The second 7” introduces to the world The Mighty Gravillons, an obscure vocal trio bringing us right back to the golden days of roots reggae. With powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, ‘Crumbling World’ is a desperate cry to the world we’re building for the next generations. How can we leave such a world of wars, political conflicts and environmental crisis to our kids? The B side shines by it’s simplicity: The 18th Parallel invited one of their favourite musicians of today’s reggae scene to blow his spellbinding saxophone, Anant Pradhan. The legacy of Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso or Cedric Brooks has found its worthy embodiment. New York saxophonist graces us with ‘Peace Treaty’. More

The series third 7” presents Geneva based singer Jah Bast. ‘Far I Love’ is a chant to the Most High. The riddim and mix get as dread and terrible as Jah Bast message of love gets powerful. Version of the B side for all DJ to mash up the riddim inna dance! More

Bringing together over 50 of Jamaica's greatest session musicians, whose work spans from the birth of reggae in the late 1960s until today, Roots Architects is the largest gathering of Jamaican musical talent on one all-instrumental album. Never before have so many veterans, who helped create the immortal rhythms that made reggae internationally successful, been assembled to play on new material without vocals. This album aims to celebrate and pay tribute to the unsung heroes of reggae music: the rhythm builders or Roots Architects.

The project is the brainchild of Swiss keyboardist and producer Mathias Liengme. In 2013, he travelled to Kingston, Jamaica, to produce The Inspirators project, an all-star album gathering Leroy ”Horse-mouth” Wallace, Lloyd Parks, Earl ”Chinna” Smith and Sangie Davis, the four of them acting both as musicians and vocalists. This first experience in Kingston studio life paved the way to what would become the Roots Architects project. In February and March 2017 Mathias Liengme travelled for the fifth time to Kingston to record as many of reggae’s greatest living veteran musicians as he could. With the help of a few of these Architects like Robbie Lyn, Fil Callender or Dalton Browne, he managed to gather over 50 session musicians aged 60 to 85 on nine instrumental songs.

Roots Architects are legends back together in Kingston studios doing what they do best: creating in-strumental music all together! More

2024 Repress! More

Sputnik is an explosive ska tune reminiscent of the greatest days of Jamaican furious dance music. Trombone and tenor saxophone solos stir your ears while the six piece horns section will blow your away. On the B side, in a completely different style, the organ drives an early and heavy reggae beat while horns section takes you on a soaring journey. Thrills guaranteed! More

Cosmic Shuffling took us on its journey last year with its magnificent vocal album COSMIC QUEST. Now the Swiss septet extraordinaire returns with the sequel of its latest album: the instrumental side of the Quest. These two brand new 7” singles present four instrumentals taken from an upcoming full instrumental album due out September 2024. If you wish that Tommy McCook, Bobby Ellis, Roland Alphonso or Don Drummond had written more melancholic instrumentals, these tunes are for you! Burning hot scorchers!


Led by a gorgeous horns and flute top line, ‘Poor M. Collins’ grooves with a rhythmic finesse that will have you swaying to its infectious beat, while ‘Memories of Plans-Bochet’ takes you on a nostalgic ride, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. More

Bringing together over 50 of Jamaica's greatest session musicians, whose work spans from the birth of reggae in the late 1960s until today, Roots Architects is the largest gathering of Jamaican musical talent on one all-instrumental album. Never before have so many veterans, who helped create the immortal rhythms that made reggae internationally successful, been assembled to play on new material without vocals. This project aims to celebrate and pay tribute to the unsung heroes of reggae music: the rhythm builders or Roots Architects.Before releasing the full album, due out April 2024, this new single gives you a taste of what's coming your way. Legends back together in Kingston studios doing what they do best: creating instrumental music all together! 'Memories of Old' pays tribute to the rocksteady era. You'll be delighted by Ernest Ranglin's guitar solo and Tyrone Downie's organ solo.B side features a version expertly mixed by Roberto Sánchez! More

Known for being part of the INNA DE YARD family for almost 20 years, Jamaican singer extraordinaire DERAJAH is a major figure in Kingston music scene. He is the bridge between the old and new generations, passing the knowledge from the elders to the youths. We are delighted to present his latest effort in collaboration with A-class studio band The 18th Parallel: ‘PROSPERITY’. A showcase album of 6 songs with dub versions produced between Geneva, Switzerland and Kingston, Jamaica. With the expert touch of mixing maestro Westfinga, the 11 tracks of ‘Prosperity’ are sonic masterpieces, timeless and innovative.

In between the raw and brutal sound of 80’s Jamaican rub a dub and today’s sophisticated and polished modern sound. Derajah's raw and emotive vocals paint vivid pictures of struggle and resilience, carrying a profound message of social consciousness and resistance against oppressive forces, while The 18th Parallel's ultra-solid riddims create a rich tapestry of sound that will transport you to the heart of roots reggae. With its impeccable production quality, ‘Prosperity’ captures the essence of reggae's golden era.

This groundbreaking album is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and ignite change.

The story towards the creation of this album also needs to be shared. As Fruits Records members were in Jamaica on tour and to record their first projects, they crossed Derajah paths a couple times without getting a chance to work together. But this was enough to set a strong foundation to a relationship that goes way beyond the musical side only. A few years after this meeting, one phone call only was enough to start the process. The rest is pure magic! Spontaneity, trust and loyalty became the guidelines for the creation of this gem, which stand out of time and space, and aim to carry on its path anyone seeking for knowledge, love and prosperity. More

Two of the most prominent activists on the current European reggae scene join forces on this brand new song. ‘END OF THE DAY’ is a combination between Bristol singer JOE YORKE and Swiss reggae band THE 18TH PARALLEL. Written by master storyteller Eeyun Delroy Purkins from The Co-Operators who recently released a highly acclaimed album with Joe Yorke titled ‘A Distant Beat’, ‘End of The Day’ showcases the remarkable talent of both crews: on the one hand enchanting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics provided by Joe’s soulful voice and Eeyun’s brilliant pen, on the other infectious grooves and impeccable musicianship by The 18th Parallel. This mesmerizing collaboration is highlighted by Westfinga’s perfect early 80’s rub a dub mixing. When these extraordinary forces collide, magic happens. Step into the rhythm and embrace a state of pure musical bliss! More

It's been a long time coming, THE 18TH PARALLEL are back with a new showcase album, this time starring Jamaican singer extraordinaire DERAJAH. ‘BABYLON A QUAKE' is the first single from the new album, due out in October 2023. This groundbreaking single is a collaboration like no other, bringing together the remarkable vocals of Derajah, renowned for his distinctive style and powerful delivery, and the production prowess of The 18th Parallel, a trailblazing force in the reggae scene. With the expert touch of mixing maestro Westfinga, this track is a sonic masterpiece. ‘Babylon A Quake’ stands as a powerful anthem, carrying a profound message of social consciousness and resistance against oppressive forces. Derajah's raw and emotive vocals paint vivid pictures of struggle and resilience, while The 18th Parallel's ultra-solid riddim creates a rich tapestry of sound that will transport you to the heart of roots reggae. With its impeccable production quality, ‘Babylon A Quake’ captures the essence of reggae's golden era while infusing it with a fresh and contemporary sound. It seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, ensuring that both loyal reggae enthusiasts and new listeners alike will be left in awe of this musical gem. More

In 2020, Cosmic Shuffling took the global rocksteady and ska scene by storm with its hit singles ‘Eastern Ska’ and ‘Short Break’ taken from the band first album “Magic Rocket Ship”. Highly acclaimed by the fans of sixties Jamaican sounds, this first album was sold out in a few weeks only. Now the band returns with brand new music!

‘LOVE IN PORTOFINO’ is a 1958 Italian classic by Fred Buscaglione. As Jamaicans would covered in their own way sixties soul classics from the USA, Cosmic Shuffling gives a beautiful rocksteady rendition of this love song. It starts with a wistful guitar introduction, before the rhythm section and vocals enter on a cuban bolero inspired rhythm. Then the rocksteady groove sits in: bouncy drum and bass, sweet horns arrangement and a delightful pick guitar that will leave no one cold. Can you feel the Mediterranean summer breeze of Portofino’s harbor?

B side of the record features jazz standard ‘THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE’ well known of rocksteady lovers thanks to Tommy McCook’s magical interpretation from 1967. Surprisingly, Jamaican artists never recorded a vocal version of the song. That’s why Cosmic Shuffling did its own version: a superb love letter between alto saxophone and vocals.

Wait… was this really recorded in 2022?! A perfectly balanced retro-modern rocksteady record! Available on 7” vinyl record with pantone silver ink label. Limited screen printed and numbered sleeves edition of 90 copies! More

In 2020, Cosmic Shuffling took the global rocksteady and ska scene by storm with its hit singles ‘Eastern Ska’ and ‘Short Break’ taken from the band first album “Magic Rocket Ship”. Highly acclaimed by the fans of sixties Jamaican sounds, this first album was sold out in a few weeks only. Now the band returns with brand new music!

WARNING! This is original SKA music of the highest calibre. This new double A side 7” record will set the dancefloor on fire. ’JUPITER’S GARDEN’ is an heavy, slow and extremely groovy instrumental ska blown by a six-piece horns section. It is instantly reminiscent of Don Drummond's melancholic compositions with The Skatalites. The music made by these Jamaican legends in the sixties will never be equalled, but Cosmic Shuffling pays a striking tribute to the style and sound of the Greats. Ready to take off on an outerspace dancing journey?

On the flip side, ‘ASTEROID FIELD I’ continues the journey through a zone of intense turbulence: the tempo becomes fiercer, the chords move away from traditional harmonies and the virtuoso soloists display their talent one after the other. All of this on a frenzied rhythm worthy of The Soul Brothers.

You can’t miss this record. Double scorcher. Double fireball. Available on 7” vinyl record with pantone silver ink label. Limited screen printed and numbered sleeves edition of 90 copies! More

In September 2021, The 18th Parallel unveiled their first collaborative LP with Lone Ark, Showcase vol. 1, which was unanimously acclaimed by international critics. After a series of singles in collaboration with key artists from the golden age of Jamaican reggae such as Lee "Scratch" Perry, Linval Thompson, Dennis Walks, Burro Banton and Mike Brooks, the Swiss musician-producer combo is back with a new project on November 18th, 2022, Downtown Sessions, to delight the ears of old-school roots music fans.

Downtown Sessions is the result of ten years of studio sessions between Geneva and downtown Kingston with legendary drummer and Rockers movie star Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (Studio One, Black Disciples, Soul Syndicate, Pierpoljak, Groundation,...). The 18th Parallel hits hard by inviting some of the biggest names in Jamaican reggae on this new record: Cornell Campbell, Max Romeo, Ras Michael, Fred Locks, Big Youth, I Kong, Leroy Brown, The Silvertones and Hopeton James, not forgetting a Swiss guest, Lala Love. A real anthology of roots reggae legends who blossom on original and varied riddims that pay tribute to different eras of Jamaican roots music production, from the raw sound of Randy's to the Studio One discomix drenched in reverb of the late 1970s, via the polished arrangements typical of Geoffrey Chung's productions at Dynamics studio or the sound of Ras Michael's nyahbinghi drums! An exceptional record that combines tradition and modernity by bringing together the original voices of roots reggae with the refreshing vision of the young Swiss collective The 18th Parallel, all under the leadership of the legendary Horsemouth and producer Mathias Liengme. A future must-have for any music lover's collection! More

Another scorcher for DJ superstar BIG YOUTH! Earlier this year, The 18th Parallel teamed up with Big Youth on the rockers one drop ‘Long Road’ released on Skankin’ Society Records. Now they are back together with a second single called ‘MAN WITH A MISSION’. Super heavy rub a dub riddim driven by a powerful bassline and none other than legendary Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace on drums. Horns blowing like the trumpets of Jericho, moog synthesizer lurking like a haunting ghost and thunderstorm spring reverbs create an apocalyptic atmosphere perfectly suited to Big Youth’s poignant vocals. The power of this song comes from the way it was recorded. March 2013, downtown Kingston, 45 Charles Street at night. Gunshot in the neighborhood, police in the streets. Big Youth was outside the studio. He went right through the recording booth, never gave a listen to the riddim, ask the engineer to roll and put his heart and soul into the song: no filter, no second thought, just pure inspiration and message in the lyrics. One take. This is the most spontaneous and genuine testimony you can get from the magic of studio vibes in Kingston. Another masterpiece from Master Jah Youth!

‘MAN WITH A MISSION’ is part of the upcoming 18th Parallel album ‘DOWNTOW SESSIONS’ to be released November 18th on Fruits Records. More

Well known for hit songs ‘Blackstar Liner’, ‘Vision of Redemption’ or ‘Love and Only Love’, Fred Locks is another golden voice from the golden years of Jamaican music. For almost 50 years, he brings the roots reggae to a higher level with conscious and militant songs deeply rooted into his Twelve Tribes of Israel faith. More than a great singer, Fred Locks is a gentle soul. The vibes were instantly right when The 18th Parallel met him, downtown Kingston, back in 2013, to record ‘THE SYSTEM IS A FRAUD’. In order to stay true to the sound of Fred Locks’ classics, the Swiss musicians teamed up with legendary Rockers drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace to create another classic stepper riddim especially built for Fred’s vocal style. Finally, Maga Lion and Brother Wildman from the Emeterians had their touch singing backing vocals as Creation Steppers would have done back in the days. Dub on the flip side by the one and only Roberto Sa´nchez.

Sound system addicts, this one is for you: Roots rockers music paying tribute to the sound of the late seventies!

‘THE SYSTEM IS A FRAUD’ is part of the upcoming 18th Parallel album ‘DOWNTOWN SESSIONS’ to be released November 18th on Fruits Records. More

As reggae lovers for decades, one of our biggest dreams was to collaborate with the creative genius behind the legendary sound of the Black Ark studio, one of the dub originators, the man responsible for shaping the sound of Bob Marley and the Wailers amongst many other greats, the mighty Upsetter, the unspeakable Lee “Scratch” Perry! That happy day has finally arrived in 2019 when Lee, who lived in Switzerland for a longtime, recorded his voice on The 18th Parallel’s ‘Cosmic Drop Riddim’.

The details around ‘Words From The Upsetter’ recording are not that common. In summer 2017, we at Fruits Records had the privilege to tour European festivals with Lee “Scratch” Perry as members of the Najavibes backing band. This is how we got to know the legend and start the production process. The first seed was sown. Nevertheless, the riddim track of the song was laid down in Kingston in 2014, as our crew of musicians – not known yet as The 18th Parallel – was recording our first release ever, A Little Walk album with the legendary Sino-Jamaican singer I Kong. The unused riddim slept in the hard drive for five years until we found the right artist to ride it. The Upsetter had that mystic vibes we were looking for, it was a perfect fit.

Then we spiced it up with a few more overdubs – analog string synthesizer, cosmic guitars, subtle sounds of musique concre`te. Finally Roberto Sa´nchez brilliantly recreated the type of sound that the Black Ark was famous for: full of Mutron Bi-Phase, tape delay and spring reverb hits as testifies the dub version ‘Spring Thunderstorm’.

The production of this song has been a long and heavy process, but we're now able to present this brand new recording to the world. Sadly, Lee’s not physically here anymore to witness this release, but his musical legacy is so immeasurable that his memory will live forever in every music enthusiasts’ heart around the world. And this record is now a part of this legacy. We’ll be forever thankful for this opportunity and would like to give a special thanks to his family and friends (big up Dr. T!) who helped us and gave us assistance during the creative process. This record is dedicated to the loving memory of Lee “Scratch” Perry.

The ‘Cosmic Drop Riddim’ wouldn’t be fully completed without two extra unexpected cuts. The first one is an amazing instrumental song featuring Perry’s longtime friend and Jamaican number one trombonist Vin Gordon where trombone meets bass clarinet and bass flute to create a deep, foggy, mystical atmosphere. This will take you to a night journey to East Africa. The second cut highlights the art of dub poetry through the beautiful poem by Yasus Afari, ‘Healing Chant’. More

As reggae lovers for decades, one of our biggest dreams was to collaborate with the creative genius behind the legendary sound of the Black Ark studio, one of the dub originators, the man responsible for shaping the sound of Bob Marley and the Wailers amongst many other greats, the mighty Upsetter, the unspeakable Lee “Scratch” Perry! That happy day has finally arrived in 2019 when Lee, who lived in Switzerland for a longtime, recorded his voice on The 18th Parallel’s ‘Cosmic Drop Riddim’.

The details around ‘Words From The Upsetter’ recording are not that common. In summer 2017, we at Fruits Records had the privilege to tour European festivals with Lee “Scratch” Perry as members of the Najavibes backing band. This is how we got to know the legend and start the production process. The first seed was sown. Nevertheless, the riddim track of the song was laid down in Kingston in 2014, as our crew of musicians – not known yet as The 18th Parallel – was recording our first release ever, A Little Walk album with the legendary Sino-Jamaican singer I Kong. The unused riddim slept in the hard drive for five years until we found the right artist to ride it. The Upsetter had that mystic vibes we were looking for, it was a perfect fit.

Then we spiced it up with a few more overdubs – analog string synthesizer, cosmic guitars, subtle sounds of musique concre`te. Finally Roberto Sa´nchez brilliantly recreated the type of sound that the Black Ark was famous for: full of Mutron Bi-Phase, tape delay and spring reverb hits as testifies the dub version ‘Spring Thunderstorm’.

The production of this song has been a long and heavy process, but we're now able to present this brand new recording to the world. Sadly, Lee’s not physically here anymore to witness this release, but his musical legacy is so immeasurable that his memory will live forever in every music enthusiasts’ heart around the world. And this record is now a part of this legacy. We’ll be forever thankful for this opportunity and would like to give a special thanks to his family and friends (big up Dr. T!) who helped us and gave us assistance during the creative process. This record is dedicated to the loving memory of Lee “Scratch” Perry.

The ‘Cosmic Drop Riddim’ wouldn’t be fully completed without two extra unexpected cuts. The first one is an amazing instrumental song featuring Perry’s longtime friend and Jamaican number one trombonist Vin Gordon where trombone meets bass clarinet and bass flute to create a deep, foggy, mystical atmosphere. This will take you to a night journey to East Africa. The second cut highlights the art of dub poetry through the beautiful poem by Yasus Afari, ‘Healing Chant’. More

A1. Kai Alcé – Can't Get Around
B1. LadyMonix – Just Dance
B2. Reggie Dokes – Storms Change

NO CLIPS AVAILABLE - SEE NDATL INSTAGRAM More

Hot 2 Sider from ALTON, Illinois's shoestring label gets the STAR CREATURE reissue treatment back on 45 for the first time. Here STAR CREATURE selects two of the most stand out tracks from the mysterious JIMMIE GREENE for another well curated, floor filer of a 45. More

This riotous, psychedelic Latin funk anthem, taken from Martín Buscaglia's 2006 classic album "El evangelio según mi jardinero", sees its very much requested first time on a 7". To celebrate this, and thinking about the AA side, we decided to ask Bosq for a remix.

When we approached him, he said "This track is wild, I love it!" and he started to make his thing. When he finished it, he told us, "I resisted the temptation to bump it up closer to 120 bpm – the world needs more midtempo dancefloor treats!". We couldn't agree more on the midtempo bit, but especially we couldn't be more chuffed with the remix. Bosq has added his magic and a tad of cumbia feel as well and the result is way more than a treat, it's an everyone-smiling-on-the-dancefloor kind of track.

More

First released over 30 years ago, this EP, as with Volume 1, is where The Future Sound Of London started before "Papua New Guinea" later in 1991. All four tracks were instrumental in establishing a new genre of electronica within dance music. They were ahead of their time and extremely progressive, and here three decades later they are making an impression. "Stolen Beats" is a hypnotic roller with all the jazz, bleeps and bass you could want, still a regular Radio 1 'Essential Mix' track, and "I've Become What You Were" pure hard hitting UK techno from the heyday of this music in the early 90s and the blueprint for the deep jungle sound to emerge later.

This edition of The Pulse EP is the first reissue in its original vinyl form since 1991, those initial pressings now expensive on Discogs.

SALES POINTS:
First reissue in original format since 1991

TRACKLIST:
A1 - Stolen Documents (Jazz Dub) - THE FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON
A2 - Zip Code (Stress Ball Mix) - SMART SYSTEMS
B1 - Innate(W-O-W Mix) - THE FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON
B2 - I've Become What You Were (Insider Mix) - INDO TRIBE More

A1. Angel-A – Let Go (Trumpet Instrumental)
A2. KZRC Feat. Valencia Robinson– Tangled (Applejac Remix)
B1. Gregory Porter – On My Way To Harlem (NDATL Unreleased Mix)
B2. Marvin Gaye – Nuclear Juice

NO CLIPS AVAILABLE - SEE DISCOGS PAGE More

Tip!

‘All good?‘ is the latest release by childhood friends Nils Frahm, Frederic Gmeiner, and Sebastian Singwald, who form Nonkeen. The album – their first since 2016’s 'The Gamble' and partner album 'Oddments of the Gamble' – serves as a heartfelt homage to the legendary Herbert Laser, the innovative mind behind ‘Laserjazz’ and a longtime musical inspiration for the band. Produced during spontaneous sessions marked by camaraderie and shared creativity, ‘All Good?‘ invites listeners to pursue a central narrative deeply intertwined with Laser‘s ethos.

Ultimately, ‘All Good?’s eight tracks are a testament to a joy shared in innovation and exploration. Even its titles form a poetic eulogy to Laser, recycling words from a rare interview in which he answered questions with typically cryptic song quotes: "I am sure that love will never be a product of plasticity!"
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AS THE BLACK MOON RISES THE SIGNAL IS SEEN. ONCE AGAIN REPORTS OF THE UNSEEN ARE STARTING TO EMERGE THIS PRESENCE THAT TRAVELS THRU CAT 7 HIGHWAYS TO SCAN ROUTERS WORLDWIDE COUNTERING THE PROGRAMMERS EFFORTS TO COMMERCIALIZE A FEELING OUR FEELINGS... THIS PRESENCE KNOWN AS SCAN 7 CANNOT BE DEALT WITHIN THE PHYSICAL REALM. LISTEN TO THE FEELING AND JOIN THE FIGHT. THEY CANNOT HAVE THE SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND! IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TRIBE! DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE PROGRAMMED
KIRK OUT: MAD MIKE

ALL TRACKS PRODUCED AND CONCEIVED BY "TRACKMASTER LOU" & "THE ELOHIM".
MIXED BY V. SHELTON AND MAD MIKE FOR UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE PRODUCTIONS.

ALL TRACKS RECORDED AND MIXED AT BLACK PLANET STUDIOS.
RECORDED ON A TASCAM 4 TRACK. More

Repress!

Marcos Valle is back again, this time with the almighty ‘Estrelar’, his most well known disco/boogie track co-written with Leon Ware. Added hints of Yacht Rock too! The video, filmed in Rio in the early 1980’s, is particular special and is well worth 5 minutes of your time. Marketed as “workout music" at the time, ‘Estrelar’ was his best-selling record with a total of around 90,000 sales. ‘Estrelar’ is taken from his 1983 self titled LP released on Som Livre.

'Alleluia' –– two of the masters of the Brazilian Boogie sound joined forces to make a self-titled LP released in 1982 that epitamised the sound of early 80’s Rio de Janeiro. Synths and keys float over razor sharp samba, jazz and 2-step drum grooves backed by huge layers of horns. Production is as shiny, bright and ultra clean as it ever got! ‘Alleluia’ is a mid tempo groover, with rich horns, guitar, synth and vocal lines. An end of the night jam if ever there was one. Released on the LP mentioned above and also on 7” in 1983. More