Puerto Plata - Casita De Campo (iASO Records)

Now that most Cuban soneros have disappeared from the scene, the attention of the music industry is shifting to other Spanish-speaking islands in the Caribbean area.

Dinamo - Desequilibro + Zoo Digital (Punkaway Records)

Shakin' Weld, our loyal purveyor of ska-music from the most unexpected places this time introduces us to Majorcan band Dinamo.

Sojah - Modern Revolution (Irievibrations Records)

'Modern Revolution', the debut effort of Sojah (not to be confused with the American SOJA or Soldiers of Jah Army) or brothers Konshens and Delus, is undoubtedly one of the revelations of 2009.

Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal - Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal And The Great Reggae Icons (Fire Ball Records/Musicast Distribution)

Suga Roy and Conrad Crystal for the first time performed as a duo back in 2002 when they recorded 'True Love' (an older hit of Crystal) together.

Various Artists - Reggae Anthology: Winston Riley, Quintessential Techniques (17 North Parade/VP Records)

As the title suggests 'Winston Riley, Quintessential Techniques' offers an overview of the biggest hits of Techniques, the label still run by Winston Riley (a founding member of The Techniques himself, hence the name choice for his label).

The Rastafarians - Orthodox (Makasound)

With the 'Orthodox' album by The Rastafarians, a roots band from Los Angeles around Haile Maskel (Michael Ashley aka Mikey Ras Starr, of which Makasound already released the great 'Fire & Rain' last year), Shaka Man (Patrick Houchen) and Herb Daly, Makasound signs for one of the best rereleases of 2009.

Morgan Heritage - The Journey Thus Far (VP Records)

Just about all members of Morgan Heritage have started working on solo projects over the past year, so it will probably still be a while before we're treated to a new Morgan Heritage album.

Various Artists - Joe Gibbs 12" Reggae Discomix Showcase Volume 1, 2 & 3 (17 North Parade/VP Records)

17 North Parade/VP Records continues to plunder the archives of the late Joe Gibbs, but as long as that yields treasures like the 12-inch versions collected on this three-part series 'Joe Gibbs 12" Reggae Discomix Showcase Volume 1, 2 & 3', you won't hear us complain.

Bass Culture - Guantanamo (Vocation Records)

Bass Culture is a multicultural band which for over two decades has been operating from the French commune of Sartrouville (Île-de-France) and shouldn't be confused with the Brussels sound system of the same name.

Tommy Tornado - Sunrise (Rude Rich Records)

Even though the name Tommy Tornado (born Thomas Streutgers) might not mean much to most reggae lovers yet, some of you might already have seen him at work playing with the fantastic High Notes.

Ras Zacharri - Herbs Man (Shem Ha Boreh Records)

Fantastic debut effort this 'Herbs Man' from Border born (a small town on the border between St.

Anthony Selassie - Rising Above (St Michael 777 Music)

Anthony Selassie is one of those many talented singers from Jamaica who for some reason have a hard time to make a name for themselves abroad.

Omar Perry - Can't Stop Us (Makasound)

For his second long-player Omar Perry once again called on Guillaume 'Stepper' Briard and his Homegrown Band.

Roots Circus - Wednesdays (Rub-A-Dub Records)

Scandinavia seems to be the new go-to-place where innovative reggae projects are concerned.

Jamaica Groove - Mãe Terra (Self-published)

Reggae do Brazil? Oh well, why not, it doesn't always have to be samba or bossa nova.

Various Artists - Soundman Shots, The Caribou & Downbeat 78's Story (Snapper Music)

Asked about the earliest traces in the rich history of the music business in Jamaica, most sources will refer to the Federal Studio of the Khouri family, active from 1958, but 'Soundman Shots' now adds an almost forgotten and lost chapter to that history.

Jaqee - Kokoo Girl (Rootdown Records)

Jaqee, of Ugandan descent but nowadays residing in Sweden, has already amassed quite a diverse discography.

Spraggy - Sunshine Country (Believe)

Even though the name Spraggy will probably not ring a bell with most people, the singer from Dominica has already released a number of albums.

Chuck Fenda - Fulfillment (VP Records)

Chuck Fenda, the Poor People Defender, is back with his third opus 'Fulfillment', but yours truly strongly doubts this will be the album he'll be remembered for.

Lukie D - Love Again (Greensleeves)

ATTENTION: only for lovers rock fanatics! Don't say we didn't warn you; Lukie D is back and apart from a few songs ('Crying Out', 'Your Kingdom's Falling') 'Love Again' is a most enjoyable lovers rock album.