King Tubby - Dub from the Roots (1974)

"If you want to properly dig this music, go for the roots. A large number of those tentacles lie in the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean, the celebrated home of the fruit called ackee, the world's epicenter of ganja (no excuses, Morocco), the source of Appleton Estate Rum (established 1655). Funny enough, King Tubby (né Osbourne Ruddock) was wearing some downright silly crowns back in 1974 (a Burger King indeed, if you look closely). I guess he hadn't yet established his reputation, which at this point is fundamental, monumental, and utterly essential. Those are the straight-up facts, and I dare you to disagree."

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by Nils Jacobson.

The Ska-talites - Foundation Ska

Ska reminds me of a breathe mint or nasal spray, and I remember thinking the Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Cherry Poppin Daddies were the epitome. MTV be damned! And for years I went on demonizing Ska until a good friend passed me a copy of "Foundation Ska". This album (as you may already know, having read the title..) is focused on the bands early years; 1960's Jamaica.

Aggrovators - Kaya Dub (1977)

So the first day of Spring has finally come and gone, which means Summer isn't far off. And you know what that means? Reggae. Yes, Reggae. And to kick off the long list of gleaming Reggae posts we have a barrel-sized spliff burner from the Aggrovators. Wrong album artwork, but that's ok. Chill.

Air France - No Way Down EP (2008)

Dope dope dope shit. I can't wait to hear more from these guys.

City and Colour - LIVE 2007

City and Colour is the side project of Dallas Green, guitarist for post hardcore band Alexisonfire. If you like Noel Gallagher's solo acoustic music, City and Colour is highly reccomended. Brilliantly emotional.

Cujo - Adventures in Foam (1996)

Amon Tobin's original moniker was Cujo, and this was his first album which was released on the lessor known London record label Ninebar. Ninebar dissolved soon after, as did the 'Cujo' alias once Tobin signed with the heavy hitting Ninja Tune label. Regardless, Adventures in Foam is a really good trip hop album that has seen multiple releases. I have the twelve track LP version. The CD version has an additional 8 tracks that I'd love to get ahold of. Hit me up in the comments section if you know where to find them.

Quantic - The 5th Exotic

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to come across a VERY rare 2x LP version for sale on eBay, and naively dropped a $40 maximum bid. Five days later, the item sold for an astounding $147. It was used and in VG+ condition. Kicking my self in the ass for not discovering Quantic sooner... One of the best instrumental albums ever.

Stereolab - Aluminum Tunes: Switched On, Vol. 3

Picked this one up in the used bin. The first record is pretty warped, but it still plays decent. I don't really know much about this album other than it was released on the Drag City label in 1998. A few songs are definite spin offs of earlier works or precursor projects to later ones. According to the bands' official website, "Initial quantities of the CD were issued in an all cardboard sleeve. Some people experienced 'nipple' [the cardboard disk that held the CD in place] failure but a swift dab of glue generally rectified the problem."

N.A.S.A. - The Spirit of Apollo (2009)

I had no idea who NASA was when I first saw this the other day, but the list of cameo appearances and featured artists was too good to let go unnoticed. David Byrne, Gift of Gab, Z-Trip, Chuck D, Method Man, RZA, O.D.B., KRS-One, E-40, Tom Waits, Kanye West, Sizzla, Kool Keith, Santogold, George Clinton, M.I.A., Spank Rock, Del the Funky Homosapien, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, and I didn't even name them all! Not sure how they pulled this off, but they did.  Party music, for sure.

New Order - 1981.1982 EP

FACTUS 8 was released in November of 1982, and is a collection of previously released New Order singles. "Typography cool" pioneer Peter Saville was responsible for the cover design. His girlfriend at the time, Martha Ladly, did the artwork.

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1. "Everything's Gone Green"
2. "Procession"
3. "Mesh"
4. "Temptation"
5. "Hurt"