Various Artists Ori[Jah]Nal Selector
Just in time for summer, the Smugg label gives its catalog of solid reggae tracks […]
Just in time for summer, the Smugg label gives its catalog of solid reggae tracks over to electronic remixers, who generally use a light touch to subtly stretch the songs rather than radically restructure them. Palmskin Productions’ Simon Richmond revisits the flavor of his early ’90s productions for Mo’ Wax on the rolling groove of Lexus’ “Ethiopian.” Freerange staple Shur-I-Khan restrains his complex broken drum programming, but reserves bounce and richness for his version of Frankie Paul’s “Great Things.” One of the bolder reworkings comes courtesy of the Smugg Brothers, whose swirling keys and subtle breakbeats kick up Alton Ellis’ “Loneliness.” If you’re searching for an aural accompaniment to recent heatwaves, Ori[jah]nal Selector will come in handy-its modern-yet-mellow spin on reggae perfectly pairs with a Red Stripe and a porch.