As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Island Records has released Island 50 Reggae: The Loudest Island In The World, a compilation of 18 of the label's biggest reggae songs.

Jimmy Cliff's seminal The Harder They Come, Toots and The Maytal's Pressure Drop, Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear, The Abyssinians' Satta Massagana, Police And Thieves from Junior Murvin and Buju Banton's Untold Stories are included.

Founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica in 1959, Island Records is largely credited with breaking Jamaican pop music internationally, starting in 1962 with Millie Small's song, My Boy Lollipop.

In the 1970s, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Third World and Steel Pulse were some of the reggae acts signed to the label, which operated out of London, England.

Island has reissued several of its best-selling titles this year as part of its silver anniversary. It also staged a live concert featuring several of its past artistes in London in May.

Diamonds are forever

Mighty Diamonds

The Mighty Diamonds, celebrating their 40th anniversary, revisit their rhythm and blues roots on their latest song, Country Living which will be released tomorrow.

Country Living was originally done by R&B group The Stylistics in the 1970s.

Backed by drummer Noel 'Squiddly' Cole and guitarist Winston 'Bo Pee' Bowen, the veteran trio of Tabby, Bunny and Judge put a easy-listening reggae spin to the song, which was produced by England-based Simba for his Small Storm label.

It will be distributed locally by High Times Records.

Formed in 1969, the Mighty Diamonds emerged during the roots-reggae craze of the 1970s. They were one of the top bands at the Channel One studio where they recorded songs like I Need A Roof, Africa and Right Time.