Rewind! - "In My Father's House" by Addis Pablo

"In My Father's House" by Addis Pablo [JahSolidRock]

Back to Addis. When it comes to making Roots Reggae music these days, in general, you virtually have to have an eye and an ear pointed in the direction of Dutch label, JahSolidRock. Though they make fantastic music, particularly what it is about their releases is just how engrossing and riveting their SOUND is. For everyone who has ever listened to the genre and thought it to be boring or formulaic (of course you're completely wrong), I'd well recommend picking up a project from JSR. Prior to 2014, my largest suggestion would have been one of the pair of albums from Chezidek who had demonstrated a stunning level of chemistry with the label between 2010's "Judgment Time" and its followup from three years on, "The Order of Melchezedik". And while that remains the case, in early 2014 someone else made a very strong case for themselves to be in the discussion as Addis Pablo, son of the legendary Augustus Pablo, linked up with JSR to provide Reggae fans with an album certain to be amongst the very best albums of the year come December. What they would produce would be an album whose overall presentation and sound may be one of the very best of the modern era. Today we go back and take a look at one of the most vibrant albums I've heard in a long time and Rewind! "In My Father's House" by Addis Pablo.

Original Review 

1. 'Road To Addis'

If the year ended right now, I'd likely declare 'Road To Addis' its single best song. Soca song after Soca song after Soca song (albeit in a… fairly average season) (and calling it "fairly average" is probably being a bit generous) couldn't even begin to dilute the WICKEDLY twisting, candy-like melody of this tune in my head, which I still CONSTANTLY find myself humming  at completely random moments without even realizing initially. It is a special track and one which, more than fittingly, sets the tone for what follows it - particularly the amazing early stretch on this one. 

2. 'Evolution' w/Earl Sixteen

In the second room of this house we found 'Evolution' which featured veteran Earl Sixteen handling the vocal duties. This song, now, just really makes me SMILE and I'm beginning to think that it was, at least in part, the purpose of this song. The ideology here, for me, is Earl Sixteen saying that the most drastic course of action isn't always the best and thinking and planning can be just as effective as the final option. But the way that he presents that thought is nearly just as important as the thought itself. Whatever he says on a tune like this, I'm interested in trying because it FEELS SO GOOD! 

"And in this evolving world -

Every man, woman, boy and girl -

Must rule their destiny

And we're all human beings

In whatever way it seems 

We need equality

I just can't change the course of history

Cause each and every nation all need to be free

I see the tables are turning

And the enemies would look like a friend

There are some things that we wanna do 

So we must be assertive if we wanna make it through

The sun come shine on our face

And we're all apart of the human race

I'VE GOT LIFE, THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT TO LIVE

AND PRECIOUS LOVE IS ALL I'VE GOT TO GIVE

And we don't need a revolution

We need a solution

For this next generation

We've got to find the solution

The children of the revolution"

3. 'Evolutionary Rockers'

"In My Father's House" there is a room separates (or links) 'Road To Addis' and 'Evolution' and that room is called 'Evolutionary Rockers'. This song was absolutely brilliant in what it does as it is a dub featuring elements of both of its predecessors combined into one track. You get bits and pieces of Earl Sixteen and you also hear a great deal of Addis Pablo and his melodica mixed in as well. Not too much of either and you never get the FULL feel of either composition, which is a good point in this case and whoever planned out to do this is clearly a GENIUS! Pablo on the riddim then Earl Sixteen - then both of them… BOOM! 

4. 'In A Di Gideon'

The pace of 'In A Di Gideon' has probably over-grown on me just a bit and I've also been listening to it frequently recently. What I have to say here, however, is another testament to what JSR's releases tend to excel most at. The basic riddim here is fantastic and I don't know what you could have possibly done to change that in my opinion. Pablo's additions make it stronger and really highlight so many little different sounds here (there's a drum in there somewhere which I can never quite anticipate correctly, but when it does arrive, is downright intoxicating). But you could play this thing for an hour and after that I'd probably ask for more of it. It's fantastic. 

5. 'Gideon Rockers' w/Sylford Walker

And its fantastic-ness continues through to 'Gideon Rockers' which features the venerable Sylford Walker on the vocals. Despite Walker's presence and the fact that he does a fine job -- and he does -- 'Gideon Rockers' is, essentially, another instrumental piece which carries the same riddim as its predecessor. This one is more of a traditional Dub sound with the echoes and the very light vocals and, again, you can't do a think to take away from that monstrous track which, between these two, only grows (and grows substantially) in stature.

6. 'His Majesty'

There is a very nice, but subtle, level of intensity behind 'His Majesty', which kicks off another impressive stretch similar to the trio of tunes which open "In My Father's House". Like that lot, the first here features Pablo offering over this sublime track first. For his part, Pablo dazzles and he doesn't do it in a way which is overbearing. I can recall the first time I heard this piece thinking that even the clean instrumental here would be supreme and, though I haven't heard it (or at least I don't think I have), I'm convinced that, even upon it, Pablo manages to improve with his additions which, as I said, are very clean and easily related to the riddim.

7. 'Giving Thanks' w/Prince Alla

Following names such as Earl Sixteen and Sylford Walker, JSR pulls in another big name of a similar stature as, dealing with the vocal portion of this riddim, 'Giving Thanks', is the esteemed Prince Alla. This song here is a basic praising tune but one which, because of the track carrying it, definitely makes a lasting impression on the listener. Also I should mention how many different things I hear on this one versus 'His Majesty', which includes a very strong guitar highlighting the latter portions of the tune.

8. 'Rockers Trodding Jah Road'

… TEARS! I just didn't give 'Rockers Trodding Jah Road', the Dubbed out accompaniment of 'His Majesty and 'Giving Thanks', its proper due credit the first time around - it is FANTASTIC! The big addition to this spread is a dominant drum which persists throughout the composition. But what I enjoy most in this case is how the tune develops. As it progresses, you hear more and more sounds taking the lead, including vocally from Prince Alla. What you end up with is a piece which sounds MUCH longer than the ~ three and half minutes that it actually is. Not to be missed and one of the brightest rooms "In My Father's House". 

9. 'Walls of Jericho'

I still very much credit Pablo's tune, 'Walls Of Jericho', for reenergizing a tune by the name of 'Tumbling Down' by Chezidek from his aforementioned album, "The Order of Melchezedik" by demonstrating just how powerful its track was. Once again, this is a riddim which GLOWS when you listen to it, picking up in power as it progresses along the way. At around the four minute mark (from maybe twenty seconds ahead to fifteen after), Addis Pablo makes one of his most amazing displays during the entire album and he subsequently goes on to be kind of swathed within all of these other big sounds, so it kind of sounds like he's moving as he plays. That's something which is unique to this tune, as far as I can tell, and a now unforgettable moment on this record. 

10. 'To the Chief Musicians' w/Jah Exile

Jah Exile also tumbles down (with a little help from Pablo) on his vocal cut of the same riddim, 'To The Chief Musicians'. This tune is a very interesting biblical recitation which almost kind of comes off as an intermission for the album. I can picture in my head Exile hearing this track and not even developing an idea, but just being given an instant inspiration to go forth like this because it comes off as a very organic moment and it helps to lead the album into its latter portions. 

11. 'Wareika Mystic'

'Wareika Mystic' is special. There're several truly GREAT compositions on this album and the only one of them which I am comfortable placing ahead of it is 'Road To Addis' and I think that even a strong case could be made that it is better than that, if you wanted to. By this point in the album, my ears are WELL open and I'm listening for every small detail (like a piano playing around two minutes in) [WHAT!] which give songs such a longer life and have made a song like this, recently, one of my favourites from anyone (it also leads me into another critique, which I'll deal with in closing).

12. 'Thanks and Praise' w/Chezidek

"Honour and praises to Jah Jah

Selassie I, The Emperor

He is The Mighty Conqueror

Honour and praises to Jah Jah

For one moment, I thought that I would never get through

I was at the crossroads, frustrated, never know what to do

I couldn't follow temptation, so much things I never knew

For I was searching all over, 'til I found Jah in You

And I praise HIM

Jah set me free, from destruction -

That I didn't see

Gotta change my life

My hands must be clean

And my conscience - it must be free"

As was the case with 'Walls of Jericho' in reference to 'Tumbling Down', "In My Father's House" also gave me a greater (I should probably say "another" in this case) appreciation of another tune from "The Order of Melchezedik", 'Thanks and Praise' [originally 'Praises To Jah']. BEAUTIFUL! I wish Chezidek a loooooooong and successful career, which hopefully includes a stop at JSR for a new album every few years. This was not the best song on that album (it isn't the best song on this album either0, but it was flawless and an absolutely special offering.

13. 'Rockers International' Version

"HONOUR AND PRAISES TO JAH JAH"

I'll just sing it myself when it isn't there - the version of 'Rockers International' was the Dub of the riddim from 'Thanks and Praise' and 'Wareika Mystic' and it brings the full strength of this beautiful track to a pinnacle in a somewhat streamlined form. This track is stripped away and somewhat skeletal, but in this case, that's a good thing. What remains is this gorgeous bass heavy piece which here is afforded an opportunity to shine and shine it does! 

14. 'One Love, One Heart, One Family'

'One Love, One Heart, One Family' was LUSH. Here was another selection where, each and every time you listen to it, your ears naturally find something else to focus on, which makes it sound much longer than it is. In this particular case, things are different as, sans a vocal track, it is Pablo left alone to do what he does (you'll find a vocal tune on this track if you want it (and you do) on the "TOOM" album) best on this riddim. Of course he isn't totally alone as this piece is top notch musicianship. I love the drumming on this one as well and just how much 'space' there is, which gives it a very free and kind of improvisational feel to the vibes. You never do know exactly what is coming next, but what arrives is damn impressive.

15. 'Rockers' Version

The version for the track of 'One Love, One Heart, One Family' offers even more room and, sans the constant presence of Pablo, I'm well recommending this one to more traditional fans of Dub. This one, perhaps ahead of any other on "In My Father's House" resonates in that particular way. I'm certainly not that individual, but even for me, it was a highlight here and a song which kind of figured to be buried and lost on an album like this with so many other spectacular moments. But I didn't lose it and now hopefully you won't either.

16. 'In My Father's House'

"Search and you will find…"

The best song on "The Order of Melchezedik" album, to my opinion, was 'Search and You Will Find' and the title track for this album is actually Addis Pablo's song on the same riddim. I've grown to kind of take this tune as an addendum to the original track. It certainly has its own characteristics, but it fits so nicely with 'Search and You Will Find' and, had that album followed its predecessor, "Judgment Time", you may have even saw a song like this actually on the album. For his individual part, Addis Pablo, in a very relaxed way (somewhat similar to the opener) mines gold on one of the best songs on this album, too. 

17. 'My Father' Version

And finally is the instrumental for 'In My Father's House' and 'Search and You Will Find', which ends this album with another piece of candy for the listeners. In its basic form, the track is very simple, but undeniably infectious. Like every good piece of work on this album (… "like every piece of work on this album"), this piece also picks up as it goes along and, in its own way, manages to spotlight so many unique prevailing sounds. Between ''In My Father's House', 'Search and You Will Find' and this instrumental, I definitely feel like you have three examples of some of the finest work that JahSolidRock has ever done.

I do want to mention something and I doubt that it's fair (but I'm a fan and we're greedy by nature and immune to worrying about things such as fairness), but I could very happily listen to some of these tunes considerably longer than they go on. For an album which has a duration of nearly seventy minutes, it is a kind of odd point to make, but in the future if JSR wanted to roll out one of these with songs more than ten minutes long - you may get a complaint, but not from me (biggup Lloyd Brown). As it is, however, "In My Father's House" isn't doing bad with tunes primarily in the three and a half to five and a half minute range. It's doing excellent, actually. Haven't heard it yet? Be nice to you and take a look "In My Father's House" by Addis Pablo from JahSolidRock today… it isn't like you have anything better to do.

Soca Gold 2014!

"Soca Gold 2014" [VP Records]

1. 'Carnival Tabanca' by Bunji Garlin

2. 'Big People Party' by Farmer Nappy

3. 'BTW [Behaving The Worst]' by Skinny Fabulous

4. 'Come Out  To Play' by Benjai

5. 'Monster Winer' by Kerwin Du Bois & Lil Rick

6. 'To Meh Heart' by 5Star Akil

7. 'Bread' by Ravi B

8. 'Run Away' [Remix] featuring Olatunji by Ki

9. 'Need Ah Riddim' by Biggie Irie

10. 'Done D Party' by Fay-Ann Lyons 

11. 'Somebody' by Patrice Roberts

12. 'Bad Influence' by Nadia Batson

13. 'Last Man Standing' by Edwin Yearwood

14. 'Fete Everyday' by Problem Child

15. 'Shake Dat' by Jo Jo

16. 'Addiction' featuring Imani by Farmer Nappy

17. 'Jah Jah Nation' by Tallpree

18. 'Tun Tun' by Ricardo Drue

With the month of May quickly approaching, with it (as it always does), it will bring the latest installment of Soca music's most well known release, "Soca Gold". Despite a less than stellar (and less than average) year of the music, I was really looking forward to seeing what VP Records came up with, given the rather successful run of Soca music, otherwise. Of course, much of that success can be attributed to Soca lyrics king Bunji Garlin who did and continues to do MASSIVE work with his destructive hit, 'Differentology' (which appeared on "Soca Gold 2013"). Since that album, VP has not only signed Garlin to a deal for his next album (which I am still expecting at some point within the year's first half), but have been promoting him in a major way, most recently via releasing a pre-album EP. 

"Carnival Tabanca" EP by Bunji Garlin

Coincidentally, the name of that EP was "Carnival Tabanca", named after another 2013 hit from Garlin and that tune is his official contribution to "Soca Gold 2014. I fully expected two or three songs here from Garlin, but 'Carnival Tabanca' was excellent. After Garlin's guaranteed participation on this album, I didn't really know what to expect, though I did hope for a bit more in the way of diversity given the fact that "SG2013" was, if I recall correctly, built entirely on the work from out of Trinidad and Barbados, so I was definitely hoping that they changed things up just a bit - and they did. WONDERFULLY making an appearance on "SG2014" is reigning St. Vincy Road March and multiple time Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous with what was my favourite song of his from last year and one of my favourites from anyone, the COOL 'BTW'. Skinny's brother, Problem Child, also makes an appearance on the album, as does the always welcomed Tallpree from out of Grenada with 'Jab Jab Nation'. I was also really happy to see a pair of tunes from Farmer Nappy. His biggest winner of 2014, 'Big People Party' (album of the same name, in stores now), is included as is the electric 'Addiction', alongside Imani. Also on board is the remix of 'Run Away' which, in its original form, netted Ki a Chutney Soca Monarch crown this year - the remix features Olatunji. And of course having a "Soca Gold" sans Edwin Yearwood is a sacrilege so the Bajan star is represented well with the solid 'Last Man Standing'. And I was also happy to see another Bajan veteran (and former Trini Groovy Soca Monarch), Biggie Irie, back to the series with the LOVELY 'Need Ah Riddim' from De Red Boyz [BOOM!] (after alllllll of these years, DRB still churning out big tunes).

'Jab Jab Nation' by Tallpree

Still a section right in the middle of "Soca Gold 2014" has really gotten my attention as females take over. Mrs. Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, makes a return to the series with her cut of the Oil Stain Riddim ["MY BEHAVIOUR STINK! MY BEHAVIOUR WELL WRENK!"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!], 'Done D Party'. Patrice Roberts who, as she always seems to do quietly turned in another solid season is also here with the sublime 'Somebody' and Nadia Batson (who was always very attractive but has gotten even more so recently) turns in 'Bad Influence'. And speaking of Batson, though I didn't love the tune, 'Shake Dat', its star, Jo Jo, brings it to the album for her series debut and I believe that Jo Jo is actually Nadia Batson's younger sister. One of them on this album is not big news (Roberts, especially, is a series regular), but to have all three, Lyons, Batson and Roberts on the same album is a big deal for "Soca Gold" and VP Records.

"Soca Gold 2013"

How big?! You can find that out for yourself when "Soca Gold 2014" from VP Records arrives in stores on May 27th.

[Note: As always, nice cover]

Coming Soon #77: Sound It!

"The Sound" by Pressure Busspipe [I Grade Records]

Virgin Islands Nice'

The biggest news in this week is the final release date and cover for one of the most anticipated albums of early 2014 as VI superstar, Pressure Busspipe, links up with the VI's biggest label, I Grade Records, and the Zion I Kings to bring us "The Sound". The album, Pressure’s fourth to date, has already attracted quite a bit of attention, largely because of one of its early singles, the STERLING 'Virgin Islands Nice', and given his recent form, I'm fully expecting "The Sound" to be one of the biggest albums of the year. We haven't seen a final tracklist just yet, but I can't wait to get my ears on the final product. Should be a great one. 

Releases on April 15

CD + Digital

"Better Off Dread" by Perfect Giddimani [Jah Youth Productions]

Just as I Grade has already impressed well in the new year on the strength of the MASSIVE "Beauty For Ashes" album from Midnite and are looking forward to their next project, the week prior to "The Sound", also making a quick return will be Jah Youth Productions who already delivered the equally substantial "Indigenous" album courtesy of veteran Rob Symeonn in February and is now set to bring forth "Better Off Dread" from the recently flaming Perfect Giddimani (that sentence was extremely long). The album features material from, amongst others, Weedy G Soundforce, New World Sounds, the House of Riddim (who helmed Perfect's most recent release, 2013's "Over The Top") and Rumble Rock Recordz and it is very good to see Perfect remaining active and present on album shelves, particular at such an effective stage in his career. 

Releases on April 8

Digital
Thanks Susan!

"I Am, I Said" by Mikey Spice [Joe Fraser Records]

If no one told you, then allow me: It's happy hour again as returning with his first new album since… his last new album is sweet singing veteran, Mikey Spice, who once again links up with wonderfully reliable people at Joe Fraser Records (as well as the seemingly inactivity-allergic VPAL). Given those set of circumstances, you can surely get an idea of what to expect in this case as big voiced old school love anthems figure to run in abundance and, as always, it should turn out to be very solid. Mikey Spice always seems to be (like Richie Stephens) someone who has more fans and more passionate fans than you realize and I'm well expecting this one to be received by all of them very well. 

Releases on April 1

CD [I THINK] +Digital

"John John Presents Vybz Kartel" [John John Records]

And because a riddim album, full albums from Sizzla Kalonji and Mykal Rose and an EP from Sanchez just wasn't enough for producer John John, he's also "presenting" a very random (though not entirely unexpected) (obviously) seven tracked EP from troubled Dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel. You can fully expect to see more of these coming soon and this one though of no real value, isn't horrible. Focusing on older material "John John Presents Vybz Kartel" includes combinations with Shabba Ranks and Bounty Killer as well as Kartel's cut of the reenergized Nookie Riddim, 'Proper English', which is easily the best thing found here. 

Releases on April 15

Digital

"Journey of A Young Warrior" by Tydal [Master One Entertainment]

With Chronixx being as much of a guarantee as possible to have the EP of the year when his "Dread & Terrible" project reaches in April, silent warrior Tydal is going for runner-up with his own should-be-outstanding EP, "Journey of A Young Warrior". Tydal's is a very interesting talent as, his most immediately recognizable gift is definitely his sonic appeal. Tydal makes tunes which're very pleasant to listen to -- even before you get to the matter of their actual substance -- and that should be on full display within the seven tracks comprising this EP. Included, of course, is his biggest shot to date, 'Silent Warrior', as well as the BEAUTIFUL 'Somewhere In Africa', 'Coward' and other tunes I'm really looking forward to taking in. Tydal is a big up and comer and this should release would be a fantastic way to make his musical acquaintance if you have not already. 

Releases Tomorrow

Digital

The Ba Ba Bum Riddim [Mr. G Music]

A big piece of credit goes at Mr. G for one of his biggest releases in a loooooong time, the Ba Ba Bum Riddim. The assemblage of talent on this one, ostensibly, is RIDICULOUS. Buju Banton, I-Wayne, Ce'Cile, Richie Spice, Thriller U, Ginjah, Junior X and Pinchers all make appearances and take their chances at having the second best song on this riddim following Capleton who lays it to ruins with his disastrous 'Blue Mountain Peak'. The well familiar track is also top notch and, as is always nice, a clean version is included.

Releases Tomorrow

Digital

'Rivers' by Miriam Simone [Dredda Records]

And though I haven't heard the full tune here, from the clips 'Rivers' by Alison Hin… Miriam Simone, via the wonderful people at Dredda Records, should be at worst a REALLY good song. Perhaps quietly, Simone has been turning in big results from… from forever really, I don't recall her not making big tunes - and this should be one of her very best. Check it out. 

Releases Tomorrow

Digital

"Kingston 20" by QQ [QG Productions]

And though I've never been the biggest fan of QQ's (because I am a really old man) (I am nearly THIRTY-THREE years old!!!), we mention him today because he has a new album (which may be his first) coming up, "Kingston 20". And with Dancehall albums from even remotely solid names have been dinosaurs in recent years, biggup QQ for joining the very small lot (although it has been pretty good this year, like everything else). 

Releases on April 1

Digital

Gappy Ranks [Hot Coffee Music]

UK star Gappy Ranks and his Hot Coffee Music imprint remain steadily at work and have a pair of… very different singles forthcoming in early April. On one hand is 'A Friend In Jesus', which doesn't appear to be what I was expecting in terms of a full Gappy Goes Gospel experiment. Instead, the song seems to bring his typical clever edginess, but delivering it in a very rare way for the artist. The other single is called 'Hard & Stiff' and is about exactly what you think it is, but it too seems to be a nice effort from the clips. Gappy is probably becoming one of my favourites as of early 2014 and one of the reasons is definitely because of his attention to detail and an unflappable versatility.

Releases on April 1 & April 8

Digital 

Otis [Fox Fuse]

And lastly - continuing their apparent course to take over the entire world is Fox Fuse and Grenada is their latest stop as they, completely randomly, venture into the catalogue of Otis. Though random as it is (and it is), there is good stuff here. Of the four tunes - there're three which are at least solid. 'Doing Anything' is recent and features Otis alongside Lyrikal and was absolutely delightful as was 'Wet Me Down', which I don't even remember. Most importantly, however, is 'Tornado' which was Otis' biggest hit to date and netted the artist a Soca Monarch crown as well as a Road March title a few years ago ["GET IN A CIRCLE AND FORM A TORNADOOOOOOOOO!"]. Biggup Fox Fuse.

Releases on March 31

Digital