Coming Soon #80: Exercise Everyday

"Anointed" by Bugle [Daseca Productions]

I'd kind of just stop expecting and waiting on the debut album of Bugle a few years ago. Despite going past a time when you think he would have an album (though with no legitimate push towards one that I can recall), Bugle remained very active and never had a real drop off in terms of form - you could even make the case that he has progressed his talents, nearly a decade into his career. But he never made an album and it never seemed to be a big deal to him. But things do change and because 2014 has been a SPECTACULAR one for Reggae albums, why not let them change even in the case of Bugle. The artist is set to bring forth his debut album with Daseca Productions, "Anointed". If you haven't paid a great deal of attention to Bugle in recent times then what you have missed, mostly, is his becoming one of the genre's strongest and most consistent writers and, when you reach that level, an album can be a very powerful thing because, at least in my opinion, there exists no greater platform to display t hose type of talents. The album features several tunes with which fans are likely to be familiar such as the title track and, of course, 'Nuh Compatible' and it also features a whole heap of big name accompanying stars such as Lady Saw, I-Octane, Alaine, Julian Marley, Tarrus Riley and others. This should be really good and you can expect a full review soon. 

Releases on May 6

Digital

"The Life I Live(d)" by Hezron [Tad's Records]

Also dealing with a long awaited debut album in the month of May is sweet singing Hezron who is going to spend a lot of time telling you about "The Life I Live(d)". The album features TWENTY-SIX tracks spread across two discs (apparently Hezron can be in two places at one time, despite his persistent claims that he could not) and comes via the always very ambitious Tad's Records. As the title suggests, the album features both established tunes, such as 'Two Places' and 'Take Your Clothes Off' and newer material. Hezron has many bigger fans than I am of his, but I was really happy to see this album come up. As a longtime appreciator of his talents, I think that this could be a very big project. Biggup Hezron. 

Releases on May 27

CD + Digital

"Hail Ras Tafari" by Ras Ijah [Goldcup Records]

Biggup Bredz for tracking down the news on an album that we've been waiting on for quite awhile. Goldcup Records from out of Italy is set to present the brand new album from wickedly gifted chanter, Ras Ijah, "Hail Ras Tafari". If I recall correctly, the news of the forthcoming of this project goes back to the middle of last year when the first single, 'Ancient Land', dropped. That tune was exceptional and we also heard other songs from the album turn up, including a big combination with Qshan Deya and I'm pretty sure that I've heard the title track from this album as well. And looking through the tracklist for this one, there're so many  things which grab my attention such as combinations with not only Deya which is on the album, but also the likes of Messenjah Selah, Bushman, Khari Kill, Iya Ingi and Goldcup favourites, Aima Moses and Jah Nyne. I have a REALLY good feeling about this album and I can't wait to hear it. Join me! Great cover!

Releases on May 28

Digital

The In Love Riddim [Irie Sounds International]

It seems like it's been a looooooooooong time from last we heard something from Irie Sounds International (after looking it up, it's only been a couple of years), but apparently they've been hard at work and are now ready with their latest project, the In Love Riddim… and its great cover . This LUSH old school vibed composition has a great sound and, at least on paper, seems to be the type of track which would play a fine backdrop to some excellent Lover's Rock. Unsurprisingly, that is the direction many of the vocalists take things in and many score with big results. Efforts from Warrior King, Frankie Paul and ISI staple, Fred Locks, lead a cache of big love songs which also includes the excellent 'When I Fell In Love' from Jah Elect. Taking a different path is the always welcomed Stevie Face, who goes spiritual with the stirring 'If A No Jah', and gives the In Love Riddim its biggest offering in my opinion ["Well it no tek dem nuttin fi dem sell you out. Di same mouth you feed, a it will rat you out"]. A really, really nice vibe on this one and you have no reason not to pick it up when it reaches. 

Releases on May 20

Digital

"What Life Has Taught Me" by Fred Locks [Black Redemption Records]

Along with dealing with 'Love You Need', his cut of the just mentioned In Love Riddim for Irie Sounds International, the venerable Fred Locks is also readying a brand new album with Black Redemption Records, "What Life Has Taught Me". From the clips, some of which are very nice, it is more of the same heavy Roots music that Locks' fans have come to expect from him over the years and Fred Locks' albums, though they may go overlooked at times, generally tend to be very strong. I'm sure that he won't start to make exceptions here. Pick up "What Life Has Taught Me" by Fred Locks when it reaches. 

Releases on May 20

Digital

The Sub Woofer Riddim [Horse Shoe Records]

Biggup Horse Shoe Records as well who turn in the Sub Woofer Riddim which, may not carry a ton of tunes, but most of what it does have is quite impressive. Big efforts come from the likes of Kiprich, I-Octane and Mad Cobra's whose 'We Nuh Take Page' takes top honours on this track. You also get a pair of efforts from Vershon and the Twins of Twins. Definitely not the best thing that I've ever heard, but you're making a mistake if you just pass it by completely. 

Releases on May 6

Digital

"Good Things Forward" by Lymie Murray & The Stamina All Stars [Actual Music]

I'd heard a bit about the "Good Things Forward" album from veteran vocalist, Lymie Murray, alongside the Stamina All Stars from earlier this year (I want to say as far back as maybe February or so), so I'd actually thought that it had been released already (not too dissimilar from the situation around Murray's most recent set, "Deeper Roots" from a couple of years ago). But apparently it hadn't and the full project is now officially on its way. Listening through the clips here, unsurprisingly, it has very impressive parts and I'm really looking forward to the full release, which includes both vocals and dubs. 

Releases on May 13

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"It's Major" by D-Major [Penthouse Records]

And because apparently  there weren't enough albums reaching in May (and we don't mention here both Sizzla Kalonji and Ziggi Recado, respectively), also going the full route is impressive vocalist, D-Major who, along with Penthouse Records and VPAL is telling everyone that "It's Major". Over the course of a downright monstrous eighteen tracks, Major makes his album debut and the kind of R&B tinged vocalist, figures to impress. Much of the album appears to be newer songs that I'm not very familiar with, but songs such as recent BIG single, 'Straight & Narrow', 'Real Know Real', 'Rude Boys' and a couple of others do definitely standout. Also grabbing highlights are combinations featuring superstars, Busy Signal and Lady Saw. I'm not the biggest fan of D-Major's, but this should be good. 

Releases on May 20

CD [I THINK] + Digital 

"Fantasies In Reality" by Josie Mel [Josie Mel Music]

Veteran Josie Mel continues to make his way through EP's as, following his last set which was "Today" from just last year [I THINK], the artist is already back with another nine-track release, "Fantasies In Reality". In the absence of an album (although, I guess you could call this one an album, the difference between EP and album in Reggae music has been virtually invisible these days), I do definitely enjoy these things as it makes it easier to keep up with what he's been working on. For this piece, which also comes via VPAL like its predecessor, though I only recognize by title one or two songs, I would assume that much of "Fantasies In Reality" is older material (maybe really old). Of course that shouldn't diminish the attraction to songs you may not have heard much of previously, so I would imagine that his fans should receive this well. Definitely DYCR and I THINK Capleton make appearances. 

Releases on May 6

Digital 

The Tantrum Riddim [White Stone Productions]

Quickly, do check out the Tantrum Riddim from White Stone Productions which comes to full release. This track originates maybe four or five years ago, but it did feature some very strong material such as 'Hold On Still' from the Dubtonic Kru, Bushman's 'Reminiscing' and 'Deh Suh Far' by Ras Brando. Some really nice material here and a perfect piece to pick through on the digital side. 

Releases on May 13

Digital

The Serengeti Riddim [Pure Music Productions]

Check another blast from the past, this one coming courtesy of Delly Ranx and company at Pure Music Productions - the Serengeti Riddim. As its title would indicate, this track was GORGEOUS and, as is always the case with PMP's music, the roster of vocalists was terribly impressive as well. Joining Delly was Chrisinti on the combination, 'You're So Young', as well as the likes of Lutan Fyah ['Thanks & Praises', big tune], Norris Man, Chukki Star, Fiona, Perfect Giddimani and others. If you missed it (and you did), this one should certainly be worth your time. Another great cover! 

Releases on May 13

Digital

'Mama Love' by Lutan Fyah [Union World Music]

And lastly be sure to check out a big new tune coming from Lutan Fyah (new album, "Get Rid A Di Wicked", coming in June) and Union World Music, 'Mama Love'. The song was produced by the Fireman Crew from out of Austria and it sounds HUGE! Lutan Fyah actually had a song by the same name from Xterminator many years ago and I thought the new piece may just be a remix of some type of that one, but it isn't. Instead, it is a very fresh and upful tribute to the best person in the world - Mama! 

Releases on May 9

Digital