What I'm Listening To! Again and Again!

"Acoustic Gold Vol. 1" by Etana [Freemind Music -2022]

First up today (actually writing this one fourth, but common sense dictates it being at the top), is a wonderful idea from a wonderful artist with a wonderful voice as the incomparable Etana releases a brand new EP with quite a few familiar pieces done with a new rinse. "Acoustic Gold Vol. 1" (-suggests that there will someday be a second volume. That would be nice) finds the singer performing more streamlined versions of some her well known tunes on her own Freemind Music imprint. When I saw this tracklist, my eyes gravitated towards one tune in particular, 'I Am Not Afraid' because not only is it my favourite out of the seven, I thought that it might even be able to shine MORE in this form as that voice [!] would take on a greater presence and, for once, I was not wrong. Projects like these are not for everyone and not even I would want to listen to them ALL the time, but presented like this, just a few at a time, I was just very impressed -- yet again -- by Etana and co. Also take a listen to 'Love Song', which is probably going to make quite a few people cry, once again.

The Yad On Riddim [Lustre Kings Productions -2022]

Achis Reggae favourites, the Zion I Kings, are back with their latest assuredly BIG release, the Yad On Riddim. Keeping it simple this time (nothing wrong with that but.... should they want to spread it around a bit more sometime in the future, I wouldn't have a problem with that), the Yad On features just three vocal tracks along with a dub version of the track courtesy of Digital Ancient from Lustre Kings Productions who take center stage this time around (I LOVE how they kind of rotate releases between the three labels). Despite its brevity, however, as you imagine the Yad On manages to make a significant impact. That surely has to do with the talent assembled as ZIK stalwarts Akae Beka and Lutan Fyah are featured and turn in predictably outstanding efforts. HOWEVER, to my opinion the Yad On's finest piece comes courtesy of Marcus Gad who impresses immensely on 'Recall the Fullness' ["Some say you can magnify the waters with the focus of your mind"], though Lutan Fyah may be catching him, as 'Talk Talk Talk' takes a bit of time to grow on you. Crucial as always - you really want to hear this. Trust me. 

'Dem Haffi Runaway' by Norris Man [Little Rock Sound -  2022]

A HUGE, IMMENSE and THUNDERING credit goes to one Little Rock Sound from out of New Caldeonia of all places (you Google New Caledonia and see where it is in the world) for this next selection (which I'm actually writing first on this list) because it is absolutely GORGEOUS! Following the release of his excellent "Deep Conversations" album, just earlier this year, apparently veteran chanter, Norris Man, was simply not done with you because he is back with a tune which not only would have reigned supreme on "Deep Conversations", but would have done so on MOST of his albums. 'Dem Haffi Runaway' is MAMMOTH!

"Dem haffi run away - too much wickedness

Jah put an end to their days

There is no other way

If a nah Jah you praise-

Then surely shall fade"

And although Norris Man does definitely shine lyrically here, it would not be nearly as potent were it not for that spectacular riddim carrying it so, again, we give thanks to Little Rock Sound on the production. BOOM!

'Jamaica Gone' by Bounty Killer [John John Records - 2022]

You listen to this song. Just take a listen:

SHOCKINGLY -- believe me, I know -- I neither feel the need to or feel like I should have to explain exactly why this song has been on my radars lately. We give thanks for a trio of wizards, Bounty Killer, John John and Mark Myrie (not actually sure which Mark Myrie... thinking Buju more likely than his son, but I could definitely be wrong) link up, in association with Johnny Wonder, to produce a masterpiece.

The Inna Dem Eye Riddim [Tad's Records - 2021]

And finally today, for our 'blast from the past' category, we don't go back too far as just last year, the great Chezidek dropped gorgeous Inna Dem Eye in full form via Tad's Records. I was actually thinking about reviewing this one, but I did write up Chezi's album featuring the riddim's signature tune and namesake, "Hello Africa" [Rated 5/5],.... though I still may get around to this one, someday. The Inna Dem Eye album is exquisite. Along with its creator who takes top honours here, also shining brightly are the likes of Little Hero (who also has a new album out now on Tad's, "The Journey Continue"), Daune Stephenson, Lutan Fyah, Natty King, Mikey General and others still. For what it was, the Inna Dem Eye probably produced one of the finest riddim albums of the last few years or so and you should definitely take a listen for yourself.

'Conquer' by Nature Ellis [Warrior Sound - 2021]

And a little bonus today because I really wanted to mention this one and I might forget it next time (as I did last time). While I have never been the biggest fan of vocalist, Nature Ellis (amazing voice, but something about his music doesn't seem to register with me, generally speaking), I well look forward to giving credit where it is due and a year ago (almost to the date) along with Warrior Sound, the MoBay native produced what is the single best tune that I've heard from him (unless I am really overlooking something - and I may be), 'Conquer'. This thing is just sublime and I found myself listening to it during a random playlist and it caught my attention and that may've been a month+ ago; as you can see, it's still around for me. Songs like this from artists who you don't listen to too much make yoiu think that it may be time to go back and see if it was YOU that was missing in their previous work that didn't really reach you and I have been listening to his work a bit more and I will let you know if Nature Ellis grabs me in this way again, but if he never does, damn this song is fantastic.

'Let Love Lead' by Reemah [Feel Line Records]

And, because they dropped the video after we'd already told you about the tune, definitely have to runback and mention the latest from the brilliant Reemah and Catalyst Mitchell of Feel Line Records, 'Let Love Lead'. Hopefully, we're looking at something special from Reemah in 2023, but until then, enjoy this LOVELY track and I'll see you later.