has become a coveted piece for collectors and fans of drum and bass, jungle, and rave culture. This limited-edition reissue offers a rare chance to own a mint-condition pressing of a defining album that shaped the sound of a generation.
Don’t miss the opportunity to own this piece of rave history—secure your copy while supplies last and experience the timeless tracks that continue to resonate through dance music culture.
- Woozy
- Pistachios
- Big Tings (Feat Tune-Yards)
- J.o.y
- Assumptions
- Gratitude
- Ask 4 Help
- Palma Wise
- Dsntrlymttr
- Untitled (Swirl)
- Sun Baby
JayWood - the nom de plume of Jeremy Haywood-Smith - is embracing new pastures having moved his music-making from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Montreal, and his new album Leo Negro chimes with a different tone as it looks to reconnect the self and grapple with one's identity. Marking a moment of meaningful change where controlled chaos takes the lead, it philosophises on what it truly means to be an experimentalist building a multi-faceted world where genre is infinite through sounds braver, more playful, and truthful than he's dared deliver before. Despite its astute sampling with layers of twists and turns, Leo Negro doesn't showboat but roars in the presence of vulnerability as it considers one's absolutes as a way of navigating the identity crisis. "Always looking for attention, I admit it, I can't help it, I'm a Leo," he reasons between vintage hip-hop scrubs on `Pistachios,' recalling a childhood need to be the centre of attention then stepping out of the spotlight as a grown-up. "Leos are confident and sure about themselves, but this record isn't that; so really, when translated, the title inspires `black confidence.' It's an uncomfortable, weird, and surreal term which bends the truth and embodies everything within." Experimenting in both life and music, Leo Negro and its first cut, `Big Tings' (feat. California, art-pop duo Tune-Yards) couldn't be further from 2023's Grow On EP and the previous year's slick LP Slingshot. Moving with flow akin to D'Angelo with Toro Y Moi textures, its twinkling intro of whirling synth and playful approach circles back to Jeremy's adolescence when he'd reverse, slow down, and speed up his favourite songs through the media player on his computer. Encouraged by his musical squad Will Grierson, Arthur Antony, Brett Ticzon, and enlisting his stylist and thrifter friends to capture the Leo Negro aesthetic, JayWood's big `in' for 2025 is collaboration, with the tight-knit crew of likeminded musical colleagues captured in session photo grins beaming from his Instagram grid. Nominated for Canada's coveted Polaris Music Prize, it'd be easy to be the cowardly lion; to rinse and repeat what's worked up to this point. But for JayWood, leaning into his natural `what if?' curiosity to make up his own rules as he goes along ("I never really knew what they were to begin with") and venture into honesty's unsafe space to seek comfort, confidence and make even greater connections, really is the only option. After all, he can't help it; he's a Leo.
- 1: Good People Do Bad Things
- 2: Dreaming
- 3: Home
- 4: Goodbye Song
- 5: Winning
- 6: In My Hand
- 7: Danced On The Wire
- 8: Song For Meadow
- 9: Mind Thunder
- 10: Down
UK Salford band The Ting Tings released their first catalogue of hits in 2008, with global success taking them on an immediate 6-year world tour. That’s Not My Name, Shut Up & Let Me Go, Great Dj & Hands, still regular fixtures on playlists and syncs worldwide.
They vowed never to make the same record twice, 5 albums in, they are sticking to their word.
Their new album ‘Home’ was recorded in a wooden decked analogue studio is an easy breezy yacht rock album committed to traditional songwriting inspired by their all-time favourites, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, The Eagles, The Carpenters, Cosby Stills & Nash, Supertramp, Christopher Cross, best heard in a car, preferably with the sea in view and the windows down.
* A highly in-demand gem from east London’s King General and Bush Chemists, originally dating from1996 gets a welcome re-issue.
* The original Conscious Sounds 7” has been out of press from almost 30 years,
* This welcome repress is backed with a previously unreleased dub version.
Bass music OG Jeremy Sylvester returns to Shall Not Fade sister label Time Is Now for his second full EP on the label.
Jeremy again shows on The Lights EP why is highly regarded as one of the OG's of bass music, having been a producer of non stop consistent releases for the last 20+ years. The Lights EP has everything from dreamy synths, bass warpers, choppy breaks and infectious vocals, all merging together to create a truly unique take on bass music. All topped off with a weighty remix from artist of the moment Soul Mass Transit System on the B-SIDE. BIG TIP!
The Lights EP drops December 6th via Time Is Now.
* Limited to 500 copies, Double Neon green Vinyl LPs in a 5mm Album sleeve printed with colour on the front and tracklist on the back is printed in glossy ink, 2 x printed inner sleeves
"KCT 3" marks a new chapter for The Hempolics, showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to pushing musical boundaries. With each track carefully crafted to perfection, the album offers a mix of infectious rhythms and soulful melodies that are sure to get you grooving.
From upbeat anthems to introspective ballads, "KCT 3" takes listeners on a musical journey through a variety of sounds and styles. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, the album invites listeners to explore new sonic landscapes and embrace the unexpected.
- A1: Livet Är En Bluff
- A2: Bara Svårigheter
- A3: Du Är Så Sårbar
- A4: En Kort Sekund
- A5: Inga Flera Dagar
- A6: Så Enkelt
- A7: Stanna Kvar En Liten Stund
- A8: Din Värld
- B1: Identitet
- B2: Drifternas Mystik
- B3: Ensamma Pojkar
- B4: Kristaller
- B5: Människor Utan Mål
- B6: Alla Klockor Som Slår
- B7: Hägringar
- B8: Vår Rätt
"From the ashes of Linköping’s pioneering punk band, Tings of London, IQ 55 emerged onto the scene in 1978. Their compelling performances quickly made them the most sought-after band in their hometown. In 1979, IQ 55 recorded their first and only single, ”Livet Är En Bluff (Balladen)/ Bara Svårigheter,” in Gothenburg. Following their contribution to the compilation album Arnes Korvbar and numerous attempts to attract record labels, the band disbanded in October 1983. Now, for the first time, the full-length album ”Livet Är En Bluff” containing IQ 55’s timeless, original, and raw sound is here."
Embark on a sonic odyssey with "Between Poetry and Catastrophe," a 15-year labor of love by Norwegian electronic artist Ars Dada. The title draws inspiration from the poignant words "Music lives in the span between poetry and catastrophe", of the late Norwegian composer Arne Nordheim.
In this album, Ars Dada delves into the extremes—where chaos intertwines with serenity, and violence meets the poetic. Every track is a meticulously crafted journey, featuring real instrumentation such as vocals, piano, and strings, including a grand collaboration with the chamber orchestra of the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra. From intense breakbeat chaos to delicate neoclassical string pieces, Ars Dada invites you to experience the visceral beauty of this musical tapestry.
This isn't just an album; it's an exploration of the human condition at its most extreme.
Thank you to the performers and Arctic Philharmonic
Written and recorded with support from Fund for Performing Artists
All music written, arranged and produced by Erlend Bilsbak/Ars Dada
All strings recorded in Kysten studio by Sivert Henriksen
Violin on all tracks except Fjordyp, End of September, Skyggespill, and Du Må Ikke Sove performed by Brynjar Lien Schulerud
Violin on Fjordyp, End of September, Skyggespill, and Du Må Ikke Sove performed by Sander Tingstad
Viola on all tracks except Tjernet performed by Heidi Schulerud Bilsbak
Cello on all tracks except Tjernet performed by Håvard Bilsbak
Grand Piano on Fjordyp and Skyggespill performed by Yegor Shevtsov
Alto soprano on Fjordyp, End of September, Sub Luna Saltamus, Du Må Ikke Sove, and Grief performed by Marika Schultze
All strings on Tjernet by performed by Arktisk Filharmoni (Arctic Philharmonic)
Mastered by Julien Guillot at Electric Voyage Studio
Album photo and design by Erlend Bilsbak
"We Started Nothing is the debut studio album by English indie pop duo The Ting Tings. Jules & Katie's combination of dance, indie pop and new wave proved to be one of the hottest things in 2008. The result being the album peaking at #1 in the UK Albums Chart. We Started Nothing spawned no less than six hit singles, including ""That's Not My Name"", which reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart. Eventually, the band, the album and several singles and videos were nominated for a variety of NME, MTV, Grammy Award and Brit Awards. The Ting Tings won the MTV Award for Best UK Act and ""Shut Up and Let Me Go"" won the award for Best UK Video. We Started Nothing is available on black vinyl and contains an insert."
- A1: The Statement 2 34
- A2: Remind 'Em Feat Quavo 3 21
- A3: Beach Ball Feat Bia 2 24
- A4: Ok With Cool & Dre Feat Young Thug 4 06
- A5: Could It Be You Feat Blxst & Yung Bleu 3 06
- B1: Luxury Life Feat Coi Leray / The Whole Darn Family 2 18
- B2: Big Everything Feat Dababy & T-Pain 4 00
- B3: Roboshotta Feat Burna Boy 2 01
- B4: Tings 3 07
- B5: The Return Of Mansa Musa Feat Swizz Beatz & Blackway 3 25
- C1: Stand Up Feat Jnr Choi 3 46
- C2: Open Wide Feat Chris Brown & Shenseea 2 47
- C3: Hold Up 2 13
- C4: The Hive Feat Giggs 2 49
- C5: Homage Feat Kodak Black 3 09
- D1: Legend Feat Morray 3 52
- D2: Slide 3 39
- D3: Legacy Feat Cie, Trillian & Rai4 12
- D4: If You Don't Know Now You Know Pt 2 Feat. Big Tigger 5 19
Busta Rhymes bereitet sich auf die Veröffentlichung seines 11. Studioalbums vor, das erste seit "Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath Of God", das 2020 erschien. Das Projekt trägt den witzigen Titel "BlockBusta". Er stellt sicher, dass das Album seinem Titel gerecht wird und einen echten Blockbuster abliefert. Dazu hat die Rap-Legende drei weitere Legenden als ausführende Produzenten für das Projekt gewonnen. Pharrell, Timbaland und Swizz Beatz, drei der legendärsten Produzenten der Rap-Geschichte, sind alle an Bord, um mit Busta zusammenzuarbeiten.
- A1: Dangerous - Conroy Smith
- A2: New Tactics - Admiral Tibet
- A3: Old Chain - Da Da Waps
- A4: Concrete Jungle - Dave Bailey
- A5: Weh Dem Fah - Carl Meeks
- A6: Yu No Remember - Wayne Palmer
- B1: Danger - Carl Meeks
- B2: Runnings - Dave Bailey
- B3: Chisholm Avenue - Gregory Isaacs
- B4: Rub A Dub One - Little John
- B5: Gimme The Grass - Horace Martin
- B6: When I Release - Puddy Roots
Die neueste Ausgabe der hochgelobten Reggae-Anthologie-Serie von VP konzentriert sich auf den Produzenten Hugh 'Redman' James - A Reggae Revolution powered by Steely & Clevie und Roots Radics bei Channel One und Tuff Gong. Ein Killersong nach dem anderen von Gregory Isaacs, Conroy Smith, Carl Meeks, Sugar Minott, Frankie Paul, Admiral Tibet etc.
Inkl. Innenhülle mit ausführlichen Liner Notes und seltenen, noch nie gesehenen Fotos.
Andy Taylor - Songwriter, Gitarrist, Sänger und Mitglied der Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, der unter anderem mit Duran Duran, The Power Station, Robert Palmer, Rod Stewart, The Almighty, Thunder und The Ting Tings gearbeitet hat, kehrt mit seinem neuen Album Man's A
Wolf To Man" zurück, seiner ersten Solo-Veröffentlichung seit über 30 Jahren.
Der Umstand, dass sich die Veröffentlichung von "Man's A Wolf To Man" durch die Auswirkungen der Pandemie verzögerte, gab Andy die Möglichkeit, das Album zu überarbeiten und neu zu gestalten.
Während dieses kreativen Prozesses wurde er mit der Nachricht
konfrontiert, dass der Prostatakrebs, gegen den er angekämpft hatte, unheilbar war. Das Ergebnis ist jedoch ein Album, dass alles andere als wütend ist: "Influential Blondes" beispielsweise startet mit einem durch und durch mitreißenden, glamourös anmutenden Refrain, "Try To Get Even" - ein Duett mit Tina Arena - ist eine wunderschöne Country-Rock-Ballade, "Reachin' Out To You" steht genau für die Art von funkigem Rock, den die Fans von The Power Station lieben werden. "Gettin' It Home" ist purer, energiegeladener Hardrock, in "This Will Be Ours" oder auch "Gotta Give" erleben wir, wie Andy sich von Skiffle geprägten Grooves in raues, Stones-artiges Stampfen gleiten lässt.
Mit einem Soloalbum, auf das er zu Recht stolz ist und einer speziellen Therapie, die sein Leben retten und nachhaltig verändern wird, spielt Andy Taylor im Jahr 2023 in der ersten Liga mit.
- A1: Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
- A2: The Cribs - Another Number
- A3: Razorlight - Golden Touch
- A4: Mystery Jets - Young Love (Feat Laura Marling)
- A5: Klaxons - Golden Skans
- A6: Modest Mouse - Float On
- A7: Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby
- B1: The Ting Tings - Shut Up & Let Me Go
- B2: Electric Six - Danger! High Voltage (Soulchild Radio Mix)
- B3: Lcd Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
- B4: Hard-Fi - Hard To Beat
- B5: Editors - Blood
- C1: Mgmt - Kids
- C2: Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At
- C3: The Rapture - House Of Jealous Lovers
- C4: The Futureheads - Hounds Of Love
- C5: Interpol - Slow Hands
- C6: The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
- D1: Kasabian - Club Foot
- D2: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix Radio Edit)
- D3: Bloc Party - Banquet
- D4: The Wombats - Moving To New York
- D5: The Libertines - Don't Look Back Into The Sun
- D6: Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
"Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the bassbins, Mysticisms brings the latest in its Dubplate series. After the success of his first digital dubb excursions on the version, Persian returns with a second 10” of reggae inspired electronics, covering Bass, Breaks, Digidub and now also, Jungle.
Taking no prisoners with the massive opener Survival Dub, Persian marries classic breakbeats and toasting to bouncing, dance floor effect. THE party starter. This is followed by Smoke Mari, a looping steppas of FX and breaks to lay down the Dubplate clash.
As ever the link between rave, breaks and sound system culture is explored, this time with the Roots’n’Lovers opening of There Is No Love giving way to a Junglist drop, before risin’ to a beautiful soul sermon.
Finally, taking it all down, tings wrap with the deep, sampledelic dub of Zatoichi’s Troubles. With a bass to destroy many a speaker, it’s lanquidity morphs from the EP’s hedonism of sound clash styles to a gliding “tokers delight”.
Smoke the Mystery. "
My Idea with these series of 10” records was to do 5 in around a year to 18 months. This got scuppered by the situation at world pressing plants with the extreme wait for records.
The tracks are all taken from my live set which I’ve been doing over the last few years which has taken in some huge gigs and festivals including Houghton, Dimensions, Ion and extensive club gigs too.
All of them have the dance floor funk and the artwork is from long term design partner Lung.
The vibe on these is rolled plasticine using a different coloured vinyl each time. So making the series quite collectable too.
Lord of Dem Tings is a tribute to the late great Lee Scratch Perry and theres a nod to him on the sticker for this one.
* King General’s follow-up to the classic `Money Run Tings’ (1996) arrives in the shape of `Broke Again’, originally emerging in 2009 on CD only.
* So now, on vinyl for the first time: 6 vocals from the General with 6 dubs from The Bush Chemists
* Including the singles `Them Wrong’ and the title track `Broke Again’
* Two tracks that couldn’t fit on this vinyl release: `Got to be Conscious’ and `Long Way to Go’ will appear separately on a forthcoming 12” (PRTL12014).
Lee X-plode is one of our artists from Vinyl Fanatiks who released an EP back in 1992 that was HUGE! Over the years this self-funded white label grew in popularity, with copies fetching over £200. He joined the family in 2020 when we re-released this monster, selling out instantly.
Lee is back on the hardcore hustle once again, bringing his 3rd EP onto Amen Brother, this time incorporating a more melodic piano vibe into his raw to the core 91 hardcore sounds. You will find yourself raising your hands in the breakdowns before going straight into the pumping 4/4 breakbeat roll outs. Music to move to!
Fresh in from the powerhouse that is Bokeh Versions, we have a first time vinyl issue of two (future)classic Dancehall EPs from Kingston - RDL Shellah's 'Showcase' on one side, and G Sudden's 'Bunout Boss' on the other, with the elusive / productive SEEKERSINTERNATIONAL on production on both sides.
- A1: Misdemeanor
- A2: Big Tings Come In Small Packages
- A3: I'm Your Puppet
- A4: Mockingbird
- A5: I'll Get You In The End
- B1: Hey Little Girl
- B2: Happy Face
- B3: Swooperman
- B4: More Love
- B5: Only My Love Is True
- B6: Lullabye
Classic funk-soul album, featuring "Misdemeanour". Sampled by Madlib, Black Milk, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Danny Krivit and more.
Brilliant funk-soul from 1973. Written by Leon Sylvers III, and produced by a heavyweight line-up comprising Jerry Butler, Keg Johnson and Michael Viner.
Official reissue in replica of original artwork
French producer Moresounds makes a welcome return to Cosmic Bridge five years after his debut. The Paris-based dub scientist was one of the first artist Om Unit picked for the label and the co-sign helped launch his career, which has since included contributions to Astrophonica, Doc Scott's 31 Records, and remixes for Machinedrum as well as a growing touring schedule that saw him take his unique live show to Asia and America in 2016. Mutation Experts catches Moresounds in a more experimental vibe with four cuts that play with the rhythmic potentials of jungle in a different style. Ting N Tings sets the mood with rolling breaks in a sea of soothing pads, subtle loops, vocal samples, and recurring sound effects anchored by deep bass to create a subtle, implied tension. Mutation Experts makes use of a catchy melody to take the listener along and once again the mood is one of subtle changes and blissful exploration, a junglist daydream. Ruff Times is the darker of the tracks on offer, a creeping roller wrapped around a two-note melody and drenched in dub, a hypnotic descent down a rabbit hole. The EP closes with Positive Yourself a mellow, downtempo production that plays with African motifs and samples for a gentle return to reality. Mutation Experts offers a perfect example of how Moresounds combines the rhythmic appeal of jungle with the transformative potential of dub, sidestepping obvious signifiers to play with possibilities. Mutation Experts invites you to take a different trip with Moresounds as your guide
'I take my guitar and strum and sing some tings and blow people's mind. But I ain't trying to do anybody's music. I'm doing what I feel' - Shadow
When it came out in 1984 the far-out album Sweet Sweet Dreams by Trinidad & Tobago's Shadow (aka Winston Bailey) was described as 'way ahead of its time'. Undeservedly it was panned by critics and, unable to reach markets, disappeared into the dusty record collections of a few music aficionados. Now, more than three decades later that cosmic dance-floor UFO is about to take off again, change all that and set the record straight. Remastered and cut by Frank Meritt at The Carvery the album is truly a masterpiece.
But who is this Shadow behind Sweet Sweet Dreams Shadow is a man of understated magnitude. A truly enigmatic artist, he first emerged in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1970s, becoming a part of the tapestry of Caribbean music and reinvigorating calypso at the time. Calypso, the indigenous folk music of Trinidad and Tobago, has roots in West African kaiso rhythms, French Creole influences, and the hardships endured by the African slaves brought to Trinbago, whose descendants still use it as a tool for satire, self-expression, and social commentary. Calypso has also given birth to several other music genres, including soca, with its uptempo beats and festival context. Shadow effortlessly moves between both.
Shadow came from a humble but musical family and started writing songs as a youth while tending cattle in the fields. To his family's initial chagrin he chose calypso over church music but his talent and drive were undeniable. In the early days of his career Shadow's style was cramped when working with some of the more conservative music arrangers who felt that calypso and soca should fit a mould. But after a while Shadow teamed up with more innovative arrangers, including Arthur 'Art'de Coteau, who followed their and Shadow's intuitions resulting in a long line of hits.
'The first time we met for me to arrange his music we had a heated argument on the arrangement for one of his songs, I was theoretically correct but Shadow was musically right. Shadow broke all the traditional musical rules and made his own and that made him a musical giant. He changed the face of Calypso music in 1974 with the release of "Bassman" a tune in which Bass and magnificent horn line took central stage changing Soca music for ever. What Shadow did with his music was to put calypso on the International Dance circuit, giving it a totally different groove. You could take his music and swing it in any direction, Disco, Pop, Calypso, you name it. His music was different from anything that existed before'. - Carl "Beaver" Henderson, one of Trinidad's veteran producers.
This inert creativeness culminated in Sweet Sweet Dreams which was arranged by Shadow and deals with burning and ever-relevant themes like love and the ups and downs of relationships. a surprising fact for someone mainly known for his satirical and political lyrics. It prompted his manager to wonder if Shadow had written the lyrics while in a state of 'tabanca' (a word used in Trinidad and Tobago to describe lovesickness).
Sweet Sweet Dreams was recorded at the legendary SHARC studios, located on a hill in Chaguaramas (near Port of Spain) and despite a fantastic sound and monster Soca-boogie tunes like 'Lets get it together', 'Lets Make it Up' and 'Way, Way Out' the album was a commercial flop, probably due to the fact that it didn't sound like anything else coming out of Trinidad & Tobago at the time: It fused a range of different rhythms and new sounds, primarily heavy synth riffs.
Shadow took the album's lack of success in his stride with usual aplomb:
'When I did Sweet Dreams I expect something could happen. But nothing big happen because I have no big market and no distribution and all this thing now. So I just cool myself and move on to another song. I wasn't doing just one song. I used to always have plenty songs at the one time. And be writing music'.
What Shadow didn't realise back then was that the proto-electronic cocktail he had mixed in 1984 would only find the recognition it deserved three decades later. Life has swung full circle: Sweet Sweet Dreams has come true and been elevated to holy grail status becoming one of the most sought-after Caribbean disco records in existence.
For this re-release we carried out extensive interviews with Shadow and the musicians and have included as bonuses exclusive photos from Shadow's personal collection and the dancefloor filler tune 'D'Hardest' was added as a bonus track.
GA008 sees another 7" release from the label, this time, Spain and Norway collide to give you Joy! On vocal duties, Spanish rub-a-dub Queen, Ponchita Peligros delivers a powerful and personal message of triumph as only she can. Norwegian 8-bit aficionados, Helgeland 8-bit Squad provide a melodic steppas riddim featuring a twangy nylong guitar and nuff bass to move tings forward inna proper 80s digikal style.
Our french friend Steven Wobblejay strikes back! After the sublime shake your tingsz EP' (QE 45), Steve presents again some dope deep raw tunes. Lots of old school flava with a new school twist! His partnership with Pablo Valentino as Creative Swing Alliance (Wolf Music, Faces, Tsuba a.o.) has been a great base for developping his own style. Another great talent is past, present and future Quintessentials artist Mat Chiavaroli, who's delivering a rugged and freestylish remix. Hang out - the way we love it!
Roland Tings is Melbourne's jack-track anomaly with a penchant for acid coastlines and nebulous rhythms. Still fresh off 12 releases for 100% SILK and Club Mod, the Melbourne producer dropped the stunning 'Who U Love' EP with us last spring, to critical acclaimand in anticipation for his debut whoch is finally here now. and what we are truly excited to present. Forged by Melbourne's forward-thinking nightlife institutions, Tings made his debut with the Milky Way EP on 100% SILK - the enigmatic dance imprint founded by Not Not Fun's Amanda Brown. Having laid the groundwork of a raw-satin aesthetic inspired by that of Larry Heard and Robert Hood, his sound was solidified on the Club Mod-released follow up Tomita's Basement, featuring remixes from Future Times' Maxmillion Dunbar and Junior Boys' Jeremy Greenspan. Functioning as club-ready oddities with neon finesse, his releases thrive as rhythmic visions pushing dancers into his very own modular oasis. Having toured across much of Australia and Europe, he's backed up headline club shows with appearances at MONA FOMA and The Meredith Music Festival as well as support slots for the likes of of Tim Sweeney and Juan Atkins for Modular's Sydney Festival showcase. Now riding with a tight community of Australian producers enjoying recognition around the world, Roland Tings' custom texture continues to fold into a vibrant late-night fabric accessed around the world and you will see this reflected by the goodness and versatility of the 8 tracks on this vinyl.
- 1





























