Vinylrose37

22/05/2026

Back to Africa- by Earth & Stone
(Different, 1978, UK)

Such raw honesty running through Back to Africa that makes the album feel timeless.

Earth & Stone leaned into the deeper side of roots reggae here — heavy basslines, restrained rhythms, and harmonies that carry both struggle and hope in equal measure.

Tracks like Still in Slavery, and the title cut Back to Africa reflect the political and spiritual atmosphere surrounding reggae in the late ’70s, when artists were using music to speak about identity, liberation, and cultural memory.
Nothing feels overstated; the power sits quietly inside the grooves.

Released in 1978, the album arrived during one of reggae’s most creative periods, when Jamaican music was expanding globally while still sounding deeply connected to Kingston’s streets and sound systems. Records like this became part of the foundation that kept roots reggae alive far beyond the island.

A beautifully grounded record — reflective, soulful, and deeply human.

🎶

22/05/2026

Back to Africa- by Earth & Stone
(Different, 1978, UK)

Such raw honesty running through Back to Africa that makes the album feel timeless.

Earth & Stone leaned into the deeper side of roots reggae here — heavy basslines, restrained rhythms, and harmonies that carry both struggle and hope in equal measure.

Tracks like Still in Slavery, and the title cut Back to Africa reflect the political and spiritual atmosphere surrounding reggae in the late ’70s, when artists were using music to speak about identity, liberation, and cultural memory.
Nothing feels overstated; the power sits quietly inside the grooves.

Released in 1978, the album arrived during one of reggae’s most creative periods, when Jamaican music was expanding globally while still sounding deeply connected to Kingston’s streets and sound systems. Records like this became part of the foundation that kept roots reggae alive far beyond the island.

A beautifully grounded record — reflective, soulful, and deeply human.

🎶

22/05/2026

Now Spinning – Just Be Yourself by Nightlife Unlimited (Uniwave, 1980, Canada)
There’s something beautifully unpolished about Nightlife Unlimited. Just Be Yourself sits in that sweet spot between late-’70s disco and early boogie — loose, soulful, slightly strange, but completely addictive once it settles in.
Tracks like Peaches & Prunes carry that hypnotic groove DJs would later obsess over, while the album itself moves with the confidence of a scene beginning to evolve beyond traditional disco. You can already hear the edges of what clubs and dance music would become in the early ’80s.
Released in Montreal in 1980, the record arrived at a moment when disco was supposedly “dying,” yet underground dance floors were becoming more adventurous than ever. Albums like this quietly survived the backlash and ended up influencing generations of selectors, collectors, and producers years later.
One of those records that reveals more of itself every time the needle drops.

🎶

22/05/2026

Just Be Yourself- by Nightlife Unlimited (Uniwave, 1980, Canada)

There’s something beautifully unpolished about Nightlife Unlimited. Just Be Yourself sits in that sweet spot between late-’70s disco and early boogie — loose, soulful, slightly strange, but completely addictive once it settles in.
Tracks like Peaches & Prunes carry that hypnotic groove DJs would later obsess over, while the album itself moves with the confidence of a scene beginning to evolve beyond traditional disco. You can already hear the edges of what clubs and dance music would become in the early ’80s.
Released in Montreal in 1980, the record arrived at a moment when disco was supposedly “dying,” yet underground dance floors were becoming more adventurous than ever. Albums like this quietly survived the backlash and ended up influencing generations of selectors, collectors, and producers years later.
One of those records that reveals more of itself every time the needle drops.

🎶

05/02/2026

Crab Race by The Morwells (Burning Sounds, 1978, Jamaica)

Crab Race captures The Morwells in their element — deep in the roots era, when reggae carried equal parts groove and message. Built on warm basslines, steady rhythms, and rich vocal harmonies, the album reflects the everyday realities and spiritual undercurrents that defined Kingston’s sound in the late ’70s.
Tracks like Swing and Dine bring an easy rhythmic sway, while the title track Crab Race leans into that thoughtful, almost meditative roots feel. Nothing rushed, nothing forced — just music that breathes and settles into you the longer it spins.
1978 was a powerful period for reggae, with the music traveling far beyond Jamaica while still staying grounded in community, culture, and consciousness. Albums like this helped shape that identity, not flashy, but lasting.
A record that rewards quiet listening as much as movement.

01/01/2026

Starting the new year with an interview with Bold Journey Magazine🥳🥳

I’m truly grateful to Bold Journey Magazine for this wonderful opportunity to share my journey, thoughts, and passions. Your platform shines a light on voices and stories that inspire, and it was an honor to be featured. Thank you for giving me the chance to connect with your amazing readers!
Check out the full interview:
https://boldjourney.com/meet-eunice-nnenna-nwankwo

We were lucky to catch up with Eunice Nnenna Nwankwo recently and have shared our conversation below. Eunice Nnenna , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topi

24/09/2025

Now Spinning: Tony Okoroji – Locomotion (EMI Nigeria, 1984)

A standout from the mid-80s Lagos scene, Locomotion mixes funk/soul, pop and highlife into an infectious groove. Tony Okoroji leans into catchy melodies, vibrant horn lines, and smooth vocals, all while bridging traditional highlife rhythms with radio-friendly pop flair.

Made under EMI Nigeria, Locomotion captures that transitional moment when Nigerian artists were embracing global sounds—danceable pop and funk—yet still grounded in local musical roots.