WRUV Reviews

5th studio from the Afro Roots star who’s music radiates good vibes like the sun over Jamaica or a summer day in Ghana, his hometown. This disc packs soulful reggae with hints of world influences, not only from Ghana, but from traveling and/or touring in Israel, Finland, Jamaica, & more.

With melodic acoustic-driven tracks like “Jerusalem”(8), “Take it Slow”(11), and the stand out “Walls Tumbling Down”(4), his lyrics of social & global consciousness are evident but remain vague enough so as not to alienate any listeners. Track 8 also has world influences (obv.) along with afro-beat(ish) “Master Plan”(5) and “African Reggae Fever”(2) which could be herd while your plane flies over the jungle towards Ghana perhaps. Also slow rocking reggae cuts like “Head Up High”(10), head nodding “Freefall”(7), & solid sounds of “Extraordinary Women”(3) make this release well rounded with something for everyone (even whistling on “Walk the Talk”(9) if you fancy). Overall this flows nicely from start to finish with the track selection perfected & reggae-soul goodness delivered.   FCC clean

reggae sounds: 1,*3,*4,7        world/international > reggae: 2,*5,8

* Buy Hymns for the Rebel Soul and a % of the proceeds goes to Africa Live!, “a non-profit organization founded by Dawuni, whose mission is to preserve, restore, & reinvigorate the Ghanaian live music scene.”

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Reggae/dub single from the New Zealand band’s 2nd studio album. First half showcases strong bass and tight percussion from Rio Hemopo and Rikki Gooch of Trinity Roots, respectively. The dub is mixed by Fat Freddy’s own Fitchie (producer /MPC) and in my opinion is heavy/good enough to make this release worth checking out. The remix sounds like underwater space funk (if that makes sense) with lots of synth/keyboard notes racing up and down. It’s glitchy and nice.     FCC clean    Check: 2,*3

RIYL: The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots, jamming reggae/funk

1. The Raft (Radio Edit)             3:55

2. The Raft (Album Version)       7:13

3. The Raft (Stepper’s Dub)        4:13

4. The Raft (Jet Jaguar Remix)    5:44

*Note: Fat Freddy’s Drop has a new studio (Dr Boondigga & the Big BW) & live album (Live at Roundhouse London), both are filled in WRUV’s (new) Urban section.

2nd studio album (61 min.) from Indubious, who are a power trio straight out of Rogue Valley, Oregon. The opener, “Be Kind”, tells of a man who was searching and found another man that taught him to spread love and kindness to all. Highlights include “Disillusionize” (which sounds upbeat probably meant to be herd at a night club), “Keep Lovin” (laid back sound featuring label mate Alcyon Massive), and the hard hitting “Golden Tongue” with horns in the chorus, a tasty bass line and deejay Prezident Brown.

Purists may be unsatisfied while others like myself will enjoy the different sounds that are offered here. Going back to the night club sound mentioned above other songs fall into this category like “Presto Chango” which uses auto-tune to some good effect, “Hard Life” which… doesn’t, “Golden Tongue”, and “No More Enemies”. “Bring The Light” is the most bangin’ and danceable song on the album & is sure to get you moving in some way, shape, or form. This sound could hint at what they sound like live (a guess, I’ve never seen them live). Tracks rooted more in reggae are “Be Kind” and “Keep Lovin”.”Can I” is definitely the slowest song on the album, while “Live Indubiously”, and “Pirate’s Rum” sound lively and talk about drinking & thinking about the effects. Lastly expect some funk, departing from reggae with songs like “Mushroom Man”, the title track, and “2R2R” with traces of reggae but is more “intergalactic reggae” as Indubious themselves call it.

For instruments bass player Spencer “Skip Wicked” Burton shows his technically skilled ability and fat bass riffs which deliver an explosive punch. He’s rightfully compared to Les Claypool with “Mushroom Man” sounding funky & psychedelic in the sense that Les could have written it himself.  Brother Evan ” Evton B” Burton also provides great vocals & steps up on the keys to play traditional reggae notes as well as spaced out fuzzy synthesized ones on the funky tracks. Newcomer Bobby “One Sock” Templin holds his own on drums while keeping everything together.

Overall the instruments in general are the best part of this CD. Pretty good lyrics although some songs seeming too simply/plain or straight forward (”Blessed With Success” comes to mind) but others touch on good subjects like spreading joy and the negative effects of drinking. Bottom line, they bring the funk and tit makes them along with his album versatile that can be enjoyed by all including fans of other genres.    FCC ok       Bass solo and “While We Burn” jam

Favs: *1,3,*5, 8   Funky Tracks: 9,15    released Nov. 15, 2009

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Crucial Times is a collection of new and old tunes mostly produced by Homer Harris, the one who gave Sizzla his name after watching him drink boiling vegetable soup one day in Jamaica. Harris also helped jump start his career and musically guided him as he had done with other reggae artists such as Luciano and Buju Banton.

These 13 selected tracks range in styles from upbeat dancehall singing on “Precious Gift”, to socially conscious lyrics with the title track, to almost a reggae/drum and bass sound that works well on “Sufferation and Poverty”, and laid back smooth jams with “Charming” or catchy pop hooks with “Jolly Good Time”.

Bottom line this album is a fine example of the many different styles of Sizzla and explains why he remains an incredible force in music spreading his positive Rastafarian message 15 years deep into his career.  FCC clean

RIYL: Homer Harris, Buju Banton, Luciano, singjay/reggae dancehall

Northeast reggae band’s 6 song self-titled debut EP. Hailing from Boston this 8 member jam/reggae band delivers a positive sound with elements of roots and dub. Bombastic horns can also be herd and it’s all topped off with a live jam band feel (Grateful Dead, Phish, etc.). Well done reggae I enjoyed and if you’re into live reggae instrumentation you’ll agree too but may not be for every reggae fan/purist.

Check: 1,3,5 (it’s live), and 6 or all it’s not that long! (just under 30 min.)    FCC clean

Live iLa Mawana @ Harpers Ferry

Oompa Loompa Insanity!!!

Debut album presents Latin Hip Hop, Reggaeton, romantic, traditional Dominican music elements (Bachata) and dance music from a duo originally from the Dominican Republic but residing in NYC. All tracks radio friendly. Track recomendations: 2, 3, 9, 11

Review by Jared Feliciano-Goodine (”Jah Red”)

Nine-piece West African collective plays positive upbeat grooves with a strong reggae presence. Also features tribal drumming, some African vocals, and horn arrangements. Great music that really puts you in a happy/uplifting mood. Sit back, relax and feel the love that eminates from this release.  FCC ok

Reggae tracks: 2,4,6,9,10,&12

played in downtown Burlington (Jazz Fest 2010) & other places in VT.

What you would get if “Bob Marley were jammin’ with The Fugees on a street corner in West Africa.” “Uplifting.” Soulfege is a group formed by two Harvard students who are trying to bring meaning back into today’s music, and push today’s youth to realize their own potential by taking-up leadership roles within society. Their music is smooth, catchy, and “makes politics sexy.” Check: 6,10,11

This is some fun, merry-sounding and uptempo indie rock with a serious dose of reggae influence. It  might take a while for this to grow on you, but it’s good stuff! Track 11 features Norah Jones. Definitely check this one out!

Play: 11, 2*, 9, 5

FCC: 1

The Slits- Trapped Animal
release date: October 20,2009 on Narnack Records

The Slits are a female punk rock group with reggae influences that originally formed in the late 70s. Only Ari Up and Tessa Pollitt remain for original members and they’re joined by Hollie Cook (daughter of Sex Pistols drummer, Paul Cook), Anna Schlute and Adele Wilson. The band retains a strong influence from bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Buzzcocks. “Pay Rent” has decent reggae beats and the guitars and bass add a sound reminiscent of Sandinasta-era Clash. “Reject” is full of fast, poppy punk hooks and it seems like it could have influenced modern female-fronted bands such as the Plastiscines or Liechtenstein. “Babylon” showcases their reggae influences very well and is probably the deepest track on this album. In conclusion, the Slits have matured along with their sound and few bands can pull that off sucessfully. This album deserves airplay not only from punk and rock DJs, but also reggae DJs because of their ability to meld punk with reggae.

FCC: 1,5
Recommended Tracks: 3,4,9
RIYL: The Clash, Plastiscines, Sex Pistols