Sweet Melody / Mr. Workhard

The latest in Reggae Archive Records’ reissue series brings back an expensive, near-impossible-to-find UK roots 12" from Birmingham’s Carnastoan, cut with producer and UK reggae legend Dennis Bovell. Reissued in the original 12" format, it also includes a reproduction of the picture sleeve designed by Alvin Kelly.

Sweet Melody is a tribute to reggae’s soulful sound and uplifting message, set against vanity and the pursuit of silver, gold and rubies. Forty-five years on, its message still lands: roots reggae’s spirituality and purity endure, and reggae music never dies.

Mr. Workhard hits even harder, calling out lives consumed by labour, where love, family and faith are sacrificed for little reward. Linking worker exploitation to slavery, it’s powered by a killer rhythm and the usual top-tier production from Dennis Bovell.

• Side A: Sweet Melody
• Side B: Mr. Workhard