Music I Know Nothing About

Yami Bolo and Ragga Ragga Ragga 2005

2005-04-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yami Bolo
Ministry (Ilights)
When Yami Bolo was but a wee pickney in the 1980s, he was part of Sugar Minott's Youth Promotion sound. From the age of 13, he's been perfecting his trademark "Aye! Aye! Aye!" Bolo demonstrates this depth of experience and ability on Ministry, a nice collection of duets with folks ranging from Jack Radics, Lee Perry and Dennis Brown to Sizzla, Bounty Killer and Capleton. With a record chock-a-block with strong singles, it's hard to choose highlights. "Put Down Your Weapons" with Capleton deserves a rewind, as does Bolo and Ken Boothe's reworking of Simon & Garfunkel's "Richard Cory." Strong tunes for spring! 9/10

Various
Ragga Ragga Ragga 2005 (Greensleeves)
Billed as uncut, X-rated dancehall, you'll be hearing this selection of the hottest riddims and the slackest lyrics blasting out of a car stereo sometime soon. 8/10

Jah Cure and Chezidek

2005-04-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jah Cure
Freedom Blues (VP)
Siccaturie "Jah Cure" Alcock has been in prison since 1999 on what he sees as spurious robbery and rape charges. It's not my role to determine just how false or true these charges are, but to simply review a terrific album by a tremendously talented artist. Though he's to be incarcerated until at least 2008, through access to recording equipment Jah Cure has gained almost legendary status. From the stunning (there's really no other word for it) "Jah Bless Me" to the somewhat old, yet still great, "King in the Jungle" featuring Sizzla, Jah Cure's plaintive voice has a sense of longing and earnestness that is unique among reggae singers. If I sound overly maudlin, it's because he's simply that good. 9.5/10

Chezidek
Rising Sun (VP)
Nice, conscious roots sound from the artist formerly known as Chila Wrench. Good choice on the name change, now go voice some of the wicked one-drop riddims out there. 7.5/10

Universal Message 3

2005-04-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Various
Universal Message 3(VP)
Sure, I like Lee Perry as much as the next obsessive reggae fan, but if the majority of your reggae collection is still living in the 1970s, sit up and take notice. You need Universal Message 3. Run, don’t walk to pick up this collection of some of the top ranking Jamaican tunes of 2004. It’ll provide an excellent intro to what seems to be a conscious reggae renaissance. From the haunting “Living in Love” by I-Wayne to Fanton Mojo’s infectious “Hungry” to Capleton’s powerful “That Day Will Come” to Jah Cure’s incredible “Jah Bless Me”, there aint no weak tracks here. Luciano, Bushman, Sizzla, and Gentleman (yes, he’s great and he’s a white dude from Germany) demonstrate the power of positive vibes, and acoustic performances by Tanya Stevens and Anthony B round out a representation of some of the best roots and culture out there. Somewhere, Bob Marley is smiling.

Vybz Kartel

2005-04-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Vybz Kartel
More Up To Di Time(Greensleeves)
One of the top dancehall dons, Kartel’s had a controversial year, what with being one of the main artists called out for homophobic lyrics. He’s thankfully now vowed to stop recording and performing anti-gay tunes and I, for one, hope he sticks to this plan because he’s one of the most exciting performers out there today. His album, Up To Di Time was in such high demand that Greensleeves had to release a new edition. Folks just couldn’t get enough, so More Up To Di Time features five new tracks sure to please the dancehall massive. Kartel’s flow is crazy hot and the terrific production, mostly courtesy of Donovan “Vendetta” Bennett, makes this selection of tracks sure to nice up any party. Just try and stand still while enjoying the verbal gymnastics and top ranking riddims in “Real Bad Man”, “Why You Doing It” featuring Wayne Marshall, “Sweet to the Belly”, or “Tekk.”

Natty King and Jahranimo

2005-03-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

Natty King
No Guns to Town (Insight)
Listening to Natty King, it's not surprising that he cut his teeth singing Luciano tunes. Like Luci, he's committed to positivity and has a terrific voice. But Natty King is a bonafide singing sensation himself, with two huge number one hits, the reality tune "No Guns to Town" and the capitalist-questioning "Mr. Greedy." No Guns to Town features the big tunes (plus bonus videos for both hits), link-ups with Sizzla, Chinna Smith and Trinity, as well as the lovely romantic track "Love Me." The umpteenth reason why folks should take a listen to new, conscious reggae. 9/10

Jahranimo Real Life (Lightning Ball)
Someone needs to tell Vancouver-based Jahranimo that he doesn't need hip hop in his reggae - especially since he's otherwise quite nice. 7/10

Beenie Man and LKJ

2005-03-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

Beenie Man
Kingston to King of the Dancehall: A Collection of Dancehall Favorites (Virgin/EMI)
Since the Jamaican music industry is completely single-driven and artists are bloody prolific, rockist demands for solid, consistent albums are rarely, if ever, fulfilled. But when you've got a guy like Beenie Man with 50-plus number one hits, a compilation is going to kill. Kingston to King is a series of these top-ranking tunes (plus a DVD with a featurette and a bunch of videos), presenting Beenie Man's uncanny ability to spit out lines that get stuck in your head ("zim zimma," anyone?). With all the controversy surrounding Beenie's homophobic lyrics, it's good - and heartening - to remember that the most popular tracks are all good fun. 8/10

Linton Kwesi Johnson
Live in Paris with the Dennis Bovell Dub Band (BMG)
LKJ's dub poetry is brilliant and bloody prescient - "music blazing sounding thumping fire" indeed. 9/10

Shock of the Century and Gregory Isaacs

2005-02-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

Various
Shock of the Century (Sir Coxsone)
On March 30, 1986, at the Jubilee Hall in Brixton, Sir Coxsone's Outernational sound system (so named in tribute to the late, legendary Clement "Coxsone" Dodd) presented the Shock of the Century dance. A testament to why '80s dancehall is vastly underrated, it was, like most dances worldwide, taped, copied and circulated via a vast network of obsessed fans. Thanks to Sir Coxsone, you need not search for a crackling, hissy version of what is hailed as the "most popular live dance of all time." With Supercat, Nicodemus, Nitty Gritty, Eek-A-Mouse and Frankie Paul performing live and direct, this is not just a CD compilation, it's a historical artefact. 9.5/10

Gregory Isaacs
Sings Dennis Brown (Ras)
The Crown Prince of Reggae recorded an album of his bredren Isaacs' tunes. Here, the Cool Ruler returns the favour. What's not to like? 8/10

Luciano and Babylon OST

2005-02-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

Luciano
Reggae Max 2 (Jet Star)
The Reggae Max series is a great way to get introduced to some of the best music Jamaica has to offer. Given that folks like Luciano (why'd he ever change his name from Jetpher McClymont?) are prolific as all get out, it's tough to know where to start. But never fear, you name the artist and Jet Star's sure to have already done the selecting work and released a Reggae Max showcasing the best tunes. As an added bonus, the CDs aren't that expensive. This compilation is full of hits, from "Lessons in Life" to "Ulterior Motive." 9/10

Various
Babylon OST (EMI)
This 1980 flick about a West London soundsystem remains a fabled dream to me. Hopefully the reissue of the soundtrack (with wicked tunes by Yabby You) means a DVD release ain't too far behind. 7.5/10

Roots Manuva

2005-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Roots Manuva
Awfully Deep (Big Dada)
I fell for Rodney Smith upon screening the brilliant “Witness (1 hope)” video. Not only is the tune great, but watching the guy compete with the yung’uns at an elementary school field day is pure foolish fun. Though more serious, this album does not diminish my love for Mr. Manuva. Sure, no one in America is going to pay him any mind—Pitchfork’s already insisting that Roots Manuva has missed the grime boat—but why should you care? This is a great record. Moody, refreshingly intelligent and witty, this is a set of tracks that runs that gamut from the danceable (“Rebel Heart”, for example) to the introspective (“Awfully Deep” lives up to its title). Sure, it’s tough to categorize, but that’s what makes it so bloody interesting. It’s a mashed up mess of soulful R&B, heavy heavy dub beats, electro franticness, dancehall intensity, and, I’d argue, a dollop of grime for good measure. All the 50 Cent fans are so seriously missing out.

Dean Fraser and Mad Professor

2005-01-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

Dean Fraser
Kill Dem Wid Sax (Ras)
Jamaican music has changed over the past 25 years, but there has been at least one constant—Dean “Cannon” Fraser. From Bob Marley and Jackie Mittoo to Luciano, Sizzla and Sanchez, Fraser has appeared on over 1,000 records—more than a few of which are his own productions. He also tours tirelessly with the Xterminator crew. The man is undeniably a legend. Sure, at first this collection of instrumental tracks might feel a little syrupy, but once you start to recognize and appreciate Fraser’s trademark tone, you’ll find yourself listening to the horn parts in so many classic tunes and asking yourself, “Could it be Dean?” 9/10

Mad Professor
Crazy Caribs (Ras)
Send some recent dancehall records to outer space, where I like to imagine Mad Professor’s studio is located, and they’ll come back all crazy cosmic-like. 7.5/10

Riddim Driven: Hard Times and Riddim Driven: I Swear

2005-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Various
Riddim Driven: Hard Times (VP)
Here's the proof that Stephen Gibbs is his father's son. Legendary producer Joe Gibbs, responsible for "Uptown Top Ranking," seems to have passed on the ability to combine great hooks with great melodies. Sure, riddim albums aren't always the most exciting things to listen to, but I'd argue that this is an exception. From future superstar I Wayne's exceptional "Living in Love" to Bascom X's sweet "Lonely Girl" to Richie Spice's "That Ghetto Girl" to Capleton's "That Day Will Come," not to mention the other 10 equally good tracks, this riddim alone should demonstrate that consciousness still rocks the dancehall. 8.5/10

Various
Riddim Driven: I Swear (VP)
If you missed this in 2004, get it now - but you just might want to skip Richie Stephen's questionable "Woman to Man." 8/10

Beres Hammond, Turbulance, Gregory Isaacs and Anthony B

2004-12-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Beres Hammond
Love Has No Boundaries (VP)
In George Nooks's hit "Lovers Rock," he bemoans the recent spate of hardcore dancehall riddims and calls for an antidote: "Just give me a Beres or a Dennis Brown," he sings, "one of dem real sweet lovers rock." Real sweet lovers rock indeed. If you've never had the pleasure of hearing Beres Hammond, this album'll make you a convert. His voice shines on every track - "Good Old Dancehall Vibes" (featuring the one and only Big Youth) is terrific and "Thanks Fe Mi Pride and Joy" (with Buju) is one of my top tunes of 2004. Hammond is not just big people music, he's music for everyone. 9/10

Turbulance
Triumphantly (Bogalusa/ Kingston)
When Turbulence spouted "man can't love jah jah and love Pizza Hut, that will never ever be, one can't praise jah jah and love KFC," he became my eternal hero - and this wit is the icing on top of his incredibly versatile voice. Unfortunately, Triumphantly isn't quite as, well, triumphant. Turbulence's got the chops, and it shows on "Jah Jah" (on the incredibly beautiful "She's Like a Roses" riddim), "Mr. Big Man" and, thankfully, the title track. But the overall album is either cheesily overproduced or simply too lo-fi. Then again, a little inconsistency is probably to be expected from a guy who released five albums last year. 7.5/10

Gregory Isaacs
Masterclass (Greensleeves)
Class is in session. Smooth-as-honey Mr. Isaacs proves that he still rules on this Blacker Dread-produced disc. 9/10

Anthony B
Untouchable (Togetherness/Universal)
"Someone Loves You" is Dean Fraser-tinged gold, the anti-Iraq war tune "Soldiers" (featuring Wyclef) is great, but what's up with the horribly lame update of "Lollipop"? 8/10

Capleton and Out on a Funky Trip

2004-11-21T20:50:00.000-08:00

Capleton
Reign of Fire (VP/EMI)
After the albums More Fire and Still Blazin', combined with tremendous controversy over his fundamentalist Bobo Ashanti lyrics, Capleton's back with Reign of Fire. He's still burning down Babylon and deserving of his "Fire Man" moniker, but his flames of righteousness are a little tempered here. Capleton is clever, conscious and as political as ever, but if you're into hardcore dancehall, you might be disappointed - though "Who Yuh Callin' Nigga" is crazy as all hell and there's also the intense "In Her Heart." Tunes like "Remember the Days" and "Sunshine Girl" (with Stephen Marley) present the softer, gentler side of King Shango. 8/10

Various
Out on a Funky Trip: Funk, Soul, and Reggae from Randy's 1970-75 (Motion)
Reggae musicians play funk and soul. Very well. Suffice it to say, I hope there's a second chapter. 9/10

Richie Spice and Roots of Dub Funk 4

2004-11-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Richie Spice
Spice in Your Life (5th Element)
Richie Spice is running Jamaica right now. Brother to Pliers and member of the 5th Element Crew alongside Chuck Fender and Anthony Cruz, Spice has had quite the year. This record's got all the huge songs: "High Grade" on the Swing Easy riddim, "Marijuana" - the biggest tune - on the I Swear and "Move Dem Out" on the Ali Baba. It's also the second time he's included "Earth a Run Red" on an album, a track recorded five years ago that remains an anthem. My goodness, it's a crying shame that the 5th Element Crew won't grace our fair city after they perform in Toronto in December. 9/10

Various
Roots of Dub Funk 4: Rise of the Electric Dread (Tanty)
If you like whatever "dub funk" is, I suppose you'll like this. 7/10

Glen Washington and Kung Fu! Reggae vs. the Martial Arts

2004-10-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Glen Washington
Wanna Be Loved (VP/Virgin)
I was once told that the secret to a successful dance is to get the women dancing because no one wants a bull party. So, if you're looking for a little somethin' for the ladies to nice up your dance, this is probably a good bet. Not only does Glen Washington throw in a couple of tunes on Bob Marley riddims, but his "Roller Coaster Ride" on the Peanut Vendor riddim is almost as good as George Nook's "Top Ten." Wanna Be Loved is the perfect combination of sweetness and conscious lyrics that I'm a sucker for. Beres Hammond better watch his back. 9/10

Various
Kung Fu! Reggae vs. the Martial Arts (Trojan)
Yes, it's a whole record of kung fu tunes. Who's making the decisions at Trojan? Why can't I work there? 8/10

Steel Pulse and Luciano

2004-10-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

Steel Pulse
African Holocaust (Ras/EMI)
Okay, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this album. Intelligent, politically charged lyrics, strong songs, pleasant harmonies, lovely horns, clean production - even the essays on black history in the liner notes are worth reading. Problem with African Holocaust is that there's just nothing right here. When David Hinds sings "downtrodden masses, get up off your asses," it's only the lyrics that supply urgency. A couple of moments in "No More Weapons" (featuring Damian Marley) are hot, but this makes it more painful when even Capleton (who appears on the disappointing "Blazing Fire") can't seem to help Steel Pulse get the fire burning. 7/10

Luciano
Lessons of Life (Shanachie)
When Luci sings, "Dem a try try try, can't hold me, dem a try try try, can't touch me," you believe him. 9/10

Lady Saw and Two Culture Clash

2004-09-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Lady Saw
Strip Tease (VP)
When Marion "Lady Saw" Hall spits out "I just wan' be free to express my sexuality" on "Just Being Me," she's pretty much describing the raison d'être for her entire career. For the past decade, Ms. Saw's been the only chick to consistently challenge the dancehall old boys' club on their terms. Chock full of hot tunes ("Man Is the Least" and "Good Love" featuring Sizzla are standouts), Strip Tease is the kind of smart sass that makes Lil' Kim look all the more pathetic. I've never been one for female empowerment through sexuality, but "Pretty Pussy" and "Best Pum Pum" might make a believer of me yet. 8.5/10

Various
Two Culture Clash (V2)
Kid 606 with Ward 21? Roni Size with Spragga Benz? Who thought this was a brilliant idea? 6/10

Ms. Thing

2004-09-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ms. Thing
Miss Jamaica (Sequence)
Ms. Thing sounds like a bratty 17-year-old who runs to the studio after school, untucks her uniform and records nasty ditties that appall her mother but impress the boys. The recent high school grad found fame looking for Beenie Man to do her in a van in the smash "Dude." Great production, interesting riddims, but Ms. Thing seems out of her league here. And auto-tuning can't take away the fact that she's awkward and pitchy as hell. Dirty words have been edited, but given the prevalence of raunch ("Muscle Tight" for one), that'll do little to ease Ma's mind. 6.5/10

Sizzla and Michael Rose

2004-08-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Sizzla
Jah Knows Best (Ras)
It's tough to demand consistency from a guy who's released over 25 albums in the last 10 years - four this year alone. Jah Knows Best finds Sizzla in a fiery mood, and his lyrics here are pure consciousness. Unfortunately, save for "Real People" and "Girl You Gonna Need My Love," boom tunes both, this record suffers from weak riddims. Phillip "Fatis" Burrell seems a little off recently, but at least he isn't responsible for Sizzla's cover of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." We can thank some California hippie for that mistake. I can't complain, really, considering that Sizzla's Stay Focus comes out next week. 7/10

Michael Rose
Happiness: The Best of Michael Rose (Heartbeat)
Sure, this is okay, but why not just listen to Black Uhuru? 7/10

Beenie Man

2004-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Beenie Man
Back to Basics (Virgin/EMI)
Beenie Man's been at this since youthman days. Sure, 2002's Tropical Storm was an overly-desperate crossover attempt, but apart from a pathetic Sean Paul imitation on "Get on Bad," it would seem that Jamaica's favourite former child star might finally get his due. "Dr. Know" (Pretty Pretty riddim) and "Dude" (Fiesta riddim) are standouts, thanks to production from Dave Kelly, and "Good Woe" is one of the best singles on the infectious Coolie Dance riddim. If for some reason you tire of gal tunes, "Back Against the Wall" proves that Beenie can be as eloquent about ghetto suffering as he is about his sexual prowess. 8/10