Stuff: Up High!

"Mek ya rag dem fly like an chicken
Mek ya rag dem fly like a bird
Mek ya rag dem fly like an eagle -
Like you're ready to leave this world!"

Yow! We finally made it! It's the 29th day of July, 2011 and it's our last post for about a month because we have stuff to do and stuff to see if it's possible that we can attempt (!) to do and after having heard so much of this nice music - Really I'm so much inspired to do some of my best work and I'm going to tell you, briefly, about that in just a minute. But first, I though that we'd observe something natural and something prevalent that's really been affecting a lot people for (well, forever really) now in particular.

A lot of people have been passing on lately (duh!) and a few people in our own lives and maybe yours and if so, definitely big respect to them. Last week I mentioned Lloyd Ricketts from The Itals and surely you've heard of a English singer by the name of Amy Winehouse who also transitioned recently and there've been a whole heap of others, including Pablo McNeil earlier in the month, who was a former Olympian from Jamaica. Also, like I said, on a personal level we've lost a friends and to everyone else, I'm sure and fans of these people as well. So, quickly in their tribute, all of them, is a my favourite tune from The Itals, a song which definitely helped during a lot of DARK moments for me personally - 'Rasta Philosophy'.

'Rasta Philosophy' by The Itals

And I'm surely not going to tell anyone how to mourn and how to grieve, but just for me - There's no sadness for a natural personal act, it's only a time to say thank you and big them up! And when I'm no longer here, I hope everyone who cares to remember me at that time have a nice time! So big them up again!

"I will never hesitate to sit down and concentrate
Listen a likkle music now it help me to meditate
When I am feeling down, help me recuperate
Take my mind to all different level, take me to different state"

'Thunder Rags' by Mr. Killa @ Grenada Soca Monarch 2004 [song quoted] [both]


'Meet Super Blue' by Fay-Ann Lyons @ Trinidad Soca Monarch 2009

So! We're taking August off to just take a general break (and to actually finish painting my fucking house), but to begin to lay the foundation on a couple of other things we really wanted to do. If you've ever worked on something with someone and they say something like "okay I'll get to work on that", it's kind of an open-ended thing to say because it almost kind of says . . . "eventually" after it - like an acknowledgement that there is work to be done and they must do it, but not really anytime soon. I did that with Bredz and . . . yeah, he actually did his part, so it's my time now (biggup Fay-Ann). I'm not going to tell you exactly what it is (although I told you early this year/late last year), but if you look around, I'm sure you can get an idea of the subject matter! Certain things we should be DOCUMENTING now (can you imagine walking into a cinema and . . . !).

'Bring It On' by CP @ Antigua Soca Monarch 2008

And that's what we'll be up to. Also have a few places to go. If you are actually going to Antigua Soca Monarch tomorrow, again, I will not be there, but I will definitely be watching Tian Winter .vs. CP 2011 (and definitely hoping for a CP sweep, unless Tizzy competes)!

'Leggo De Beast' by Skinny Fabulous @ St. Vincy Soca Monarch 2009

And that's it! Biggup everybody, you know who you are (biggup Sara Lugo!) (biggup yourself Markus!) (Hey Zoe!). If you need to get in touch with me either HURRY UP (before Monday) or wait until later in the month. If you just want to send us something (like an Elijah Prophet album) then go right ahead. We're going to give this a try for a month (more like two and a half weeks), just taking the energy we focus on this place basically everyday and putting into a something else and see how it goes. We should be back the first week of September (and I'll be a DISGUSTING thirty year old man at that point), but if we don't make it back - Like we said last time, it's been a great time and this place has already been so much more successful than I ever thought it would be (and FUN too!) and blah blah blah! I'll see you in September!

New album from I-Wayne (which will probably be delayed) and the official release of the Blaze Fia Riddim (FINALLY) from Sean Paul coming in August. New Lutan Fyah in stores now. "Vibes & Tides", check it! New Ce'Cile, on Tuesday! New Ray Darwin! New Perfect! Sara Lugo! New everything!

Do absolutely nothing productive while we're away! Do not behave yourself! Do not listen when spoken to! We'll see you in September!

BALANCE & No Behaviour! NONE!
RasAchis

New Video: 'Locked Away' by Sara Lugo

"Locked Away" by Sara Lugo

Sticky Issues. Of the billions or so which exist, certainly the cactus must be one of nature's greatest mysteries. Here's a plant which, like most living things, has a built-in defense mechanism, which happens to be its needles which can do a major damage to something trying to get too close to it. The cactus if the baddest plant in town and if there were a plant clash, it would be the last man standing! But it's also nice to look at!

Beautiful, but potentially painful if handled improperly.

That is, at least partially, the premise for the big tune, 'Locked Away' which is the new single from one of the biggest albums of 2011 thus far, "What About Love", by the angelic Achis Reggae favourite, Ms. Sara Lugo. The tune now, fittingly, becomes her very first video (at least to my knowledge) and, as her recent history would pretty much guarantee, Lugo continues her winning ways, because it is superb! We begin things by 'walking in' on what is apparently the end of a relationship between Sara Lugo and her now former boyfriend. The highlight here is something I'll speak on earlier, but the nerd in me can't help but get excited by the excellent 'product placement' which includes a very cool poster of the single of the song you're currently listening to, The Best Reggae Album of 2010, "Jameleon" from Sara Lugo's Brother's band, Jamaram (biggup Jamadom) and the Backstabbers Riddim amongst other cool things.

Moving on. After the smoke has cleared, Lugo realizes that something has been left behind and sets out on her journey. First, however, like many people after a break-up, she seeks the company of good friends who she meets up with, cactus in hand. Two things stood out here for me - The first is that one of Sara Lugo's friends is VERY attractive! The second is that if you notice closely that friend, with the flower in her hand . . . Has a flower in her hand. There's also another plant on the table. Three girls and three plants. Lugo is the one coming from the bad situation so she's essentially walking around with the Bounty Killer of plants, while her friends have far more inviting and warming botanical representatives.

While not feeling COMPLETELY better, she continues along her way with THE highlight of the video which finds her taking a trip through the park and . . . Suddenly there's no cactus plant and obviously she's in a better mood and the colours throughout this portion are not to be missed (and actually throughout the video). It's a very nice method of conveying a shift in MOOD, with the sunlight shining through in just about every way, but not becoming over-bearing. She even stops by a friend's house and hangs out with more friends, singing on the roof (this is the part of the video which was sprung to life with a conversation which started with "hey, you wanna be in my video") ("Yes I do!"). Seemingly as a reminder of where she's going, she's subsequently handed the cactus back, but now it's less labourious and more detached and we've almost reached our destination! And that's wonderful, because my feet are tired.

A stone-faced Sara Lugo hands the plant to her Ex and goes on her way - No longer burdened by the warrish plant and it's massive bag of gun tunes (biggup Bounty!) - nor it's painfully deceptive ways.

Okay, for me the main attraction here is the display of the range of emotions she goes through. It's up and it's down and it's not too far up and not too far down, but it kind of is ("I'm like a butterfly falling from the sky, it makes me lose my mind") and it's relatable definitely. Fortunately, in her case, it only lasts about four minutes, but I'd suggest that almost anyone whose had a bad break-up (which is pretty much everyone) can identify with something here and I would think that was the point in some respect. In specifics there was the 'co-star' of the video, the cactus and we went to the source in its meaning and significance, Sara Lugo herself, who says:

"The cactus stands for my love, better my boyfriend and his love. I really love it but it keeps hurting me. So I gotta get away from it, cos it aint no good for me"

All in all - A lovely video and perhaps an even more gorgeous sentiment.

Video Rated: 4.65/5
Video/Song Link: 5/5

NOW! Of course, I will not ignore the proverbial elephant in this room (nor any other). On the contrary, I will kick its fat ass (biggup the Elephant anyway)! In the first thirty-five seconds or so of the video for 'Locked Away', we see Sara Lugo . . . Uhmmm . . . She's not how . . . we normally see her presented (let's say it like that)! It was somewhat awkward watching initially (I can't actually say that I've EVER even thought of her in that way, which certainly says more about me than her) (well that didn't sound right did it???), but it is an acknowledgement by herself and co. that she is a woman and by no means is she unattractive (AT ALL) and she 'enjoys' something her male counterparts do not necessarily (if I ever see Uwe Banton rolling around on a bed in a video, that'll be it. I'm not writing any more) (biggup Uwe Banton, his album "Rightful Place" was pretty good). And these things are part of a relationship so it shows a different side to Sara Lugo as well, one which fits nicely here. Again, it may be awkward for me, but it won't be for you and even I'll confess that ~32 seconds in, when she lifts the sheet. . . Yep. Not very difficult at all to watch that (over and over and over and over again).

I'll see you one last time tomorrow for a month, until then, Sara Lugo's new single EP, 'Locked Away' is in stores now.

New Album from Jalena!: "In The Music"

"In The Music" by Jalena

1. 'Slow Wine' featuring Dennis Da Mennis
2.'Something In The Music'
3. 'Waist'
4. 'Rester Avec Moi' ['Stay With Me']
5. 'Come Baby'
6. 'In Meh System' [Remix] featuring NZH
7. 'Dem Man Dey' featuring Daria
8. 'Make Up Sex [Remix] featuring Dale Saunders

Okay so, apparently the world, the stars, the celestial powers that be and all of that shit don't actually want us to have a break, even though we tirelessly work our asses off, so people who we really enjoy continue to do wonderful things before we leave and I simply MUST tell you about it. Earlier today we told you about a very very random new album from Lutan Fyah, which is turning out to be very good actually, tomorrow it's a VERY familiar face (which means our last post for a month is now on Friday) and now it's the most wonderful and delightful Soca trailblazer and Achis Reggae favourite, Jalena, with a big new album/EP, "In The Music". This release follows her very well received debut set from last year (which seems like I reviewed it just yesterday because I listen to pieces of that album almost every morning when I work out), "The Jam Sessions", and it's very much on the same vibes, but with a few twists and turns in its brevity.

'Slow Wine' featuring Dennis De Mennis

The first thing I noticed on the tracklist was the fact that now included is the damn hypnotic remix of probably my favourite Jalena tune, 'In Meh System', alongside NZH, which actually popped up on a digital single release about a month ago from Slaughter Arts (but if you are going to buy it, you should buy it from her album) - Although I do still favour the original, the remix is BIG and always has been. Other combinations include the remix for 'Make Up Sex', along with the tune's originator, Dale Saunders, the well traveled 'Slow Wine' with Dennis De Mennis, which is an excellent song (and is also available on his album from last year "Paranormal", which was a REALLY fun album) and 'Dem Man Dey', a fun track with an apparently good friend of Jalena's, oft-collaborator Daria.

'Something In The Music'

Not too surprisingly, however, I'm still more interested in the solo tracks (although the combinations are really really good) on "In The Music", all of which are very good. First the title track, 'Something In The Music', which reached just earlier this month I believe. This tune is SLEEK and smooth kind of groovy Soca/Pop - pretty much quintessential Jalena and it's terribly infectious and well on the way to being my Daughter's new favourite tune. Next is 'Waist', a tune that is slightly more uptempo than most of its 'neighbours', but no less catchy at all (that sentence didn't really make any sense, none at all, but I'm going to leave it in anyway) and is definitely a tune aimed at the dance floor. Then things get interesting with 'Rester Avec Moi'! This song is a very colourful Zouk song and, as I said in reviewing the first album, Zouk is WELL within Jalena's reach. It's not even a stretch for her and of what she's done to date, there're clearly Zouk-ish overtones and undertones within, but I believe that this would be the first even remotely direct musical acknowledgement of that from her to date. It is in English (maybe she'll do a French version???) outside of the chorus, but it is sexy, it's smooth and a most interesting twist to not only this release, but from Jalena altogether. My absolute favourite tune on the album, however, just barely beating the title track and a couple of others, is the downright DRUGGISH 'Come Baby'. That song is just CRACK for your ears. That's it. That's all I have to say.

'Come Baby'

The album is only eight tracks, but she could've easily crawled it up to twelve or so (we'd like to thank Jalena for not doing that, however, because if she did, I would have HAD to write a full review for it) with the inclusion of BIG tunes such as the wonderful, 'Don't You Forget Me'. Oh well, if she's up for doing one of these every year, I suppose it'll pop up fairly soon and if she does actually manage to put out an album every year - You won't hear the slightest of complaints from us.

"The Jam Sessions" - 2010

The physical album is currently available on CDBaby.com (they have a lot of nice stuff if you haven't checked them out) and you can also buy the digital there, as well as on iTunes. So definitely check out "In The Music", the latest offering from the delightful Jalena. We actually got a message from her last year and she seems to be a very nice person as well and apparently she also really dislikes wearing clothes and there's nothing wrong with that (I can't speak for you, but I was born nude). So big her up and pick up her new album today. Right now-ish.

{Note: I'm REALLY wanting to go on break now, so please don't send us anymore news!}
{Note 2: My Mother is a Jalena fan}
{Note 3: Hey Mama!}
{Note 4: Hi Mama!}

Check It: While We're Away!

Okay so, tomorrow I’ll tell you about our break, but I thought that for today I’d help you (and me) out by running through a few things that you might want to pick up while we’re away in August.

Lutan Fyah - "A New Day" [Starplayer Music]


Album Promo

Lutan Fyah has a new album . . . Did anyone know that??? Apparently it's been out already for a month or so and no one knew it! In situations like these, I generally blame the media, but apparently no one knew that Starplayer Music had indeed put out a brand new album from the wicked chanter by the name of "A New Day". When I began to listen through the clips, I kind of didn't like it - So many of the songs are like love songs and really slow and not really that heavy Roots sound for which the Fyah is known, but there’s definitely a big vibes here - the man can simply rhyme about anything at this point. I did recognize a few tracks, particularly 'Tangled Up' and 'You Got Me', and they aren’t bad at all either. It’s a new Lutan Fyah album, it's a big deal and it's probably much better than you’re going to think after spinning through the clips, so check it out.

Digital

Shaggy - "Summer In Kingston" [Ranch Entertainment]


'Sugarcane'

Guess who else has a new album??? Shaggy! The superstar has been enjoying what amounts to a musical 'victory lap' after his days of selling millions and, if you've been paying a decent amount of attention, you've probably noticed that he's done some excellent work as well. "Summer In Kingston" isn't actually an album, so much as it is an EP with just eight tracks, however in those eight tracks he mixes in two combinations with singer Jaiden as well as stars Tarrus Riley and Agent Sasco, respectively. 'Sugarcane' is also on board as the project’s first single as Shaggy continues his run as the happiest man in Reggae music.

Digital

Red Hot Flames - "Oh Gyde!! Reprezent!!" [Red Hot Flames]

Following a blip from Tizzy and company a little while back, I haven't too much been paying attention to the music coming out of Antigua Carnival 2011, but I suppose now is as good of an opportunity to begin (especially considering that Soca Monarch is this weekend and it should be damn good with Tian Winter and CP battling it out once again, I will not be there, but I will be watching!). The always dependable Sir Oungku Wong & Red Hot Flames are up again with their annual album release for 2011, "Oh Gyde!! Reprezent!!" (don’t ask). I know a few tunes on this album including what is apparently their big hope for the season, 'Arwe Subbn' and the cool 'Dragon Fly' and 'Give It To Me'. Surely they'll either win or place second in Antigua Road March - they do either one every year - and that'll be that. Of course I always like to see RHF because their mere presence means that some lurking in the vicinity is Saffire (and all her hips an ass), a cutie who is not to be missed for any reason at all!

Saffire - DAMN!

CD

Fitta Warri - "RRR" [Dubiterian]


Album Promo

You'll rarely, if ever , find the name Fitta Warri on these pages and that's certainly not due to my lack of an appreciation for the WICKED chanter, it’s just that he's pretty damn hard to keep track of. He's . . . somewhere in Europe . . . Recording with . . . Someone . . . I think. Thankfully, when he stops and sets up camp for a little while, the results are almost always stellar and such is surely the case with this brand new album for Dubiterian, "RRR" ["Real Righteous Rebel"] which, I THINK, is his second album (he may've stopped and done an album for some producer in Moldova or somewhere like that), following "Sababa Vibes" which was a seevere underground hit for him a few years back. I don't know what his overall popularity is these days, but from back then Fitta Warri definitely stirred up a buzz about himself so hopefully it's continuing because if it is - You're likely to hear a lot about this one. If it isn't, well you're still likely to hear a lot about this one and I'll rather happily slap a review on it when we get back.

CD [I THINK] + Digital

Big Voice - "Freedom Is A Must" [Upright Music]

Next we have an album which actually reached months ago, but I didn't know a thing of it (or did I???), it's Big Voice with "Freedom Is A Must". I know very little about the singer (he kind of looks like Lloyd Brown, doesn't he?), but something told me to have a small sampling of it. What I heard going through the clips was two main things. First of all, while BV's voice isn't what you would call BIG in the more traditional sense, he sounds EXCELLENT and there're some really nice tunes on his album. The second thing I head was that a great deal of the album seems to sound alike. Of course, that's a critique which would be proven or dis-proven with a full listen which I definitely plan to do shortly.

CD + Digital

'Bombshell Party' by Christiane Vallejo & Kalash (single) [Chabine Productions]

Crazily infectious is the latest single from winning pair Christiane Vallejo and Kalash, from out of Martinique, 'Bombshell Party'. The tune is maybe one part Soca, one part disco and the results, while you may not like the tune, are damn hard to rid from one's brain. Kalash is his typical stone-rock deejaying, although clearly having a great time (and how could he not be), while for her part, Vallejo seems to channel her inner Alison Hinds with her impressive vocals. This one has "HIT" written all over in huge, neon big letters (and a video is on its way).

Digital

King Jammy’s Records [Jammy’s/Zojak Worldwide]

And finally (I'm tired already - Damn I need a break) (on its way) - The latest eruption of what is probably the biggest vault in all of Reggae, that of the legendary King Jammy has once again opened its gates and has done so, probably, like never before with some extremely hard to find material. Last week I told you about a Determine album which I never knew existed and this week you should also be aware of some other top notch GEMS. Along with copious amounts of Shabba Ranks, Chaka Demus, Tenor Saw and the likes, also available digitally through the fine people at Zojak Worldwide are hard to find big vibes from Admiral Bailey, Spanner Banner, Determine, Brian & Tony Gold and others. At this point, if Jammy's produced it and it's been released, it's probably on a digital set, so DIG IN!

CD + Digital

'Stainless': A Review of "Jamaicanization" by Ce'Cile

When we take in the concept of longevity, in reference to Reggae music and music in general, there are a great deal of lines of thought which can be started at that point. In life, longevity can mean something as 'simple' as . . . Hanging around for ninety years or so, even without really doing too much or leaving anything for anyone to remember you by and in music, in some ways, it can be similar. However, generally speaking, the term has an almost immediate linkage with "great" or some other grand descriptor, because in music, 'sticking around', usually means that you're doing something and something significant at the same time. Still, the piece of the longevity pie that we’re specifically going to deal with today is, at least in my opinion, far more interesting and ripe than staying musically inclined and involved for so many years and definitely much more so than some old ass man sitting on their couch, not doing anything - Durability. What does it mean to be 'musically durable'? And specifically what does it mean in the genre of Reggae music? This word may have immediate ties to others such as 'tough' and other kind of grimy conditions, and that’s also fitting in this case, isn't it? When you think of someone being durable in Reggae and Dancehall music, who're some of the first names that come to mind? For me, again with the connection to "tough" and the likes, I have people like a Jah Mason or a Natural Black, or Ras Shiloh and maybe even Kiprich. These are artists who have spent the vast majorities of their respective careers outside of the greatest light that the genre has to offer someone who makes the type of music that they do, but have surely scored their fair share of hits along the way. Going back a little further, maybe we look at someone like a Tony Rebel or Shaggy as well. Musical durability and STURDINESS, for me, is shown by not only the ability of, but the displaying of an artist that he or she can maintain their place in the music and do so across a substantial period of time, in the face of not only a changing cast of 'characters' on the scene, but in the face of changing vibes as well. Today we look at someone who has, 'quietly' done just that for a career-length's of time and has made it look better (literally), than probably any of their predecessor’s or peers.

"Badgyal" - 2008

Enter Ce'Cile (I’m sure there're a hundred WONDERFUL jokes I could make right here) (. . . and I’m just as sure that they'd all likely get me in trouble) (biggup my Wife). Ce'Cile has always been someone who has definitely had a great deal of talk surrounding her career for various reasons, but when you actually begin to dig into what she's done - It is just that - a matter of what she's done, which is to succeed just about anywhere her musical travels have taken her. From the days working with Iley Dread and company at Kings of Kings, to Scatta and through the time with Danger Zone and up to now, she's kept very fine company has seemingly picked up experience at ever stop. The result of which is someone who, although you’ll rarely hear her discussed in such terms (by anyone but me), is well in the process of establishing quite a legacy for herself as, although perhaps somewhat quietly compared to some of her more 'flashy' peers, more DURABLE and stable than all of them. She hasn't had such an outstanding shift in her career, in terms of sound (if you played me a Ce'Cile tune from today a decade ago, I don't think I'd be SHOCKED, by what I was hearing). She's pretty much been the same in her approve, although substantially improved, the entire time which places her in very . . . Odd company and is, perhaps, just as strangely refreshing as well.

Currently, one could argue that Ce'Cile is not only at the heights of her powers musically, but one could say the same of her popularity, which is also quite remarkable and because of that, her output is going to receive a far-reaching look and listen. Speaking of popularity, one should definitely take in the fact that Ce'Cile's most recent album, "Worth It" (I think that was her last album), was, reportedly, one of the biggest sellers of all time from the digital monster which released it back in 2009, the dominant Zojak Worldwide. So if she were to . . . maybe to release another album - Not only would it be a very welcomed addition to Reggae shelves across the planet, but it'd also be much anticipated by fans of the artist's just as globally spread. Well, that's just what she’s doing with her brand new album, the curious and SLEEK "Jamaicanization". The album comes through German label, Kingstone with Rolf Radny as the executive producer (as well as Zojak Worldwide, again, on the digital side), who also did release a previous album of the Reggae diva's, the semi-eponymous "Badgyal" [pictured] and with whom she has been recording for years (along with producer Benjamin Bazzazian). I don't actually know how many albums she has now, I would guess this release would make approximately six or so, but really, even on paper, what it does is to really capture her, as I said, in the midst of one of the greatest stretches of her entire career. Having begun to voice consistently with super-producer Don Corleon and just really pushing some of her finest work over the past two or three years, Ce'Cile is one of the hottest names (and bodies) (and faces) in Reggae and Dancehall today. And if you haven't noticed, albums from top notch Dancehall acts these days are pretty much dinosaurs (unless I'm forgetting someone, the only such project that 2011 has given us thus far was "Kingston Story" from Vybz Kartel), so any bit of help could not only be of help to a particular artist, but perhaps the entire genre as well, so coming from one of the best with an album that should sell well, who knows what it could do. Of course, all of that is contingent upon the album being good and although it's not revolutionary or 'ground-breaking', "Jamaicanization" is an album which is virtually guaranteed to please longtime fans of Ce'Cile and it also proves to be one of the most entertaining albums of 2011. Let's listen.

'Singing This Song' digital single - In stores now

The album features a blend of older and well known singles and new songs which don’t deviate too much from Ce'Cile's sagaciously proven winning formula (maybe she planned it all???), so, again, older fans are definitely going to enjoy it and her style is one which has always been very accessible and pretty much anything she does won't have a difficult time attracting new listeners if they get a good sampling of it. Surely this album is no exception. Following an intro from Rory of the immortal Stone Love, the first full tune to be heard on Ce'Cile's COOL new album, "Jamaicanization", is also one of its highlights, the silky smooth and romantic 'Where You Want Me'. This one is new to me and I suspect it'll also be new to most who lay ears on it opening this album and 99.9% of them are sure to be impressed by what they hear. On love songs, Ce'Cile has a history of mixing the more 'candid' with the more subtle and this is one of the latter of those two and coming from someone who scored heavily with 'Anything' (a song which probably helped to make a lot of babies), not too long ago - anything on that vibes, she's liable to do extremely well with as Ce'Cile continues to do her part in building the population. She continues the sonic goodness and arguably tops herself, with a similar tune, on the next track in, the well spun and LOYAL 'When You’re Gone', Ce'Cile's stunning cut of the just as gorgeous Cardiac Bass Riddim. Although I haven't spent much time with this song over the year or so from when it was released, it has become one of those songs that you just like SO MUCH when you hear it, probably because you haven't overplayed it. It's easily one of the best tunes on the album and it’s my Wife's favourite tune on the album altogether. Rounding out the opening for "Jamaicanization" is the album's official first single, the KNOCKING 'Singing This Song' [pictured]. Another one! Although not terribly dissimilar from the two tracks which precede it on the album, this one has a bit of a bite to it, as it finds Ce'Cile espousing the virtues of the special man in her life (and that riddim from Bazzazian is evil).

'When You're Gone'

'Woot Woot'

While it's not surprising that none of Ce'Cile's hits with Don Corleon made the album (his songs just don't often appear on albums that other people do) (perhaps he could do his own album for Ce'Cile???), the known material here is still some of her biggest and most popular from over the past couple of years. For example, there's the infectious 'Woot Woot' which was a decent sized point on the big Smokin' Riddim. More infections (you should really get that checked out) on more big riddims - Also on "Jamaicanization" is 'Nah Stress Over Man' on the Street Bullies Riddim from out of Big Yard (you know you have a HUGE riddim when you can have Ce'Cile, Shaggy, Kartel and ALISON HINDS on it and all do very well). Everything on that riddim was gold and Ce'Cile had one of the better tunes, which is definitely saying something big. Good luck getting 'Step Aside' out of your head any time soon after hearing it. The song, with its "beep beep", may just be the most captivating on the entire album (particularly according to my Daughter), and it's also one of the most skillful as Ce'Cile goes almost complete straight deejaying throughout the track. Let me not forget to mention just how versatile she can be, between being a very effective DJ and also having a vocal range which, I don't know if we've STILL ever heard the full strength of. And the final selection on the album which is familiar (at least to me) is the aggressively inspirational 'Gwane Live Life' from last year.

“So live it up
Gwaan live it up
Buss di champagne, if ah dat you waan buss
Love who you waan love
Trust who you waan trust
One live you haffi live -
If you ah sleep, wake up!
And gwaan live it up
Gwaan live it up
Keep your head above water
Stay conscious
Nuh mek people negativity mash you up
Memba put God inna everything you do and bless HIM up!”

“People wi haffi live fi today
Cah none a wi no sure bout tomorrow
Di only ting wi know fi sure ah seh wi deh yah now, no put it pon hold
Di money and di cars and di fame -
No haffi come, none at all, so you shouldn’t -
Ah live yah whole life just ah wait fi yah life fi start nah too smart”

BOOM! It's probably Ce'Cile's best lyrical display on "Jamaicanization" as she gives us all a bit of advice that I'm going to begin to take very shortly - Get off your fat asses and do something! Powerful tune.

'Gwane Live Life'

And then there's the new stuff! Three tracks here, in particular, stand out on paper for me and they'll do the same for everyone else, I'm sure, because they're the three combinations for the album and one of them, to my opinion, is the best moment to be had here. First I'll mention the final of the three, sequentially, on the album, 'Wicked & Wild' which features Ce'Cile alongside European superstar, the wildly talented Million Stylez. I guess we can call this one a somewhat (not fully) Hip-Hoppish track, but that riddim is SO damn obese that I don't even like Hip-Hop and it full caught my attention (another Bazzazian production). That song is a HIT, all it needs is an opportunity and that'll be a LOCK! Stylez has also been flaming as of late and the two produce a damaging tune together. The most expected of the trio is obviously 'Sweetness' which features the also scalding Christopher Martin in a kind of 'neo-duet' of sorts. These two are very good friends, this isn't their first tune together and it probably won’t be their final and with results like this, you can see (hear) why - They have a very strong musical chemistry. Still, with all of that being said, I have to say that THE tune I had my eyes on when I first saw the tracklist for "Jamaicanization" was 'Hey' because it featured Ce'Cile alongside another of my favourites, the always brilliant Agent Sasco, and not only did it not disappoint on any level, it also proved to be my choice as the albums absolute finest moment. Call it infectious, call it romantic, call it whatever it you like - It's HUGE and both are in excellent form on a song which keeps heads swaying throughout its duration.

“Hey, baby girl I wanna hear you say -
My name - When mi hold you I mold you like clay
Mi mek you rail up like a big tune ah play
An like, seh mi deh pon di stage and deejay
Hey!
Give you love inna professional way
ALPHABET LOVE:
YOU COME FIRST LIKE DI A!
Wi chemistry is like a fireworks display
So when wi link up, it’s like New Year’s Day
Hey!”
-Assassin

Love everything about that song and I'm damn looking forward to the reaction to it on a combination which is really long overdue! BOOM!

The remaining new selections on "Jamaicanization" have their moments as well. 'Up On The Dancefloor' is exactly what you think it is, but it's a good version of that clear for-the-dance track and one which, again, should be pretty hard to pry out of your head. 'OK Without You' (you try going back and forth between those tunes like I just did and notice the HUGE shift in styles between the two) is another very interesting track and one which has grown on me quite a bit from the first time I heard it, HOWEVER, its Reggae-fied RMX is what more caught my attention. It's gorgeous and features Ce'Cile pushing her aforementioned range just a bit (sounding a little Zouk-ish at times actually) (biggup Yann Sélo). On that same note (in its sound) is 'Exclusive' which finds our star ready to settle down and go exclusive with her special man. I love the way she sets the tune up and I fully expect this one to be one of the more overlooked tracks on the album, but it is a song which adds to the full enjoyable experience of it. In terms of its subject matter, 'Cheater' isn't too difficult to figure out, but the sound is a well fascinating one. A bubbly (literally) one-drop backs the tune and it may be one of the best compositions on the whole of the album. Ce'Cile, for her part, also switches up the delivery a bit, going almost melodic Spoken Word on a downright DAZZLING track in so many ways. Speaking of dazzling, check 'Want More', which goes through several different moods between verses and choruses and somewhere in all of the madness is a nice tune! Finally, on a tune marked "iTunes Bonus" (although I have the liner notes and its credits are included there, which means that it may show up on the actual disc) Ce'Cile tells all that, if the situation calls for it - Take matters into your own hands and 'Touch Yourself'. Uhmmm . . . I don't think I need to go into it anymore than that (if you don't hurt anyone, do whatever you like!) - So I'll let Ce'Cile do it for me!

“I get myself so horny -
Doing the naughty
If I was a man, hell yeah -
I woulda want me
Don’t need nobody fi appreciate mi body
Me, myself and I a just a private party
Boyfriend gone -
Mi waiting too long
Now yah ready fi di pleasure, shouldn’t haffi hold on
Control yah weather
CREATE YOUR OWN STORM
Gyal learn how fi fly and start tun it on”

HAVE A GOOD TIME!

Two things quickly. First of all, this album is immaculate as far as how it is presented. Not only are the liners expressive of the album's title - Complete with full random facts about the country and obviously the great colours - and clearly Kingstone has taken full advantage of who they have. Who do they have? That's point two! Besides being a talented artist (and everything that encompasses), Ce'Cile is EXTREMELY attractive. She's been our choice, twice, as the Sexiest Caribbean Artist and she (always) looks damn good here - She obviously has a mirror in her house and is aware of this fact - and she's never been too shy about showing it off [thankfully]. And also check the kind of commentary Ce'Cile (presumably it’s her) leaves on some of the tunes as well.

Durability isn't the first thing that comes to mind
Well maybe it is . . .
I'll shut up now

Overall, we have a winner. Again, I'm trying to say that this is the greatest album of all time or anything like that, but what you have here is, after years and years of doing it, Ce'Cile is still succeeding by doing what she does best. And it isn't formulaic, mechanical and definitely not stale, but it is what works for her. And because of that, just about anyone who picks up "Jamaicanization" has a very good chance to enjoy it. As a hardcore fan of the music (and a fan of Ce'Cile's as well), the music isn't too far out of the range of its center that it becomes diluted with mixing in other genres, but at the same time it should be pretty damn accessible to fans of quite a few different genres. After alllllll of these years, with all of these artists coming and going and 'reinventing' themselves and doing a variety of different things to stay current - Ce'Cile has not only existed and withstood the 'test of time', but has also thriven by being what she’s always shown herself to be throughout her career: Talented. On an album that’s never been more apparent than on "Jamaicanization" - Probably the best album from one of the Dancehall's sturdiest figures in a very long time. Well done.

Rated: 4.35/5
Kingston Records/Zojak Worldwide
2011
CD + Digital
Ce'Cile @ Myspace
Ce'Cile @ Facebook

Review #328

Lyrics!: Ce'Cile

As we'll discuss in far more detail on tomorrow - There're a whole heap of things which are DAMN distracting about Ce'Cile. If it isn't a one thing, it's definitely another which can certainly take one's attention away from the fact that, 'oh yeah', she does actually make music, doesn't she? The music, itself, can also be dynamic and have other more 'flaring' traits which can drag the listener's concentration even further away from what she's actually saying. However, for anyone who has managed to sift their ways through the (WONDERFUL) aesthetic pull of Ce'Cile (and you can apply that in just about any way you choose to) and actually delve into her lyrics - YOU know that it is an area in which she hasn't gotten the credit that she deserves in her career. It hasn't all been a show of smoke, mirrors and CGI for her, there's definitely substance behind that captivating veneer. That's where I come in! In celebration of week (two days) packed of her, today we have a look at the colourful and clever wordy work of Bad Gyal Ce'Cile!

{Thank You Lloyd Ricketts!}

"Mi love hot bwoy, but Matterhorn too hype
Rory coulda wuk, but him waan little height
Big belly Sky Juice ah nuh really my type
Yo Rolex, yuh pants too tight
Mi nah waan Sabba cuz him ah look wife
Caan sing Jennifer Lopez tune all mi life
Ninjaman free, but him nah get a slice
Mi nah want him stab mi wid knife!"
-'Changez'

"When mi want it
Ah it mi want not itty
Any position mi inna fi tek it, you betta gimme
Been there, done that, so nah badda sorry fi me
If you dweet and flop, outta road mi ah bring it
No badda play round and ramp lak pickney
Dun have di axe
Yow a swing, you fi swing it
Here mi ah wheeze, a nah vicks you a gimme"
-'Fool'


"Gangsta youth, yuh nah fi look lak Sally
An yah nah fi pretty pretty and favour dolly
Yuh fi be Ken, yah nah fi be di Barbie
From you look feminine, bwoy you can't chat to me
Man alla mek mistake - Call yah 'shortie'
Cah di style of yah clothes mek you favour Sharrie
Stop buy di gyal dem clothes now Marky
And gi you hipsters dem to yah sista Sanni"

"Wi caah hot again cuz a di man dem
Dem ah buy off wi blouse and wi pants dem
Them thief wi pink colour, my God then
Them ah soon start waan wear wi thong?!"
-'Woman Ting'

"A wukkaman alone slam dis -
And position dis
Bad gyal mi be and mi no fraid fi gi John Dis
Man fi can wuk cuz a 2001 dis
Elephant Man, no badda think yuh can dun dis!"
-'Bad Gal, Bad Man' w/Elephant Man


"Nuff a dem a sing bout a slackness dat
Lie dem ah tell cah di gyal dem chat
Bout dem nah bow, well, mek wi watch -
How dem pon video, under di frock
Him ah talk bout "oh", "no"
Bwoy a freak unda di sheets
So, How. Come.
Him ah tell a nah fi dweet
Say what you wanna say -
You haffi bow fi get some
An any bwoy weh nah go dung
You know dat get bun!"
-'Do It To Me'

"A likkle ting mi haffi tell di catty dem
Di man dem nowadays, wi haffi tougha than dem
Haffi hice it up and mek di sitten pressure dem
Inna di long run, you won't have no mate problem
Caan be no fool, cuz a old dog dem
If you slip, dem will wuk off you best friend dem
Then swear pon di cross seh 'I neva did dem'
Tell a bwoy, seh "it wasn't me" nah work again" [biggup Shaggy]
-'Know How'

"He's given me happiness
Yes
Treats me like a princess
Yes
So mi couldn't give him no less
Yes
Than the good, better and the best
Yes
Sometime, mi put him to the test
Yes
And him nah end up inna no mess
Yes
When he's wid me, him no see di rest
Yes
Di man yah deserve mi respect
Yes"
-'Waiting'


"Mi waan cook fi you
Wash fi you
Mek up yah bed and clean yah house fi you
Press yuh clothes fi you
Spend my money fi you
Accept yah baby mother and yah pickney too!"

"When a girl loves a man -
She should do every ting fi mek him feel right
Him every wish a mi command
Hot gyal become housewife
When a girl loves a man -
She, she only happy if him alright
She alla change her style
But a nah nuttin if it feel right!"
-'Anything'

"Mi want a man fi tek care of mi good good summin
So busy signal fi di bwoy dem weh nah let off nuttin
Mi no care weh yah figure
Call me gold-digger
But any man around mi haffi send on summin"
-'Worth It'


"Mi juss fi like fi sing a love song pon a big, bad riddim so mi drive go link Don
Him seh Ce'Cile -
'Yow wi haffi find a plan'
'Gwaan hold a meds, I waan yuh gi di people a culture one'
So mi look inna mehself
Dem seh 'word is power'
Dat mean mi powerful wid every note mi utter
With this power that I've gaine -
If one life mi caah change, then I shouldn't even bother"

"Wi haffi rise up!
Haffi wake up!
Look pon wi good country wi mashing up
If wi waan things fi betta
Wi haffi talk up!
You just as bad if you keep yah mouth shut!"
-'Rise Up'

What I'm Listening To: July!

"Rebelution" by Yami Bolo [Zion High Productions - 2003]


'Safeguard'

I'm a little hesitant these days to write about "Rebelution" because I've written SO MUCH for it in the past. I reviewed the album, they re-released it as a Dub version, I reviewed that, I think I wrote a news story for it on United Reggae and then I think I reviewed it there too! So I definitely donated a lot of time to what, I THINK, remains the latest studio release from the outstanding Yami Bolo, from Zion High Productions. However, this album, which I rarely go a WEEK without spinning at least once these days, I kind of use to . . . Almost stabilize my mood. I've spoken about it sparingly in the past - I've had a long road with mental problems and aside from medication, which certainly does help, there's all of this wonderful music and "Rebelution" has definitely been a kind of 'mobile' form of therapy for me. I listen to this album (and a few others) to help me to focus to write about OTHER albums and I also go for it when I’m not necessarily feeling BAD, but my mood is just constantly shifting and it almost always works. The tune I’m most centered on these days, fittingly, is 'Hail The Conquering Lion' with Ras Michael and today (while I'm writing this), we definitely give praise to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I, born 119 years ago.

"Nyah Man Chant" by Bushman [Greensleeves - 1997]


'Nyah Man Chant'

'Grow Your Natty'

In retrospect, this Steely & Clevie produced set is probably somewhat overrated - It is remembered and lauded (by people like me) as being great and landmark, but that's probably because it was the debut album of someone who would go on to be a very well regarded vocalist in his career. 14 years ago now, Bushman arrived on the album scene with "Nyah Man" chant which featured a bag of tunes with which his name is still oft-associated. Songs like the title track, 'Call The Hearse', 'Black Starliner', 'Grow Your Natty' and others are still highlights in his huge catalog and they all appear on this album, respectively. Also here, however, are less than stellar efforts such as 'Remember The Day', 'She’s Gone' and Bushman's cover of Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine'. It is ultimately a 'middle of the road' type of an album which he would greatly eclipse with its two follow-ups, "Total Commitment" and, of course, "Higher Ground" (both produced by King Jammy, incidentally), but every so often it is nice to get back to the real class of this album which is now classic material.

"In Concert Series: Luciano" [J&D Distribution - 2000]

Luciano does have a definitive live album to his credit, "Live!" which was done by Xterminator and VP Records the same year as this largely forgotten piece, "In Concert Series" from the once very useful J&D. The other album was a better performance, had better tunes and, also, it lead me to going through this album for what seemed like the first time in 200 years. Regardless of its age or time away from my players, however, certain moments on this album remain . . . Candy-like for the ears. Despite the presence of far more recognizable tracks such as 'Sweep Over My Soul', 'One Way Ticket', 'It's Me Again Jah', 'Lord Give Me Strength', it was some of the lesser known pieces here which really stood out to me. The best of them all came with the spicy ‘Jah Makes The World Go Round’, but ‘Final Call’ was also very strong as were a few more.

"FINALLY" by Frisco Kid [VP Records - 1998]


'Little & Cute'

FUN! I may have mentioned this one before, but as my copy of Frisco Kid's debut (and I think ONLY) album, "Finally" from 1998 spends 99% of its time tucked away in an office-box in . . . that room with all of my Wife's stuff in it - Pretty much every time I'm looking for something else and happen to stumble upon it, I pull it out and have at least a brief listen. Why? First of all is the artist, himself. I can't pretend that Frisco was the greatest DJ of his, or any other, era, but his delivery was damn solid and particularly when you're backed by THE top riddims of the time, courtesy of the genius that is Dave Kelly (who also wrote most the lyrics) - Fun times definitely ensue. This album would’ve probably been great as an instrumental, stocked with favourites such as the Showtime, Pepperseed, Arab Attack, Joy Ride and the hypnotic Medicine riddims. The final of those serves as a platform for what is probably my own favourite tune from the DJ ever, the KNOCKING 'Little & Cute' and other pieces such as 'Sergeant Wallace' (LYRICS!), 'Dreamland' with Wayne Wonder, 'Wackie News' (riddim on that one, whatever it's called, is MAD!), 'Bashment Time' featuring Mr. Easy and more - Just add to the fun here on an excellent Dancehall album from its time (if you don't have this one, probably above all others here today (unless I add something else), I would suggest you look into picking it up - Now easily available digitally.

"7 Year Itch" by Protoje [Don Corleon - 2011]

Call me simple - When you're nice to me, I feel inclined to be nice back. In my ridiculousness, I call "nice" listening to your music, even though I already have dealt with (and I actually think most people would agree with me). Of course, just listening isn't the ultimate goal, I'm trying to find some way to work the album back into a discussed 'circulation' around here and in this case, I’m having a pretty good time looking back as well. Last week, as I said yesterday, we got a link from Protoje, who said how much he'd enjoyed our review of his strong debut album, "7 Year Itch" from back in January. So, from since then I've gone back and had a next listen. These days (as is usually the case when I step away from an album for some time and then come back), the journey is more of a lyrical one and while I'm still in the midst of said steps, definitely go back to this one for yourself and focus more on what is being said. In Protoje's case, given the fact that his music is dynamic for various reasons and all of everything going on with his backstory, it's kind of difficult to focus on a single thing, but in doing so, I've gained even more of an appreciation for tunes such as 'Overtime' and others. I'm still working on trying to figure out how to work his album back into being mentioned around here, however.

{Note: Hope you caught that one}
{See Review Here}

Patra


'Romantic Call' w/Yo-Yo

I can't actually take credit for the fact that, ever since learning that Patra did indeed have an album a few years back "The Great Escape", I've been listening to her old tunes - Because I wasn't the one who just learned about it and I haven't actually been listening - It's been more like HEARING on my part. Instead, it's my Wife (oh love of my life) who has been enjoying the time traveling (I love you). That isn't, of course, to disparage Patra in any way because Patra's old stuff was pretty damn good. What you'll find on her second album, "Scent of Attraction", really isn't my favourite material, but her slightly grimier debut, "Queen of The Pack", was better than solid (and almost became the subject of a 'vault review' last year, largely due to the WICKED title track and 'Romantic Call' with Hip-Hopper, Yo-Yo (whatever happen to her???). And although it's been some time from last I heard a new tune from Patra, she's still around and quite actively performing, so biggup Patra and definitely biggup my Wife (who I'll leave alone now because she's looking at me funny).

"Entre Nous" by Nesly [Nouvelle Donne - 2011]


'Allez'


'En Mode Love'

Lastly - Apparently this album may've reached back in February, so I'm probably late to it because we just got it not too long ago. "It" is, obviously, the debut album from up and coming Zoukie, Nesly who broke out in 2010 with an outstanding year highlighted by a big big tune by the name of, 'Allez'. This is the album on which you'll find that tune, as well as eleven other predominately worthy stops along the way. Yes - Nesly, is a cutie (who is not shy at all about showing off that ass) (but that album cover is strange) and she makes some very very nice music as well. Certainly 'Allez' is the class of the album, but her most recent single, the sultry 'En Mode Love', is pretty damn nice also (and hopefully we put that video in here) as are a few other tunes here. I'm still well in the process of working my way through it, but the title track is a beautiful thing (and I think I've heard that before also), as is, potentially, 'Rien Que Toi'. It's been awhile from the last time we reached with Zouk, so you can probably expect a review for this one when we return.