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. 

The Time Is Now for Pressure Busspipe!

"The Time Is Now" by Pressure Buspipe [Legions Music Production]

Okay so, I think I'm going to try something a little different with this one and lay my cards on the table immediately: If you've spent any substantial time around these parts then you know full well in just how high esteem I hold the talents of the great Pressure Busspipe and look forward to absolutely anything that he does and, generally speaking, my anticipations are rewarded and today is no exception. With that being said, however, I'm going to tell you from the very beginning that his latest set, a solid EP from Legions Music Production (digitally via our old friends at Zojak Worldwide), "The Time Is Now". is just that  - it's solid. It isn't his greatest piece of work (it isn't anywhere near it) and I knew that fairly quickly into it... and that's okay. Just last year, the St. Thomas born fire breather dropped his latest burner in the form of the aptly titled "Heights Of Greatness", if you are looking for him bubbling at or around his best, but until that next classic dosage - today we take a quick look at a project which, again, although isn't his best, still finds Pressure showing glimpses of a talent which sees him as one of the most gifted stars of the modern era of Reggae music. 

1. 'Let's Love'

The opener is, rather easily one of the strongest pieces on the entire EP and if you're someone who has to come to really appreciate the care and detail that Pressure Busspipe so often displays on his love his love songs, in the syrupy 'Let's Love' you're likely to find another winner.

"You're so intellectual

And my love is perpetual

When I say I need you, it's like the car that needs the petrol

I'ma  man of my word and you know-

I'll never stop giving you my heart and soul

WITH YOU I WANNA GRAY AND OLD

With Jah love at the control"

'Let's Love' is stunning and fits comfortably in the hierarchy of any piece of work the artist has done to date in my opinion. 

2. 'Gal Wine'

Obviously, given its title, you know that 'Gal Wine' is a different type of tune altogether from what you typically have come to expect from Pressure (although he has reached similarly in the past once or twice). I'd almost be inclined to call this tune some type of Groovier Soca or something like that - but you know why this one exists. It's just for a (very) quick and fun vibes and on we go.

3. 'Time Is Now'

What would turn out to be the title track for this EP would actually drop as a single way back in mid February and it remains, as it was back then, an excellent release. I originally took this one as a kind of a kick in the asses of procrastinators everywhere, but it isn't quite that. 'Time Is Now' is really more of a broad inspirational type of song. It covers the more standard and expected bases that you would expect from it, but it does so BEAUTIFULLY. As a composition, on the whole, it has a lovely vibes to it and, again, while I don't think Pressure fully brings out his 'A game', he does come close enough (and dusts off a historically underrated singing voice) to turn in a genuine highlight.

4. 'Touch You'

Clearly 'Touch You' is the EP's second love song and thought it may not be as strong as our opener (it is not), it is a decent tune. The major attraction here is just the sound: You will not lsiten to that chorus but once or twice before it will be STUCK with you for an hour or so at least ["Let me touch you in the right plaaaaaaaaaaaces!"]. It won't change lives anywhere and it won't be the greatest piece of its kind that you've heard but, given the opportunity, I'm expecting 'Touch You' to be a mighty producer of SMILES.

5. 'Bad Mind'

'Bad Mind' is really interesting because just listening to it, it's kind of hyper and active, but should you kind of fall into the thinking that it is just a vibes/fun song, you're going to lose something:

"Bun dem out!

Mi no need dem around

Bun dem out!

Inna di sea, dem fi drown

Informer caan tarry inna my town

My town no carry thieves, rapists nor clowns

Get dem out 

Dem ah fight gainst di poor

Check dem out, ah pree mines and yours

Mek sure seh dem no put a foot inna mi door-

CAUSE ONLY JAH ALONE PROTECT DEM SKULL FI BORE

Tell dem fi cleanse

You and yuh friends, deh pon yuh ends

Wi no work wid false pretense

Yow, a wi set di trends

Take a good look inna yuh lens

RIGHTEOUSNESS WI DEFEMD!

Don't interfere

Make sure yuh conscience clear

Make sure yuh care and share

Make sure yuh nah bow nor sell yuh rear fi go get a successful career"

I found myself listening to this one and just bobbing my head and enjoying it and then I went back and noticed that.... Pressure tore a big fucking hole in the first verse on 'Bad Mind'.

6. 'She's So Right'

Though I immediately gravitated towards and enjoyed its SOUND, 'She's So Right' did have a bit of work to do on me as far as growing in stature but, to its credit, it did do a bit of that. As it stands, I rank it firmly behind 'Let's Love' and just as solidly ahead of 'Touch You'. Check Pressure's voice on this one. As I alluded to in regards to the title track, he can actually sing a bit, but it is a part of arsenal that he probably doesn't get enough credit for (by comparison, it is much better than.... that stuff Sizzla used to do which he, curiously enough, did receive quite a bit of acclaim for, if I recall correctly).

7. 'Fountain' featuring Classical Eska

The sole combination from "The Time Is Now", the social commentary 'Fountain', which features the talented Classical Eska, ranks damn highly here. These two make for a compelling duo which I was very interested in hearing when I saw the tracklisting - and they do not disappoint. This one has a bit of an unusual pacing to it and, when combined with the vocal styles of the artists (Eska, in particular, he speaks very quickly for the most part), it makes for a very different listening experience. HOWEVER, don't confuse that with it being less than stellar because, to my opinion, 'Fountain' is the second best song on "The Time Is Now" (...with respect to 'Let's Love' which, as I listen to it more and more, may just be perfect).

8. 'Gangster Life'

The aforementioned 'Fountain' only takes second [or maybe third] place here due to quality of the MAMMOTH closer, 'Gangster Life'. This DENSE selection just has some FILTHY quality to it that well put it at the head of the pack to my opinion as Pressure outlines that fact that, no matter who you may be or how big and tough you are, there is always someone capable of keeping you in order. I also like the vibes on this one. I could be wrong (I could always be wrong), but I would presume that 'Gangster Life' wasn't born out of a great deal of preparation. It has more of a spontaneous and organic feel to it which works to a thrilling effect.

"It no pretty round yah

Man will buss yuh head and show no pity round yah

Governed by a different committee round yah

It's sticky round yah

Gangstas will nyam yah food quickly round yah"

Sure, you can find full albums which may [WILL] find Pressure Busspipe in a better form than what you will hear during "The Time Is Now" but with that being the case, perhaps, what REALLY shines here is his consistency. Pressure really doesn't put a foot wrong and in the process provides yet another damn solid display of his thunderous talents. 

{Note: The actual title of the EP is "THE Time Is Now", while the song is just 'Time Is Now'}