The Loving Paupers - Ladders (2023) [Hi-Res]

“Is it roots reggae? Is it lovers rock? No, it’s The Loving Paupers.” So begins the legendary Don Letts’ liner notes for this band’s new album, LADDERS, their first on Easy Star Records. The group hails from Washington, DC, and features lead singer Kelly Di Filippo, who has been heard on tracks by Jon Quan and others. Letts continues: “I don’t know how this Washington, DC-based dub reggae outfit was brought up, but for the most part, like me, they seem to have been raised with sixties pop hitting them in one ear and seventies reggae hitting them in the other.” That just about nails it for this unique act that sounds pretty unlike any of their contemporaries in the US and world reggae scene. The album features 10 songs plus one digital-only bonus version of the track, “Mr. Selector,” featuring an exuberant guest appearance by Ranking Joe.