If you’re a fan of Daptone Records, chances are you’ve read or heard the name Victor Axelrod, and even if you haven’t, you’ve heard music from his hand. As a producer, arranger, recording and mixing engineer, and keyboardist, his creativity has extended across more than two decades of the label’s releases, even dating to its prehistory with Desco Records. Featuring previously unreleased tracks by Sugar Minott and Binky Griptite, If You Ask Me To (the first LP under his name for the label) is a collection of singles released between 2007-2023. The genesis of the project came via an 11th hour request from Daptone for a Sharon Jones remix in 2007 that resulted in the reggae version of “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?” found here. This opened the door to additional explorations of reggae/soul synergies within the catalog, affirming the musical and cultural link between Daptone’s core soul sound and Axelrod’s passion for Jamaican music. While previous projects like Ticklah Vs. Axelrod and Roots Combination (produced under the alias Ticklah) were inspired by the Jamaica of the 1970s and 80s, this set specifically channels an earlier period in the 1960s when Jamaica was closely and empathetically attuned to Black American music. With Axelrod at the helm, key musicians from the NYC reggae community, guitarist Tom Brenneck, and more came together to create a cohesive project that will continue to inspire a new generation of reggae and soul enthusiasts. A truly stunning body of work that deserves a place in your collection.
Release date:
September 22, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Cochemea Vol III: Ancestros Futuros
Daptone Records
September 26, 2025 -
Hunny Spirit!
Epitaph
January 16, 2026 -
Laura Mary-Carter Bye Bye Jackie (Transparent Red)
Universal UK
October 3, 2025 -
HARDY COUNTRY! COUNTRY! [2xLP]
Big Loud Records
September 26, 2025 -
The Lunar Effect Fortune's Always Hiding
Svart Records
November 14, 2025 -
The Vintage Caravan Portals [2xLP]
Napalm Records
September 26, 2025 -
Brian Eno/Beatie Wolfe Liminal (BioVinyl)
Verve
October 24, 2025 -
Modern Life Is War Life On The Moon
Iodine Recordings
October 17, 2025 -
New Order Power, Corruption & Lies 2020
Rhino/Warner Records
October 31, 2025 -
Simple Minds Once Upon A Time
A&M
October 17, 2025 -
Revocation New Gods, New Masters
Metal Blade
September 26, 2025 -
Polygon Window Surfing On Sine Waves (Expanded Edition) [3xLP]
Warp Records
September 26, 2025 -
Tribal Gaze Inveighing Brilliance (Green Swirl)
Nuclear Blast
October 17, 2025 -
Kara-Lis Coverdale Series Of Actions In A Sphere Of Forever (White)
Smalltone Supersound
October 10, 2025