"Reggae 45 Soundsystem" is a new stunning deluxe 500 page flexibound book that features over 1000 full size record label 45 rpm single designs that span the history of reggae music. The book is compiled by the renowned author and reggae expert Steve Barrow ("Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records") and Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz Records). It includes text by Steve Barrow and Noel Hawkes. As well as the stunning full-size 45 designs, this book is ram-jam filled with text on many of the records, artists, producers and record companies featured in the book. The 45rpm 7 single is at the heart of reggae music, the main tool in which reggae music has been communicated to the public by the deejays in the dancehalls of Kingston, through to its dissemination worldwide, over the last 50+years. These unique label designs give us a hidden history of design that is raw, innovative and hip. Ever since the birth of the Jamaican music industry through to the present day, these idiosyncratic label designs have helped illustrate, signify and energise the music that they accompany.
"Reggae 45 Soundsystem" is released to coincide with the publication of a second large format hardback 12x12" book, "Reggae Soundsystem" which features original album cover art of reggae, also published by Soul Jazz Books.