Random Reggae/Ragga/Ras/Dub/Roots [mostly roots cause that's what I like best] thread

[BLOODSWEATSTEEL]

Not that anybody cares, but just some discs that I've realized have seen some heavy rotation in my CD player lately. All good stuff if you're looking to broaden your horizons.

Midnite - Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance.

Their fourth album. It's Midnite - nuff said.

Resination - Mash Down Babylon.

Local act [not for long] from San Luis Obispo. Powerful lyrics and faint but fitting jam-band undertones. The CD starts off with "Babylon Shock," that pretty much just busts out and punches you in the face. Powerful rock-style guitar riffs, amazing vocals, and the typical stick-it-to-the-man lyrics that we seemingly never grow tired of. Just sets the stage for the rest of the disc. Listening to this CD start to finish is kinds like going on a little journey. They delve into serious issues, a little silliness, a little jamming - and it's vividly evident throughout that they just love making music. Perfectly arranged and not overproduced or refined. I have listened to this CD at least a hundred times [seriously] and still can't get sick of it - it's that good. Samples on the website - http://www.resinationmusic.com/

Michael Rose - Self Titled.

One of his mid-90's solo releases, long after his days with Black Uhuru. Heavy electronic backing, and soothing Michael vox. One of my longtime favorite CDs. There's nothing that really jumps out and grabs you about this album. No signature guitar riff, no robotic sounding voices, no catchy one-liners. But then again - it doesn't need that stuff. It's Michael Rose. How could anyone not like Michael? "How You Fi Do That" is prolly my favorite track.

Sinead O'Connor [no, not kidding] - Throw Down Your Arms.

Sinead covers the essentials - Burning Spear, Scratch, Wailers, very soulful and well arranged. Produced by Sly and Robbie. Really a remarkable compilation of deep roots tracks delivered with emotion and sincerity. I didn't really care for the short bit of cussing thrown into Tosh's "Downpressor Man" - kinda disrespected the writer and harshed the vibe of the rest of the CD, but I got over it quick. Overall quite powerful and well put together.

Itals - Modern Age.

No other roots & culture act on earth delivers the vocal harmony, clarity, and quality that the Itals do - and this disc is no exception. Beautiful with conscious themes throughout. I like this Itals CD especially because it included Kada Porter. Nice to hear some female vocals thrown in there especially with classic Itals tracks like "In A Dis Ya Time" and "Titanic."

Aswad - Roots Revival.

I've only had this CD about a month. Old school roots rock with classic brass & all the essential Aswad tracks revisited - "Breakout," "Roots Revival," "Freedom Street," and a dub version of the "Best Times Of Our Lives." Even a good "introduction" CD for those who thus far have been put off by reggae. Well produced and a nice departure from hardline orthodox studio stuff.

Roots Music - Reggae hits From Hawaii and the World.

Having lived in HI for some time, I might be biased towards this CD - but don't shy. It's got some classics [Third World's "1865" - 96* and Musical Youth's "Pass the Dutchie,"] but it covers the essential key players of the Jawaiian scene as well. Butch Helemano, Natural Vibrations, Apache Indian and Backyahd. It also contains one of my all time favorite songs - "Picture On The Wall," by the obscure UK reggae act Naturalites. Nice little dub "intermission" track too. Relaxing, driving music from start to finish.

Eek-A-Mouse - Eek-A-Speeka.

Yeah, I know. His voice is repetitive bongbongbittybittybongbittybicken annoying, he's a cokehead, a sketcher, possibly a pedophile, and definitely samples other artists WAY too often. He's Eek though. He gets a pass on lameness because he's definitely U-neek. This is kind of a lesser known mouse CD, but it delivers some classic styled dancehall grooves, fat beats, and obviously Eek's one and only modified scat style singing. He rips off Dolly Parton's "Jolene" on track 8, requires the help of Anthony B to deliver #2 - "Press A Button," brings a remix [ ] of "Wah-Do-Dem" [as if it hasn't been on every CD he's ever put out anyways,] and goes completely obnoxious with track #3 - "I Love Weed." Eek; you love weed? No kidding. "I'll Be Waiting" and "Mean Dreams" are probably my 2 favorite tracks on this disc, but they're all pretty catchy in their own right.

[Pow4Brains]

Sinead O'Connor [no, not kidding]

I wish you where............the rest is good stuff though.

[Benny Profane]

I like her, fucked up girl that she is. One of the most beautiful songs in the world is her teaming up with Shane MacGowan on his Snake CD on a tune called "Haunted".

Thanx for the list. I'm a cheap bastard, so I get my fix from here: http://kexp.org/programming/progpage...56=38850.375-2, and I record it using Radiolover on a Mac.

[BLOODSWEATSTEEL]

Third World - Generation Coming



This one was a slight disappointment to me. They seem to be shifting more and more towards the R&B sound, and there's a lot more electronic keyboard/synth backing than a lot of traditional stuff. I found myself hitting the <advance to next track> button about 45 seconds into every song, with the exception of 3 or 4. They still have their groove, and TW's vocals have always been bright. This just seemed to be a little under-produced. Third World is first rate, I think they just got a little lazy with this one.

[Tippster]

If you're talkin' Dub you may wanna check out Burning Spear's Living Dub Vol. 2.

[The AD]

Anyone else have this?


see: http://www.umeportal.com/product.asp...=rslt&pid=1077

I checked it out from the library a few weeks back. Very good compilation. I've been especially enjoying the ska and rock steady stuff on disc 1. "Hard Man Fe Dead" by Prince Buster is my current fave.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Sizzla - Da Real Thing



I have to say - I'm really not a big Sizzla fan. He definitely deserves his place among the greats, but his voice just never did it for me, and dancehall isn't really my thing. After a long stint of disappointing releases though, he really struck gold with this album. Sizzla delves back into the conscious - a departure from his slackness in recent years. It is well produced, arranged, and the tracks really seem to come out in an order that makes the album almost tell a story. Kinda went back to the vibe of his much earlier release "Black Woman and Child." Simplicity and Solid As A Rock both just kill it. #10 - "Just One Of Those Days" is a powerful, true-to-life story too. Sizzla delivers on this disc, no doubt.


Anthony B - So Many Things



I like Anthony B. I can only handle him in limited doses, though. (Dancehall again) This CD has a lot of strength (specifically "Raid The Barn," "Fire Pon Rome," and "Cold Feet"), but a few tracks that are just downright awful ("So Many Things," "Low De Herb.") Play it all the way through anyways. Good vibes and message despite his recent falling off. Overall, a solid overview of Anthony's earlier career days - and I think it's still his best release to date.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Resination - Conscious Development

I saw these guys at Pier 23 on Saturday. I was a little disappointed with the stage setup and sound system, but nonetheless.... I picked up their brand new (second) CD; Conscious Development. Wow, have they matured since their first release. This album is pretty low key - no blazing guitar riffs, chant sessions, or wild keyboard solos. It doesn't need it. They have matured so much, probably in part due to the new influence of a horn section (Colin Dean - trombone & Patrick Reynolds - trumpet,) a female vocalist (Raeme Miner,) and a keyboardist; Toes Cuffe. Roots to the bone. Their grooves are very refined, soulful, and relaxing. Vance's vocals are always pleasing, and this album's theme is a pretty serious one. My personal favorites so far are #4 - Lion Conqueror, and #12 - Lullaby, which is a bluesy solo Raeme tune. Her voice is just so medicating. Fifteen bucks well spent. These guys have quite a future ahead of them.

[lax]

marley obviously...

have you guys heard the marley remix album "chant down babylon"...have no idea how mainstram it is, but my friend showed me it this summer, fuckign sickter...specially survival, guiltiness, roots-rock-reggae, and burnin and a lootin



http://www.bobmarley.com/albums/chantdown/

[daPig]

Theres a pretty good reggae show that comes on KRCL in SLC and other parts of Utah on Saturday Afternoons from 4 - 7. I usually listen to at least part of it. Its awesome for the drive down the canyon after skiing and having a few beers at the GMD. Its called Smile Jamaica.

http://www.krcl.org/~robertn/

[Chinaski]

Gentleman. Dude is from germany. I would check out his albume "journey to jah" first.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Turbulence - I Believe



Where to start? This guy comes out with more albums than 2Pac, so it's tough to sift through and find the real gems. I think this was his fourth album of 2005 and IMO he has become a complete master of the game. (Also having done so well ahead of his time.) At 26, his singing, DJing, chanting, beats and flow are all spot-on. Catchy, strong, but still borderline dancehall without sounding annoying is a tough task for any artist. This album really deserves the Roots fan's attention. "What The Hell" and "High Grade" are kind of old school sounding roots tracks, while "Taking Over" and "Nah Stop Bun" are more along the serious/conscious lines. A nice mix with only track one getting the album off to kind of a slow start. Sizzla's (Sheldon's teacher) influence is STRONG on this album, but Turbulence' talent is also strong enough that his personal feelings and efforts still shine brightly through.

[pointedem]

10 ft ganja plant

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Steven Marley - Mind Control

Originally titled Got Music? Release has been delayed for almost two years. It finally was released a few months back. Figured I'd add it to this list, as it is well deserving. All I can say is OMFG! Mos DEF, Jr Gong, Ben Harper all make their appearances on this one as well. Definitely worth the wait - buy it and bump it. Track 7; Chase Dem is my top pick from this disc.

Ras Shiloh - Coming Home

A brand new release straight from JA, this is Shiloh's first US release. All previous material has only been available to vinyl collectors or those willing to pay through the nose to import. Shiloh cites Garnett Silk as his strongest influence, and it shows. He has really taken the foundation Garnett left when he died and built upon it, while adding even more lyrical strength and lovers/roots feel. Check Shiloh's take on the classic Come Down Jah Jah. Just a wonderful song, definitely one suiting to Shiloh's style of making music. The closer; All of Me, in a pure lover's style of a classic riddim makes you want to grab your woman by the waist and hit the hit the dance floor. Check the downright excellent What Have You Done - nice vibes over a very Marley-esque riddim, but even still is a very nice song on its own merits. And lastly you definitely need to check Ah What a Gwan, probably the best pure conscious track on Coming Home altogether. UNREAL. This is the most crucial release of 2007.

Gyptian - My Name Is Gyptian

Other than collaborations and sit-ins with other artists, this is Gyptian's first official release. At just 22, Gyptian is already establishing his place among the greats. There's been some really great roots coming from JA over the last few years, and in the spirit of Warrior King, I-Wayne, Fantan Mojah and others - Gyptian carries the torch on this album. Beautiful Lady, Take My Money, and Stop The Fussing and Fighting are my three favorites here. At some points I wish Gyptian's producers would have really let him run with some more mature riddims, but I'm certain that will come soon. Just a really complete, innocent, driving CD from start to finish. Expect Gyptian to become a real mainstay in the reggae world over the next few years.

Winston Jarrett and The Righteous Flames - Survival Is The Game

Not much can be said about Winston Jarrett that hasn't been said before, except that he just never seems to get the credit he deserves. Original Studio One recording artist, kindred soul, writer, philosopher, and entertainer. Even if you haven't heard of him, you've certainly heard him on his collaborations over the last FORTY years with Carlton Livingston, Alton Ellis, Winston Rodney, Bob Marley, Lee Perry, and King Tubby - to name a few. This is great 2-disc compilation of some of his best work, most of which has previously only been available on vinyl. Dread Natty Reggae, Rocking Vibration, Fear Not, Come Down Zacchius, Satisfy My Soul, Ishen Galore and many others. Disc one is pure dub heaven - with material that I never would have been expected to come out as a dub release. Should Have Been Me, Up Park Camp, Country Woman and others. Winston is a sixty seven year old foundation artist still laughing, jamming, and just entertaining (with one of the most signature voices in reggae, I might add) two to three nights a week. Pure fire, roots to the bone - don't pass this CD up.

Ras Michael & The Sons Of Negus - A Weh Dem A Go Do Wid It?

This is serious Binghi chant a gwan this CD. Relaxing and meditative, the whole album really flows from start to finish, and a nice story unravels as Ras Michael takes the listener on a trip through his home country - (Jamaica) in a kind of story about his people, his country, and his music. Soothing and vibrant. Ras Michael is the unparalleled master of the Nyabinghi drum, and this CD shows why. Backed up by the duo of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, this is as complete a drumming experience as one can get. Sweet Jamaica and No Smoke Without fire are two of the real gems here.

[Wyatt]

I listened to most styles. Mostly Roots, Ragga, and Dancehall at the moment but I like dub and rocksteady. Interested in all artists. PM me if interested.
Thanks, Jordan

[uppernotmaster]

Didn’t read the whole thread, just browsed through & did not see this. Anything by LKJ just plain rules. (Linton Kwesi Johnson) Best voice in reggae by far IMO.

[nesta]

if it's Roots reggae you're looking for, you should start with the Trojan Story Vol.1, 2 ....

[Wyatt]

I've been spending way too much money lately on music and I'd like to do a little trading; say I send you 5 burned discs (of your choice) and you return the favor.

Here's a short list of what I have (just Artists, I have multiple albums).

Bob
Burning Spear
Toots
Barrington Levy
Beanie Man
Buju Banton
Cham
Eek-a-mouse
Alpha Blondy
Bunny Wailer
Collie Buddz
Gentleman
Culture
Damian Marley
Dezarie
Groundation
Midnite
Elan
John Brown's Body
Ky Mani Marley
Stephen Marley
Rebelution
Ticklah vs. Axelrod
Thievery Corporation
10 ft. Ganja Plant
etc......

[iscariot]

trinity roots
open souls
salmonella dub
rhombus
fat freddy's drop
breaks co-op

[fez]

always loved desmond

[Tye 1on]

kind of a Specials fan too...

[Game Over]

Mad Professor -Psychedelic Dub: Dub Me Crazy Pt. 10



i love the mad professor but this is the one ive been into the most lately

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Quit hijacking the thread, folks. Post up an album review or two.

[PNWbrit]

The best non-jamaican reggae album ever?

To me the intro to title track always seems strangely similar to that of Smells like teen spirit.

Listen to this album.

[pappag]

Leftfield: "Rhythm and Stealth" <-- click for the full album download



Starts off with the very bass-driven "Dusted" with Roots Manuva providing the vocals. Next is "Phat Planet" featuring a more chopped-up sound and faster tempo. "Chant of a Poor Man" features Cheshire Cat of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and is a way more mellow yet hypnotic dub track. The pace of the album switches drastically with "Double Flash" following with a more late-90s techno feel. And again the pace changes with the very slow and chill "El Cid" which is quite the prelude to the very energetic collaboration with Afrika Bambaataa that is "Afrika Shox". The dub returns with the aptly-named "Dub Gussett". The lone female vocals appear next on "Swords" with Nicole Willis which turns out a rather atmospheric chill-out track. "6/8 War" is appropriately named for its 6/8 key signature adding more to the dub feel but could certainly use more substance than the 4 minutes and 13 seconds it provides. The album concludes with "Rino's Prayer" which takes a very spacey 3.5 minutes to kick into the beat that only last for two minutes while Rino's vocals give a more spiritual feel.