The Eye Of Tha Tiger Riddim

Just wanted to take a break from writing my next review (which you wonderful but awful taste having people should get a look at sometime this week) to mention a fun tune that comes courtesy of Outfytt Records and their Eye of The Tiger Riddiim as, seemingly as a slap to individuals like myself suggesting that his best days are behind him, the great Sizzla Kalonji declares himself 'Bad As Ever'. Just in case you need a little GRRRR! in your life (and who doesn't) check not only this track, but Bounty Killer blessing the same riddim with 'In My Bed'. 

Signatures Vol II: Norris Man

Okay so, while I originally had the idea that the next installment of our Signatures series would be Lutan Fyah (he will almost certainly be #3 now), I thought that, in an effort to be more timely, given my relatively fresh HIGH love of his output, that instead we'd take a look at the work of Norris Man. While the artist has definitely scored his fair number of big tunes, he seems to eternally be regarded as in some state of despair and has (probably happily on his end) made several songs which speak for the downtrodden and down-on-their-luck members of society (which the genre of music he makes does, as a whole for the most part, but he, in particular, has seemed to be tied to that type of song throughout the years, in my opinion). He's also hit, at least for me, with material covering a vast array of topics and because of that, i was quite happy to see that, when I was done compiling this one, through no intent, it blanketed several different ideas and themes that Norris Man has not only written about but excelled at. Today we take a look at the best of one of our current burgeoning favourites, Signatures: Norris Man. 

1. 'Persistence'

The way to life. I thought I'd get the most obvious choice out of the way first, as the now nearing a quarter of a century old 'Persistence' likely remains the single biggest and most identifiable tune Norris Man has done to date. The Kings of Kings helmed tune (remember them???) has, arguably, captured Norris' entire career as fans have always looked at him as this struggling singer dealing with the 'ups and downs' of being a professional musician but there is something SO MUCH more interesting about 'Persistence': IT IS GORGEOUS! It stands as one of the greatest sufferer's anthems in a genre which has, historically, been packed with them as anyone who is down on their luck or has ever been down on their luck can find solidarity in this IMMORTAL track. 

2. 'Home & Away'

Made a sacrifice. So, I'd made this entire list (or almost all of it, anyway) and I KNEW I was missing something and I knew what it was but I was hesitant in bringing it on board... and then common sense kicked in. I have NONE of that stuff but, fortunately, my Wife has tons of it. Therefore, courtesy of Mrs. Achis, a list featuring the biggest Norris Man tunes features... the second biggest tune of his career, 'Home & Away'. 'Home & Away' is a love song. That's just what it is and, occasionally such tunes will creep up and score unlikely hits, finding a giant audience within the masses and this was such a case. Carried by Vertex' Flames Riddim, 'Home & Away' kinda/sorta glows and while it may not be a definitive favourite of mine... sure, such a list would be kinda/sorta trash without it. 

3. 'King Of Your Soul'

Take control. I remember it well! Buried on a random, dozen year old album, "Modern Roots" (from which, off the top of my head, I can't remember a single other tune from right now), from Swedish outfit, Nordic Steel, 'King Of Your Soul' was very much a surprise. Who knew that what was such a varied project would produce, EASILY, one of the greatest songs of Norris' career and one of the greatest from absolutely ANYONE that I have ever heard (it's top 100 or so for me, right now). 'King Of Your Soul' had everything you would hope for in a praise: It paid ultimate tribute to His Imperial Majesty and it was also FUN to listen to. It was such a resounding vibe and made such an impact on me that I will never forget it and I don't give a damn if I'm the only one. 

4. 'When Your Time Is Up' featuring Pressure Busspipe

You were warned about this. The first of a pair of combinations that you'll find here, 'When Your Time Is Up' was a stroke of genius in bringing together two artists who proved to compliment one another PERFECTLY. Norris Man teamed up with VI scorcher Pressure Busspipe for Itation Records' (remember them???) Show Love Riddim on a tune which I THINK I originally encountered on the "Know The Road" album via Lustre Kings Productions (more on them in a bit), ''When Your Time Is Up'. The first time I heard it I just thought that whoever thought to bring them together just had an excellent idea (and said as much and, if I recall correctly, someone from LKP linked us and told me whose idea it was) because the results were so damn mighty. 'When Your Time Is Up' is a powerful tune about us all living in a positive and gratifying way because our time is quickly running out and you never know which day will be your last. The best combination Norris Man has ever done in my opinion.

5. 'H.I.M. Never Fail'

Conquering. I think the first song here would be the choice you'd most likely hear were you to ask fans which of Norris Man's pieces were their favourite and while it would be high on my own list (DUH), my answer would be this CLASSIC Henfield produced burner from a quarter-century ago, 'H.I.M. Never Fail'. Built on a version Dennis Brown's Created by The Father Riddim, the Babatunde (which is also one of my favourite riddims of all time), 'H.I.M. Never Fail' was praising track of powerfully rarely seen ilk combining an artist and a track which both were in a STUNNING form. TEARS! TEARS! And more TEARS!

6, 'After All' featuring Lutan Fyah

Still waiting. I wasn't as appreciative of Norris Man's music as I am now back when I first laid ears on 'After All', another big winner from the "Home & Away" release but, in retrospect, teaming him up with a then and now favourite of mine was something which could not miss for me and.... it didn't. The tune pinnacled lyrically, no the blazing historical social commentary but the In The Streetz supplied riddim of the same name also shined, making a perfect backdrop for this mightily memorable combination. 

7. 'We Are The Creator'

They are the separators. 'We Are The Creator' was absolutely scathing! It was just a HARSH and often VICIOUS point made by Norris Man and the electrically charged In The Streetz steered piece finds its footing here LARGELY due to its lyrically execution. 

"They take us to distant seas, over distant shores

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF LOVE, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE POOR

Those who try to harms us want to make things rough

There is no other way than to show them that we're tough

Corruption inna di city, yeah, dem still ah cover up

Dem chat a bagga lies so dem ah go down inna di rough

POLLUTION INNA DI AIR AND IT AH MESS DEM UP

DEM SYSTEM NO REAL SO RASTAMAN AH BUN IT UP

MI DEH YA FI SI DI GREEDY MAN GET HIM THROAT CUT

Colonialism dem ah use to rule but mi no trust 

Rome? Much less fi drink from dem cup

SELASSIE MAN PRAISE BUT IN GOD THEY TRUST

We are the creator

They are the separator"

GRRRR!

8. 'Hold On To Your Faith'

More than joy. I think it says something fairly significant that, out of a pool of thirty-three songs, there is but ONE that appears on both of Norris Man's first two albums as far as I can tell (which probably means that there're actually like nine of them), "Persistence" & "Better Your Soul" [note: As I write this, RIGHT NOW, I still have yet to decide if I'm including the title track from the latter in this list], 'Hold On To Your Faith'. From its downright intoxicating chant of an opening setting the tone on a vibes which remains throughout, to the fact that the song has likely been undervalued lyrically for its entire life (you really tune this thing in. It is nearly SPECIAL) - what you had here in this both socially and spiritually aware creation was a CRYSTAL CLEAR highlight from the vault of its creator. 

9. 'Congo Shanti'

A place of meditation. Another relatively obscure personal favourite of mine, the Levy helmed 'Congo Shanti' was the standing highlight of "World Crisis", an overlooked album from way back in 2003. Though somewhat on the front-foot and aggressive, there was a certain level of obtainable SERENITY buried within this one that I've always gravitated towards it for that reason. The sweetness is here as Norris Man details many of the world's ills and his desire to seek refuge from them "up inna di hills".

 

10. 'Culture Dem'

Go purify. I feel like I've indirectly spoken about this tune quite a bit over the years but it's been a very long time since I've mentioned it directly. Wayyyy back in 2002 the good people at Lustre Kings Productions released the first installment of their wonderful Roots compilation album series, "Culture Dem". The thing was well done from the cover (which featured most (if not all) of the artists on the album hand-drawn, such as Capleton, Sizzla, Anthony B, Turbulence and Jah Mason) through the music and, over two decades later, I am still a fan and still writing about the works of LKP. It is simply one of my favourite albums EVER. Well, it just so happens that the title track of "Culture Dem" was Norris Man's. It will NEVER be far from my mind.

11. 'Undiluted Love'

And nothing can change that. Though the aforementioned 'Home & Away' is far more well known, to my opinion the classic 'Undiluted Love' is the single greatest love song Norris Man has ever made. A product of the same batch of music that produced the first selection on this list, 'Undiluted Love' had such a powerfully JOVIAL vibes about it that isn't always attached to such a piece (sometimes love songs can be... downright solemn, even when they aren't of the 'broken-hearted'  variety). The tune made you move to some degree, it got you going, physically, and it also resonated with you, again, in a way not typically reserved for such a selection. Just listen  to this thing!

 

12. 'Murdera'

Judgment set. There was this wonderful FRAGILITY to 'Murdera', a song produced by our old friend, Sherkhan and Tiger Records way back in the day, for the "Much More To Life". It has become the definitive signature from that set eleven years on and has grown to the size (obviously given its inclusion here), that I find myself singing the chorus ["Murdera. Yuh judgment set"] quite often when I think of Norris Man' work. It's a PERFECT tune for such a list because it stands as one of the songs that he's done which is one of the most IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE for me, personally. The actual song was a giant general swipe at negativity, with "murderer" being the route chosen to convey the idea but make no mistake about it: You don't have to actually kill anyone to take a shot from Norris Man on this track. Also worth mentioning is the wonderfully simple riddim behind which spices up during its latter portions and is absolutely fitting for the moment. 

13. 'As I Rise'

See them fail. And finally (unless I choose to switch it) is the newest selection here, the class of 2022's "Deep Conversations", 'As I Rise'. While I was putting all of this together I had a melody in my head for a couple of songs but I couldn't fit in the words for awhile. I eventually did and one of them actually turned out to be a Chezidek song (who would also make for a great 'Signatures' feature in the future) and the other was this GORGEOUS track. Along with being powerfully worded and organized (you can take this song in so many different directions and it makes sense on ALL of them).... there is something really pleasing about 'As I Rise'. That chorus is sublime and it just makes you feel good! It hits every note that you would want it to and is everything you would see in recent classic.

Royals!

Okay so, I was working on a review, but because I'm old and slow as hell, it takes a bit longer these days. THANKFULLY, the Gods and Goddesses of Reggae music were nice enough to bless us with a couple of big, BIG tunes from two of our looooongtime favourites. So let's discuss talk about it because I got some stuff to do and I'm hungry.

'Resilience' by Queen Omega & Nature Makonnen [Kushite Organic Recording]

First up is a brand new tune coming from Trini Reggae Empress, Queen Omega, alongside Nature Makonnen (who produces on his Kushite Organic Recording imprint), 'Resilience'. Ohhh, what to say about this song?? 'Resilience' is.... kinda brilliant.

"Resilient to survive

Resilient to stay alive and wi nah give up the fight

Persistence is to try

Wi si that we're main target

WI SI OUR ROYAL BLOOD MAKE UP DI RED CARPET

Black people fi sell upon di black market

Anytime wi ready, tell dem wi go start it

I si wickedness dress up inna tie and jacket

And so called leaders inna big gun racket

Too much of melanin babies end up inna casket

Too much bodies wrap up inna white blanket

Like how di plantation burn

Watch di tables will turn 

Just how di phoenix return

Vatican will get turned

For di future generation - 

It is my concern"

The Queen absolutely SCORCHES this track and makes for probably one of the single best tunes that I've heard in 2024, following a 2023 campaign which saw her drop my choice as the year's single finest album altogether, "Freedom Legacy".

'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from  Queen Omega's 'Resilience' is 'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous. 'Find Out' is most certainly NOT brilliant. It is absolute foolishness... OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE CALIBER! 

"FUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT!"

Riding one of the most unexpected of punchlines that I have probably ever heard on a Soca tune (I was literally SHOCKED when I heard him say that. I had to bring it back to make sure I was hearing him correctly (and were there still any question remaining, I have since found an edited version). As long as Skinny Fabulous (and a handful of others) is making music, you can be assured that someone out there, somewhere, is pushing Soca forward. Pressing buttons and seeing where the line REALLY is (there is no line).'Find Out' is blissfully, addictive NONSENSE! 

What I'm Listening To: Binnaminnit

"The Akae Beka Scrolls" [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

First up is a piece that I've been LOVING for most of September as Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions link up to bring forth "The Akae Beka Scrolls". This release follows February's outstanding "Living Testament" from Akae Beka and comes with a very unique story as far as I follow it. The legendary Vaughn Benjamin completed the work on "Living Testament" and returned to the studio intending to do more work and what resulted was a Dub album which he directed and produced and became "The Akae Beka Scrolls". Despite how often I find myself saying it, I'm starting to rethink the notion that I'm not much of a Dubhead because, as I get older, I'm really enjoying the subgenre quite a bit more. Playing here, along with Benjamin, himself, are familiar names such as Kenyatta Itola, Ishence, Ras Pulse and others. There is some really strong material on "The Akae Beka Scrolls" including the downright monstrous opener 'Psalm 19', which clocks in at nearly eight minutes in length. Also check 'Psalm 72', 'Psalm 37' and the wicked closer 'Psalm 119' (probably a poor choice of words there, but so be it). 

"Secret Hater" by Cali P [Senmbelek/Evidence Music]

A fun thing happened with this one: 'Secret Hater' is the latest fun release coming from looooongtime AchisReggae favourite, Cali P and I saw that he had a new tune out and I was eager to hear it and it lived up to the lofty standards set by the chanter through all these years ["Caan ramp wid di friend dem from di Netherlands. A dem will send you go a Neverland. Gwadada and di mad Nigerians - GRIND YOU LIKE  CINNAMON"] (I've, literally, been writing about Cali P's music for over FIFTEEN YEARS) - of course, the presence of Suku in production doesn't hurt either. As it turns out, 'Secret Hater' is also the title track from Cali P's latest three-track EP. The set also includes 'Mi Ruff Road'. New to my ears, 'Mi Ruff Road' is a somewhat Hip-Hoppish set (never my favourite) and HIGHLY lyrical. The wordplay on this one, subtly, is damn impressive! The third track is the downright GLORIOUS previous release, 'Jah Blessing' which originally reached back in April. 'Jah Blessing' is fantastic. It's aged very well and... I feel pretty confident in calling it one of Cali P's single best tunes EVER. Very nice three tunes collected here. You know what we really want (add like ten more to it!), but maybe that's for 2025 and "Secret Hater" is a tiny reminder and display of one of the finest talents in Reggae today.

'Satta Massagana' by The Fantells [Warrior Records]

If you follow Reggae music closely, there's a chance that you've come across both the group, The Fantells as well as the legendary tune they've recently redone, 'Satta Massagana' (literally one of the greatest songs EVER) (...like ever). You'd likely know The Fantells from several big tunes they had when they were active , particularly during the 70's (personal favourite of mine being 'Where You Gonna Run'), and 2024 marks a big return for the group (with new members). Earlier this year The Fantells released an entire album by the name of "Just For You" and now they're taking on The Abysinnians classic. Despite being fairly straight forward, 'Satta Massagana', because of just how well known and DURABLE it is, can be a difficult tune to recreate and, asy ou would expect, The Fantells have made a more than decent account of a truly immortal sound and be sure to give "Just For You" a listen as well (doing it myself at the moment and enjoying). 

The Rebel Frequency Riddim [D Rebell Productions]

Big credit goes to D Rebell Productions and Solid Rock Sound for their golden new creation, the Rebel Frequency Riddim. When you put together a compelling group of vocalists for your riddim, you're definitely going to get my attention and your riddim being of actual quality is an added bonus and, on the Rebel Frequency, DRP have both going for them and it isn't that the Rebel Frequency has.... an overwhelming group of artists but look at this: Norris Man, Clatta Bumboo, Jah Defender, Jalifa, Daweh Congo. That is EXCELLENT! The actual sound here has a beautiful ly HEAVY old school vibes to it which everyone handles extremely well. I've mentioned some of the bigger names here, but also check efforts from the likes of Nga Han and Prince of Judah, the former of which gives 'True Rasta' which is, arguably, the single best tune on this track. Probably one of the best riddim albums of 2024 so far here. 

"Home & Away" by Norris Man [Greensleeves Records - 2006]

And for the look back this week - I'm working on a feature on the great Norris Man and, in going back through his catalogue, DEFINITELY the set that has acted as somewhat of an anchor for me has been "Home & Away". So named after what is probably the chanter's second biggest hit to date (biggup 'Persistence'), my interest in "Home & Away", the In The Streetz produced album, has always centered around other songs besides the hammer. 'Seh Dem Bad', 'I'm A Free Man', 'Love Makes You Alive', 'After All' with Lutan Fyah, the absolutely GLORIOUS 'This You Must Know' and the MAMMOTH 'We Are The Creator' are all mega moments from an album which is considerably better than all of us gave it credit for being. There's another tune here by the name of 'This Day' which I barely even remember but is, SERIOUSLY, damn near perfect as well. 

Unreal: A review of Ayl'ian by Bunji Garlin

YOU. I've either been really fortunate or maybe I'm just old as hell, but one of the things that I find myself most enjoying in writing these things for as long as I have is that I have gotten to not only witness as a fan, but document in several cases just how someone's career has progressed over the years. To see how I've personally gone from seeing a new artist as a prospect, then to a contender and to a full-on champion is incredibly fascinating and it's been the case for a number of incredibly interesting individuals, both directly and indirectly. I'm thinking of someone such as the amazing Pressure Busspipe who I originally came to know as a chanter who was a part of an up and coming collective of artists known as The Star Lion Family from out of St. Thomas (same group also gave us NiyoRah). In 2005 (....damn.... so old) Pressure would set out with his ridiculous debut album, "The Pressure Is On", which was not only one of the best debut albums I've ever heard, but one of the best albums altogether, period, that I've ever laid my ears on as well. STILL, with that being said, I don't know that I could have predicted (as a matter of fact, I KNOW THAT I COULD NOT HAVE), the level of stardom he would go on to achieve as, previously, there seemed to be a certain height attainable by artists from out of the Virgin Islands and Pressure did some refurbishing and redecorating and had a ceiling in that house raised. These days, Pressure is a veteran, a star and someone who has easily had one of THE most remarkable of careers in the landscape of modern Reggae music. I'd also look someone such as Lutan Fyah who I remember having my eye on from very early in his career and while 'superstardom' is something he has not reached, he has definitely become a personal favourite of mine, exhibiting one of the sharpest of minds within the genre in my opinion. Going a step further, today we're going to look at someone (speaking of sharp minds and the ability to display it) who probably has not had a point in his career where he did not command a serious level of respect, given his supreme level of natural talent, but is someone who, in retrospect, I wouldn't have thought I'd be here talking about in the way that I am about to in the days when I was listening learning about Pressure and friends. That would definitely be due to my not having the connection with the type of music he makes back then but he and quite a few others have not only earned my highest of respect but have CONSTANTLY brought me so much joy and are responsible for my appreciation of... simply one of the greatest types of music on the planet.

I was trying to organize this review in the way of it being some type of 'lifetime achievement award' for Bunji Garlin. Not that he's anywhere near the end (literally or musically), but I find myself, these days, SO attracted to his work that "new music from Bunji Garlin" is likely to get me as excited as it is from just about anyone. Specifically, I can owe that to the fact that, at least in terms of amount of times I've heard them, in 2023 and this year the fire breather from Trinidad has had the two songs which I have listened to more than any others. I fully replaced one from my repeating workout playlist (that one song, on repeat, was the entire playlist. THE WHOLE THING) only with the other! So, by that reasoning, I could well say that Garlin is my current favourite musician regardless of genre and has been for about a year and a half. I do 'go back' with Garlin's music (one of my most prized possessions is a physical copy of his debut album, "The Chronicles") and I've had the privilege of seeing the man (THIEF SOCA MONARCH FROM HIS WIFE) perform on a few occasions and it can be downright overwhelming in person and just listening when Garlin is at his destructive best and he has been PRECISELY that over the past couple of seasons (and before that as well, but he is FLAMING at the moment). In 2023, Garlin would set out with 'Hard Fete' which would easily prove to be one of his biggest hits to date and would go to net him his second ever Road March title and his first as a solo artist. I listened to 'Hard Fete' CONSTANTLY... I wish I could go in detail as to why but.... shit, here it is. You listen to it... but be careful, friends. It wil consume you. 

While he wouldn't go home with Road March #3 in 2024 (biggup Mical Teja), he would provide the season (which was very good, actually) with its clear BEST tune to my opinion and push quite a few very big tunes, producing yet another big year. If you are unfamiliar with Garlin's music (shame on you!), I'll make it quick: He kind of infuses Soca with a bit of Dancehall, but not really. I've come to think that is somewhat of a disrespectful way to describe him but what he does is 100% Soca music - it is just highly lyrical and just as inventive and revolutionary. What Bunji Garlin is capable of doing with words is literally STUNNING if you appreciate such a thing and the fact that he is capable of doing it melodically and infectiously -- within the scope of the world's most addicted musical genre in my opinion -- is a giant bonus. I would expect, years from now, you'd hear more and more people coming up with similar styles and saying that they grew up listening to a whole heap of Bunji Garlin. RIGHT NOW, one could even make the case that Garlin has been influential in the development of stars such as Skinny Fabulous, Dash and others. So, we've already well seen Garlin make a substantial further-reaching impact on the genre - outside of his own, direct, musical contact. So, when you have a great artist who is in great form what do they do to maybe bring everything together and offer somewhat of a celebration and momento of the era? They make an album. Though Soca isn't always the most album-heavy of genres, Garlin, himself, has been relatively reliable, releasing over a dozen since his 1999 aforementioned debut. In recent times, most of Garlin's sets have come via VP Records. His 2024 effort, on the other hand, comes through a label in Bad Beagle which is either his own or of his management (and both can be true) as it seemingly only exists to handle the business of Bunji Garlin and one other individual who I will tell you about after in my next review. "Ayl'ian" brings together Garlin's 2024 campaign and puts it all in a very nice package (literally. That is nice coverart) and spices in a couple of surprises as well. I do have to confess that I was somewhat disappointed that 'Hard Fete' was not included but the reason why it wasn't is clear and the tune isn't difficult to find on an album, having been included in the 2023 edition of VP's "Soca Gold" (which we will, hopefully, see again next year as there was no "Soca Gold 2024"). The explained and accepted exclusion of that MASSIVE tune is probably the only disappointment going on here as Bunji Garlin drops what has to be one of the highest quality albums of his entire career. Let's discuss!

"Ayl'ian", like much of Bunji Garlin's work only gets better and better with the more attention you give to it. It's fascinating that, given the kind of 'over-the-top' nature of his artform, the perpetual STAR of Garlin's show can go overlooked EASILY. If you can see through the jump and wave madness and the hype and the flames, what lies beneath is USUALLY (literally ALMOST ALWAYS) kinda/sorta spectacular. What he does relatively casually is only rivaled by some of the most elite of his peers and in their best of form and if you have really gotten into his music, "Ayl'ian" will serve as a PERFECT introduction for you. The first thing you will hear on that introduction is.... and Intro and one which is DAMN clever and, probably, one of the better moments here. A narrator here gives a fun recount of how Bunji Garlin came to be Bunji Garlin from his roots, having 'landed' in Wallerfield, Trinidad. I've always appreciated not only Garlin's skill but his recognition of that talent. The man knows just how good he is and he doesn't hesitate in pushing it because he is, CLEARLY, confident in his ability  to demonstrate that piercing skill. Intros are trypically very quick and nondescript, this is not one of those intros - it is all kinds of interesting. Fittingly, the very first time we actually hear from Garlin on "Ayl'ian" comes in the form of the celestially vibed Badjohn Republic licked burner, 'Today'. I remember hearing this one fairly early on in the season and thinking that I REALLY liked it but I expected him to go a bit higher (and he would), but I don't think that's a fair way to sum it up these days: EXCELLENT is much more appropriate. 'Today' isn't just jump and wave track (although that is definitely what it is), it's a song about finding a level of EUPHORIA somewhere in there and doing absolutely anything you can to keep that feeling and if you needed something to kind of beat you up a little bit (you know what I mean), 'Today' is more than up for it! The next tune came for Spice Mas 2023, the downright filthy 'Entering Greenzland'.

"Dem days, Tallpree used to link wi with a Suzuki that ain't have no top

Leave Grand Anse and gone up Gouyave and when wi start, it ain't have no stop

BOY I GET CUT YESTERDAY, THIS MORNING WAKE, I AIN'T HAVE NO CUT

LIKE THE JAB ON JOUVERT MORNING HEAL MI LIKE IT IS NANOBOT

My behaviour tomorrow is putting mi in the evening news

Worse, when I pon di vessel, deh for di bikini cruise

A girl give mi a look

I wonder if she giving mi clues

THIS IS A TIMEBOMB I MUST DIFFUSE"

Seated atop the Slam Bang Riddim of Xpert Productions, though it comes and goes quickly, 'Entering Greenzland' is masterful. It will not (it hasn't) be recognized as such, but it's probably one of Garlin's finest lyrical performances in recent times and a glaring example of what I meant when I spoke about how capable he is of doing thing spectacularly with very little effort. It was DJ Avalanche provided the ground for 'Jump Up' which is basically what you think it is (you can tell that from the title).... but not really. There is a definite hitch with 'Jump Up'. Garlin thinks the floor is too crowded. He wants it vacated permanently, so he wants you to jump up:

"Like you get paid early and you get pay-raise

Then you go play lottery and win it the same day

And then yah IG crush message you the same way

When you waan fi link up, she looking the same way"

Not your typical jump-up, 'Jump Up' is goin to supply you with something extra as you might expect from the "Ayl'ian". Also I should mention that the riddim here, the Do You (which backed an even bigger song that I'll tell you about next time), though kind of pounding, never threatens to overwhelm or annoy. Ever the defender of Soca music (biggup I Wayne), Bunji Garlin continues his work with 'Daiz You' where he proposes that, although you're entitled to your own opinion (THAT'S YOU!), perhaps there's a different reason why you aren't a fan ["I feel like you don't like Soca cah you never get no gal to whine on"]. And I should also mention here 'Tell Yuh Mudda Now' as it carries the attitude from the track it follows, as Garlin suggests to you a more appropriate outlet if you're frustrated by what you hear from him... as he does not want to hear it. 

The middle portion of "Ayl'ian" features some very colourful efforts and one massive hammer in its ranks and manages to keep the levels established by the large beginning (before the ending which... destroys absolutely everything, everywhere in and out of sight). Check the cool 'Pass Around', which also comes through Badjohn. You take this song and just listen through it very casually and you walk away thinking that it's solid, nothing special at all and you'll be just happy with it as it is there, but if you dig in a little deeper you come away thinking that rarely has anyone made simply hanging around and having a good time in a bar sound so detailed and INTERESTING. Travis World shares in the sprawling wealth to be found on 'Looking Over'. The vibe on this one is interesting, mightily. There's some Soca in there, surely, but I'm also feeling maybe a dash of DISCO??? Maybe that's just me, but it is entirely infectious and should come as a ZAP to people just sitting around listening through "Ayl'ian". 'Monsters' has a nice blending of sounds behind it, this time bringing in a little Zouk, making for one GOLDEN Groovy set. Mind who you're spending your time with ["I know di ends. Wi know di straight and di bend. They shopping di old wid di trend. All actors who fake, who pretend. Smile in yuh face and mek yuh feel like friend. Boost up yuh head and mek yuh feel like dem. Rob you everything now you ah feel like end. Longtime mi navigate di field round dem"] is the thought behind this one and, just like on 'Looking Over' you'll have a difficult time ridding your mind of its echoes long after the tune has ended (great chorus). The terrestrial beginnings of 'Trajectory' serve to make way for what it subsequently develops into as well as for another big winner, 'Sleepless Weekend'. There is work to be done across the brilliant Toy Box Riddim through NMG Music (where Patrice Roberts reigned supreme with 'Nobody') and there's simply no time for sleeping this weekend! And then, also buried here is 'No'. You might remember, from seasons ago (song probably 10-15 years old by now), 'Licks'? 'No' is 'Licks' chilled (but not really) and reincarnated.

"Yo bro!

If she tell you no, that mean the answer is no

It doh mean 'I eh sure', 'I eh really on that' or 'I don't think so'

It doh mean 'come back tomorrow'

It's just let it go, let it go

Bredrin pack yuh things and man, go

Not

Next

Nay

Never

Nope

Nothing

Nein

Nadda

Negative

Even negatory, I don't know why you acting so predatory

If she tell yuh do not cross di territory

And tell you NO in every category

It is important and it is imperative, also mandatory -

THAT YOU KNOW THE WORD THAT IS NO"

Sickening it is that such a piece is so applicable and necessary today (or any day at all for that matter) but something once again has gotten on Bunji Garlin's last nerve and it's driven him, once again, to refresh and reprise this scathing message of what should be completely common fucking sense: LEAVE OTHER PEOPLE'S SHIT ALONE!

The final third of "Ayl'ian" is absolute FIRE in every single way and it contains what is EASILY one of the finest selections of Garlin's entire storied career. The album's final moment, 'At This Time', is probably the lightest of them all but even it is sorta outstanding in a spreading type of way (it may take a few spins to grow on you is what I'm saying) (You'll get the rest of these immediately). Coming in with a somewhat oldschool sound, 'At This Time' features downright DOMINANT  ["When you see mi come in, walk parallel. Go round mi like dem plastic horse on dem carousel.Want to bad talk mi name, you're free to do that as well. But you will not get mi committing any act of hell"] wordplay with Garlin saying that if your intentions are not positive, you can move right along. Check the hypnotic 1980's fueled (thanks to the Tape Deck Riddim) 'Classic Like' where the artist makes us all feel old as hell in a BEAUTIFULLY nostalgic type of way. 'Classic Like' didn't get its proper run in my opinion, it is MAMMOTH and ranks very highly altogether on 'Ayl'ian' and any child of that era will find themselves smiling wide with some of the references Garlin makes (the man literally brings up VHS & Beta). Things get ice cold for a minute with the grimy 'Links' before the heat returns. 'Links' is exactly what the title would suggest if you don't overthink it. It's about the power of coming together and the good times that can be had when amongst good people, regardless of where they may be from. There's also a quiet aggressiveness here which is unexpected (it isn't celebratory AT ALL) but 'Links' is still a very good time and not to be missed and that kind of unusual vibe is at least partially why.

Paired in succession are the blistering 'Forward' and '110 Overcharge'. The former is special and it's been a favourite of mine from this season -- from anyone -- since the very first time that I heard it. The start of '110 Overcharge' is BRUTAL! It is hellish and aggressive, destructive brilliance. It is a musical kick (punch and knee) everywhere you need it across DJ Avalanche's pounding Real Stink Riddim. Even within the midst of... all that mess Garlin is in devastating form ["Gal wine with they ass bend. Wi colder than Aspen. Who have di energy? Wi looking to draft dem!"]. The same could be said for 'Forward' which features very little in the way of a drop-off to '110 Overcharge' (probably have never listened to 'Forward' in this much detail, it is EXCEPTIONAL!). Both tunes are very hype, Power Soca and represent the best of their kind not only on "Ayl-ian" but anywhere in Garlin's recent catalogue to my ears. If you are looking for a good tune for the cap on a workout playlist, you'll happily camp out right between these two. And finally is a little song called 'Carnival Contract'.

'Carnival Contract' is probably one of the best 100-120 or so songs that I have ever heard. Period. It's amazing and it goes without saying that it IS the strongest selection on this album and would be on just about any of Garlin's albums. The Banx & Ranx riddim of the same name backs a GEM which is as hypnotic (I have probably lost a few DAYS euphorically lost somewhere on 'Carnival Contract', and you can keep them! I don't want that time back!) (It's yours!). Song is about VIBES! It was created in some secret facility somewhere in Trinidad  by scientists who have identified a nerve in the human brain only permeable by this PRECISE set of sound.

Overall, I'm going to fend off the burgeoning temptation I have to go back through the greatest of Bunji Garlin's albums, but I'm going to tell you that, at least from the top of my head, "Ayl-ian" is just as good as any of them ("Ispaniard" was golden) (so were "Flame Storm" and "Next Direction"). It is a FANTASTIC release and, as I said, it's even better than I thought it would be, in thinking of these tunes, individually. You wrap them up together and put a bow on them and what you end up with is pretty near SPECIAL. "Ayl-ian" ranks near the finest collections of a bona fide musical LEGEND in Bunji Garlin, representing, collectively and individually, some of the absolute finest work the man has ever done. HUGE! 

Rated: 4.8/5

Bad Beagle

2024