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Thirty years after they recorded their debut long player, 1984's ‘Takin The Strain’, Bristol's roots reggae pioneers Talisman have found enough space in their busy live schedule to record their third studio album, ‘I-Surrection’, to be released via Sugar Shack Records on 30th September.
     Having reformed in 2011, Talisman have spent the last two years honing their skills and playing live shows at every opportunity, including the support slot on The Selectors' recent UK tour. Original core members Dehvan and Dennison have also found the time to write the six new songs that, along with their instrumental and dub counterparts, form this latest twelve track set. It's hard to escape the economic and political similarities between today and the bands early eighties heyday, so it's no surprise that all of the songs deal with political or roots themes and resonate with the classic sound of British reggae from the golden age.
      The way the music sounds is no modern pastiche; Dehvan and Dennison have been playing together for 35 years and the classic roots sound comes naturally. Likewise, the social conscience they display in their song writing has always been part of the Talisman sound. They are the real deal and this is a reggae album with genuine heritage.
      When it comes to getting the right sound, the choice of producer is everything. For this release Talisman have collaborated with Rootikal Productions David Hill, a man who fully understands reggae's rich history as well as how to get the right sound from modern recordings. Collectively they have achieved one of the best roots reggae albums since its seventies heyday.
       From the opening lines of “Greetings and Salutations”, it's clear that you are in for a treat as the timeless sound of roots reggae bursts forth from the speakers and envelops the listener. Conscious lyrics underpinned by great music, is a winning combination.
       With its call to arms, “Stand up and help yourself, stop hoping for things to change, stand up and help yourself”, “Help Yourself” is a call to arms in the anthemic tradition. Talisman haven't given up the fight, they've just been regrouping and with this album they return to the struggle with a full frontal attack.
       “Hey Yout” is dedicated to the next generation, those who need to take up the struggle, reminding them that previous generations have trodden the same path, but with patience and a positive attitude they can overcome “Babylon Pressure” and achieve a better future for their world.
       “Season For Freeman” propelled along by the addition of some great playing from Matic Horns could almost be a lost gem from the seventies, if its catalogue of black martyrs didn't include the recent losses of Stephen Lawrence, Trayvon Martin and Smiley Culture. The point that whatever progress society has made some things haven't changed is subtle but well made.
       The album takes an almost Nyahbinghi direction as we “Praise Jah”, an upbeat and joyous track that's almost hymn like and makes one want to sing along.
       “Things a Get Tough” has an almost sixties feel, reinforced by the repetition of the lines “rougher than rough, tougher than tough” lyrics that strongly recall the classic tunes of the rude boy era. Even if they've cleverly given a nod to the past the lyrics themselves are just as relevant to today where it's more about the tough economic situation than which rude boy or singer is the toughest.
        Every track comes with its corresponding dub version, skilfully mixed by David Hill for Rootikal Productions and dub in the best sense, where each version stands on its own musical merits as a fully thought out track rather than being a mere afterthought. The sole exception is ‘Hey Yout’ which rather than a full dub workout gets reimagined as a classic sounding melodica version.

        This album takes the best aspects of reggae's musical heritage and fashions them into an album that deals with the realities of 2013. Roots reggae is back and the revival starts here! ‘I-Surrection’ is released on CD and Digital platforms on the 30th September 2013.

Buy from SSR 

Talisman - 'Help Yourself'

TALISMAN meets DUBKASM
‘She Look Like Reggae’
New 7” Single (Strictly Limited Edition) 
Released 26th May 2017.

       When it came to choosing the second release from their new album “Don't Play With Fyah”, Bristol Reggae legends Talisman decided to keep things local and let fellow Bristolians and legends in their own right, Dubkasm, have their pick of the album masters to imprint with their signature ‘sound system friendly’ style.
       Dubkasm chose to rework “She Look Like Reggae”, taking the characteristic Talisman band sound and stripping it away, honing in on just the lyrics, they needed to change the song's vibe entirely and re-clothe it in new dance hall finery. The vocal is remoulded as a heavy roots cut propelled by a steppers drum riddim echoing those lyrics that have been chosen. After a slow build, the track moves along with the momentum of a juggernaut guaranteed to fill the dance floor; it drops into a dub workout finishing with a touch of distortion as though heard through a big stack. 
The dub side does exactly what it says on the label updating the classic Talisman band sound to a more sparse and minimalist one that will sound great in a dance. This is a record that will appeal equally to fans of Talisman and Dubkasm as well as the wider reggae audience.
       Naturally “She Look Like Reggae” Dubkasm vocal and dub could only be released on the soundman format of choice, the 7” vinyl single in a strictly limited edition and is released on Sugar Shack Records on 26TH May 2017 distributed by Shellshock/ SRD and available from all good retail outlets.
www.sugarshackrecords.co.uk

ARTIST: Talisman
TITLE: “She Look Like Reggae” (Dubkasm remix)
RELEASE DATE: 26th May 2017  
LABEL: Sugar Shack Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / SRD
CAT NO: FOD115V
BARCODE:  5052571070673
  
Track listing:

1.	She Look Like Reggae (Dubkasm Vocal)
2.	She Look Like Reggae (Dubkasm Dub)

She Look Like Reggae

Talisman meets Dubkasm - "She Look Like Reggae Dubkasm Dub"

We thought we'd share with you a snippet from Capital Letters new single 'Judgement Day'. Recorded in Birmingham and Wolverhampton UK 2017 and taken from the new 14 track album. Sugar Shack Records will release late summer 2017 - we are currently working on the dubs! Heavy Dubs! www.sugarshackrecords.co.uk

Judgement Day

Capital Letters - Judgement Day (Prerelease sound bite)

CAPITAL LETTERS
‘Judgement Day’
New 12” EP (Strictly Limited Edition) 
Released 1st September 2017
     
Capital Letters followed up their well received return to live touring by releasing brand new music with 2015's “Wolverhampton” and it's dub counterpart. Since then, they've continued to perform their authentic brand of British reggae to enthusiastic audiences across Europe as well as at home in the UK. Despite a busy touring schedule, the band found time to write and record new material. Fans will be glad to know that a brand new album is in the pipeline, but we thought we'd treat everyone to a tasty appetiser in the shape of brand new track “Judgement Day” released as a limited edition four track vinyl 12”.
      Capital Letters were formed more than forty years ago and so it seemed appropriate to entrust the mixing of “Judgement Day” to  someone with  similar longevity in reggae, Bristol reggae stalwart Chris Potter, better known by his pseudonym Compendulum. This isn't the first meeting between Compendulum and Capital Letters, Chris previously remixed the band's “Jah Music” for his eponymous compilation album released in 2016.
       Given such a strong track to work with, Chris has kept things simple serving up double helpings of vocal and dub aiming for the feel of exclusive dub plate mixes. The vocals carry the deep message of roots reggae at it's best, repent, repent, repent! JB's vocals fit perfectly the serious theme, “do some good today, good will follow you”, if you want redemption then live a good life; the biblical imagery and Rastafarian message is underpinned by deep, deep bass and propulsive percussion.
       Both dub mixes reject modern gimmickry and are firmly planted in the classic old school dub mould, bass lines, percussion and stereo effects to the fore whilst making good use of the apocalyptic feel of the vocals. To this listener, “Drub A Drub Version 4” sounds like something of a homage to early eighties Sly and Robbie or at least something influenced by their dub workouts and for me that's no bad thing, the fact that Compendulum’s mix is reminiscent of the rhythm twins is no mean complement.
        This is a twelve inch that works on multiple levels; it's a classic slice of Capital Letters to keep their fans happy until the full album drops. Its great roots reggae vocals, its classic dub mixing and more than enough weight to keep all sound men happy, a record that will appeal to everyone.
       “Judgement Day” four track is released as a limited vinyl 12” and digital download on 1st September 2017, distributed by Shellshock Distribution available from all good retailers worldwide and on all good digital platforms.   
      					www.sugarshackrecords.co.uk
ARTIST: Capital Letters
TITLE: “Judgement Day”
RELEASE DATE: 1st September 2017  
LABEL: Sugar Shack Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / SRD
CAT NO: FOD116V
BARCODE:  5052571072066
  
Track listing:
1.	Judgement Day
2.	Judgement Day (Drub-A-Dub)
3.	Judgement Day (Dubplate)
4.	Judgement Day (Drub-A-DubRemix)

Capital Letters - Judgement Day

Do you think of the West Country in the 1980’s as a source of plentiful pop acts? Go on, pull the other one! With the music that’s normally associated with Bristol, Bath and places out west, a number of stereotypes come to mind. That can be down to the known success stories or just plain perception.

There has always been a broad picture of the scope of music that has come out of the west end of the M4 and M5 in general, from the more fundamental areas of rock, indie, reggae, rap, R ‘n B and dance music, through to the more arcane areas of post-punk, jazz, punk-funk, punk jazz, art-rock and even once in a while a moody singer-songwriter.

The boys (and girls) from the region have always made a right old variety of noise! It hasn’t always been accompanied by mainstream acceptance with the resulting sales. That heady creativity included more straight up pop music and the ‘take’ that could be put on it, with the hope that acclaim would follow. Dig a little deeper into the western region’s musical history and they weren’t alone in ploughing a furrow into the field marked ‘80’s Pop’. It was no wonder. The ground in that decade was fertile for sowing the seeds of possible pop perennials.

It maybe didn’t help that down the road in and near Bath, they had plenty of music emigrees who settled there and in the West Country having seen major league national and international success. The likes of Peter Gabriel, Midge Ure and even Stranglers front-man Hugh Cornwall made their homes and mark in the area. 

But the most prominent of the acts to have been born, raised and emerged from the city of Bath itself were Tears for Fears in the 1980’s. It begged the question that if Tears for Fears could ‘make it’ big, did any other pop-orientated acts from the region come through, and if so what happened to them? Were they any good? Did they get any exposure and recognition? If not, why not?

This prompted Bristol Archive records owner, Mike Darby, and the long-time music industry creative and journalist, Dave Massey, to go through their extensive archive of local music and see if there was an album that could be compiled of those acts tracks that could be regarded as ‘lost hits’. Darby had done this with ‘lost gems’ by punk, mod and rock acts from the west and released well researched and beautifully presented compilations. Now it was time for the pop acts.

www.bristolarchiverecords.com

ARTIST: Various Artists
TITLE: “This Is 80’s Pop (Out West)”
RELEASE DATE: 16th September 2017  
LABEL: Bristol Archive Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / SRD
CAT NO: ARC323CD
BARCODE:  5052571072622

This Is 80's Pop (Out West)

This Is 80's Pop (Out West)- Compendulum Megamix

THE REACTION
‘Shapes of Things to Come’ 
Released on CD and Digital Download on January 12th 2018

For the many fans of 1960s music, we are sure this retrospective album by The Reaction will come as something of a surprise. Very rarely do you come across a band that has managed so successfully to recreate the unique electric 12 string sound of the 60s  American West Coast.With seven original well crafted, self penned songs, and four cover versions once performed by the likes of  The Yardbirds, The Creation, The Beatles and The Byrds, the new album ‘Shapes of Things To Come’ can sit very confidently along side any other album from that era.

Bristol based The Reaction were formed in the mid 1980s greatly  influenced by the music and dress of the 60s, a combination that appealed to many of the Mod Revivalists of the day. With the young Mods enthusiastic support, The Reaction were quickly riding high on a wave of popularity and independent record sales. Everyone that either heard the band or were lucky enough to see their live set, were left with no doubt the band were destined for a brighter future than many of their peers.  Even though they managed to gain much coveted Radio 1 airplay from the likes of John Peel and Andy Kershaw, and the backing of the Waterloo Sunset Records, their popularity was never properly harnessed. Within three years they were gone, but not thankfully without leaving behind the tracks that are now available on this album.  

The Reaction were of their time, with the potential to have progressed way beyond their revivalist image and following. They were unique in that they did not conform to everyone’s idea of what a revivalist band of the time should be, whilst the likes of The Jam, Secret Affair and the Chords were all trying to push some ‘angry young man’ message, The Reaction were singing of a more idealistic world, a world of Sun, Surf and Sex and damned good at it they were too. If there is such a thing as reading between the musical lines then this is it. Listening to these tracks some 30 years after their inception - we cannot help but think ‘what if’.

 ‘Shapes of Things to Come’ by The Reaction released on Bristol Archive Records 12th Jan 2018.

www.bristolarchiverecords.com



ARTIST: The Reaction
TITLE: “Shapes of Things to Come”
RELEASE DATE: 12th January 2018  
LABEL: Bristol Archive Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / Discovery 
CAT NO: ARC322CD
BARCODE:  5052571072127

Track listing:
1.	 Shapes of  Things  
2.	The World Turns Her Way 
3.	Having Seen Your Face 
4.	Watching The World Go By 
5.	It Was A Long Time Ago
6.	I’ve Got To Get Away 
7.	For All That I am 
8.	Surf- Riding 
9.	Loose Girl 
10.	  I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better 
11.	  And Your Bird Can Sing

Shapes of Things To Come

Having Seen Your Face

The Reaction - Having Seen Your Face

“Judgement Day” 
CAPITAL LETTERS ft JB
Released on Limited Edition Vinyl, CD and Digital Download 10th August 2018 via Sugar Shack Records

Sugar Shack Records pride themselves on releasing the very best of the British reggae and bass culture scene. The last 12 months have been very busy with releases from Talisman, Royal Sounds, Laid Blak, Gary Clail and now the return of Wolverhampton’s finest, Capital Letters.       
 
The new album “Judgement Day”, sees a slight departure from our previous releases as the band is now billed as featuring original founding member JB whose face also graces the album cover. Although not unique to reggae, a common occurrence is a group splitting into two separate camps both adopting the original band name. To avoid any confusion, we've decided to rebrand by adding JB's name to our future releases. This is basically the same band as on our previous full-length releases “Wolverhampton” and “Wolverhampton in Dub” and a continuation of Capital Letter's long history of recording and performing as one of the most popular British reggae bands; the name has been tweaked, but the music and vibes remain unchanged.

       “Judgement Day” features 13 tracks with the usual mix of strong roots including “Follow Rastafari”, “Talking”, “The Roots” and “Judgement Day” which is an entirely different mix to the previously released 12”. The album has social commentary with “House Breaker” and “Parents” and even touches on more romantic themes with “Your Heart and Mind” and “Cinderella”. The tracks have been recorded in Birmingham, UK and mixed by labelmate Compendulum. 

We have here vintage Capital Letters but featuring Harrington Bembridge (The original Selecter drummer and later of fellow UK ska stalwarts The Specials) and new bass player and Birmingham legend Myki Tuff.

        Capital Letters featuring JB “Judgement Day” is released on 10th August 2018 by Sugar Shack Records, distributed by Shellshock Distribution. It will be available from all leading retailers and available on major digital platforms.

 As well as the 13 track CD and digital versions of the album there is also an 8-track limited edition Vinyl.

ARTIST: Capital Letters ft JB
TITLE: “Judgement Day”  
RELEASE DATE: 10th August 2018  
LABEL: Sugar Shack Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / Discovery 
CAT NO: FOD127V and FOD127CD
BARCODE:  5052571079065 / 5052571076927 


Track Listing:

1.  Follow Rastafari
2.  Judgement Day (Album Version)
3.  Talking
4.  House Breaker
5.  Old Corner Stone
6.  The Roots
7.  Too Much War
8.  Parents
9.  Mother Africa
10. Dem Affi Pray
11. Miss Urseylou
12. Your Heart And mind
13. Cinderella

Compendulum Mega Mix - Capital Letters ft JB 'Judgement Day'

“Judgement Day” 
CAPITAL LETTERS ft JB
Released on Limited Edition Vinyl, CD and Digital Download 10th August 2018 via Sugar Shack Records

Sugar Shack Records pride themselves on releasing the very best of the British reggae and bass culture scene. The last 12 months have been very busy with releases from Talisman, Royal Sounds, Laid Blak, Gary Clail and now the return of Wolverhampton’s finest, Capital Letters.        
The new album “Judgement Day”, sees a slight departure from our previous releases as the band is now billed as featuring original founding member JB whose face also graces the album cover. Although not unique to reggae, a common occurrence is a group splitting into two separate camps both adopting the original band name. To avoid any confusion, we've decided to rebrand by adding JB's name to our future releases. This is basically the same band as on our previous full-length releases “Wolverhampton” and “Wolverhampton in Dub” and a continuation of Capital Letter's long history of recording and performing as one of the most popular British reggae bands; the name has been tweaked, but the music and vibes remain unchanged.
       “Judgement Day” features 13 tracks with the usual mix of strong roots including “Follow Rastafari”, “Talking”, “The Roots” and “Judgement Day” which is an entirely different mix to the previously released 12”. The album has social commentary with “House Breaker” and “Parents” and even touches on more romantic themes with “Your Heart and Mind” and “Cinderella”. The tracks have been recorded in Birmingham, UK and mixed by labelmate Compendulum. 
We have here vintage Capital Letters but featuring Harrington Bembridge (The original Selecter drummer and later of fellow UK ska stalwarts The Specials) and new bass player and Birmingham legend Myki Tuff.
        Capital Letters featuring JB “Judgement Day” is released on 10th August 2018 by Sugar Shack Records, distributed by Shellshock Distribution. It will be available from all leading retailers and available on major digital platforms.
 As well as the 13 track CD and digital versions of the album there is also an 8-track limited edition Vinyl.

ARTIST: Capital Letters ft JB
TITLE: “Judgement Day”  
RELEASE DATE: 10th August 2018  
LABEL: Sugar Shack Records 
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock / Discovery 
CAT NO: FOD127V and FOD127CD
BARCODE:  5052571079065 / 5052571076927

Judgement Day50

DJ MIX Capital Letters ft: JB 'Judgement Day' Album - Compendulum

The new album “Judgement Day”, sees a slight departure from our previous releases as the band is now billed as featuring original founding member JB whose face also graces the album cover. Although not unique to reggae, a common occurrence is a group splitting into two separate camps both adopting the original band name. To avoid any confusion, we've decided to rebrand by adding JB's name to our future releases. This is basically the same band as on our previous full-length releases “Wolverhampton” and “Wolverhampton in Dub” and a continuation of Capital Letter's long history of recording and performing as one of the most popular British reggae bands; the name has been tweaked, but the music and vibes remain unchanged.
       “Judgement Day” features 13 tracks with the usual mix of strong roots including “Follow Rastafari”, “Talking”, “The Roots” and “Judgement Day” which is an entirely different mix to the previously released 12”. The album has social commentary with “House Breaker” and “Parents” and even touches on more romantic themes with “Your Heart and Mind” and “Cinderella”. The tracks have been recorded in Birmingham, UK and mixed by labelmate Compendulum. 
We have here vintage Capital Letters but featuring Harrington Bembridge (The original Selecter drummer and later of fellow UK ska stalwarts The Specials) and new bass player and Birmingham legend Myki Tuff.
        Capital Letters featuring JB “Judgement Day” is released on 10th August 2018

DJMIX -  Capital Letters 'Judgement Day' Album

The new album “Judgement Day”, sees a slight departure from our previous releases as the band is now billed as featuring original founding member JB whose face also graces the album cover. Although not unique to reggae, a common occurrence is a group splitting into two separate camps both adopting the original band name. To avoid any confusion, we've decided to rebrand by adding JB's name to our future releases. This is basically the same band as on our previous full-length releases “Wolverhampton” and “Wolverhampton in Dub” and a continuation of Capital Letter's long history of recording and performing as one of the most popular British reggae bands; the name has been tweaked, but the music and vibes remain unchanged.
       “Judgement Day” features 13 tracks with the usual mix of strong roots including “Follow Rastafari”, “Talking”, “The Roots” and “Judgement Day” which is an entirely different mix to the previously released 12”. The album has social commentary with “House Breaker” and “Parents” and even touches on more romantic themes with “Your Heart and Mind” and “Cinderella”. The tracks have been recorded in Birmingham, UK and mixed by labelmate Compendulum. 
We have here vintage Capital Letters but featuring Harrington Bembridge (The original Selecter drummer and later of fellow UK ska stalwarts The Specials) and new bass player and Birmingham legend Myki Tuff.

Capital Letters  - 'Judgement Day' Album

Four years after releasing Black Symbol's “Journey” album, Sugar Shack Records are pleased to present another set of new recordings with “Behold”. For this new collection, Black Symbol has returned with a mix of roots, social commentary, spiritual music and even a love song as well as visiting some classics of the reggae genre.
     As has been the case throughout his career Black Symbol has self-produced his music and collaborated with other Birmingham musicians and singers including Steel Pulse's Selwyn Brown on keyboards; the recordings engineered by Angus Jones and Birmingham reggae legend Wooligan. The final mix was handed over to the experienced and regular Sugar Shack collaborator Compendulum who himself has a reggae career stretching back nearly as far as Black Symbol's.
      This isn't a youthful album full of anger and rage at injustice, songs of youthful bravado and boasting or songs about girls and partying. It's a mature work from a man looking back at his life, a retrospective filled with maturity recalling a distant Jamaican childhood, reflecting on spirituality and celebrating a love that has lasted, covering some favourite songs whilst also finding time to deal with the more serious themes that are just as relevant now as when Black Symbol started four decades ago.

Talisman - 'Help Yourself'

bristolarchiverecords

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