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The Devastators - Better Days The cover of this disc shows a live plant sprouting forth from a panel of electronic circuits. San Diego four piece are obviously proud to make analog music in this digital age. Their cd has stickers promising to be "pitch correction and drum machine free" giving you just real honest roots reggae music. Guest musicians include players form both Big Mountain and Groundation. The First notes notes of "Find Away" take you to A. Pablo's sound, but then the songs morphs into Devastator's own stamp encouraging the downpressed to stand up for themselves and "Fly Away." Eleven Songs PLus four bonus Dub cuts. Killer sax solo kicks off "Surrender" an uptempo lovers track telling his lover to "Make hat whole body sing." Things are so bad on earth that "it's time to call upon the one, Jesus Christ" praying to see some "Better Days" dueling guitar and organs lead into a blazing guitar solo and drum n bass breakdown. The riff at the start of "Torture" sounds like Iron Butterfly on this song about a spurned love. "Light People" has a great old Maytals style musical sound and shouts out to those who praise the Most High. Dancehall style is the order of the day on "Why" a song appealing to win a gyal's favor a theme repeated on "Last Night." Dubby melodica reappears on "Make them Fall" a song livicated to tearing down babylon. More pining lovers on "Been a Long Time" has a Chicago soul sound mixed in with the reggae. Quality American roots reggae along the lines of SOJA vocally and Roots Of Creation/Jah Roots muscially. Ras Adam Simeon Peaks and Valleys Productions	Pato Banton - Destination Paradise If slack and violent dancehall is a cancer on reggae, then Pato Banton is the cure. This cd oozes positivity and messages of hope. Pato is part of the Urantia Foundation movement, a group formed in the 1950's who were said to have received their sacred text from celestial beings. Like fellow reggae artists LT. Stitchie and Judy Mowatt, Pato now follows his performances with his spiritual prayer sessions and teachings, but his music is not outwardly over-preachy. . "Heal This World" calls for a greener planet by using renewable energy and growing sustainable crops such as hemp. The song has a lead guitar riff that recalls BMW's "Heathen" as well as guest a rapper and vocalist. Pato sings and djs warnings not to count on material things and that Jah "Love will Help Us Through" hardships in life. "Let there Be Love" is over a Soul To Soul type piano R&B groove and rapper DBX and Pato trade call n response words about life in the hood and how to heal it with positive vibes. Pato bears his heart on the lovers track "special To Me" telling his queen she's "More than a lover you're my best freind." The song "Life & Light" is over a heavy beat similar to Aswad's "Soul Fire" and imagines a world of peace and love. My fave cut is "Loving Service" a ska rave up about giving yourself to others. This release features twelve strong cuts all with positive healing messages for the world.The dvd size case contains a book of full lyrics. Ras Adam Simeon Coral Music Group
VA Classic Rasta From Jamaica & Beyond Vol 1 Professor Skank has been a St Louis Reggae fan and radio DJ for many years. Some records made such an impression on him and he wanted to share his passion for them with the world so he created a record label to reissue them. He also started putting out compilations of various songs that especially moved him. His "Crucial Reggae From Outside Jamaica" series exposed folks to the many great artists all over the globe putting out quality reggae music. His new series; Classic Rasta features twelve tracks sharp from twelve international roots reggae acts. Veterans like Clinton Fearon (Who's Game Is It) are here alongside newcomers like Deyansa(Pain & Sorrow). A self-confident Niyorah explains how the "..underdogs are truly champions "on "Nothing to Prove", a great track with soft flute throughout. The aptly named "style" has plenty of it as Koko & Oolah The Moc represent some of the 50th state's best. Nasio and Groundation's singers voices are very unique and some reggae fans prefer them in smaller doses so this compilation works well for that. Dutch band Poor Man's Friend sing about the guy we all know who gets the ganja jones "The Coffee Shop Man." Ossie Dellimore teaches on the triangle slave trade on "Caribbean And American." Great extensive liners notes include not only bios but full lyrics which is something you don’t see that often. This is a strong collection with something for everyone. Ras Adam Simeon Skank Records	Tuff Lion - Ten Strings Tuff Lion is a guitar wiz, session man and band leader who plays on many of the top reggae cds and tours coming out of the US Virgin Islands. On this album we hear that guitar wizardry featured in the spotlight as the main "voice" on his great new solo cd. These 18 tracks transport you in their atmospheric nature to different moods and places. The rain stick like sound on "Yad Along" sounds to me like desert sand sifting on a journey and the twang of the soloing has a western vibe to it. Great horn riffs anchor "Vibes Preservation" as Lion wails a bluesy lead "vocal" with his metal strings. "Majestic Honor" also has a majestic horn section that recalls the work of classic Aswad and features some dubwise effects sprinkled in. On "Ivahlasting" he changes things up with back-masking sounds, programmed funky drums and tons of wah wah. The bouncy programmed track on "Love is All" could work easily under a Mary J Blidge hit. Just about every song features Tuff's searing electric guitar solos which easily stand aside the best in rock guitar recordings. This album is not just for fans of fancy fretwork. A large part of the record would appeal to fans of instrumental easy listening or new age music and I don't mean that as a diss, rather showing it's potential broad appeal. Production from the famed Lion & Fox studio in VA means extra crisp quality sound. The cd closes with the fun "Ancient Trees" a beautiful acoustic guitar track with touches of melodica. This release has a nice cohesive sense of unity and wholeness to its sound and identity.Recommended. Ras Adam Simeon I Grade Records
Burning Spear - Jah Is Real At 63 years young, Winston Rodney; The Burning Spear is in fine form. Still doing live shows, (albeit smaller) tours, recording and even blogging on his website. Spear made a rare move in the reggae world. He and his wife Sonia followed his hero Marcus Garvey's advice of self-reliance and took total control of his career. Tired of so many years of rip off producers, agents, distributors and labels, the Rodneys now call all their own shots and do things their own way and in their own time. They also bought back the masters of his back catalog, again a brilliant, but almost uheard of move in the music game. Burning Spear's songs are autobiographical. “Run For Your Life" tells his tale of getting away from the music industry leeches. "The Cruise" recalls his sea trip singing how "number 3 cabin were jammin" while the trombone lays down a low fog horn note. The cut "700 Strong" is about a intimate private concert he held at Marcus Garvey Lawn for 700 fans to raise money for The St. Anns Infirmary in 2006. His world travels from kenya to Ottawa are recalled in "Step It." The title track implores to the ungrated ones what a difference Jah can make in your life.There's almost a highlife guitar pattern to "One Africa" pleading with the continent to make a move towards unity to gain prosperity. A note to young reggae musicians to "Stick To The Plan" of concentrating on making quality original music and not worry about fortune and fame. He makes the disclaimer on "No Compromise" that his Music "..carry no half-naked people" to sell it and it certainly does not. The horns, the percussion and all the Burning Spear classic sounds are hear played in expert fashion with wonderful production clarity. Guest musicians include the legendary P-Funk alums Bernie Worrel and Bootsie Collins. Thirteen strong tracks plus a jungle remix of “Step It”! Haile recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Burning Music Records	Super Tough - Dance Worm Bruce Benjamin and Wally Sound are two long time California bredrins. Bruce became a serious reggae drummer and Wally a talented musician and studio wiz. These two make up the backbone of Supertough and they invited many great Jamaican and American talents to finish out this project. Lead track "United" sounds like an Augustus Pablo track with a blues guitar over it while Al Pancho gives thanks and praises to Jah. My fave cut is Tony Moses crooning "Fly Me To The Moon" a classy cover with a great horn hook, a jazzy sax solo and Moses Djing like Uroy towards the end. This song gets many rewinds on my stereo. Country & Western music was always huge in Jamaica and Marty Robbins' classic hit "Cool Water" is covered here in a soft lullaby fashion with bells as well as the Nashville hit "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." There's even a first time in history reggae cover of Syd Barrett's(Pink Floyd) "See Emily Play." This project is a first class affair with both great playing and production. Run go get it! Ras Adam Simeon Super Tough Records
Johnny Osbourne - Truths & Rights/ Deluxe Edition Johnny Osbourne is a reggae legend who’s had big songs in the 1960's,70's and 80's. This record is really the one that put him on the map. This Studio One production is lovingly reissued here with an impressive six bonus tracks. "Truth and Rights", "Jah Promise" and Love Jah So" are all major Rastafari anthems and all three are included here. "We need love" rides a riddim based on the Spinnner's soul hit "I'll Be Around." On "Sing-Jay Stylee" Johnny demonstrates his talent on that very skill of DJing(rapping) in a sung fashion. Three of the bonus cuts are released for the first time on CD and the others are extended mixes of songs from the album. Extensive liner notes include an interview with session ace and master producer Cleveland “Clevie” Browne. I just saw Johnny Osbourne recently perform and he is still in top form. If you don't already own this classic recording, I Haile (sic) recommend you run go fetch it. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Kirk Davis Don't Deny Me Kirk Davis has had a career in reggae from teenage years as the dancehall singer Little Kirk and a member of the Shocking Vibes label camp. Kirk has since grown physically to a big man and spiritually into a Christian reggae artist. "Peace On Earth" starts off with his young daughter Breanna making an appeal to end child abuse. Kirk flows effortlessly from singing to djing on this powerful message song. He sends a proposition out to the young inmates that if they had "One More Chance" to get their lives right sung over a Bongo Herman heartbeat binghi riddim. Davis has several guest singers and djs who add a bounty killer like style but with positive lyrics to win over the youth's ears. Like fellow big framed singers Gerald Levert and Ruben Studdard, Kirk has a huge rich voice with such sweet tone. Some Christian artists express their faith explicitly in their lyrics and some make more subtle songs that only allude to spirituality. Kirk Davis doesn't hide his religion at all and most songs mention Jesus Christ and his faith directly. The uptempo gospel rave up "If A Neva God" features his famous brother Moses “Beenieman” Davis whom Kirk implores to get saved in his liner notes. These sixteen tracks are super well produced with expert musicianship. This cd will appeal to Gospel, Contemporary Christian and Reggae fans alike. Ras Adam Simeon EMS Music Records
Steve Steppa- Justice Must Come On Justice Must Come singer Steve Steppa continues his work spreading Jah word and positive messages for the masses. He remarks on the "Everyday struggle" to find hope and pray and "To chant a psalms with Binghi drums and chant king Alpha's song." Musician/Producer James "Dr. Seuss" Lord is young in years, but has paid dues in the reggae industry; from radio, to sound system, to road touring, to Jamaican studio work. The disc has a nice sound quality showing Lord's hard work and exposure has paid off. Steppa's voice is not the strongest and sweetest, but he works within his range and ability and keeps it honest and real sounding,at times,a bit like Martin Campbell.Twelve nice tracks plus two dubs are book ended by a reggae riff on the Animals "House of The Rising Sun" this time dubbed "The House of the Rising Lion." Standing out is "Live On", a strong cut that really shines as both well written and performed. Singing songs about love and life’s ups and downs and social justice, Steve Steppa is a genuine reggae artist. Ras Adam Simeon Irie Sounds International Records	SkinnyBeats & Dub Pulse - The Reggae Tribute To Todays Hottest Hits One time in my youth I found Beatles record at a local drug store and the price was very cheap. When I got home and put it on my record player I was dismayed to find out it was not in fact the Beatles singing, but rather some schmaltzy choral singers doing cheesy covers of the Beatles. Then I scoured the album and found the fine print where it explained that it was Beatles hits "as performed by..." This cd transformed me right back to that day of my disappointed youth. On the surface it looks like reggae remixes of popular rap and r & b hits, but it's in fact a couple of guys in a studio; one on the keys making beats n music and the other rapping and singing. The vocals and sequencing is not terrible, but these tributes add little to the original cuts. The selection of Sean Kingston and Sean Paul as artist to reggaefy is odd since they are already reggae crossover acts. The line dance song "Cupid Shuffle" has a specific tempo & style of beat like the Electric Slide and it loses its point here. "In Da Club" by 5o cent is yesterdays hit and not a good translation. Soulja Boys "Crank That" is not improved by the phony caribbean accent. I would stick with the originals and dj blends that mix accapellas by rap & R&B artists over authentic reggae beats. Ras Adam Simeon Pam Am Records
Taj Weekes & Adowa - Deidem Hailing from the Island Of St Lucia Taj Weekes offers a serious work tackling tough topics over haunting roots rock reggae. His band name Adowa is from a famous Ethiopian battle,a tribute his Ethiopian grandpa. The album starts off with "Angry language" where he reconsiders his biblical teachings. He questions the truths we are fed in "Propaganda War" and the cycle of man's Violence on "Since Cain." Oppression and judgement of dreadlocks is addressed on "Kink and Crinkle." "Dark Clouds" , "Orphans Cry" and "Hollow Display" all touch on heavy subjects of inhumanity and broken hearts. Through the dark and heavy messages shine a few rays of hope; on "We Stand" he intones that "We've got to Find a way" and fight against the odds to keep that "Litle Fire" lit and burning. Taj has a very high sweet unique voice almost like a Pablo Moses. His band is very talented and has a Tosh/Lucky Dube feel. The discs final cut is "Lousiana" a slow balad about Hurricane Katrina. Despite the dense material the disc is not depressing, rather it's serious message music and food for thought. Ras Adam Simeon Jatta Records	Rootz Underground - Movement When I heard there was a new Jamaican reggae band i was very excited to get a copy and have a listen. In Jamaica most of the "bands" that exist are backing bands for multiple singers and djs(rappers) and are not independant recording bands unto themselves.The majority of reggae acts we know are singers and djs that record and tour with a variety of session muscians; musical guns for hire. A few exceptions to this are groups like Third World, Morgan Heritage and England's RasItes. Rootz Underground show they're here on the scene with 18 strong original tracks and one bonus remix. While this disc may be the first we have heard from them, the cds starting shout out from Stone love's Rory is from 1993 showing they havent "jus come." The rock-solid musicianship is masterfully co-produced by Bobby Digital and Dean Frazer and the lyrics are well rasta conscious. Singer Stephen Newland's voice reminds me a lil of Damien Marley's on his song "Road to Zion." When so many groups live off of recycling old riddims and lyrics this is really great to have fresh material.recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Riverstone Records
Half Pint - No Stress Express This album combines some older classics and some newer shots to make for a fine release. The California punky reggae band Sublime,(later Long Beach Dub Allstars) were big Half Pint fans and their acoustic surf reggae vibe is present on "Unity" and "A Girl Like You" featuring their guitartist Jack Manness who gives them a slight crossover feel. The Boom chune "Just Be Good To Me", produced by Beres Hammond's Harmony House in 2000, is reoffered here along with a dub mix. Halfpint and DJ(Rapper) Dollarman deftly revive the Jr Reid Classic The "Babylon Release The Chain." Fans of 1980's new wave may enjoy a corny cover of "My Best Friend's Girl" by the Cars.The Riddim Twins Sly & Robbie lay down heavy tracks on "Blessing Darling" and "Children Of His Majesty." Popular DJ Sizzla guests on the track "Too Much Bad Boys In The Street." This disc shows Half Pints talent and versatility in flipping easily between Lovers/Message Music, originals/covers, yardstyle and Cali style. Ras Adam Simeon Universal	Prince Fatty - Survival of the Fattest Mike Pelanconi aka Prince Fatty knows good reggae music. As an engineer and producer he has worked with Gregory Isaacs, Michael Rose, Ranking Joe, Dub Syndicate, Sinéad O'Connor, and Adrian Sherwood and others. Lead track "Curious" and "Don't Give Up" feature the great rasta vocalist Little Roy and "Big man Cry" is sung by Winston "Mr Fix iT" Francis. The cover art features a great collage recalling the old greensleeves 12" record jackets. Some of the charicatures on it include A.Pablo, Haile Selassie, J. Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, the DATC Lion, the lone ranger and even a super ape. Musically this cd is a total throwback to the heart of the 70's similar to 10 ft Ganja Plant. Rock solid drumming comes courtesy of Style Scott from the Radics and raw hammond organ is by Bubblers from Ruff Cut Band. The production is flawless with heavy bass right up front in the mix.The only odd piece in the batch is the unlucky last track # 13, a reggae version of Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice.The promo disc even came wrapped in a sweet smelling crokus bag.This is a 100% first class release. Haile recommended! Ras Adam Simeon Rasa Music
VA Spirits in the Material World A Reggae Tribute to The Police At first glance, the title "Reggae Tribute to the Police" throws you, because for many years reggae artists have railed against babylon(the system) and Police. This "Police" though, happens to be the popular 1980's pop trio from England.Thirteen Police classics are reinterpreted in reggae stylee by a mix of reggae stalwarts and some lesser known, but talented artists. Junior Reid kicks off the disc with "Synchronicity" a perfect fit for his sound. Toots Hibbert does a great ska version of "De Do Doo Doo", Horace Andy tackles "Invisible Sun" w/ Lee Perry on its dub version. Younger Neville Brother Cyril sings "Wrapped around Your Finger" and his fellow New Orlinean, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux does a rousing "Spirits in the Material World." Folksy pop singer Joan Osbourne does a nice Bonnie Raitt-like "Every Breath You Take" and Wailing Souls and Gregory Isaacs cover "One World" and "So Lonely" respectively. Least favorites are UB40 singer Ali Campbell's "Everything Little Thing She Does is Magic" not for his fine singing, but for the cheesy synth line track and (Sublime clone) Pepper's "Can't Stand Losing You" which is a straight cover that adds nothing new. The disc closes with the red hot singer Tarrus Riley killing it on the "King of Pain." Whether Sting and the lads were a big part of your musical past or not, this still stands up as a pretty good reggae collection. Ras Adam Simeon Shanachie Records	Maimon And The Mongoose Band - Third Ear This group from France offers a lushly produced quality reggae release. Lyrics range from the atypical in the tune "1945" a song about a post WW2 town trying to cope with loss, to the more typical "She's Swayin'" and Shakin The Tree" songs about winding up yer waist w/ a gal and falling in love. The band trys to rouse the apathetic with "Slumber City" and shun brutality on "police Terror." The song "Uman" is sung in their native tongue and you can take a guess what "Puff & Relax" is about. The cds 13 cuts have big overarching themes of peace and positivity. The slick cd booklet with hip graphics comes with full lyrics and was produced by Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen. Songs have You can tell a lot of love went into this project. Ras Adam Simeon Skank Records
Yellowman- Live In San Francsico King Yellowman aka Winston Foster is a trooper and onstage he's a dynamo. Jamaica society wasn't too kind to albinos and he later in life he went through taking out a big section of his jawbone to beat cancer. Despite these huge hurdles life threw at him, Yellowman has not only survived but thrived. With over`60 albums of recorded material to draw from, this live show contains many of his beter known hits like"Yellow Like Cheese" as well as bits of covers like the Wailers "Comin in From The Cold" and "Keep On Movin." Shaggy's hit "Oh Carolina" is done here mixing in Coco Tea's rasta anthem "Holy Mount Zion." Oldies are done medley style with "2 to 6 Supermix" "Oh DR" "Operation Radication"and "Lost Mi Love Upon The Queens Highway. Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" oldies is covered along oldies like "Mr Chin" , "I'm Getting Married IN The Morning", "Bam Bam", "Girls Can't Do What he GUys Do" and "ZunguZeng." TheSagitarious Band is wicked and can stop on a dime. The classic "Jamaica Nice/Country Roads" breaks down into 70's schmaltzy cover Stephen Bishop's "On and On." King Yellow is a true showman and this concert covers much of his career and talent. This release comes witha DVD film of the show and an audio cd.Yellowman hasn't slowed a bit and this cd proves that. Ras Adam Simeon 2B1 Records	Gregory Isaacs - Live In San Francsico The Cool Ruler has had a career of ups and downs.Years of on and off drug use, many no-shows at live concerts and a voice that comes and goes depending on his health or whether he has his teeth in; have all left many fans wary.Those who love Gregory from his heyday really want him to do well and whenever he turns in a great performance they are quick to spread the word to alay the nay-sayers. After a quick instrumental medley Gregory Launches into a fast rendition of "Number One" then blends into "Stranger in Town" and "Tune In." Sadly Isaacs' high and nasally voice sounds rough and has lost its lushness."Soon Forward" sounds a bit better as do "Private Beach Party"and "My Only Lover." You can tell by the sing-alongs on "All I Have is Love" how much the audience knows and treasures his songs. His voice warms up a bit on "Storm(Hang On)" and "Oh What A Feeling." A fast version of "Hard Drugs" is tailed by the classic "Night Nurse." This release comes witha DVD film of the show and an audio cd. Overall this is not his best performance. Ras Adam Simeon 2B1 Records
Lee Scratch Perry - Chicken Scratch Deluxe Edition Most people know Lee Perry as the mad genius who says he's married to a Swedish vampire and who once burned down his own famous Black Ark recording Studio (yet not before recording some of the finest spacey effect laden roots reggae ever recorded.) What most folks don't know however, is that before the recording engineer work he started out his career as a crooner over classic ska music. This collection, just reissued from Heartbeat Records, showcases that early work. If you are a fan of old Derrick Morgan and Prince Buster material and love that early Skatalites sound that was recorded with one mic in the center of the room and has that old 78 RPM vibe, then this one is for you. Sweet backing vocals come courtesy of Rita Marley's Soulettes as well as the wailers. Liner notes are lovingly written by Perry aficionado David Katz who penned the great scratch biography; People Funny Boy. A killer secret bonus cut sounds like it was recorded much later and has Scratch riding the wailers Jailhouse riddim while he toasts about Rastafari. The music, played by mainly Skatalites personnel, has that old school influence of New Orleans boogie woogie blues all over it. If you like classic ska music, or are a big Perry fan, this is interesting to hear his efforts from early days. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Mighty Diamonds - Inna De yard One of my favorite tracks on the Bob Marley Songs Of Freedom box set was a medley of acoustic songs;just Bob and his guitar. Makasound Records from France must have a similar affinity for stripped down reggae.The Inna De Yard series is one that pairs Reggae's great singers with acoustic guitar, hand drums and not much else. The end result is wonderful, as you can clearly hear all the individual elements. One of the great traditions in Reggae is the vocal trio and one of the best from the 1970's roots reggae era is the Mighty Diamonds. While some past singer's voices show lots of wear & tear, the Diamonds show here they are still in fine form. "I Need A Roof", "Country Living", "4000 Years" and "When the Right Time Comes" are some of the ten classics songs revisited here in unplugged fashion. Many old school trios have changed personnel over the years, but the Diamonds remain Tabby, Bunny and Judge. If you don't like overproduced slick records and you love sweet harmonies over binghi heartbeat drums and nylon strings check this cd out.Ras Adam Simeon Makasound Records
Brimstone - Signs Brimstone is a Canadian based Jamaican singer who has put forth a quality roots record. From the jump, the uptempo "Africa Is Calling" sets the tone for what you know will be a cultural message cd. Calling the African's abroad back "Home sweet home to the promised land this is where your roots belong."His soft yet raspy voice recalls Dark Fire Cloud, Clint Fearon at times and on the track "World Sick" the late Lucky Dube. Bible psalms are touched on in "Spiritual Wickeness", "I will lift Up My Head" and Signs." Brimstone extols the value of "Virtous Woman" on a classic Isaacs/Radics style version. Some familiar riddims here "tings and time", "I can't hide" some original. The production is not super slick, but well played and mixed. Vocals not the mightiest, but well heartfelt. "Sweet Reggae Music" from the heart of the rastaman. indeed. Ras Adam Simeon Socan Records	Phillip Fraser Dancing Time I'm a big fan of Philip Fraser and I'm a big fan of the reissues from Silver Kamel label, but this release, to me, is a real mixed bag. The title track was a big hit in the eighties and still holds up today. This disc features nine vocal tracks an eight dubwise versions. "I've Got Sunshine" is a slightly corny cover of the Temptations "My Girl" over a digital Gussie Clarke style riddim. Dj Double Ugly combos Shaba style on the Heptones cover "I Need a Fat Girl." A better track,"Come Give Me Your Loving", has a more organic feel to the music and Frazer's voice lilts over the top in fine style. The statutory vibed "High School Girl" also is an older recording on classic riddim and is a winner. The ultra fast beat of "Far Away" and the slow warlbed vocals are an odd pairing. The dub version of that song featuring gun sound effects master Joe Lickshot is far more interesting than the vocal here. He decry's the gangster's terrorism on "Them A Gunman" a solid track with a very catchy horn hook. A next older track "Give Me Sensimena" explains that while "some say it a traquilizer, me smoke it fe get wiser." This release,for me, teeters between quality and cheeziness and digi and roots, overall it's a bit hit and miss. Ras Adam Simeon Silver Kamel Records
Various Artists When Rhythm Was King What if you were a huge soul fan and Berry Gordy handed you the keys to vault of Motown and said pick some fave cuts to make some compilations. Heartbeat records Chris Wilson had the Jamaican version of that dream with Coxone Dodd's Studio One tapes. This compilation is a boomshot of pure niceness. Classic hit after hit are collected here to move yer dancing feet. Bob Andy's "Unchained", Al Campbell's "Take A Ride", Heptones "Fattie Fattie" and "Smile" by the Silvertones are among the 18 great classic trax on this disc. Besides the singers, DJs Dillinger and Michigan & Smiley offer classic rhymimg toasts. Thankfully there's many more songs yet to be mined and re-released and I am looking forward to them all. recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Steve Steppa Introducing ... The Dub Selecta At the online reggae forum versionist.com reggae fans, performers and producers get together to share and critique recent work and also to collaborate on new works. In this digital age it's simple for people on opposite ends of the globe to create songs together by sending files back and forth. Steve Steppa, formerly Sayan, is based in California, but his cd features 3 tracks from producer El BIB in the UK and 3 from Flow Prod. in Switzerland. Steve writes, sings, performs and produces most of this cd and that is an impressive feat. His style kind of recalls Martin Campbell. String bass guitar, old shool keyboard, and even a melodica are bathed in a digital ocean of beats and sounds. Some tracks are more polished others sound more homemade, but overall this album is a good showcase of Steve's many talents. Ras Adam Simeon Steve Steppa Records
Various Artists - Old Pirate Riddim This the 22nd title in the Jetstar Riddim Rider series. The version here is one all reggae fans know from Bob Marley’s Redemption Song aka Old Pirates. Producer Gadaffi's riddim starts with water gurgling then comes the kette drum and shakers build up in Nyahbinghi fashion to the acoustic guitar riff. There are nice sounds of nature woven in with birds and thunder, but is also a metallic "ping ping" that while keeping it modern, is slightly annoying. Roots Dancehall artists are well represented here including Luciano, Sizzla, Capleton, Fantan Mojah, Lutan Fyah, Norrisman, Natural Black & Chuck Fenda. Some lesser known names fill out the remaining of these twenty tracks. I think single riddim cds are mainly used by djs and people who make their own mixes on their mps player or cd-rs as they sometimes get monotonous in a single listening session. Crooner Gyptian "Gives Thanks" for seeing another day. Ginja remarks about his queen's "Rainbow Eyes" while Hero reminds those that live by the gun that the "Wicked Hafi Run" way one day. This is a nice collection of conscious message music. recommended. ras adam simeon Charm/Jetstar Records	Chronicle - Feel This One Two pals from Oregon, singer Brian Reiter and gitsy TJ Boeschen get into reggae. They head out to trek the globe and end up moving to Costa Rica. While there, they hone their chops playing with a full band. A club owner there had such faith in them he sent them off to Jamaica to record this cd at the famed Jack Ruby Studios with some top Ochi session men. The resulting album Feel This One is mix of mostly sharp reggae, but also offers horn laden funk(Been So Long), and some groove rock(Can't Stop Us Now). Although they don't want to be pigeon-holed by labels like jam band, they sort of fit that mold. Jam band no longer means some Grateful Dead copy, but rather an eclectic mix of styles kind of like what Chronicle offers. The songs are thoughtfully written, well played and sung with heart. Ras Adam Simeon Chronical Records
Dennis Alcapone - Forever Version Before there were rappers in America, there were Jamaican DJs. These DJs didn't spin records, instead they would rhyme in between and eventually skat-talk over the instrumental b sides of records at live dances. They went from saying a few words to eventually writing full songs. Dennis Alcapone along with U-Roy, I-Roy and Big Youth are all veteran DJ's helping to create this early art form. The songs on this cd are the b-side version instrumental of some of the top classic reggae songs of the day. "Love me Forever" by Carlton & The Shoes is done here as "Forever Version" and other hits done over include John Holt's "A Love I Can Feel" and Delroy Wilson's "Conquer Me." There are also two covers by fellow DJs included here; U-Roy's "Wear You To The Ball" and Scotty's "Riddle I This." These DJ trax were so popular in their day they sometimes got the same fanfare as the original vocal records. Without these pioneers paving the way there would probably be no rappers or modern dancehall DJs today. This cd is classic piece of music history and well worth checking out. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	The Gladiators - Studio One Singles One of the great vocal roots trios of reggae is Albert Griffiths and the Gladiators. This cd is a collection of their early singles which had been circulating as a bootleg for years, now finally officially released. Included on these 23 tracks is the vocal and instrumental versions of many cuts including their well known hits "Bongo Red" and "Roots Natty." Even though these tracks were taken from the original tapes the sound is sometimes muddy and dense due to age. Near the end of the cd is the song "Don't Fool The Young Girls" which has a digital beat that doesn't really fit with the others. Making up for that is the last cut; the scorching 12" discomix of "Happy Days" clocking in at almost 8 minutes of roots reggae bliss. Since many tracks are instrumentals, lovers of sweet vocals may want to start with some of Heartbeat's other Gladiatiors cds first. This one will appeal to collectors who have looked long and hard for these rare gems. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Another Dance - Rarities from Studio One For many reggae fans around the world, Bob Marley & the Wailers was the beacon that first drew them in to reggae music. Most casual Wailers fans know their records from the Island label years and not much beyond that. On this collection we hear the group in their infancy as young soulful ska rudies. While Chris Wilson and the Heartbeat crew have lovingly put out lots of early Wailers reissue songs, these tracks are all completely unreleased by them so far. Slow love ballads like "Love Won't Be Mine" and "Don't Ever Leave Me" are offered here alongside faster ska tunes like "Ska Jerk" and "Playboy." You can even hear the reggae anthem "One Love" in it's original face tempo form with seventeen other tracks. If your ear is partial to listening to oldies like early rock n roll and soul records then you'll enjoy this. If you buy this thinking it will sound like your Bob Marley Legend cd, it won't. It will, however, show you the roots of where that same group started out and hints of where they were heading. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Alton Ellis- The Many Moods Of Many Moods is a very aptly named record. Most people know singer Alton Ellis only by his rocksteady love songs. On this release we find some of those lovers trax mixed with some powerful black pride and consciousness songs like "Black On Black" and "Black My Experience." The song "Ain't No Music" is a reggae take on the Spinners classic "Aint No Woman Like The One I Got" and Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You" is covered here. Among the five bonus trax on this reissue is my favorite cut, the rootsy "Stronger" which appears with two different takes as well as extended mixes of the songs "If I Could Rule The World" and "It's Hard To Be A Lover." Alton Ellis sings with a great soulful passion that comes from his gut right through the speakers. This is really nice to hear some of this legendary singers different moods and styles. Recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Maka Sounds Records
Seefari - Rasta Italist Tom "Seefari" Carroll is a foundational player in the Midwestern US reggae scene. He not only wrote, produced and sang these 15 trax , but he also played every instrument on this cd. Complimenting Seefari on these eleven songs and four dub versions is I Jah Melody's angelic high vocal harmonies. A plea for peace in "No War" mixes lead guitar lines with harmonica giving a blues rock flavor to the steady one drop. Rasta spirituality pours out of the reminder to "Pray Every Day" as well as the tribute to Jah on "Beautiful Majesty." The title track shows appreciation for the natural herbs and "Wizzy Wisemind" is a sweet take on the love story of Solomon and Sheba from the old testament. This whole cd has a cohesive American roots rock natural vibe to it. The disc doesn't always have that glossy polish of big budget productions, but the heart and soul behind it makes up for that. Ras Adam Simeon Upful Sound Records	Tenor Saw - Tenor Saw Lives On One of the biggest names of early eighties digital dancehall reggae was Tenor Saw. He recorded a few records with huge hits and then tragically was killed by an auto in Texas at age 20 in 1988. This cd is a hodgepodge collection of radio interviews, live stage show clips and live dancehall session recordings. Many of his big hits are included here; "Ring The Alarm", "Pumpkin Belly", "Lots of Signs" and "Fever." If you are a long time Tenor saw fan you will enjoy hearing him here conversing on the airwaves and tearing it up live on the mic. If you are unfamiliar with Tenor Saw, you may be better off staring with one of his commercial releases first. Ras Adam Simeon Sky Mau Production
The Abyssinians - Satta Massagana There are a few specific reggae records that were key in getting me into reggae music and later the Rastafari faith. Satta Massagana was one of those life changing epiphany records for me. I clearly recall the first time I heard it and the deep deep impact it had on me. These hymns are canons of the Rastafari movement. Laments of the colonial slave trade and it's continuing effects, songs of African pride, bible stories and black history that was left out of our schoolbooks appear here to soak into your grey matter. Huge songs like "Declaration of Rights", "Satta Massagana", "African Race", "Abendigo" and the rest are gathered here along with bonus dubs and discomixes with 18 tracks in all. File this one under essential. Haile recommended- Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Jah Cure - True Reflections - Like heated debates? Bring up the singer Jah Cure on a reggae message board and watch the sparks fly. Some feel he was guilty of the rape charge, who's prison term he just finished serving, some say he was totally innocent. In the way that OJ Simpson became a symbol for black people's struggle in the American Justice system, so did Jah Cure become a symbol of the Jamaican court system and its treatment of Rastafari over the years. With that history hanging in the air the "Free Jah Cure" movement took on much larger overtones in the Rasta reggae fraternity. Several of these songs were actually recorded at General Penitentiary in Kingston as part of a program to have inmates get some skills while putting out positive redemptive message music. The title track was said to be co-written by an administrator at the facility and it's a powerful song. There are two duets here, "Share the Love" w/ German reggae star Gentleman and "Dem Nuh Build Great Men" w/ ardent Cure supporter Fantan Mojah. Jah Cure makes a tribute to the homeland "Jamaica" on the sunshine riddim and a binghi flavored vibe on "Conga Man." "Most High Cup Full" and "Cease All War" are two strong message tunes. The rest are mainly love songs written over the years locked away from a woman's touch. The album is decent and shows his talent for songwriting and singing. The future is unknown how he will be received after this very public chapter in this life. Ras Adam Simeon VP Records
Nuborn Tribe - Mama Say Next to Burlington, Ithaca, Madison and NorCal; the real roots area in America is the Northwestern corner. People who care about humanity, social justice, taking care of the earth and living naturally. The cultural roots reggae messsage music and Rastafari natural livity out of Jamaica dovetails nicely with the roosty American's vibes. Nuborn Tribe hails from Portland Oregon, one of the roots hubs. The disc starts off with "Zion Daughters"- bubbling keyboards,dubby gits, tight one drop drums, precussion and sweet harmonies telling the sister to hang in there for better days are coming. "Mama Say" recounts a mothers reminder to think of others in daily prayers. The Tribe holds a "Meditation" with sparse bingi drumming and flute on this short intrumental and on "Africa" makes a plea for the motherland not to cry. Singer "I-Land" Joseph Antione has a nice reedy Pablo Moses-like voice. The band sites The Wailers and Roots Radics as influences and you can hear it in their 14 upfull tracks offered here. Ras Adam Simeon Royal Inity Records	Sahra Indio - Change In Jamaican Rastafari culture folk roots tonics are brewed and used for a variety of curative properties. Hawaiian based singer Sahra Indio's new cd Change opens with a musical "Remedy" of her own. "This is the reggae remedy (roots tonic) visions and teachings of His Majesty emancipation from mental slavery." This is Rastafari music through and through. The vocals are soft and mellow as Sade, the music flows gently with melodica sprinkled over a tight one drop beat. "Good Bredrin" is a shout out to the good bredrin dem, men who do right by their kids and queens and live upfully and is performed a nice singjay style. A strong message to sisters with low self esteem/image/health issues on "Jah's Jewel" Sahra encourages her sisters to "get to it & get fit." I could see this being a great inspirational one for the headphones at the gym for all of us. "Hey Sista" is a great song about bonds and sisterly connections of women lending an ear and supporting each other. Indio reflects on our human family commonalities on the bi-lingual "Nosotros." The hard working guitar wiz/producer Tuff Lion does an awesome job tackling most of the instruments all by himself. Sahra Indio comes across with a seriousness, maturity, spirituality and conscious message that everyone can benefit from. recommended. ras adam simeon Olumeye Records
Various Artists - Reggae Hits 36 This cd kicks off w/ a boom shot: Beres Hammond's "Try If You Want" on the Fatty Fatty riddim. This cd has a range of music for different tastes. Lots of lovers rock here represented by Gyptian on "Beautiful Lady", Queen Ifrica "When Love Comes Knocking" and Turbulance's "love At First Sight." Hardcore ragga tracks from Elephant man's "Dutty Wine" and Beenieman's "Heart Attack." The big herbsman anthem "Ganja Farmer" is included along with Chuck Fender offering his mosaic punishment for child molesters, arsonists and murderers on "Gash Them And Light Them. Included with the 20 track cd is a bonus dvd with 6 music videos. One low point is the surfaris retread on "The Surf" by Tuggawar. Overall this is a fair collection of the past years hits, but nothing really screams timeless classic here. Ras Adam Simeon Ras Adam Simeon Jet Star Records	Joshua Alo - Answer Your Calling Born in Oahu,Hawaii, Joshua started tinkering with ukulele and acoutic guitar in his teen days. He then joined the Air Force and travelled all over the world including two deployments to Iraq. His travels thankfully brought him to Italy where he met and recorded this cd with the top notch Zion Love Band. These well produced onedrop reggae tracks have a nice authentic organ sound that compliments Alo's acoutic playing. Vocally he reminds me of Jamaican singer Yvad, with a lite R&b soul style. Twelve songs of love, light and hope makes for an inspirational package. If you like smooth easy listening music with a message, then you'll enjoy this. Ras Adam Simeon Joshua Alo Records
Dennis Brown - My Heart Is An Open Book This is a nice treat, like running into an old friend you haven’t seen in many years. Dennis Emmanuel Brown is regarded by many, Bob Marley included, as one of the greatest reggae singers of all time. Tragically he passed on way before his time, but he left us with great musical treasures that endureth for iver. These 20 tracks are a mix of sounds and ages from the early stripped down Joe Gibbs style sound of "Hold Your Head Up High” to some later Gussie style synthesier sounds. The song “Too Young” done on this cd by Dennis, was a big hit for his spar Gregory Issacs who makes a guest appearance on this cd w/ the duet “Hold On Steady.” Most of the songs here are in the lovers rock genre including the big hit “Inseparable.” A lot of times when compilations come out they are the same top 10 hits by an artist rehashed with new cd cover art. Thankfully that's not the case here, rather we get to hear some lesser known gems from the late great Crown Prince of Reggae. Ras Adam Simeon Orange Street Records	The Slickers - Break Through When people think of classic reggae groups they may not immediately think:The Slickers. Outside of the well known track "Johnny Too Bad" on The Harder They Come Soundtrack, most people don't know that much of their music. Thanks to a recent Makasound Reissue, that should all change. If you are a fan of the production on records like Jr. Byles Curly Locks and The Heart of The Congos and you love the Jamaican vocal trio tradition of The Meditations, The Itals, The Wailing Souls, etc.. then this cd is right up yer musical alley. The aforementioned "Johnny Too Bad" is included here in a nice raw unpolished style. In addition to the nine tracks of the original Lp, this cd also features 3 nice instrumental versions. On "Every Wolf" a warning is issued to false rastas that "Every Wolf haffi trim them head and show the public them a baldhead." On "Marcus" they prophesize the return of Garvey "Old Marcus is coming again in a dread dread form." The song "Black People" tells black and White people to "know yourself it's time for us to see the light stop fuss and fight and live a life." They tell the "African Children" to "stand up and fight for your rights and don’t be afraid." Conscious lyrics in three part harmony over phased out 1970's roots reggae by Robbie Shakespeare, Horsemouth, Augustus Pablo, Chinna. Cyaan Miss! Recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Makasound Records