Tuesday 01 July 08 [20:25:28]

Happy birthday(s)!

If you're good at maths you'll realise that mixtape 24 marks a very special two year anniversary. Who'd have thought it when these monthly podcasts started off way back in 2006?

Regular listerners will be glad to hear that I've shied away from an obvious 'best of' compilation. Instead I'm serving up the usual collection of nothing but the best old and new reggae/dub-flavoured tracks I'm currently listening to.

My thanks, as always, to all those who've taken the time to get in touch either by email or by posting a comment. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think people were listening - so this one goes out to all those who made the effort :)

A huge debt of gratitute must also go to all of the artists who've featured on these compilations. I hope to promote their work. Support them by buying their music, going to their gigs and spreading the word.

But wait - it's not the only birthday celebration to be had... I'm delighted to pass on the news of the birth of Alice and Nick's little baby boy Alfie. Welcome to the family!

[go to release]

Last Updated 01-07-08 [20:25:28] by Jerome

Monday 09 June 08 [23:37:39]

Worth the wait...

Just back from Po and James' wedding reception near Carcassone in France - thanks guys for a wonderful party. Many congratulations and best wishes for your new life together!

This month's mixtape's a very special tribute to the members of a community of artists, producers and fans who love and understand reggae and dub in all of its many incarnations. I've never been a huge fan of social networking sites - I find it hard enough to keep in touch with my real-life friends to find time for virtual ones - but these guys are fast becoming a second family with their feedback, enthusiasm and support, not to mention the priceless inspiration of their music. There just aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with all of the quality releases on the site! Big up the ReggaeDubwise massive.

[go to release]

Last Updated 09-06-08 [23:39:18] by Jerome

Tuesday 03 June 08 [22:24:59]

A version excursions special

Anyone anxiously awaiting this month's mixtape will have to wait a few more days as I put the finishing touches to what promises to be a classic collection of digidub greats.

For now, enjoy the latest release in the digital 7inch Version Excursions series with an extended instrumental disco mix of 'Ghetto People Song'. More riddim action in the form of 'Heathen Version' can be found on the flip side.

[go to release]

Last Updated 03-06-08 [22:25:36] by Jerome

Sunday 04 May 08 [13:36:42]

Every cloud...

May's here and between the rain showers you can almost feel the summer on the horizon. Silver linings indeed! Things are looking up :)

This month's mixtape is a ragbag assortment, happy-go-lucky collection of what's been doing the rounds on my mp3 player. Everything from your usual dose of digidub to a sprinkling of beats, disco-electro and downtempo moments. Enjoy. 

[go to release]

Last Updated 04-05-08 [13:36:42] by Jerome

Wednesday 16 April 08 [01:21:13]

Something old, something new...

It's just like waiting for a bus, you wait for ages then two come along at once...

Uploading these two new releases to archive.org I couldn't quite believe that it's been nearly a year since I last brought out some new music. Lots has been going on, that's for sure, and there have been plenty of personal upheavals but it's no excuse. During that time a handful of tracks just didn't quite make the grade and will eventually end up on the 'also rans' tracks section of the site.

Well here at last you can enjoy a brand new outing in the digital 7inch series of Version Excursions. 'Billy Jean' and 'Artibella' get the baroquedub treatment with clean, crisp production. Aficionados should check out the midi riddims section to remind themselves of the originals.

And just to set the record straight... a few of the heads over on the versionist forums have got it into their heads that I didn't actually make those midi files. Well I'm proud to say I did. Jah Papu kindly donated the ones marked 'new' and the rest were lovingly hand crafted and transcribed by ear from the excellent audio resources at the Jamaican Riddim Directory. So come on guys - respect where it's due! my thanks to Notwen for the kind words (I'm still proudly wearing my DIY Dub CLUB T-Shirts. Thanks mate) [go to bd0007 release]

And now for something a little bit special... I was going to wait for a ten year anniversary (!) before remastering my first full length album but this month's hip-hop orientated mixtape got me thinking about it again and I just couldn't resist... The soundtrack to an imaginary film, this genre defying instrumental hip-hop, jungle, funk sample extravaganza is finally available in all of its 54 minutes uninterrupted glory. Recorded at a time when programs like Ableton Live simply weren't around and you really had to work hard with those samples... aaah back in the day :) Inspired by the early pioneers (coldcut, amongst many others) and here as a reminder to the young contenders. Enjoy!

[go to bd0008 release]

Last Updated 16-04-08 [01:28:14] by Jerome

Monday 14 April 08 [20:09:18]

And now for something a little different

If you regularly visit the site on the first of the month hoping for your monthly dose of music, my apologies for yet another mid-month release. I've somehow got myself a little out of sync... Sign up to the podcast and use an app like Juice to automatically keep up to date with all the latest audio releases as and when I get round to posting them. :)

As for this month's box of tricks, get yourselves ready for a bumper set of hip-hop classics and solid gold breaks. Regular listeners will know how much i enjoy my reggae but the last two mixtapes have been a little safe and predictable. Time to get out of your comfort zone and try something a little different. I know you'll like it.

[go to release]

Last Updated 14-04-08 [21:49:15] by Jerome

Tuesday 11 March 08 [13:34:51]

All good things come to those who wait

Late again but well worth the wait. Nothing but solid gold selections on this (mostly) straight down the line compilation of both old and new reggae and dub classics.

This one goes out with a very special shout-out to Chris A from Durban South Africa, for getting in touch asking when this month's mixtape was going to be ready. The poor guy was suffering withdrawal symptoms and I just couldn't let him down! So you've got him to thank for this release as it may not have happened without his encouragement. As mentioned in his email, "knowing you are appreciated by complete strangers does bring its own special kind of performance anxieties". If you know what I mean :)  

[go to release]

Last Updated 11-03-08 [13:35:02] by Jerome

Monday 04 February 08 [10:20:29]

Winter blues february mixtape

Back to baroquedub basics after last month's one off ska tape. Imbued with post xmas, early february winter blues this selection combines sub bass as deep and soft as a duvet with melancholy experimentation. Prepare yourselves for a very special collection of misshapen pearls.

[go to release]

Last Updated 04-02-08 [10:20:29] by Jerome

Wednesday 02 January 08 [13:24:11]

Start the year with a smile on your face

Bucking the trend of typical New Year's 'best of 2007' compilations, this january mixtape is a veritable bumper pack of pure and unadulterated ska. Lock into over one and a half hours of skanking good fun and kick start 2008 with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Best wishes to you all :)

[go to release]

Last Updated 02-01-08 [13:24:11] by Jerome

Thursday 06 December 07 [10:08:45]

Get those party frocs on

After the last instalment's dark infused beats this month's mixtape promises more than a little xmas cheer with party orientated good times and a classic roots reggae chill-out.

Enjoy this all night party mix as it effortlessly takes you from dancing at the disco to that late night melancholy walk home. Seasons greetings :)

[go to release]

Last Updated 06-12-07 [10:22:26] by Jerome