5. General Roots, Walk Tall (Evergreen Recordings)
An influx of new artists (Stylo G, Don Andre, Kiko Bun, The Skints) producers and sound systems (Mungo’s Hi Fi, Cadenza, CRT CLSSX, Swing Ting, Madd Again!) have been fusing Jamaican and British rhythms, heralding a new chapter for U.K. reggae. Amidst this wave, General Roots released their debut album, Walk Tall, receiving support from BBC Radio 2 and 1Xtra, while the group toured the U.K. supporting the Specials at sold-out shows. The group enlisted maestros Top Cat, Horseman and British reggae icon Dennis Bovell (Matumbi) as special guests, to complete one of the most exciting reggae albums to come out of the U.K. in recent times. “Little Sun” transports you to Kingston via North London with a killer horns section and nods to the UK’s rich dub tradition. “We thought they ended slavery but we never were released,” Top Cat sings over a rockstone roots beat on the track called “Freedom.” Most definitely a sign of the times. Keep an eye out for these guys, they are one of the next reggae bands to watch. — Casey Oliver