"Beauty For Ashes" by Midnite [I Grade Records]
Though you won't find the work of Stevy Mahy on this post (at least I don't think you will), you definitely will find something beautiful of another kind as the much anticipated latest release from Midnite, "Beauty For Ashes", is not only now officially forthcoming, but you'll get to have your hands on it probably a lot sooner than you thought. Even before the end of the shortest month on the calendar, "Beauty For Ashes" arrives in stores courtesy of I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings and I cannot wait to get a listen to the full release. I have a very good feeling about this one based largely on the very nice EP release, "Same I Ah One" from IGR and I wouldn't at all be surprised to see this one rank as one of the very best Midnite albums ever.
Releases on February 25
CD [I THINK] + Digital
"In My Father's House" by Addis Pablo [JahSolidRock]
Also up fairly soon is an album we've been hearing a great deal about over the past few months or so, the debut album from Addis Pablo, "In My Father's House". The son of the legendary Augustus Pablo makes his full length debut and does with one of the most dependable labels in the entire genre these days, the Dutch powerhouse, JahSolidRock. Their name, alone, attached to a project is enough to peak my interest and when you add to it a variety of different aspects, this one grows immensely. JSR makes a brand of music which is just so enjoyable to listen to and I think that when you place it in the most capable hands of Addis Pablo (who has really made a name for himself and on his own merits during his career), I'm expecting an album full of familiar sounds which is just damn hard to put down (and it'll be really fun to write a review for an album like this as well).
Releases on February 25
Digital
The Rise Up Riddim [Oneness Records]
Another of our favourites is up with a brand new set which just brought a smile to my face when I saw it. The MAMMOTH Oneness Records from out of Germany who just released a fine compilation ("One Love, One Heart, Oneness", in stores now) is back doing what they do best -- making outstanding music -- with their Rise Up Riddim. This track I know from a pair of songs (both of which appear here), Naptali's 'What Goes Around' from his all conquering "Long Journey" album and 'Jah Love Is Amazing' which appeared on "Working Wonders in 2012 from the incomparable Mark Wonder. Both were big tunes on even bigger albums and the riddim itself is also very nice. It's more laidback and easy, but I'm sure it will make for a fine album. Why am I so sure? Along with Naptali The Great and Mark Wonder, voicing the Rise Up Riddim is a very impressive batch of artists which includes Buju Banton, Capleton, Ziggi Recado, Prince Malachi, QUEEN OMEGA, a loaded combination featuring the golden voiced Raymond Wright alongside Lutan Fyah, Jahcoustix on the title track and Skarra Mucci who joins Sara Lugo [WHAT!] for 'Dubbing Is A Must'. No reason at all to miss this one and I won't. Neither will you.
Releases on February 25
Digital
{Note: We've seen this one officially labeled the 'RISEUP RIDDIM' (sans space between @@rise@@ and @@up@@) if you're looking for it}{Note 2: …and you are looking for it}
The Jah Warriah Riddim [Zion High Productions]
The Zion I Kings have a very busy last week of the month scheduled as the ZION portion of the group, Zion High Productions, as we told you not too long ago is also back at work with the second installment of the ZIK's Riddim Series, the Jah Warriah Riddim. This exquisite track, much like the Rise Up, features an absolutely stellar group of vocalists in the likes of Midnite, Lutan Fyah, Glen Washington, Jahdan Blakkamoore & Pressure Busspipe, Ras Batch, NiyoRah and others. Here's another piece I cannot wait to hear in its entirety and, just like the others, I won't have to wait long.
Digital
Releases on February 25
The Party Spree Riddim [Payday Music]
Be sure to check the latest from Payday Music, the heavy Party Spree Riddim. This track, as a whole, is a nice example of how a one riddim can be given different colours and textures in different hands from different vocalists. And though I'm not crazy about everything here that I've heard, the 'Grungaad, Gorilla' combination featuring Bounty Killer alongside Mr. Peppa, is huge. Kalado also does a big damage with his 'Today'.
Digital
Releases on February 25
The Universal Riddim [Massive B]
Bobby Konders and Massive B are also in this week with their latest composition, the Universal Riddim. For what they do typically -- these kind of hard and heavy Dancehall tracks -- Massive B is always damn reliable and this time around they've kept these high as well. Billed as an EP, one can hope that eventually they'll turn over the Universal to a few more artists. Until then, however, Burro Banton, Spragga Benz, Junior Reid and Spice, who turns in the biggest track here in my opinion with 'Want A Man', do a fine job.
Digital
Releases on February 25
The Diamond Riddim [Irie Ites Records]
The venerable Irie Ites Records is making its 2014 debut [I THINK] with the sublimely vibed Diamond Riddim which, again, features a very interesting group of artists handling vocal duties. II always does big things and put together big tracks and the Diamond is definitely no exception. It certainly does help when you assemble the likes of Lion D, Spectacular, the inescapable Skarra Mucci as well as the unfortunately easily escapable Ras Mac Bean.
Digital
Releases on March 17
The Hollow Body Riddim [Ted Dun Know Productions]
And finally, coming soon this week is a project that we alluded to just a little while ago, the Hollow Body Riddim, courtesy of Ted Dun Know Productions. The label pushed up a nice single for the riddim in the form of 'Sirens', by Khari Kill. The Trini native is joined by another very talented Trini artist in Jah Defender, as well as veteran Major Mackerel and Lutan Fyah. This one I also have a very good feeling about and definitely pick it up and see for yourself when you can.
Digital
Releases on February 22
In Stores Now
"Songs For Reggae Lovers Vol. 5" [VP Records]
Though it hasn't had a new installment in three years or so now, one of the most underrated and overlooked compilations from VP Records, "Songs For Reggae Lovers" is back for 2014 and it's following its set pattern once again. The album features thirty tunes spread across a pair of discs with the first being new[ish] material and the second dealing more with classic[esque] material. This time around you get the expected likes of Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Terry Linen, Tessanne Chin, J Boog and others on the first disc. While Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea and more take control on disc two. Like most compilations with such a high amount of tunes on them, this piece is likely best for a more casual fan of the music, but also with so many songs on it, regardless of how much of the music you listen to, you're likely to find something that you missed along the way.
CD + Digital
The Sweety Come Brush Me Riddim [God Bless Records]
And also in stores this week (and last week) is a compilation which may be a decade old at this point. God Bless Records touched the Sweetie Come Brush Me Records, renamed it (not really) and delivered an absolute winner of a remake with their Sweety Come Brush Me Riddim. Between them, the riddim actually featured three songs from a pair of my favourite singers in Elijah Prophet (who does a tune, 'More Love', alongside Luciano, as well as a solo effort) and Mark Wonder and that certainly was not all with Turbulence (A GOOD Turbulence), Anthony B, Norris Man, Utan Green, George Nook covering the title track and others. Would have made a fine edition of Riddim Driven a decade ago, but better it's better [MUCH] late, than never at all.
Digital
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