February may be short a few days, but it’s full of great new releases and a lot of music to get excited about. First and foremost, February kicks off a year-long celebration of Bob Marley’s 70th Birthday. One which will deliver a handful of releases throughout the year. The first of which, a live album and DVD from 1978.
Furthermore, February brought a soulful new record from LA Reggae outfit, The Lions, another great compilation from Music Unites, and a live musical concept record from NOFX frontman Fat Mike. Fans of progressive Reggae-Rock will also want to check out excellent new releases from several of the genre’s up-and-coming talents including east coast band Kings and Comrades, as well as Hawaii’s Inna Vision. All in all, don’t delay dancing and jamming to these 9 new releases.
If there are any albums we missed, drop them in the comments below or on our Facebook or Twitter.
Check out the Album Releases from prior months:
February 2015 Album Releases
Bob Marley and The Wailers – Easy Skanking in Boston ’78
Release Date: February 3rd
With a birthday celebration that last throughout 2015, Bob Marley’s legacy will continue on with new releases of rare and unreleased material as well as deluxe editions of fan favorites and his most memorable work. The first music to be released, a live 13 track set titled Bob Marley & The Wailers: Easy Skanking In Boston ’78.
Hitting stores on February 17th and containing the first set from two historic live shows at Boston’s Music Hall on June 8, 1978, Bob Marley & The Wailers: Easy Skanking In Boston ’78, features a new and unreleased performance of a handful of Marley’s most infamous songs. Among the 13 tracks, highlights of the performance include an energetic “Jammin’” and “The Heathen.”
Read more about the album by clicking Here.
You can pick up Easy Skanking in Boston ’78 on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Zion I – The Sun Moon and Stars EP
Release Date: February 3rd
Recently Zion-I announced the release of a new 5 track EP, along with word Zumbi and Amp Live will be pursuing solo careers, while Zumbi will continue making music under the Zion I name.
The Sun Moon and Stars EP is the final link in the EP trinity from Zion I, which started with Masters of Ceremony, and Libations. The project a series created to fortify the cultural aspects of Hip Hop captures the mounting tension of the ongoing clash between the police and the community, with Dreadlock and Unity.
On the other side it features savvy storytelling over bass heavy ambience with “Lost in Translation” and the laid-back outro of “Last Nite,” with hard hitting pulse od the street anthem “Juggernaut,” balancing the extremes. On the EP Zion I lays it down to bring his best game forward. While hip-hop continues to grow, Zion I represents the old sage who preserves the core of the culture and genre.
Preview the record on Zion I’s Soundcloud Page.
You can pick up The Sun Moon and Stars on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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The Lions- Soul Riot
Release Date: February 10th
Following their 2013 debut album, This Generation, on February 10th The Lions released their latest studio effort, Soul Riot, on Stones Throw Records. These 12 new tracks as explained by Producer/Guitarist Dan Ubick, “came straight from the heart on all fronts. With everything that’s going on today we wanted to make an album that speaks to peoples emotions and frustrations while also giving them a chance to dance and release some stress.”
Inspired by reggae, sound system culture and the myriad of musical styles influenced by Jamaican music old and new, for this record the band put together around a dozen of Los Angeles Reggae and Soul forerunners who loosely coalesced as The Lions in 2007. Members of the legendary Ska band Hepcat, Deston Berry and Alex Désert, form half of the vocal team. The other half is the sweet falsetto of Malik Moore and DJ stylings of Black Shakespeare, the charismatic cousin of the infamous Robbie Shakespeare. The record is available in multiple formats including a double LP with gatefold and download card.
You can pick up Soul Riot on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Various Artists – Music Unites Vol. 4
Release Date: February 10th
The fourth volume of Music Unites – Reggae Around the World has just bee released after much anticipation, and once again it is refreshing to see so many talented people rise to the charitable occasion. So far these compilations of Reggae inspired acts have already raised almost $20,000 for music literacy with underprivileged children in their collaboration with Unify To Thrive.
This album includes a special appearance by Reggae Ambassadors, Third World, and Morgan Heritage. Contributors come from the Northern Hemisphere with Backbeat Soundsystem and Gentleman’s Dub Club to The Beautiful Girls from down under. The project’s mastermind and compiler-extraordinaire, Jordan Rosenthal of Fortunate Youth, gives us “Peace, Love & Unity” along with songs from and The Expendables, Mike Love, Maoli, Ease Up, Tatanka, The Hip Abduction, K Bong, Leilani Wolfgramm, Lady Reiko & The Sin City Prophets.Over 23,000 miles of music is represented in 30 tracks! For $4.99 you can dance your way into an amazing cause. MusicUnites.org has been incredibly instrumental in the push for music education and has amassed an amazing selection of songs that even grandma will enjoy.
Read more about the album by clicking Here.
You can pick up Music Unites Vol. 4 on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Various Artists – Home Street Home: Original Songs from the Shit Musical
Release Date: February 10th
NOFX frontman, Fat Mike’s plans to produce a theatrical musical have finally come to fruition. Appropriately called Home Street Home, “the story of Home Street Home revolves around Sue, a 16-year old runaway who plunges headfirst into the deviant subculture and alternative lifestyle of the streets.”
The musical score was written and produced by Fat Mike with assistance from Tony Award winner Jeff Marx and AVN Award winner Soma Snakeoil. The concept album, released on February. 10th, through Fat Wreck Chords, feature appearances from members of the Descendents, Lagwagon, Old Man Markley, Mad Caddies, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, The Aggrolites, The Living End, The Real McKenzies, and RKL.
Read more about the album by clicking Here.
You can pick up Home Street Home: Original Songs from the Shit Musical on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Kings and Comrades – Get Away
Release Date: February 17th
The 12 mellow tracks of Get Away compose the full length debut of Philadelphia, PA’s Kings And Comrades. Packaged in beautiful artwork by Kc Cowan Designs, the album showcases a authentic and well-balanced sound while featuring impressive array of guest vocalists and producer with appearances by Karim Israel of Arise Roots, KBong, Joseph Collepardi of Sensamotion, and Ryan Leimkuhler, with several tracks mixed by E.N Young. Released on February 17, fans can listen on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.
You can pick up Get Away on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Riotmaker – Welcome to CaLiRock
Release Date: February 20th
Out of Sacramento, CA, the 5-piece Alt. Reggae-Rock group, Riotmaker is set to introduce us to their style of music known as CaliRock with the release of Welcome to CaliRock. Their new 9 track album was tracked at Pus Cavern in Sacramento by Cake’s Joe Johnston. He produced songs “Fashion Nugget” and “Prolonging the Magic”. The album also includes two guest appearances with Hennessy, a rapper from Sacramento who is featured on track five “Everything is out”. Then Melissa McGregor from Once an Empire sings back ups on Track eight, “Ritalin Kid.” Look out for the new album on all digital media outlets.
Read our review of the album by clicking Here.
You can pick up Welcome to CaLiRock on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Inna Vision – Push EP
Release Date: February 20th
Hawaii’s Inna Vision is dropping their latest release this month, an EP titled Push. As in “Push happiness, let all the negative shit expire.” Push is preview of Inna Vision’s 4th full length album set to release summer 2015
Featuring 6 tracks the EP aslo features collabeorations with special guest, The Steppas and Hirie. Be sure to check out the groups video for the single East End on Youtube.
You can pick up Push on Amazon now, by clicking Here
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Article By: Aaron Solomon