Mixtape Mondays: Cool Hand Luke, Zions Gate, Castaparia Sound

Words by DJ Theory

Cool Hand Luke, Dancehall Document Vol. 1 (via Shimmy Shimmy): London’s Cool Hand Luke comes nice and easy on Dancehall Document, a cool 45 mins of 80’s and 90’s hits and rarities appropriately picked from 100% vinyl. Classic artists like Pliers, Courtney Melody, Sanchez and Super Cat are featured, as well as some lesser known singers we’re not even familiar with. Lucky for us, Luke went ahead and listed the label and format for each tune. Life sweet. Download and tracklist here.

Zions Gate Sound, Stand Firm (mixed by Chukki): I recently had the pleasure of visiting and DJing with Zions Gate Sound during a quick pass thru in Seattle last week, and, upon investigation, Seattle’s reggae and dancehall scene is doing just fine. It’s  safe to say you can thank Zion’s Gate for much of that. In addition to running one of Seattle’s most beloved record stores and the backbone to the champion sound, Zion’s Gate Records, DJ Element and Chukki are steadily producing reggae and dancehall mixtapes and events, and working full time with Dynasty Records, a crew of artists and producers of Gappy Ranks and Delly Ranx’s phenomenal new single “Could A Runaway“. Stand Firm is a solid mix of current roots and culture, strong enough to make the sun come out in Sea-town. Get the tracklist and download here, and find more free mixes from ZGS here as well.

Castaparia Sound, Easy Forward Vol 1: Italy’s Castaparia drops a boomshot with Easy Forward,  bridging the gaps between one drop, culture and swagged-out dancehall in the same one-hour mix. It’s mostly current singles and riddim bits on this mix, plus a couple throwback remixes and the inescapable “What’s My Name” remix from LargeUp fam Federation Sound. Check the tracklist and download here.