Dubby Happy People

I recently discovered London-based label Happy People whilst seeking out some dubs by Pama International, another relatively recent discovery although they've been around since 2002.

Happy People describe themselves as a bespoke label "specialising in soul, rocksteady, dub, reggae, ska & beyond." From my trawl and haul through their releases, this is a spot-on description. What I'd add is that they've scoured the globe to find artists from the UK, the UK, New Zealand (by way of Japan) and Switzerland, to name but a few, to give music that originally had a limited release in their home country a fresh opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Many of these songs make a first appearance as vinyl 7" singles, whilst there are several re-released and first-time release albums, both original music and covers of The Rolling Stones, Two Tone label artists and Dexy's Midnight Runners. 

 

I've barely dipped my toe in, but today's selection gives a flavour of what I've been enjoying recently. The badly-punning title's a little misleading: there is plenty of dub, but it spans all of the genres mentioned above. It made me very happy, I hope it works it's magic on you too.

 

1) Time Heals Everything: Tight Spot (2021)

2) Under My Thumb (Cover of The Rolling Stones): Phoenix City All-Stars (2013) 

3) Heavier Rock: Roger Rivas (2014)

4) Evening Time (G. Corp Mix By Brian Nordhoff & Roberto Cimarosti): Pama International (2005)

5) Sorrow: The Sha La La's (2017)

6) The Rentman: Beanie ft. The Co-operators & Friends (2019)

7) Return Of Rondo: Malandro Nine Five (2015)

8) Short Break: Cosmic Shuffling (2020)

9) Smile & Say Good Morning (Album Version): Pama International (2022)

10) Sound Of The Ska: Atsushi & The Moisties (2021)

11) I Know It's Not Your Dub: Pama International Meets Manasseh (2018)

12) Heavy Manners Riddim: Dub Shepherds & Jahno (2021)

13) Boots In Dub: Crazy Baldhead (2015)

14) Tomorrow's Dub Today: Pama International Meets Wrongtom (2023)

 

2005: Dub Store Special EP: 4

2013: Skatisfaction: 2

2014: Autumn Breeze: 3 

2015: Boots In Dub: 13

2015: Malandro Nine Five EP: 7

2017: (Gotta Find) A Better Way: 5

2018: Trojan Sessions In Dub: 11

2019: Rhythms From The Kitchen Sink: 6

2020: Magic Rocket Ship: 8

2021: Heavy Manners EP: 12

2021: Sound Of The Ska EP: 10

2021: Time Heals Everything EP: 1

2022: 3: 9 

2022: Pama Int'l Meets Wrongtom In Dub: 14

Dubby Happy People (47:26) (KF) (Mega)

 

There's lots to browse and discover on the Happy People Bandcamp site, including the theme tune to one of my favourite sitcoms.

 

If vinyl's not your bag or cash is too strapped in these straightened times, the label is offering many of these as free digital downloads. Not just Happy People but lovely people too.