VARIOUS ARTISTS — Dancehall Originals LP

Various Artists – Dancehall Originals LP opens a window onto the early dancehall era that emerged from Jamaica’s dance floors in the early 1980s. Issued by Jamaican Recordings as catalogue KSLP040B, this 12-inch vinyl gathers a selection of vocal-driven tracks that sit at the crossroads of reggae-derived rhythm and the nascent digital pulse that would define the genre’s evolution. The compilation is framed as a “Limited Edition Blue Vinyl” and captures the sparse, uncluttered backdrops that allowed vocalists and deejays to command space, as described by the label. Within the Jamaican Recordings catalogue this release follows a string of dub-focused projects, such as The Congos’ Dub Feast (JRLP046, 2026) and Bunny Lee’s Creation Of Dub LP (JRLP040, 2026). Those earlier entries emphasised heavy studio experimentation, while Dancehall Originals LP shifts the focus to the vocal front line, presenting the raw energy of early dancehall before the full digital transition took hold. Side A opens with “Laser Beam” by Don Carlos, a track that sets a measured tempo and invites a steady groove, paving the way for Cornell Campbell’s “Love Trap” which deepens the mood with a smoother vocal flow. Linval Thompson’s “Wicked Them A Say” follows, maintaining the relaxed pulse while adding a lyrical edge that bridges the two sides of the record. Ronnie Davis’ “Tribal War” and Triston Palmer’s “Mr Landlord” continue the sequence, each preserving the spacious rhythm that characterises the compilation. Robert French’s “Bad Boy Possee” and Johnny Clarke’s “King Of The Arena” sustain the laid-back vibe, offering DJs a consistent platform for mixing. The side concludes with “Got To Tell The People”, a track that reinforces the sparse instrumental canvas, before moving into “Mr Babylon” and “Satisfaction” by Johnny Clarke, which keep the momentum steady while allowing room for vocal improvisation. Neville Brown’s “Prophecy” and John I Don Carlos’ “A Ba Ba” round out the first half, each reinforcing the understated groove that defines early dancehall’s dance-floor logic. Side B picks up with Dennis Brown’s “Time And Place”, a track that subtly shifts the tonal palette while retaining the record’s overall rhythmic restraint. Ronnie Davis returns with “Take Heed”, echoing the earlier “Tribal War” but with a slightly more urgent vocal delivery. The B-side then presents “A Class” by DJ Early B and “Just Care For I” by Don Carlos, both of which provide a concise, rhythm-centric closure that suits late-set blending or a focused set point. Across the whole record the sequencing creates a narrative flow, each cut offering a distinct vocal personality yet bound by a common, spacious rhythm that encourages creative mixing. The compilation situates itself as a reference point for collectors seeking the formative moments of dancehall before its full digitalisation in the mid-1980s. By assembling tracks from seminal vocalists such as Don Carlos, Johnny Clarke, and Dennis Brown, the release offers a snapshot of the genre’s vocal tradition within the broader Jamaican Recordings output, which has recently highlighted dub and instrumental projects. For DJs, the record’s consistent tempo and uncluttered arrangements make it a versatile tool for both warm-up sets and deeper, groove-oriented moments. The spacious backdrops allow for layering effects, looping vocal phrases, or transitioning into more contemporary riddims without clashing. Collectors will appreciate the curated selection of early dancehall classics, the cohesive sequencing, and the limited-edition presentation that marks this as a noteworthy addition to any vinyl-based reggae or dancehall library. The release is pressed on 12-inch vinyl, presented in a limited-edition blue colour that underscores its special status within the label’s output. Various Artists – Dancehall Originals LP, Jamaican Recordings, catalogue KSLP040B, 12-inch vinyl, 16 tracks. Tracklist: A1. 1: Laser Beam Don Carlos A2. 2: Love Trap Cornell Campbell A3. 3: Wicked Them A Say Linval Thompson A4. 4: Tribal War Ronnie Davis A5. 5: Mr Landlord Triston Palmer A6. 6: Bad Boy Possee Robert French A7. 7: King Of The Arena Johnny Clarke A8. 8: Got To Tell The People A9. 9: Mr Babylon Robert Frazer A10. 10: Satisfaction Johnny Clarke A11. 11: Prophecy Neville Brown A12. 12: A Ba Ba John I Don Carlos A13. 13: Time And Place Dennis Brown A14. 14: Take Heed Ronnie Davis A15. 15: A Class DJ Early B* A16. 16: Just Care For I Don Carlos*