Scottish soul outpost Athens Of The North present an easy contender for compilation of the year with this collection of reggae and lovers rock artists covering soul & funk hits of the day. If you love digging for deep 80s digital reggae, you’ve certainly come across your fair share of these sort of cover records - many of which are a dime a dozen - but this set focuses on the rarest (certainly in the States) and sweetest tunes, specifically R&B songs filtered through the proprietary UK lovers rock sound - a principally electronic and bass-heavy strain of reggae layered with a decidedly British R&B singing style. This is 100% killer / no filler, but to get a taste, head straight for Simplicity’s version of the Isleys’ “For The Love Of You.” Other highlights: Michael Prophet’s cover of Starvue’s “Body Fusion,” Michael Gordon’s “What You Won’t Do For Love,” Christine Lewin’s “Juicy Fruit” or Peter Hunningdale’s version of Leon Ware’s “Rocking You Eternally.” Housed in full color gatefold with reproductions of the original 12” artwork and liner notes. Highly recommended!

• black double vinyl pressing
• full-color gatefold sleeve w/ photos + liner notes
• music label: Athens Of The North 2020

reviewed by departmental dan 09/2020

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• For The Love Of You Vol.2.1 - Vinyl 2LP