NEW RELEASES – ASWAD, CULTURE, LEWLEWAL DE PODOR

ASWAD – THE BEST OF ASWAD: DON’T TURN AROUND

Some of the biggest singles by British reggae giants Aswad! Don't Turn Around his pretty heavy with material from the mid-to-late 80s period – when they were at a commercial peak – blending Lovers Rock and were crossing over in a major way. Breezy, easygoing stuff – plus some great rootsier material, too. Includes "Don't Turn Around", "Back To Africa", "How Long" feat Yazz, "Three Babylon", "Fire" with Shabba Ranks, "Set Them Free", "Rainbow Culture", "Chasing For The Breeze", "Beauty's Only Skin Deep", "Shy Guy" with Easther Bennett and more. ~ Dusty Groove

CULTURE – NATTY DREAD TAKING OVER

A career-spanning Culture anthology – starting with their 70s recordings with Joe Gibbs and continuing with highlights from the later years – 38 tracks on 2-CDs and it comes with bonus DVD! The late 70s material is hard to top – and this set features some of the best of the album tracks of the period – along with standout 80s recordings. Includes "Two Sevens Clash", "This Time", "Baldhead Bridge", "Garvey Rock", "Innocent Blood", "Work On Natty", "Stop The Fussing And Fighting", "Natty Never Get Weary", "Cumbolo", "I Tried". "Too Long In Slavery", "Lion Rock", "We A Boss", "Addis Ababa", "Election", "Poor People Hungry", "Why Am I A Rastaman?" and many more. The DVD features live footage of Culture in the UK from 2003. ~ Dusty Groove

LEWLEWAL DE PODOR – YIILO JAAM

Timeless sounds from Lewlewal – a contemporary group from Senegal, and part of a vanishing culture in the city of Podor! The tracks were recorded recently, but have a feel that goes back decades – mostly acoustic instrumentation on percussion and guitar, played with an intimate approach that draws strongly on tradition – but which also allows for some personal inflections from the group members too. The vocals – sung by Demba Doka Barry – are especially nice – with this hauntingly soulful feel that really grabs us, even over the space of a language difference. Titles include "Ziarre", "Patrimonie", "Jaanfa", "Diaraby", "Yela", and "Almamy". (Also comes with a nice insert of notes – and a postcard too!) ~ Dusty Groove