'Still Climbing': A review of "Love Situation" by Tarrus Riley

The peak. We often speak about just how wonderful it is when a particular artist or even a producer or label has entered a certain stretch in their respective career where their output rises above what they were previously doing. In some cases it rises even above a level of potential quality and they begin to make music which not even their most passionate of supporters thought them capable of. But these are stretches and, in many of those cases, if you suddenly see a revert back to previous levels, it doesn't come as the largest shock in the world. In others still, however, the stretch of good work isn't actually a streak of any kind at all and it is, instead, a significant rise to prominence and a revelation of talent which will see that individual assume and remain in one of the highest positions that the music has to offer for a considerable amount of time. And currently, as we look at music today, we can definitely say that few artists, if any at all (none), occupy as high of a standing in Roots Reggae than does Tarrus Riley. 'Streaks' do not last for the seven or eight years during which Riley has become an absolute pillar in the music and they surely do not last for the decade mark which he will soon reach without seeing the slightest bit of diminishment of either skill or popularity. He's just shown himself to be exceptional at making music and has well solidified his place in recent times. So after experiencing such a rise and generating such a level of reverence amongst fans (and if you really think about it, Tarrus Riley is rare because popularity is something which almost inherently births polarity in music -- you don't get very popular without making a lot of people love you AND hate you on the way up -- but he hasn't received such a grand amount of hatred amongst fans to my experience) what do you do next? You can continue on doing what you were doing. Riley, who I believe is just thirty-four years old, could likely spend the next fifteen years or so enjoying the prime years of making his style of music and if he were content to do that, people like you and I not only would not complain, but we'd celebrate it. But, he's shown himself to have more of an adventurous spirit in recent years and, even when he ventures outside of what made us love his music - he is able to find LOVE in different ways.

On his most recent album release, 2012's MAMMOTH "Mecoustic", Tarrus Riley streamlined a whole heap of his biggest tunes and produced an album which becomes more and more dazzling each and every time I hear it (an album which is well on its way to being one of the most sonically amazing that the genre has ever produced, in my opinion). It, obviously, was a step in a different direction and, though we have seen such releases in the past and will undoubtedly see more in the future, "Mecoustic" was quite strange coming someone at the stage of his career as Riley was. Presumably there was a greater market for a new studio album and instead of doing that project he focused on something which was clearly very personal and important to him and he produced a winner. So when Riley follows his heart musically - things tend to turn out very well.

"Mecoustic" [2012]

Now in 2014 and a shockingly long half decade from his most recent studio album, "Contagious" (which is a modern classic waiting to be written) (I've actually tried to do it in the past, but that album is a very unusual one to write for, for some reason), Tarrus Riley once again follows his heart and does so literally with his brand new album, "Love Situation". The album (coincidentally, like both of the two most recent albums that we've written about) is a tribute to an older era of the music and unlike Ward 21 and Mr. Williamz ("Still Disturbed" and "Set The Standard", in stores now) who both dealt with the Dancehall, "Love Situation" is Riley's tribute to the Rocksteady era: He's made a big love album. The twists and turns here, behind the scenes, are nearly as interesting as what you'll actually hear on the record. Thankfully something which had neither twisted nor turned is the presence of Riley's longtime musical maestro, Dean Fraser, who leads the musical direction for the album. Also present is the work of the venerable Shane Brown from Juke Boxx Productions. Brown, along with Fraser, manages Riley to my knowledge from last year and his presence is very welcomed on a Tarrus Riley project. It is also well worth mentioning that 2012 also birthed a similar album from the ridiculous Busy Signal (and I mean that in the best possible way, Busy Signal is a monster), "Reggae Music Again", which was the best album that we heard that year and was co-masterminded by… someone named Shane Brown. Also present (if you needed more) (and you did) are the wonderful and magical people of Zojak World Wide and the physical disc of "Love Situation" may or may  mark the very first time that the leading digital colossus has lent its name to a physical release, which is significant [even if it isn't the first time that has happened]. Also noteworthy is a particular absence. VP Records did not deal with the "Mecoustic" album and the label, who either released or re-released all of Riley's first three albums, is nowhere to be found on "Love Situation" as well - not even in its hyper-active VPAL form. What you will find, on the other hand, is another brilliant chapter in a career which has seen some serious progression in recent times. Riley, in my opinion, now occupies the same spot that Capleton did more than a decade ago as far as albums. Though you'll find others today that are more well known in the 'commercial' or 'mainstream' senses, just as were the likes of Beenie Man and others in Capleton's prime, Riley's albums may not be mainstream, but they are MAIN EVENT and despite what is turning out to be a Reggae album loaded first quarter of 2014, THIS is the one you want to focus on. Let me tell you why. 

…because it's just better than the other ones. While the circumstances surrounding the musical directions and background of this album definitely did intrigued me, what stood out even more and the main thing that I saw was 'NEW TARRUS RILEY ALBUM'. And that was far more than enough to get me excited and, of course, the album, like any other with that distinction, did not disappoint, and could not even if it tried to. An Bluesy intro/title track sets the tone for the album which follows. Historically, almost anytime someone puts any effort into making these things good -- they are -- and the one heading "Love Situation" is no different. The delightful and derivative '1 2 3, I Love You' comes in with a sweet vibe and it, even more so than the opener, really gets things set in the ultimate direction of the album. The tune is a remake of an older one, originated by The Gaylads and Riley more than pays a proper homage on his version. 'Lost For Words [Speechless]' is a similar situation, but it is a significantly better song and if you want to say that it is the finest piece of work on the whole of "Love Situation", you wouldn't get an argument from me. Riley has made some significant love songs prior to this album (a fact which makes its existence even more captivating) and to my opinion, 'Lost For Words' is well on the level of most of them. It's excellent and a future hit if given the opportunity. Following a brief skit, the first of three on the album, we also get the very nice 'Burning Desire' which holds the distinction of being my Wife's favourite song on the album and it doesn't require the greatest of explanations (… even though you know I'm going to explain it anyway).

"I'm waking up to your love

You fill me up

You give me vibes and I build you up

I sip a cup, eyes open up

And I've got the strength so I can face the world baby

See your touch - I need it much

Something extra special to pick me up

If loving you was wrong, better dem lock me up

Cause I can't do without my baby"

"The way you smell, it turns me on

It's like my favourite perfume you're wearing hon

You know just what to do to keep my calm

I can't do without you baby

Feeling for you - I need a hit

Like gravity, I'm pulling you towards my lips

I FEEL LIKE A START EVERY TIME WE KISS

I can't do without you baby"

The song is a BURNER of a composition and is straightforward love song mastery from Riley. It has this incredibly 'intensely cool' vibe to it which, alone, makes it a stand out and, outside of picking who she spends her time with, my Wife has excellent taste. 

Dean Fraser, Shane Brown and Tarrus Riley tap a very colourful group who come in to join things on "Love Situation" and although some of them weren't the names you'd expect on such a set, just about all of them and all of the songs turn out quite well. Fraser himself actually lends a direct hand on 'Cry No More'. This tune required some WORK from me because the first time that I heard it, I didn't particularly like it too much - I though it unexceptional, decent but unexceptional. A few spins through, however, and it's something much better than merely decent and one of the most joyful displays on the album. The tune just ahead of 'Cry No More', 'Five Days', most certainly is exceptional, on the other hand. This piece actually features veteran Big Youth and Hip-Hopper, Mr. Cheeks. You may recall the latter as once (and likely still) a very close friend and semi-oft collaborator with the Marley brothers and I was fairly shocked to see his name on this album, but he does well (and he generally does). The tune does have slight R&B-ish overtones to it, especially with the heavy background vocals at the chorus and it works with a very nice and open sound. The MASSIVE 'Special Occasion' places Riley alongside the always interesting Whippa Demus. This thing just made me smile! I love how free and flowing it comes through and the chorus may just be the best on the entire record ["I'm coming home tonight baby. Got to make it right with my lady"]. The legendary U Roy lends a hand on the final full selection on "Love Situation", 'Sail Away [Stepping Out]', which is very, very good and even Konshens shows up on the second of a pair of remixes on the album - 'To The Limit'. The original version of the song was somewhat colourful and diverse, so I was curious to see what they did with the remix and I kind of enjoy it more than the initial track. It's very fun and bouncing and, once again, is just a nice and free vibes. The album also gives us a remix of the mountainous 'One Drop'. This tune had no chance by comparison to its original (because it was perfect in every way), but it is a very nice selection and one which took me forever to listen to because I was constantly chasing it with the original. As far as combinations go, the obvious one which you would have expected to hear on "Love Situation" is with Tarrus' father, Jimmy Riley and I was well surprised not to see him here physically, but he does manage to make a major contribution to his son's new album. 

'Version of Love [My Story]' is one of the genuine highlights on this album and it was actually penned by the elder Riley. 

"There is many a story about love that's been told

But none hold the heartache that my story holds

It's filled with excitement from beginning to end

And every time I think about it, got to say it again

Somebody ought to write about it

I can't sleep at night without it

For me there's no doubt about it

I can sleep at night without it

If someone could write a feeling of the heartache and the pain -

The long days and lonely nights I've spent in vein

Of the few happy moments of my life she gave

And the way that she loved me, just to make me her slave

Somebody to ought to write about it

can't sleep at night without it

For me there's no doubt about it

I can't sleep at night without it"

This song is the second of a pair of later efforts here which really just intensify things on the actual love side of the album - meaning that if you've had a bad relationship or two in the past and you've done a lot of stupid things to a lot of good people, this is probably the portion of the album that makes you cry like a child [don't ask me how I know that] [… just don't]. It is an intoxicating piece and, as I said, it's the second song in succession here where things really get personal. The first half of that line, 'Thank You', is my favourite song on the album by the smallest of margins (there're about five songs here which are probably in that discussion in my opinion). This song is one which is absolutely humbling and as someone who has A LOT of thanks to give continuously and won't live to be the four-hundred or so years old that it would take to give them all, this song did so much for me and has already become one of my favourite songs from Tarrus Riley. Earlier on is another very nice pair of songs in 'Dem a Watch [Wanna See Us Break Up]' and 'Cum Get Your Ish'. They both focus more on the sour side of relationships and while the former required a little more time to grab my affections, the latter is nearly golden. And be sure to check the final track on the album, 'Food For Thought', which is just various individuals speaking openly and sagaciously on some of the themes this album is based on. 

I do want to say something in regards to the prevailing "theme" and premise of this album. I definitely read press releases and knew what to expect here and how large of a part it was in the foundation of "Love Situation". With that being said, however, my interest in that, specifically, kind of begin to bleed away after I really got into the music here. The same couldn't be said of the "Mecoustic" because you were dealing with new versions of songs with which you were already very familiar, but it is reminiscent of another album which was "Black Gold" from Toussaint. In that case the big aspect which was promoted was about how the artist was making music from a new genre, 'Soul Roots'. It was excellent but, a few years on, that particular facet of the album has become one of the least interesting features of it. I suspect that may be the case half a decade from now when we look back at "Love Situation" and it doesn't stand as this musical tribute and journey back in time and, instead, is just another fantastic album from Tarrus Riley.  

Tarrus Riley

Overall, I don't know if I've said this but "Love Situation" is just another fantastic album from Tarrus Riley. Something here which may not stand out and may not be given credit because of the unifying theme here really surprised me and that is just how varied this album is. Surprisingly, I'd say that "Love Situation" may even be one of Riley's most diverse albums to date and I think that part of that comes from the tone of the album. I go through releases all of the time and I look for certain moods and when I don't find them, I miss them, but that didn't happen here. This isn't an angry album, but it is a very subtly intense one and I think that speaks ultimately to just how important it was to everyone involved. So, while the back-story of "Love Situation" is as interesting as any we've seen in some time, the main occurrence here is that the album is another sterling jewel in the crown of a bonafide Reggae superstar named Tarrus Riley. EXCELLENT.

Rated: 4.70/5

FIVEHUNDREDDIFFERENTLABELS

2014

CD + Digital

Review #491

'A Blastback': A review of "Set The Standard" by Mr. Williamz

Dynamite. Frustratingly, there exists no formula that I know of, which is capable of predicting something as rare and unusual as musical styles. You can listen to a particular artist and listen to them describe his/her influences and how and where they grew up and when you actually take in what it is that they do - it sounds absolutely nothing like you'd imagine give their specific background. Other times, it's spot-on and what they bring is precisely what you'd expect and, again, it has no predictor at all. Reggae music is a prime example of this as you can be fully shocked by who you're likely to musically encounter making music in the genre and to the degree that it has become not only their livelihood, but a large portion of their entire life as well. That'll stand up as accurate for the literally countless record labels you'll run into from everywhere making different styles of Reggae music and, eventually, it leads you to the vocalists and a never-ending and uncountable amount of diverse styles. From a delightful and diminutive young German woman who looks like a university student but sings Reggae music like an angel to a musical descendant of the legendary Bounty Killer who just… deconstructs and constructs the spoken word at a pace which has never been heard before, we definitely get to experience a wide array of very impressive styles which remain somewhat odd, but have fully incorporated themselves, in one way or another, into the landscape of the music. Also, we can sit and look forward to how possibly might artists of tomorrow who are inspired by the likes of a Sara Lugo or an Aidonia, bring that sound into their own work. And today we take a look at someone else who has managed to quite a bit of blending on his own and come up with a style which is so familiar and so 'comfortable', that it has actually made him one of a kind. Mr. Williamz has an approach which isn't anything that we haven't heard before. As a matter of fact, we've heard it often and can hear it whenever we want. The issue with him, however, is that what he does is somewhat of a 'lost art'. The DJ who grew between the UK and Jamaica has a method which is full on old school Dancehall music -- not updated or with a modern texture -- it is of a time long gone, but apparently someone forgot to tell Mr. Williamz that and now, thankfully, it's just too damn late. 

Originally it wasn't a connection that I actually made because of who Mr. Williamz spent his time with, musically. From the first time I heard him he was always associated with the venerable Curtis Lynch Jr. and company at Necessary Mayhem from out of the UK. While they do quite a bit of different things, NM is one of those labels (much like Germaica who we dealt with not too long ago) (big album, "Still Disturbed" by Ward 21, in stores now) who focuses on making authentic and old school centric Dancehall music which melded perfectly with Mr. Williamz who, regardless of who he's working with, brings forth this very fresh presentation from a quarter of a century ago or so. Mr. Williamz is a throwback and he isn't a "throwback" in the tired and just awful way that term is usually applied - but if there were a person who made Dancehall music and were named 'Throwback' - he'd be Mr. Williamz. So, as you might imagine (and as you should know) Williamz and Lynch have made for a devastating pair over the past few years.

Now, after countless singles and more than one EP release , Mr. Williamz takes the obvious next step and deliver, along with Necessary Mayhem, his looooooooooong awaited debut album, "Set The Standard". I have probably been waiting on this album for the better part of half a decade or so. In terms of the outward reaching sense, Williamz rose to prominence at a similar time as another outstanding UK product, Gappy Ranks, who now has three full albums to his credit and while Mr. Williamz definitely didn't take a break (or at least one that I knew of), it just seemed as if the eventual album was always a matter of 'coming soon' (more on that later). But we have been patiently awaiting the set and the wait is over. Necessary Mayhem, as well, have been doing big things consistently and they've remained quite active and more popular these days than they were a few years back. And though the label has worked alongside some of the biggest names in Reggae music today, such as Etana, Busy Signal, Ziggi Recado, Tarrus Riley as well as legends like Gregory Isaacs, Shabba Ranks and Maxi Priest, I think it says a great deal when you consider that, at least to my knowledge, outside of a remix project featuring the late Isaacs, "Set The Standard", sets the standard for full album releases for Necessary Mayhem. Mr. Williamz' very first tune was with the label (and is on this album) and though he has developed his prodigious talents with a variety of different producers, it seemed to always be with Lynch that he reached his full potential. Also, as we've been discussing recently, there has been a tremendous dearth of high level and high quality Dancehall albums over the last few years and, Williamz joins an increasingly impressive lot which also includes Sean Paul, Wayne Marshall and the aforementioned Ward 21 as big names from the Dancehall who strike with albums in early 2014 [THANK YOU!] (and I think that it says so much when the number of big named Dancehall stars with albums in a given year is doubled and tripled, EASILY, by Soca artists with albums of a similar level, which has been the case in recent years). For his part, we fully know what to expect from Mr. Williamz - a fireball of an old school Dancehall album. Let's take a closer look. 

If you haven't listened to much of Necessary Mayhem's output over the years (shame on you!), what they do often is to remake classic old tracks and present them to current artists so, this album should be full of very familiar sounds to more frequent listeners of the genre and that is something, as I said, which blends perfectly with this particular artist. "Set The Standard" begins with its title track, which I was familiar with and is a very nice and BRIGHT tune which does well set the standard for what is to follow. Mr. Williamz has this very easy going type of style somewhat reminiscent of the great Super Cat and for fans who come from that era, and even some who come after, this tune which makes its foundation on being ORIGINAL, is golden as Williamz keeps the listener paying a big attention with his blistering lyrical display. 

"And nuff will seh dem real -

Dem a real cartoon

Yuh listen to dem song, dem sound like a baboon

It sound like dem record it in a bathroom

Unuh watch it now wi send dem back to di class-" 

'Middle East' is a very fun track which I just recently heard for the first time prior to this album. As its title suggests, the tune has a kind of Arabian spin on the riddim and it also has a bit of a bite to it as well. I won't ruin its ultimate direction for you, but it is a very fun song and one of the most sonically pleasing on the whole of the album. There's also 'Touch Down', near the head of "Set The Standard" which isn't my favourite tune on the album, but I have to admit that it picks up steam as it progresses so give it a few spins before passing a final judgment and the premise of the song is also very, very clever. 

If you've followed the work of Mr. Williamz, you're going to see more than a few selections here which you already know and know very well. That is surely the case with two of the bigger ones in 'Babylon In Helicopter' and 'No Cigarette'. The former is actually Williamz' first tune and was featured on Necessary Mayhem's cut of the Police In Helicopter Riddim and was a very big hit for the artist, while the latter is an even stronger tune in my opinion across the Joker Smoker Riddim. These two efforts have gone on to become signature tracks for Mr. Williamz and I don't know that he could have had a first album sans them - regardless who produced it. Still, to my opinion, reigning supreme in the whole of his catalog and on this album (DUH!) is the MAMMOTH 'Real General' from a few years back. I don't tink that it was ultimately as popular as the two previously mentioned songs, but for me it was quintessential Mr. Williamz and if I had to recommend just a one song to anyone wanting to listen to his music, it would easily be 'Real General'. 

'Mi just seh 'easy Mr. Will, Jah know seh yuh skilled

Yuh style and yuh pattern value more than a mil

More than a trill, more than a triple zill

A ganja mi smoke and mi nah tek no pill

NO DANCE CAN NICE UNLESS WI DEH PON DI BILL"

An extremely fun and brilliantly chaotic set which has no equal on this album. And I don't know it for sure, but it comes through as the type of song which had a spontaneous birth and it didn't require too much planning and was very organic (and you can probably say that about most of Williamz' music, actually). In either case, it worked! You may also recognize 'Tommy Ranks' which was the title track of one of the several pre-album EP's that Necessary Mayhem did with Mr. Williamz (and a big credit to whoever sings the background and chorus on that tune because she did a great job). There's the solid 'Ganja Man, Ganja Woman' which features Williamz alongside Killa Mosquito which is a tune which took awhile to grow on me -- that riddim on this song is HYPNOTIC and I probably listened to it a few times before I even began to hear the vocals. 'Shell Down' was another familiar one, this piece alongside Specialist Moss. Again, it is another very easy and free-flowing track and one of the biggest highlights here for me. And also check 'London', which I'm pretty sure is a song that I know, but I couldn't tell you from where I know it (AT ALL), as well as the album's closer, 'It Haffi Bun' with Benny Page. Both are two of a the more colourful selections on "Set The Standard" and because of that, there collective presence was welcomed. 

"Tommy Ranks" EP [2011]

New to my ears, on the other hand, was a quartet of songs which I was really looking forward to hearing. The first of them is the heavy 'Miss Brown', which I think is an older composition that I just did not hear. It is a very clever lyrical display from Mr. Williamz and just a really exciting tune. And speaking of clever lyrical displays, 'Shout It Out' is GORGEOUS and was another which I'd never heard. From that particular aspect, 'Shout It Out' is the best song on the album. It is just a flood of lyrics as Mr. Williamz goes Papa San all over "Set The Standard". 'Run The World' is also very impressive on that level, as Williamz gives a proper credit to the art form he performs. 

"Cause even before the moment yuh birth -

Yuh heartbeat ah pump, that's how yah life work

It come in like a drums at the Reggae concert

Yuh stand up gainst the speaker, you fill it ah jerk

And that is when you know what life is worth

Who caan tek it haffi get up and splurt

Serious thing, I waan yuh listen to my words:

Dem ah fight gainst the music, but that nah go work"

BOOM! Probably my second favourite song on this album, 'Run The World' is a giant song. And lastly is 'Ganja Palace'. When I first heard this song, its intro period full on scared me - I was nervous! But it develops nicely as Williamz tells all just how hugely important the herb is in his life ["Sight mi wid a spliff, you know it bigger than a chisel. Wi no fear siren, nor policeman whistle. Real ganja dada from di day when wi christen"].

Mr. Williamz

Overall, the only real critique I have of this album is how it was compiled. As I said, we've well been waiting on this one for awhile and it had gotten to the point where I didn't know if it was taking so long because they were making entirely or primarily new songs - but when I saw the tracklist, I was surprised that it took so long with so much material that was previously known (and you may even know more of the songs than I do). However, I now look at it as a kind of a 'catch up' to what Mr. Williamz and Necessary Mayhem have been working on up until this point and, in that respect (or in any other actually), "Set The Standard" is very good. It even really gave me more of an appreciation of his work and his style. Williamz is patient. He never really seems to hurry about his work and, as I alluded to, it channels through in this very easy and laidback type of sound which even further displays this kind of old school approach. And speaking of things of old, I have to mention this album's cover which is straight out of the 1980's and was a brilliant touch by whoever decided on it. From beginning to end "Set The Standard" is an excellent and very FUN look at the music of someone in Mr. Williamz who, seemingly without even trying too hard, continues to set himself apart from the rest.

Rated: 4/5

Necessary Mayhem Records

2014

Digital

Review #490

What I'm Listening To: February

"One Love, One Heart, Oneness" [Oneness Records - 2014]

First up this week is a compilation from a label who hopefully is set to return with a very active 2014, Achis Reggae favourite, Oneness Records. We last heard from Oneness just a few months back with the release of "Not The Same", a very solid EP from Denham Smith and for their next step, they're cracking open their own vault and rolling out "One Love, One Heart, Oneness" which is, essentially, something of a greatest hits set (although it doesn't really have that type of a feel to it, I would guess that the wonderful people at Oneness, instead, basically came together and put together some of their own personal favourites) from the label's work thus far. The release features, along with some of Oneness' fantastic riddims, some seriously big names as, along with the aforementioned Denham Smith, you'll get tunes from the likes of Buju Banton, Luciano, Junior Kelly, Sizzla Kalonji, Jah Mason, Ziggi Recado, Queen Omega, Alborosie, Jah Mason AND the incomparable Mark Wonder, Prince Malachi, Naptali, Skarra Mucci, the big voiced Raymond Wright and, of course, a monstrous combination featuring Kabaka Pyramid and someone named… Sara Lugo, or something like that [WHAT!] [BOOM!]. A very nice idea in my opinion and hopefully we get to see a Vol. 2 at some point and, even more hopefully, we hear a great deal from Oneness Records in the new year. Don't miss this one. 

Digital

"Return To Rockfort Rock Riddim 2014" [StruttinBeats Records/Soundtank Crew - 2014]

Next up we have a very interesting release from a pair of labels from out of Austria that I don't think I've ever heard of, StruttinBeats and the Soundtank Crew who team up on another revitalization of the Rockfort Rock Riddim. Big respect goes to both labels in this case, because of the names they pull to voice the track is what really grabbed my attention. It is just a solid group of individuals throughout and is highlighted by the likes of Perfect Giddimani, Anthony B (big tune, 'Bun Babylon'), Ras Attitude, Deadly Hunta, Spectacular and a few others. Veteran Grindsman also makes an appearance as does a name to keep an eye on in the future, Miss Str8.

Digital

"Big City" [Forever Music - 2014]

Also putting together a more than respectable roster of vocal talents is Forever Music who is definitely catching more than my attention this week with their EXCELLENT Big City Riddim. Lutan Fyah, Cherine Anderson, Bugle, Teflon, Anthony Red Rose and Bunny Brown all tune in to the Big City (and just about all of them do very well), but you absolutely HAVE TO hear 'Awake' by Perfect Giddimani which, although the chanter has been on a career-best stretch of output over the course of the past couple of years or so in my opinion, still rates as one of his best in recent times and apparently Forever agrees as they also include an 'African Mix' of  the song as well. Definitely worth checking and LOVE the cover. 

Digital

The Caribbean Groove Riddim [Troyton Music - 2014]

Check the Caribbean Groove Riddim from Troyton Music which jumped up late last year and has just recently made its way to official release. This track is VERY simple and straight-forward, but it is so in a very nice way as the title would suggest. The biggest winner here was Bugle whose 'Caribbean People' is a golden selection, but also worth many spins are offerings from Gappy Ranks, I-Octane, Demarco, Clay and a combination featuring continuously roaming R&B head, Jimmy Cozier, alongside Sean Paul. Very nice. 

Digital

"Mecoustic" by Tarrus Riley [Soulbeats Records - 2012]

And finally I've rediscovered the magic from one of the best albums of 2012, Tarrus Riley's "Mecoustic". Of course this was brought on by my inability to keep listening to the same clips in anticipation of his next piece, "Love Situation" (in stores in a couple of days). This project was one which featured some of Riley's biggest and most well known tunes in an acoustic/streamlined version and it breathed so much new life into already immortal moments. Now, a couple of years on, I'm even more able to appreciate just how WONDERFUL "Mecoustic" was and although similar things have happened, in songs and even in albums, I don't EVER remember it sounding this good. TEARS!

CD + Digital

Coming Soon #74: Loving It!

"Love Situation" by Tarrus Riley

BIG, BIG, BIG things are at the head this week as Reggae superstar, Tarrus Riley is set to return with his brand new and fifth (and a half) studio album to date, the throwback saturated "Love Situation". Perhaps somewhat similar to the unforgettable display put on by Busy Signal a couple of years back, on the magical "Reggae Music Again", Riley also turns back the hands of time to produce what many are already hailing as a classic ahead of its release date. Unsurprisingly, on board this time, as always, is the venerable Dean Fraser, as well as the same Shane Brown who produced Busy's aforementioned opus as well as a hundred different labels, including the wonderful people at Zojak Worldwide. It doesn't particularly matter who is the offering early this year, this is THE big Reggae album of the year thus far and you can surely expect a full review in a few days.

Releases on February 4

CD + Digital

"Set The Standard" by Mr. Williamz [Necessary Mayhem]

Also turning back time, and doing it on the same day and with an album we've been waiting on for a loooooooong time is UK firebrand, Mr. Williamz who FINALLY is set to deliver his debut album, "Set The Standard" for Necessary Mayhem. Everything about this album, from its sound, straight to its cover is old school Dancehall which has been something which has definitely made Williamz unique and, because of that, I'm expecting something special from the DJ. NM has been responsible for many of Williamz' biggest moments to date (some appear on this album) and that only adds fuel to my anticipation for what should be an excellent display of skill and an intoxicatingly authentic Dancehall release. 

Releases on February 4

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Welcome To My World" by Terry Linen [VP Records]

Veteran vocalist Terry Linen is also back at work with the forthcoming release of a brand new album (which I think is his third), "Welcome To My World". The album not only finds the singer re-linking with VP Records who did his self-titled debut set more than a dozen years back, but he does so with the wonderful Joe Fraser Records in production. As is his penchant, Linen returns with an album which features at least one cover, 'Bam Bam', and a full exhibition of one of the better voices in Reggae music over the past couple of decades or so. Kiprich guests.

Releases on February 11

CD + Digital

"Live No Evil" by Sister Carol [Black Cinderella Music]

The well esteemed Sister Carol also has a new project in the offering which is his first since… her last one, "Live No Evil". Sister Carol is one of those people who it is simply impossible to underrate. She quietly has such a passionate and loyal fan base as many of her fans, in 2014, have literally grown up listening to her works so I'm expecting this album to be quite popular. And if you haven't been someone who has appreciated Sister Carol through the years, what I usually say about her is that she's one of the people who has based her successes on her COMMON SENSE. Her music is very uplifting and educational and, again, this should be a really solid release. Pick up "Live No Evil" and see for yourself. 

Releases on February 4

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"On Covers" by Ed Robinson [Push Broom Productions]

And because there is no limit on how many veterans we can have in a single post, also be sure to check "On Covers", the new album from singer, Ed Robinson. We last heard from Robinson just a couple of years back on the well received "Written In Stone" (that album seems like it a lot older than 2012), so I was somewhat surprised to see him back already so early in this new year. Of course that doesn't mean that I'm complaining and I'm sure he'll put a shine on some of these remakes which're brighter than their originators. 

Releases on February 11

CD + Digital

The Cane River Riddim [DJ Frass Records]

Frass and company continue their winning ways with their latest composition, the wonderfully titled Cane River Riddim. Even better than the title is the actual track which seems to come in with a slight R&B/Jazz tinge radiating throughout this lovely creation. Better still, perhaps, is the roster of vocalists brought together to voice the Cane River. It is an Alaine type of set of the songbird ["when I hear the songbirds I think of you"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!] gives the Cane River arguably its biggest moment with her 'So In Love'. Also appearing are the likes of Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Kabaka Pyramid, J-Boog, a heavy combination featuring I-Octane and Gentleman and others. An amazing lineup and fitting for such a track. Don't miss this one. 

Releases on February 18

Digital

The Black Woman Riddim [International Highpower Records]

I was certain that we had already dealt with the Black Woman Riddim from International Highpower, but… Bredz told me we didn't and I'm entirely too lazy to look it up for myself so here we go. Here we have another EXCELLENT piece with a highly impressive collection of artists making for, hopefully, what may go on to be one of the better riddim albums of 2014 with this kind of talent (like the one I just mentioned). Appearing here is a stellar group of VI artists, in particular, including Pressure Busspipe, Ras Attitude [twice] and Mada Nile, as well as the likes of Menny More, Fyakin (whose 'Caan Stop We', is sublime) and Perfect Giddimani (who also has a new album coming early this new year). 

Releases on February 4

Digital

The Stag Riddim [Fox Fuse]

Biggup the people at Fox Fuse who is constantly putting their hands to good use as, early this year following dealing with Norris Man's solid latest piece, "Mystical Journey", in December, they're back at work. They do a great deal with Soca music and here we have the official release of the Stag Riddim from 1st Klase Records. I believe this track goes back a couple of years because I definitely recognized 'Touchless' and 'Bring It To Meh' from Bunji Garlin and Kes, respectively and the always welcomed Fyah Empress and Super Jigga TC also have tunes here. 

HOWEVER, Fox Fuse and 1st Klase have also a sequel to the Stag (called… the Stag Riddim Part 2!!!) and it features five tunes completely new to my ears. Garlin also voices the sequel and is joined by Lyrikal, Swappi and others. 

Releases on February 11 [BOTH]

Digital

'For Jah Children' by Jahdan Blakkamoore & Kabaka Pyramid [Lustre Kings Productions]

Something I'm really looking forward to is in next as 'For The Children' is a tune not only marking a forthcoming big year from a pair of vocalists, but for a label as well. The tune which features almost TOO MUCH talent in linking Jahdan Blakkamoore with Kabaka Pyramid comes via the US based Lustre Kings Productions, the 'Kings' in the always active Zion I Kings, who haven't been terribly active lately to my knowledge and with big years already planned for their partners in I Grade Records (potential albums from Midnite, Pressure and Lutan Fyah) [WHAT!] and Zion High Productions (the Jah Warriah Riddim and maybe an album Ziggi Recado [DAMN!], hopefully LKP can join in fully as well. 'For The Children' is certainly a big start and the release for the new single features a dubbed out version of it as well as a remix.

Releases on February 18

Digital

The 10 Speed Riddim [Breadback Productions]

Now we're taking a ride with Breadback Productions who wants you to check out their latest track, the 10 Speed Riddim. This one is very interesting because if you just listen to the actual riddim (and Breadback is nice enough to include a clean version of it), it's fantastic. It's a KNOCKING piece of modern Dancehall which definitely caught my attention when I first heard it and it's now set for its official release. As is the case with almost everything Breadback does, the 10 Speed features a tune from Sizzla Kalonji, but something which well got my attention was a song I'd never heard, 'Paring P', from the woefully overlooked UT Ras. Veterans Terry Ganzie, Louie Culture and Delly Ranx also have selections on the 10 Speed.

Releases on February 11

Digital

The Kingston Bridge Riddim [Cashflow Records]

And finally (this was very, VERY easy to write today) check out the full release of the colourful and heavy Kingston Bridge Riddim from Cashflow Records which jumped up in the second half of 2013. While the group of names voicing this one may not be as immediately impressive as a couple of the other tracks we featured here today, the Kingston Bridge Riddim is MAMMOTH and they have put together a very nice group of their own as well. The first tune here which came to prominence, to my knowledge, was 'Nuh Joke' from Laden which was aimed at Khago (so much so that whoever put together the digital version of the Kingston Bridge was sure to include 'Khago Dis' in the tail of the song's title) in the midst of that madness between the two, but Laden isn't standing alone and is joined by Kiprich & Alozade, New Kidz, Erup and even Sizzla Kalonji. But the biggest winner here is the track which is an ANGRY joy to listen to. 

Releases on February 11

Digital

The Jah Warriah Riddim

The Jah Warriah Riddim [Zion High Productions]

1. 'Beat Dem' by Lutan Fyah

2. 'Cycles of Life' featuring Pressure Busspipe by Jahdan Blakkamoore

3. 'Not From Me' by Lloyd Brown

4. 'This World Happened' by Midnite

5. 'Many More' by Ziggi Recado

6. 'Lie From Truth' by Ras Batch

7. 'Touch Not the Lord's Anointed' by Glen Washington

8. 'How U Ago' by Jah Mali

9. 'Igh Shield' by Arkaingelle

10. 'I Am Blessed' by Queen Omega

11. 'Right The Trumpet' by Ancient King

12. 'Media Portray' by NiyoRah

Last year the single best track that we heard was the Songbird Riddim ["When I hear the songbirds, I think of you"]. It came via I Grade Records & the Zion I Kings collective and was the very first installment of their new running Riddim Series and as we continue through the early portions of 2014, the second edition is now forthcoming. In next is Zion High Productions who is coming off a massive year of their own -- pushing releases from the likes of General Jah Mikey, the legendary Cornel Campbell and Mr. Lloyd Brown -- and is now loading the BIG Jah Warriah Riddim. 

If you paid any attention (and you did), you're likely already very familiar with this track as it did feature prominently on "Rootical", the afore-alluded-to album from the aforementioned Lloyd Brown, backing my favourite tune on the entire album, the hatred and disrespect eschewing 'Not From Me'. That tune was a great one but it was one where, in a very rare occurrence, the lyrics and messages just dominate the song and when I saw which track the Jah Warriah actually was, I definitely had to go back and take a listen because this wasn't a song whose riddim stood out so vividly for me. Listening back, however, you can quickly see that ZHP made a fine selection with the heavy, but very subtly complicated track and, of course, they've also placed it in the hands of a dozen (actually thirteen of them) very capable vocalists.

Joining Brown is a sensationally colourful assembly of artists. Grabbing my immediate attention was definitely, 'I Am Blessed', which comes from the most talented female making Reggae music today, Queen Omega. The Songbird featured both Jah9 and Reemah and I hope that it becomes a consistent staple of this series to include at least one woman on the riddim (and if IGR continues to participate (and they will) how long is it before we hear Dezarie on one of these???). From the clip, her tune here is a mighty praising piece which features the brilliant edge for which she has become known ["Nevertheless Father God's my interest. Serve HIM with righteousness"]. I was also very happy to see contributions from the Arkaingelle, Jah Mali (whose 'How U Ago' sounds excellent), Ancient King and NiyoRah, while far more expected were offerings from Lutan Fyah, Jahdan Blakkamoore alongside Pressure Busspipe, Midnite, a returning Glen Washington, Ras Batch and Glen Washington. Also appearing is Statian star, Ziggi Recado who I'm expecting to shine not only on his tune here, 'Many More', but throughout 2014 including, hopefully, a brand new album (… a ZIK album from Ziggi Recado?) [WHAT!] [BOOM!]. Everything here appears to be very good, and I am well looking forward to hearing the full project. 

So be sure to check out the Jah Warriah Riddim from Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings which arrives in stores on February 25.