Rewind! - "Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado

"Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado [Zion High Productions]

Generally speaking, solid common sense and music aren't two things which tend to get along very well. What often seems like the obvious result and course of action when it comes to music is rarely the one taken and, likely because of that, it is impossible to even consider the potential things that we, as fans, have missed out on throughout the years. However, with that being said, when music and good brain work do link up, they can produce some truly satisfying work. In the explosive first half of 2014 we've seen it happen on a few occasions already. One of them we take a look at today as, fittingly, one of the hottest labels going today, Zion High Productions (and the Zion I Kings) teamed up with one of the biggest talents of this generation. Today we go back and REWIND! one of the biggest albums of the year, "Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado.

Original Review

1. 'Masquerade'

You know what? In December, the opener of "Therapeutic", 'Masquerade' should be in a handful of tunes that will get my consideration for being my absolute favourite song of 2014. It was GOLDEN [!] and the further we get away from my first hearing the tune, the sweeter and sweeter it becomes. You'll hear dozens and probably hundreds of songs which're constructed on metaphors, lyrically, but few will reach the levels attained by this brilliant piece as Ziggi breaks down the 'extravaganza' on display in the world today on one of the strongest social commentaries that I've ever heard (which is saying a lot in Reggae music). And not to overlook the spectacular backdrop which underpins what is still the finest song on this album.

"Babylon ah recruit fi di circus

Dem ah juggle, my youth, keep di focus

THIS IS A MASQUERADE"

2. 'Got It Right Here'

It had been a minute from the last time that I'd heard 'Got It Right Here' before going back for the sake of this post and perhaps that had something to do with it… or maybe it didn't - but this song made me SMILE from the opening lines uttered until it reached its end and then more. 'Got It Right Here' is a love song and it's actually a fairly basic one, but this song is so damn sweet your ears may just pick up a cavity or two listening to it. One of the album's most immediately pleasing sets and another jewel seated on this album.

3. 'Miss Outta Road'

"Well if you got di money she will entertain

And any time she spend is never time in vain

Cause she plays di game

Inna cycle, she can't break di chain

Outta road she find nuff joy and pain

But this ghetto life is all she know -

And di block, even when business slow

Jah know how she love this business so

She no play fi let this business go

She just wanna si di interest flow"

"Years in the biz, now she's a veteran

And everyday she pon di road ah look another man

Seh she ready for whatever, not the wedding band

And from di money inna hand, then nothing never wrong

Seh she deh ya pon pace fi make a million

And di sitten weh she sell, it coulda never done

She need more and more wood fi mek di fyah bun

'No refund' -

She go so, 'no refund'

Seh she live life with no fear and she don't care

NO!

So far away, she's just somewhere out there

No! 

Seh she got di sweetest thing around

Nobody ever turn it down

She seh one day she'll wear that crown"

Did you listen to 'Miss Outta Road'? I mean really listen to it??? If you did then you, like me, have by now surely come to the conclusion that it was a lyrical masterpiece! This song, probably more than any other on the whole of "Therapeutic", has gone up so much for me and it started highly as well. Originally, I linked 'Miss Outta Road' to I Wayne's immortal 'Can't Satisfy Her' and while it is a strong comparison (biggup me), I now see this one as more of a warning to how living in a particularly bad way can overcome and overtake someone -- regardless of gender -- and while Ziggi makes his point here through a woman, it can really apply to anyone in some way. 

4. 'Talk About'

I focused on the 'star potential' of a song like 'Talk Already' and I definitely stand by it. There was just so much to like in regards to this tune and, should it ever get some type of shine, I think it could do big things. Until then, or unless then (… even after then), it sits for me as one of the most enjoyable songs on this album and it doesn't just come in as this shell of a song which is solely meant to get heads rocking (that's just one of its side effects) it has considerable substance as well. As Ziggi Recado tells everyone to just try as hard as we possibly can to mind our own damn business! 

5. 'Luv Injection'

The therapeutic 'Luv Injection' carries a similar set of circumstances to the one which it chases on this album in my opinion. A complete JOY to listen to, the tune certainly is a 'love song' but we tend to throw around phrases like that too casually (even though they do apply) (there's just a lot of songs about love) and I want to stress that  this one is of a very high quality which only need to be heard to be enjoyed on almost any level.

6. 'I'm Blaak'

'I'm Blaak' now registers as simply one of the best songs that I've ever heard Ziggi do at any stage of his remarkable career. It is GORGEOUS and a large chunk of its beauty comes in its simplicity. There's nothing really too complicated about it. There's a chorus, a half of a verse, a full verse and that's it! But the way this song is presented, as I believe I said before, is just Ziggi sitting down and opening his mind and we're sitting there listening to this most natural and organic monologue which scintillates and dazzles in a very streamlined way. Also, you can't talk about this song without mentioning the music. It is sterling and, fortunately, utilized on a tune which is pretty much impossible to forget. 

7. 'Don't Disturb'

"Hey it is such a natural thing

When Reggae music inna full swing

Spark it up, don't pack it up -

Inna di dance wi ah start it up

Hey cannabis, it is the right thing

So now the whole world legalizing 

This medicine is hypnotizing

I & I advising

Don't disturb me when I'm loading up -

My chalice cup -

Or rolling up"

'Don't Disturb' is another tune which has grown on me a bit more from the first time that I heard it (as has the album, in general, which is unsurprising) and, in this case, it is just a matter of taking in the entire song. With lyrics and especially the music, 'Don't Disturb' is a special piece for what it is. And coming from someone such as Ziggi Recado who has done special things on the subject in the past it, too, comes as no surprise. A fantastic song. 

8. 'Earthstrong' featuring Midnite

"May you live to see another Earthstrong

More life, more love destined to come your way

Another Earthstrong - give thanks and celebrate love

When they said it was for you, it came together quickly, sped on

Good sentiments and contributions voluntarily put in

That which comes from a sincere heart

So well resources give

Certainly merited and well deserved"

When you attach Vaughn Benjamin to a song, typically, that song immediately separates itself from everything else (even when its one of his own albums) (you'll have fourteen wholly DIFFERENT pieces) and although that was the case here, 'Earthstrong' is a song which is slowly going back towards the 'center' for me. You'll forgive me for reading too much into it (a habit one develops after reviewing… twenty-five or so Midnite albums worth of music in about a year) but this is a song about getting older and more experienced in life and celebrated the "odyssey" and the "journey". The combination of Ziggi and Benjamin still holds a grand importance and interest for me as, once again, common sense struck this album and did it in a major way. 

9. 'Delete My Numba'

I was interested to see how 'Delete My Numba' might reach me these days as I hadn't heard it in a little while and when I first heard it, I just didn't think it was very good before I began to appreciate more and more of it. Now? While there is a spectacular class of songs on this album that I still can't put it near, 'Delete My Numba' Is a winner. What I really like about it is how relatable and realistic the tune is. It is a composition about falling out of love and how going through a bad relationship and the remnants of a bad relationship can just bring so much stress to every part of your life. And it isn't just this sad song dealing with gloom and things like that (although that is certainly part of the experience as well), instead you get the more familiar range of emotions such as frustration and downright mental exhaustion. I'm still working on this tune also and if we rewound it back in a few years, I wouldn't be shocked if I rated it even higher.

10. 'Jah Mercy' featuring Taranchyla & Earl 16

As I tend to do on songs that I really like (and I would hope was the intention of its creators), I've well taken 'Jah Mercy' and applied it to something which is more significant for me but in this case, I think it may've also been the full aim of this tune. To my ears, Ziggi and ZHP tapped Taranchyla and the incomparable Earl 16 to deliver a message on the power of forgiveness. I've done A LOT of stuff in my life that I've had to apologize for and I've been fortunate to have a whole heap of people (not all of them, but many of them) accept my apologies and I think that the thought here is that if THE ALMIGHTY has mercy which is "endless" for all of the things that we do, then who am I and who are you to not be able to forgive someone for what they have done. And it is acknowledged that this isn't only a state of thought or being, but a process ["educate and stimulate self-awareness"], but one worth undertaking. BOOM! 

11. 'Ras Got Love'

"When I see you inna di morning time -

Skin glistening under the sweet sunshine

In my memory you locked up inna my mind

Me and you together, spiritually intwined

When I see you inna di evening time -

Your body make physically inclined

Girl you're this African divine -

We got to combine"

In retrospect, 'Ras Got Love' stands as one of those rare love songs which has as one of its main attraction (and probably THE main attraction in this case) its lyrics. I don't see much of a way in which you couldn't call this tune one of the best written on "Therapeutic". On top of that (or behind that), is a glowing track which is perfect for the sound and though 'Got It Right Here' is as good as it is (and it is), 'Ras Got Love' is probably the single best tune of its kind on this album. 

12. 'Guide Ova' featuring Lutan Fyah

And speaking of "main attractions" ["This is a masquerade"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!], definitely my own personal spotlight was shone thoroughly in the direction of 'Guide Ova' which featured Ziggi Recado alongside the great Lutan Fyah [new album, "Get Rid A Di Wicked", in stores now] and the light didn't reveal its flaws, it revealed a nearly perfect tune. In terms of expectations, 'Guide Ova' was a microcosm for the entire album. There was no way that an album from Ziggi Recado for ZHP would flop. It was going to be great and the only question was how great ("very" was the answer). You don't link Lutan Fyah and Ziggi Recado and produce a dud of a tune and you didn't even have to actually listen to 'Guide Ova' to know that. 

13. 'Nah Know Bout U'

"Therapeutic” ends with the very stirring 'Nah Know Bout U' which still strikes me as this song that Ziggi either partially or entirely came up with 'on the spot'. It speaks highly to his talent (whether he did or made it sound like he did, in either case) that he eventually goes on to combine these thoughts under one and actually turn it into a full song. I should also speak on the music here because it, too, is somewhat impulsive and eventually ends up making for a small piece of magic at the tail of the album.

Perhaps all the common sense flowing around this album didn't quite make it to you and if that is the case - it's okay! You can start a wave of it on your own and pick up "Therapeutic" from Ziggi Recado and Zion High Productions immediately.

'Bright Spots': A review of The Jump For Joy Riddim

Erupt. Though it is something which, for great reasons, we generally deal with in regards to vocal artists, when you look at the life-spans of full labels it can be a tremendously interesting experience. Labels, just like artists, do definitely tend to 'come and go' quite frequently, but the ones that stick around in some way can also make for endlessly entertaining and thought provoking moments for fans as well. We're fortunate today to have a few labels who, even though they may not have been around for decades and decades have already made for such a bright contrast of what they used to be and what they currently are. We can look at someone like Don Corleon who went from producing tracks (albeit producing tracks as a bona fide GENIUS) as the leader of a then up and coming generation to being someone from whom the absolute heights are expected. To watch his growth has been so fascinating over the past decade and these days he exists as one of the finest maestros Reggae music has ever seen. In other examples perhaps the comparison or the turnaround isn't so great and, instead, what becomes most compelling is the blossoming that a label has shown. Of course, in this instance I have to mention the work of I Grade Records (which is a very good reference point for today). That label has evolved from being THE biggest from out of the Virgin Islands (even before anyone knew that's what they were -- and a position they surely still occupy) to being one which records extremely talented artists from all over the world (biggup Toussaint and The Nazarenes) and whose releases are grandly anticipated in any form. For me, that's a prototype of building and developing a brand in Reggae music and they did it the finest way in which it could be done: I Grade Records made great music for a really long time and then… everyone began to notice. Fortunately, IGR weren't the only ones to do that (and I could mention a line of European imprints who have done the same - the Irie Ites and IrieVibrations of the world, in particular) and maybe someone else is ready to take that next step as well. As far as labels from out of the Virgin Islands, though that initial explosion wasn't as great as it seemed to be for the virtual production warehouse of talented artists that we saw a decade or so ago, there were some solid names. Ones such as Mt. Nebo Records who dealt with so much of Bambú Station's early output, Ras Batch's Sound V.I.Zion Records who largely introduced us to Batch, Ras Attitude and Mada Nile and there were others as well such as Groundbreaking Records who managed to make a heavy impact in their respective times (and still are in some cases).

Another label who took a similar trod and did so almost exclusively with one name was Splatter House Records. Up until very recently (two or three days ago) (or whenever I finish this review), I've only known SHR as the label responsible for pushing the projects of Jahman. To my knowledge, Jahman has had four or five releases through the years and they've all been products of Splatter House. Jahman has just always seemed to have his own operation set for what he does and, obviously it's worked well for him.

"Diamonds & Pearls" [2012]

But maybe things could be just a bit… weller (- not a word), and the fruits can be shared which is what, apparently, was the plan for Jahman and Splatter House Records for 2014. The artist released his most recent album, "Diamonds & Pearls" just a couple of years back and instead of following it up in the way I'm sure most people presumed that he would, the latest SHR project goes in a different direction as the label delivers (at least to my knowledge), its very first compilation and riddim album for the golden Jump For Joy Riddim. Going back to the aforementioned I Grade Records, if you do follow their work, you've surely noticed that, along with the Zion I Kings, they're currently doing a Riddim Series (the next installment of which, the Junction Riddim from Lustre Kings Productions, is reportedly coming soon) of their own and it has been very impressive through just two sets thus far and I was damn happy to see SHR not only begin to branch out, in general, but to also take this actual step. And that was just on paper - digging a little deeper it also helped that they chose what turned out to be a big track and one which figures to be familiar to some attentive fans as it appeared in a major way on the aforementioned "Diamonds & Pearls" album (more on that in a second). Furthermore, on top of being a good idea and having a strong 'backbone' in a big riddim, the roster of vocalists involved with the Jump For Joy was absolute CANDY to my eyeballs. I saw names here which just struck me as being smart and although I don't have credits for this one, I got to thinking about just how much help SHR may've gotten in putting together such a release because, although it may be destined to fly beneath the proverbial radar (but I really hope not), this is a BIG project and one which should be respected mightily. I'm also hopeful that it isn't one of a kind and although it may not be the first of a full series, I would love to see the point where we look back at the history of Splatter House Records and see the JFJ as this moment where everything really began to fall in place for them and maybe even help to push future releases from Jahman to an even higher level. Until that point where we are afforded some retrospect, however, what we can right now is appreciate what is clearly one of the best riddim albums of the year. Let's talk about it!

It may not be (it won't be) the case for everyone who runs into this set, but when I first saw it, as I said, I was DAMN impressed by not only what I heard but also by who I saw present. The eclectic but extremely solid selection of artists sits amongst the most striking that I've seen on any track in 2014 and most of those names do at least very well on this track which is pulsing and intoxicating and makes for a fine selection, itself, to be featured on an album. Speaking of "very well", to my opinion things get no weller [WHAT?!] [AGAIN?!] [BOOM!] than on the opening tune on the Jump For Joy Riddim from Splatter House Records, the MAMMOTH 'Today' from Notch, who is apparently a favourite of Jahman's and, singing songs like this, he should probably be a favourite of mine as well. 'Today' is musical inspiration to its core. You'll find better written songs on this track (and that's not to say that this one isn't well written), but you won't find any which make you FEEL AS GOOD as veteran Notch does on what has to be the finest song that I've heard from him in… in an ever! An amazing way to start. Next up is the song which was likely the first time anyone got a taste of the JFJ Riddim, its title track, which featured prominently on the aforementioned "Diamonds & Pearls" album. This song linked Jahman alongside the great Sizzla Kalonji and it was a strong piece as well. The composition here was just about taking value in the things that have going for you in your life and attempting to shrink those things which bring negativity ["Don't get caught up in di hype, waan live a million dollar dream, when you really find out it's just a million dollar scheme"]. Lutan Fyah [new album, "Get Rid A Di Wicked", in stores now] also contributes here with the sterling 'Rasta Won't Fail'. 

“Nuttin no personal, when di Rasta check out

We are all one family - east, west, north and south

One blood - sun shine or cloud

It no matter skin colour

Jah Jah love is profound

Sometime mi feel, I'm on my own

But the Good Lord shout out 'YOU'RE NOT ALONE'

Just to find justice inna town, mi haffi draw fi mi steel and make a sound

"Rasta won't fail

I know my life is brave

Worst will be the same

Mi know seh di world can be a better place!"

"Selassie I seateth inna di secret places of my heart

Elevation - a new faculty of thought

See di world as it is

Nuttin no strange, a just so people live

No one is perfect - 

BUT IF YOU LIVE AND GOT WEALTH AND NO SHARE, IT MEAN WORTHLESS

You could be cursed to death -

Or di people ahgo treat you like mess"

From this track I really just took the concept of being capable of relying on something. Obviously, here the Fyah finds dependence in the absolute highest of sources, but I think that you can take it in smaller situations and apply even to being someone's 'rock' yourself. A lovely tune and one which comes well expected from Lutan Fyah. Fittingly, chasing Lutan Fyah here is Pressure Busspipe (new album, "The Sound", in stores now - best album of the first half of the year) as the two linked on what is one of the best songs that I've heard this year ('This Train', from "The Sound" album). Pressure continues a fine stretch of his own with a big offering here as well, 'When A Door Is Close'. This is a very clever and well-arranged praising piece and a lyrical near masterpiece as the St. Thomas doesn't particularly care if a door is closed in his face because he keeps company with The Locksmith. 

"When a door is closed, another opens wide

I'm grateful to have The King by my side

His name I glorify

Emperor Selassie I!

Race is not for the swift, a just di fit who survive

There's no one beneath the sun to take my pride

Conquering Lion in I

Emperor Selassie I!

RASTAFARI IS THE KING OF ALL KINGS AND A THIS WE WANT THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW

Blasphemers will do just that, but as far as I see they will sink down below

Look how much dem tell di poor man 'no'

As dem get di money dem ah tell mi is a goal

Give and take back and tell mi nuttin nah go so

LIFE ROUGHER THAN THE TIDES BUT MY BOAT STILL AH ROW

Nuff youth make it out di hard way

So di Rastaman give praises all day

Praises to di Incient always

So mi make di fyah blaze!"

BOOM! The downright majestic song would have fit well on "The Sound", which should tell you how strong it is if you have heard that amazing record (and you have) and, surely, it is a favourite from the Jump For Joy Riddim.

Ras Batch

Along with some of the more expected names to make an appearance, such as Lutan Fyah, Pressure and Jahman, of course, I was wholly delighted with some of the other names tapped by SHR to voice the JFJ. For example? Check 'Win' which comes from the previously mentioned and completely brilliant Ras Batch (easily one of my favourite artists, altogether, today). Although he's picked up the pace in recent times (biggup the Zion I Kings), new songs from Batch in between albums still aren't in abundance, so even the opportunity to hear from him is exciting and, because he never does, he doesn't disappoint on the JFJ with another mighty inspirational vibe with fantastic sonic appeal. Junyah P (formerly Junior P) tries to "bring back the culture" on 'How You Doing' - a WONDERFUL selection about… being nice to other people. 

"So how you doing?

How you feeling?

Hey, good morning

Good afternoon

Sometime a greeting can change your day

A little 'bless up' can change your vibes -

When you feeling down and out

Sometime a greeting can change your mood

A 'bless up' make you feel so good

Sometime you feel like you lost your way

Nuff time you need somebody to talk to

Express yourself, yes you need to vent 

Release your anger - before end up inna danger

Nuff ghetto youth need someone to tell dem that we love them

And we care for them"

A terrible, terrible thing it is that Junyah P felt the need to write a song like this, but 'How You Doing' is GOLDEN and I was very happy to see him with a new song as well. The venerable Junior Reid also shows up to Jump For Joy with a solid release, 'Can't Get Over Me'. Reid goes in a different route than most, but he does well with a more relationship oriented vibe. He is in a good form and when he is like this, I could listen to him sing all day long. Cruz Rock finds similar fortunes with the entertaining 'Love Ah Come Down'. Cruz Rock is someone who I probably have never listened to as much as I should and I give credit where it is due with this effort. Credit is also due in the direction of BVI native (biggup Jalena), Ritical, who is pouring out credit and thanks with the praising song, 'Thank You'. This is a fairly straight forward and easy track to my ears, but I did hear things on listens two and three that I didn't initially, so pay it a special attention because it may just be one of the best songs on this riddim altogether. And I should also mention the tune 'Smile' which comes via Maurice. Maurice is someone who doesn't seem to record nearly as much as he should and if you needed further evidence of that (and you didn't), definitely check 'Smile'. Perhaps still best known as the brother of arguably the most talented Dancehall DJ ever, Papa San, Maurice makes beautiful music of his own and 'Smile' is one of his best.

Going even further, there were five artists who appear on the Jump For Joy that really even took more of my attention, just on paper alone and, again, I was so pleased by the work of Splatter House Records to include them. A pair of them come near the tail of the album in the form of Army and Danny I. As I said, Ras Batch isn't someone who, historically, had made many appearances between albums and he hasn't. Army, on the other hand, has been full-on phantom-like, unfortunately. His most recent album, "Dredlocks Time", was a master class of modern Roots music and he keeps it going here with 'Long Long Road'. I saw this piece as something of a 'personal commentary' where Army seems to acknowledge that many people have made great strides but that all of us, collectively, still have a very long road ahead of us and much work to do. 'Long Long Road', as it usually is coming from Army, is an utter JOY to listen to as he melds perfectly to the JFJ Riddim. For his part, Danny I soars with 'Gathering Of Lion'.

"If you feel your burdens extra heavy and you can't bear it all

If the world feels like it can dissolve right in between your arms

If the battle makes you feel like you cannot when the war

I say hold onto your faith - it has gotten you this far"

The song is an amazing one and really helped to solidify something for me - Danny I has been making great music, without exception, for his entire career. He hasn't had any missteps. There weren't any questionable moments. He's been spectacular from his musical origins and he still is. Mada Nile is someone else who you would really like to be a bit more prolific and she also provides a spark to this track with the humbling 'Bending Knees'. Here, we find Mada Nile saying that no matter how smart you may think you are, eventually you'll have to pay for the wrongs of your life in one way or another. It was another female artist who probably got the biggest response from me in seeing her name, Reemah, who continues to spellbind with 'Be Free'. So many artists from the VI seem like they don't tend to be so active (as I've already mentioned here) and when I really began to take in Reemah's music I was so hopeful that she wasn't added to that list -- especially when it comes to women, I don't know if I can even remember the last new song that I've heard from the likes of Lady Passion, Empress Nyingro, Natty Empress and maybe even Dezarie -- because what I heard from her was a supreme level of talent, especially with the written word. She is amazing!

"What a world it will be when -

We give thanks to the birds and the trees and -

Everyone got plenty food there to eat

AND WE BURN THE THINGS THAT MAKE BLOOD RUN INNA DI STREETS

When consciousness increase

When we go stop jealous people for the least

When life is worth more to the human beings

When they start to care and now the cure get released

When none a dem ah step inna di pure white sheets

When I no see no faces on di cold concrete

Now, when children stop carry di AK piece

When di world no want di fighting over in the Middle East

In the test of time

Love will last forever and ever and ever and we-

Will cast our doubts aside and stand in love forever and ever and ever and we will be free

Watch di things that you do to get by

Oh my

Rob another, can you please tell me why?

CAN'T USE YOUR LIFE AS AN EXCUSE NOT TO TRY

CAH DI VERY THINGS YOU DO IS COMING BACK AND BESIDE 

It's up to us to fix the sufferation

And to those weh locked down inna di station -

Keep your head up

Got to stay strong

Know your days long

BUT NO GIVE UP CAH MI TELL YOU LOVE DI HEALING OF THE NATION, YEAH!"

Reemah

BOOM! DAMN! WHOA! And it is effortless! It comes off as if she just walks in the studio and starts talking and the song is what comes out of her mouth! It surely is too early but one of the biggest gifts which will be on my wish list for 2015 is definitely going to be a new album from Reemah. Finally, one of the finest and most surprising additions to the Jump For Joy Riddim is Revalation ["Flame on! Another life down the drain -gone!"] who is someone else who just doesn't seem to be very active (I don't know if I've heard FIVE songs from him following his debut album, "Serious Matters", which was six years ago now) so hearing him anywhere is a big deal for me. 'Bunch of Gold' is his effort for this track and it is another highlight ["dem caan play mi fi no X-Box nor Sony. Impossible to take man fi a ride cause me no pony. Jah Jah you're my shield. You're my guide and my glory. A you know mi bio, every inch of the story"]. I don't know what to expect from Revalation but his talent is huge and anything in the way of a boost of activity can only be a good thing. This is a prime demonstration of that. 

Overall, BOOM! There is so much to enjoy about this set and, again, I'm really eager to see the masses respond to it in such a way. For everyone who has loved the work of I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings, this should find a very healthy audience amongst that same crowd. The Jump For Joy Riddim, itself, is lovely. It does have a strong edge to it as well which helps to make for more than a few dazzling moments when it is placed in the hands of Pressure, Lutan Fyah and the likes. Of course, my one real critique is that the album is sans an instrumental but for what is here, as I said, it is one of the finest riddim albums of 2014. Maybe in a few years we will look back at the Jump For Joy Riddim as that moment when Splatter House Records began a big stretch of releases and became one of the biggest names in Virgin Islands Reggae music. Sublime from beginning to end [even the cover!]. 

Rated: 4.55/5

Splatter House Records

2014

Digital

Review #518

Coming Soon From Maximum Sound!

Biggup Frenchie and company at the always reliable Maximum Sound from out of the UK who is set to bring forth a pair of big releases early next month in the form of their new piece, the Jah Blessings Riddim as well as the 2014 edition of their signature eponymous compilation.

The Jah Blessings Riddim

We actually hear d a bit of the Jah Blessings Riddim maybe back from mid-May or so and it, now like then, sounds fantastic. As its name would suggest, it is a Roots piece but it does have some versatility and some flexibility to its sound. Perhaps that could be attributed to the well versatile Stephen 'Lenky' Marsden who apparently had something to do with this track (as he receives a credit on the instrumental which Maximum Sound is nice enough to include) (always a nice thing to do). While Lenky plied his monstrous talents behind the scenes, taking on the vocal duties is a very fine quintet of artists. Exco Levi, Christopher Martin, Ce'Cile and Loyal Flames all turn in stellar efforts with their tracks, respectively (and I always love when Ce'Cile does a tune which goes in a different direction than her norm and her selection here, 'War', is definitely such a tune). But to my opinion, from early listens, it is the golden vocals of Jah Cure on 'Save My Soul', which appears to lead the way. I have a very good feeling about this one still and I'm well looking forward to hearing the finished product.

"Maximum Sound 2014"

If you don't actually pick up the Jah Blessings Riddim (shame on you and your entire family) (… and everyone else who you know) (and less they get it themselves) (then not them), you could hear quite a bit of it, including 'Save Your Soul', on "Maximum Sound 2014". You can also have a listen to some of the label's other recent work and hear it placed in the hands of some giant vocal talents. Along with Jah Cure (and Christopher Martin and Loyal Flames), also appearing on "MS2014" are the likes of Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Luciano, the aforementioned Exco Levi, Mr. Vegas, Vybz Kartel, Romain Virgo & Konshens, Gappy Ranks and others still (like Masicka with a bit new tune, 'After Life'). Big compilations have been a staple from Maximum Sound for… a long time now and this latest set figures to continue the trend.

Take a closer look soon as both the Jah Blessings Riddim and "Maximum Sound 2014, from Maximum Sound are set to arrive on etailers on July 7th.