Signatures Vol. XII: Reggae Random

Okay so, I was working on a few ideas for what would be next on the Signature series (it is EASILY one of the most enjoyable things that I write as it, primarily, involves me going through a lot of old music that I really, REALLY love) and I had some good ones. While I'll tell you about a couple of the others in the notes for this (right down there ↓ in small print) the one I'm going on today is probably the most fun and less stressful to write. Today we get random: HERE ARE FIFTEEN RANDOM SONGS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Signatures: Reggae Random

{Note: The only rule is that no one artist would be repeated}

{Note 2: If it works out right, there'll also be Dancehall & Soca versions}

{Coming soon: Bushman, Vybz Kartel & Destra}

[BOOM!}

1. 'King Selassie H.I.M.' by Tarrus Riley

Never before. I spend a great deal of time talking about people like Norris Man, Chezidek and others: UNCONVENTIONAL TALENTS. These are individuals who offer a very different style but one which is largely effective and downright stunning when at its best. However, with that being said, there is definitely room for.... refinement. "Refinement" would be someone like Tarrus Riley. If someone had a sound signifying that they had no greater purpose on this planet than to sing this music, it would be Riley and, arguably, the single greatest demonstration of this  EN skill would be in one of the best songs I have ever heard, 'King Selassie H.I.M.'. TEAR! You're likely to find similarly organized songs throughout this list (I know at least one because I've already written it) but you'll have a damn near impossible task in locating one -- on or off this list -- which was as PRISTINE & FLAWLESS as this diamond of a praise. 

2. 'I Have My Goals' by Anthem

Wicked ahgo fall. You remember this song??? Chances may be fairly high that, if you ever were familiar with a band (which may or may not still exist) by the name of Anthem from out of who knows where, you probably do remember 'I Have My Goals' over everything else they've done. I don't know if they still exist and, if they do, under what form. I don't recall where they were from (I want to say Connecticut, US for some reason) but full credit goes to the band for blessing us all with this SWEET uplifting and inspirational piece from many years ago now. Take a listen. 

3. 'Health & Strength' by Warrior King

My Father's work. My Father's work. TEARS! I can safely say at this point that I missed on Warrior King. He's made some fine music  but, to be honest, I expected him to enter a level of the music that he has not and, almost surely at this point, never will. A lot of those very high expectations were built upon the work that would go into his 2002 debut album, "Virtuous Woman" (I have a signed copy of that album around here somewhere and the second one too). While the title track there remains his biggest hit to date (unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something) what his actual BEST SONG has been is of even less question (and, in retrospect, that album had some SERIOUS songs on it alongside 'Virtuous Woman'. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go', 'Breath Of Fresh Air' ["ANYWHERE THERE'S LIFE, YOU KNOW MY PEOPLE WILL BE THERE!"], 'Love Jah and Live', 'Empress So Divine', 'JAH IS ALWAYS THERE'.... and I could go on and on) ('Rough Road', 'It's Been Awhile'). Song #14 on "Virtuous Woman" is the mighty 'Health & Strength' and that song, for me at least, puts "virtually" everything that Warrior King does well at its optimum. It is melodic and beautiful to hear and it also carries a high level of substance to it as well; this time combining the enjoyment of the lovely things the world has to offer with a sense of hard work and accomplishment. I don't find myself looking up much of WK's output these days which is too bad and that's too bad because of the skyscraper of talent this man has as is crystal clear by a song like 'Health & Strength'. 

4. 'Before I Lose My Strength' by Akae Beka

All for The Most High, Jah. Here's an interesting one. On the very first edition of this series, we featured Akae Beka and there were several REALLY difficult choices in tunes that I cut off from the final list (to the point where I may, someday, make a vol. 2 for Akae Beka, specifically, and it wouldn't be difficult filling with another 12-15 songs). One selection was DEFINITELY 'Before I Lose My Strength' from the "Jah Grid" album. I can distinctly recall hearing this song (and most of that album) at a stage in my life where the music of Akae Beka (then Midnite) was almost entirely lost on me and the contrast of what I hear these days is absolutely ridiculous. "Jah Grid" is a borderline Modern Classic in my opinion and its finest offering, 'Enter' was on the aforementioned Signatures: Akae Beka post. Its second best?? That honour is up for debate but it settles at the glorious 'Before I Lose My Strength'. Something that I think is unintentionally beautiful about this song has stuck with me: It is delivered in a way (that may, actually, make it one of the best SANG songs that Vaughn Benjamin has ever done. That was never a specialty of his) that directly coincides with its direction. Benjamin sounds... kind of tired, doesn't it? He sounds like a man who has given almost every last drop of effort that he has in his body and before that final spill has been exhausted -- before he is at THE end of his line -- he has something to say. 

"Before I lose my strength-

All of my breath, OH JAH

A joyful song, I sing

Today & tomorrow"

5. 'On My Way To Zion' by Turbulence

Seeking The Conquering Lion. I definitely considered doing a full Signatures feature on Turbulence but the slightest bit if you want to know the signatures of Turbulence's career,  just dig up the "Rising" album and you'll probably be about 80-85% of the way there. One of the exceptions is, arguably, the single greatest tune he's ever done in my opinion, the absolutely STUNNING 'On My Way To Zion'. If ever you've had the fortune of seeing him perform this tune live (and I have) you'll know just how much you can actually FEEL this song but even the studio version of it does a fine job in capturing its presence. I've definitely had my issues with Turbulence's output over the.... best of the last decade and a half or so (and probably longer than that) but, here, he put on a downright ROYAL performance; one befitting The King.

6. 'Black Coffee' by Anthony B

No sugar. No cream. The perhaps surprising standout from the self-prouduced 2001 VP released "That's Life" set, 'Black Coffee' was an absolutely GORGEOUS and SMOOTH tune giving praise and honour to the beautiful Black women of the planet ["Here's my token of appreciation"] from the great Anthony B. For as popular as he is (for good reason), coming across compilations of Anthony B's work isn't the most difficult thing but you probably won't find this true gem of a tune that has largely gone forgotten. That is most unfortunate because it easily ranks amongst the finest love songs of his storied career.

"BLACK COFFEE, NO SUGAR, NO CREAM!

BLACK WOMAN MI A DI KING, YOU A DI QUEEN!"

7. 'Ganja Farmer' by Marlon Asher

Stinkin rocket launcher. Undeniably one of the finest ganja tunes in the history of the music, Marlon Asher left an impact on Reggae music over twenty years ago when he dropped 'Ganja Farmer' which can still be felt to this very day (typically I say it doesn't seem THAT long ago, 'Ganja Farmer' does seem twenty years old at this point). A strong case could also be made that it is the single biggest tune Trinidad Reggae has ever produced (and there're a few strong candidates but it is definitely in the conversation) and that has an even greater reach; it probably helped a number of Asher's peers get their foot in the proverbial door and who knows who we're listening to TODAY that we may not have been exposed to were it not for this tune. And as for this tune... 'Ganja Farmer', as effortlessly as possible, burned a giant hole in the minds of anyone lucky enough to get a taste of it, courtesy of a rocket launcher. 

8. 'Rub-A-Dub Market' by Luciano

Living legend. You come to expect certain things from certain people and when they kind of break that level of expectation and confidence, the results typically aren't very good...  but that isn't always the case. When 'Jah Messenjah', the great Luciano, broke the norm with the title track from his remarkable 2011 album for Irievibrations it was wholly unexpected but NOT AT ALL unwarranted. The man has (and had even fifteen years ago) attained a level of respect and accomplishment in Reggae music that is beyond reproach. We all knew that at the time but he'd never really expressed that, musically, until 'Rub-A-Dub Market'. 

"THEM KNOW THAT PAPA LUCI IS A LIVING LEGEND"

His place already secured, Luciano would even take a next step and criticize some of his less storied peers who are not willing to work but full want to reign.

"DEM AH GWAN LIKE DEM A DI ROOT BUT DEM A DI BRANCH AND STEM"

The tune was spicy, out of the norm and a gorgeous highlight within Luciano's LOADED catalogue.

9. 'Upper Room' featuring Empress Cherisse by Anchants

No need to wonder. I don't remember much these days about Empress Cherisse and the band Anchants. I THINK she was from Trinidad but I don't remember where they were based out of by the time they sent out their 2003 project, "Merkaba". I may've lost the stories of their origins but I do know that, barring some type of dementia, I'm not going to forget their actual work because one of the songs carried by "Merkaba", 'Upper Room', has been a personal favourite of mine from the very second that I laid ears on it. 'Upper Room' is... hypnotic. It is a.... CAREFUL EUPHORIA almost reminiscent of something you get from an ultra-tuned in Dezarie and I have gleefully lost myself in it. The biblically armed track is one with at least one foot on terra firma as, in a very relatable way, Cherisse tells us that there're many things that are questionable -- literally an endless line of them -- but there is something or SOMEONE who is above it and there is no need AT ALL to wonder about HIM. 

10. 'God Bless' by Junior Kelly

Anointed & Appointed. Buried on a long forgotten (but SPICY) album from nearly a quarter-century ago by the name of "Conscious Voice" is simply one of the single greatest songs I have ever heard from anyone, Junior Kelly's DAZZLING 'God Bless'. For anyone who has this kind of rigid archetype of what Roots music is, I'd point you in the direction of this most malleable giant. 'God Bless' had its purpose and it served it. Before we get lost in the stars, the track also deserves a giant lyrical credit as well:

"Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of Death, I man will never fret

Cause Jah is by my side and HIM ah guide mi footstep

Stood firm inna mi faith

Cause Jah is very great

So why you choose to fight man and don't appreciate?-

The vibes a weh mi fling, uplift mi race and thing

BADMINDED PEOPLE DEM DON'T WORTH A THING CUZ-

They would like to see you wear a frown everyday

They would like you throw your dreams all away!

But I'm anointed and appointed by Jah

Dem ahgo fi si mi face on ya!"

With that covered... LISTEN TO THIS THING! 'God Bless' sounds GORGEOUS. It's never failed to put a smile on my face in the last twenty-three years and, apparently, Kelly knew precisely what he had on his hands because he literally observes the moment:

"CAUSE A WI GOT THE GIFT FI MAKE HEADS ROCK AND SHIFT"

Yes, sir. Yes, you do. 

11. 'Volume Of The Book' by Ras Shiloh

The whole earth shook. Veteran vocalist Ras Shiloh is probably best known for two things: The first is his massive hit, 'Are You Satisfied', while the second is the similarity of his voice to the legendary Garnet Silk and that's just fine. I would argue that the single best song that he's ever made (even over 'Are You Satisfied'), is the literally inch-perfect 'Volume Of The Book', which appeared on his 2007 Bobby Digital produced set, "Coming Home", for VP Records. I'll put it to you like this: Shiloh is known, as I said, for being very similar, vocally, to Garnet Silk - if 'Volume Of The Book' were placed somewhere in the catalogue of Silk, it would still rank very highly in my opinion. There're songs that I like more than 'Volume Of The Book' in which I will acknowledge the existence of certain flaws which may even add to their appeal but that isn't the case here. If such a thing is possible: 'Volume Of The Book' was PERFECT. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. 

12. 'I Wanna Go Home' by Alborosie

Island in the sun. I am not a fan of Alborosie's. I never have been and I almost certainly will never be. For some reason, his brand of music has just never appealed to me and though, once upon a time, I definitely did give it a shot I can honestly say that I haven't listened to much of his work, period. Something new coming from Alborosie will likely not get much of my attention. HOWEVER, with that being said there is one exception to all of this within Albo's catalogue, the complete and utter JEWEL that was 'I Wanna Go Home'. The song was just so easy and it was one of those magical times when the vibes of the tune so perfectly match the actual nature and focus of what is going on, lyrically. I wouldn't be surprised if I never found another Alborosie tune that I even kind of like but a big for 'I Wanna Go Home', he has earned and will always have my respect.

13. '50 Push Up' by Spectacular

Hundred skip. I'm probably more open on the heels of his wicked latest release, "Stay Up", from last year but that album didn't represent the first stroke of genius made by the scathing Spectacular. Way back in 2005, the Kingston native served up his debut set, "Find Yourself" and the lasting track from it maintains its STRENGTH to this very day. '50 Push Up' was a song stressing HEALTH & FITNESS of the highest caliber. You're well familiar with Roots music singing about the importance of keeping one's soul and mind in-shape by focusing on the proper things and, of course, praising His Majesty. You'll also hear the occasional offering talking about things such as living a more natural life and putting healthy things into your body. All the more rare is what '50 Push Up' does (as its title DIRECTLY suggests).... it's still necessary for you to break a sweat sometimes to keep your body in shape and to build muscle. There's a certain simplicity to this one, beneath everything, that really helps it along and made it a favourite of mine. Time to get off your ass and do some work!

14. 'From The Beginning' by Lyricson

The powers to sing. Though I may've (I did) beat up on Lyricson's most recent album, "African Dream", I actually did so because I've been witness to the mountain of talent on which he rests his head when at his best (and he's had an EP since then called "Zodiak Vol. 2", I didn't love that one either). Demonstrated amongst his earlier work on albums such as "Keep The Faith", "Born 2 Go High" and "Messages", the incredibly gifted Guinea born vocalist's  talent can be amongst some of the very best in the entire genre when steered properly and WITHOUT A DOUBT the best example of this would come on that "Messages" set from 2012, 'From The Beginning'. WITHOUT QUESTION, 'From The Beginning' is the single best piece of music that I have EVER heard from Lyricson (there exists a chance that he's made something that I haven't heard that I would rank higher but I HIGHLY doubt it) and you could drop it into the catalogue of a handful of others with more storied careers and that would still be the case. 'From The Beginning' was FLAWLESS. 

15. 'Manifess Joy' by Arkaingelle

JOOOOOOOOOY! I may have bad news for you, if this song does not bring a smile to your face. I regret to inform you that your ability to smile is GONE! It's found something else to do with its time and it's spending most of its time at someone else's house. For the rest of us, however, the Arkaingelle THRILLED! I've spent nearly twenty years singing the praises of the SWEET 'Manifess Joy' and with good reason: It's simply one of the best songs that I have ever heard... with no qualification at all (not one of the best from Arkaingelle, from Guyana or during a certain time period. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD!). I should also do something that I'm not sure that I've ever done and give credit to a beautiful background singer who almost serves as a duet partner as much as a backing vocalist (...and may just be Malika Madremana).

The Ganjaville Riddim from Oneness Records

The Ganjaville Riddim [Oneness Records]

Okay so, when I saw what was going on with the brand new creation of longtime Achis Reggae favourites, Oneness Records, the Ganjaville Riddim, I distinctly made the decision to ignore it completely (basically) until the full set was released and I could sink my paws into it fully! Well, today (or a few days ago by the time you read this), that is exactly what happened as Oneness Records has brought forth their latest creation and, just as you would have expected based on their history, it is EXCELLENT. The Ganjaville Riddim once again finds the Germany based imprint teaming up with the residents of Reggaeville (biggup Da Ville) for the third time following the Reggaeville (a truly ridiculous decade old at this point) (time FLIES!) and Maad Sick Reggaeville Riddims, respectively. If you're new to their work, the easiest thing for me to tell you is that Oneness Records does fine work, particularly when it comes to (....well, pretty much everything they do, actually) riddims and I go into each and every release expecting big results and if I have ever been disappointed I cannot remember it and this is not an exception. So, if you're not doing anything else, let's take a quick, track-by-track look at the latest from one of the greatest to do it, the Ganjaville Riddim from Oneness Records... with its DELICIOUS selection of artists.

{Note: Probably didn't write these in order so the writing should be really ba.... even more terrible than it usually is}

'Chase Babylon Away' by Alborosie

As I've said in the past, I have never been the biggest fan of Italian superstar, Alborosie's - but I know that I am well within the minority on that (though I do, however, give him full credit for dropping what is probably one of the best hundred or so songs that I have ever heard from anyone, 'I Wanna Go Home' ["FOUR-THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM BABYLON!"]. Though that is the case, I have to admit that I was very curious in hearing his effort on the Ganjaville, 'Chase Babylon Away', with my thinking that if anyone could make an Alborosie tune pop for me, it would surely be Oneness; and, for once, I was right.

'Chase Babylon Away' may just be my second favourite tune that Alborosie has done to date (I may be overlooking something). He delivers a comprehensive ganja tune with social 'textures' ["I got an app pon mi laptop, ah show mi where di cops at"], which is a JOY to listen to. The tune has a very nice old school vibes to it (which isn't something I could say about every song here in case you think that it is a product of the riddim, itself), which has always been a specialty of Alborosie's. While I will not be a prisoner of the moment and suddenly start saying I'm one of the artist's biggest fans, I am a fan of this tune as the Ganjaville Riddim puts one of its best feet forward to get us started.

'Settle Down' by Luciano & Lutan Fyah

As far as I know, the earliest taste we would get of the Ganjaville was its first single (well that goes without saying doesn't it! DUHHHH!) (what would REALLY be interesting is if the first time we heard it was on its SECOND single!), the MAMMOTH 'Settle Down' an almost over-qualified combination between the legendary Luciano and Lutan Fyah, a pair of favourites of mine, Yours and Oneness' as well. As I said about this one when I first heard it, 'Settle Down' is rather easily one of the strongest pieces that I've heard in the first two-thirds of 2022, from anyone. "COOL" is the word that most comes to mind when I hear 'Settle Down'. It's just a cool song and it definitely does have a bit of further reaching impact as, should you be looking for a soundtrack to play while you 'settle down', you could do FARRRRRRRR worse than this tune which was put together with the best interest of your nerves in mind.

'Ganjaville' by Eek-A-Mouse & Lee "Scratch" Perry

For your riddim title track a pair of legends come together as Eek-A-Mouse links with the immortal Scratch Perry on a tune that leaps out at the listener on paper. If you're even remotely familiar with this duo, you can probably predict fairly accurately what happens during the actual song which is as much of a PERFORMANCE as it is anything. It's BIG and dramatic on EAM's end with Scratch providing a most interesting contrast with his signature fragile vocals. What results is, easily, one of the (if not THE) most compelling listens on the riddim and everything you knew it would be when you saw who was involved as the Governor-Generals of Ganjaville turn in a winner.

'Irie Up' by Tribal Seeds

US based band Tribal Seeds make, at least for me, a rather surprising appearance on the Ganjaville and it is a rather pleasant one. I know who they are, but their contribution here, 'Irie Up' may just be the very first tune that I have actually heard from Tribal Seeds (if it is not, it is one a very small group for me) and I am damn impressed. I do not know the lead singer for Tribal Seeds (I've found a pair of names), but whoever he is a full credit goes to him because his voice works perfectly on the Ganjaville. It is an excellent blend of easiness and passion (nice backing vocalists on 'Irie Up' as well) and he uses it on a piece which doesn't lack at all lyrically either, particularly during its latter portions. A big tune which I hope a few unfamiliar heads like myself take a closer listen to.

'Free Up' by Mellow Mood & Pressure Busspipe

Alborosie isn't the only Italian represnting on the Ganjaville as band Mellow Mood turn in a FINE performance with their 'Free Up'. I hear some familiar quality in the singer of MM (which is apparently either Jacopo or Lorenzo Garzia - twin brothers) (...because their twins, actually, it may be BOTH OF THEM) who reminds me slightly of the Protoge at times (biggup Protege) and he/they, like Tribal Seeds before them, has a very nice command of melody on 'Free Up'. The chorus on this tune is SO incredibly basic that I found myself listening to it and waiting for something else to happen with it, but I have to say that it did eventually grow on me.

NOW! With all of that being said, someone who I didn't expect to see here (for just the second time on a Oneness production, I think, after the lovely 'Goodness' from the Better Days Riddim half a decade ago) pops up as guesting on 'Free Up' is a favourite of everyone with ears, the great Pressure Busspipe who absolutely puts the Ganjaville Riddim to the sword with his two verses on 'Free Up'.

"Ganja mi ah bun, no bodda tell mi bout too much

How dem ah fight di herb?

Mi nah know a wah dat dem ah stir up

Chalice start to blaze, it's like volcano start to erupt

When di herbs run out wi call di farmer fi a reup

Tell some politician haffi free up

Sight di Rastaman - you smell di herbs before you see us

Mellow Moods go find di herbs and now di party buck

Little bit of herbs is not enough

Farmer man woi

Strictly marijuana Pressure Busspipe enjoy

Tell mi how long di government ah destroy

Build up economics, everyone get employed

Seed inna soil"

"Marijuana is a nerve calmer

PLANTED BY DI FARMER AND CREATED BY THE FATHER

Smoke di herbs along di road or bouncing on di corner

Woman get di ganja and forget about di drama

Check di saga: Never tek no crack, cocaine or life will lead to harder

Stick you like a dagger

Get yourself together and lick di herbs pon up a di plaza

Mek sure you get di summin weh dem call di Zaza

MARIJUANA KICK MI HEAD LIKE MARADONA

BABYLON AH COME AND CUT IT DOWN AND DEM A NO BARBER

Ten thousand pound a ganja dock inna yuh harbour

Pressure and Mellow Moods a lava!"

{Note: Should you want to hear more of Mellow Mood (and you should), be sure to check their latest album, "Mañana" which released just a couple of weeks ago) 

'Herb Dealer' by Chezidek

What remains of the Ganjaville Riddim is next turned over to the far more than capable hands of Chezidek, who breathes all kinds of new life into it with what is currently my absolute favourite track on the riddim, the MAMMOTH 'Herb Dealer'. The tune finds Chezidek taking matters into his own hands (herb entrepreneurship) with a SWEET delivery which goes all over the pace, including a verse where he basically RAPS the entire thing ["How mi fi be alright if mi no have a spliff fi light? Mi enter inna coffee shop, mi credit card swipe. Mi trying every strain, every draw, every type. Mi bun di marijuana like an exhaust pipe"]. 'Herb Dealer' KEPT a smile on my face and although there is some big material here (already told you about a few of them, about to tell you about another couple of them), like I said, it reigns supreme on the Ganjaville for me.

'Floating' by Queen Omega

The overabundance of quality on the Ganjaville continues with the next tune in, 'Floating' by one of my top.... five or so favourite artists ever, Trini Reggae empress, Queen Omega. Something happens on this tune, just as it does on the one preceding it which I will fully dig into in just a minute in closing (or whatever that turns out to be),  but it is DELIGHTFUL! The vibes on 'Floating', as its name would suggest, are somewhere in the stars.... much like their creator, as I now sit here reconsidering my choice of the riddim's finest tune.

"So when you use it, just remember not to abuse it

Cause when some use it - dem do it, do it til dem lose it

So some refuse it, but I'm telling you don't confuse it

IT'S JUST LIKE MUSIC: IT IS A HEALING, I CAN PROVE IT

It is a medicine and surely it is therapeutic"

'High Grade Marijuana' by Naptali

"Mi nuh care wah dem ah say

Mi nah stop smoke

Even if dem waan fi take away mi passport"

And, WONDERFULLY, to wrap up the Ganjaville Riddim is an artist who Oneness brought to our attention more than a dozen years ago via one of the finest albums that I have ever heard, "Long Journey", Naptali. His effort here, 'High Grade Marijuana' also well ranks amongst the riddim's finest pieces and does so in a couple of different ways. First of all, there's just something which has become a signature of Naptali's for me: That voice! A couple of songs ago I told you about Chezidek. Chezidek has a strange voice. I just told you about Queen Omega. When she presses it, Queen Omega has one of the most forceful voices in all of Reggae music. Naptali doesn't have either of those; instead, he has this almost laidback assertiveness (I used the word "weary" before thinking about it, but it isn't weary at all. It isn't tired, it's calm) (were you to wake Naptali out of his deep sleep, he could probably sing this tune just as it sounds here immediately) and, when he's at his best, and 'High Grade Marijuana' is at least in the arena, it works almost perfectly for his brand of music. When I hear his music these days, it almost always makes me smile, just do the familiarity and nostalgia and I so look forward to new material from Naptali. Secondly, though no one may give him the credit for him (besides me, I'm going to do it), 'High Grade Marijuana' is one of the best lyrical performances you will find on the Ganjaville. It is very impressive and in such a very natural and organic way.

Ganjaville Riddim Instrumental

As for the Ganjaville Riddim, itself, it is immaculate. I've come to judge riddims on two primary levels with the first being its actual sound. The Ganjaville wins there, particularly on the strength of these gorgeous horns which alternate between dominating and existing in these wonderful bursts bouncing around that solid one-drop. The other area where a riddim needs to do well, for me, is how much it lends itself to vocalists. It doesn't have to be easy (I may even prefer if it isn't) or entirely accessible, but it should be able to produce a nice backdrop to a variety of different SKILLED artists. Even more so than just being nice music, that's where the Ganjaville really shines for me. I alluded to this when speaking about 'Floating' because it happens there and on Chezidek's 'Herb Dealer' - it GLOWS. The thing literally starts MOVING behind the vocals and, in doing so, it pushes both Chezidek and Queen Omega even higher.

I'll resist being a prisoner of the moment and throwing some further reaching accolade on the Ganjaville Riddim, but if someone wanted to call it one of the greatest creations of Oneness Records to date, maybe I wouldn't argue with that person very much (or a all, actually). I also like how the program is run with everyone sticking to the topic at hand and making for one well put-together project that you, YOU RIGHT THERE, need to make time to listen to. Fantastic.

I Just Don't Get It: A Review of Escape From Babylon by Alborosie

Maybe its by some grand design, perhaps to keep me from getting too big headed that the fact that you need not AT ALL gain my approval to make it in Reggae music is reinforced to me. Almost as often that I find an artist who I feel has such a GREAT future in store for them, I find a next artist who either leaves me COMPLETELY befuddled as to how they’ve attained such a status and such a following that they have or one whom I simply DISLIKE as an artist. And while I definitely enjoy spend more time talking about the those who impress and continue to impress me to some degree, every once in awhile there comes an artist of whom I’m by no means the biggest fan who rises to such a level that he/she/they become downright IMPOSSIBLE to ignore. The prime example and the one I most often draw for in such a discussion is Morgan Heritage. Although I find myself these days liking the Morgans more and more (due in no small part to the fact that most of them are currently pursuing solo careers and so far, I’ve liked what I’ve heard), historically speaking for the better part of the last decade or so, I just haven’t been able to appreciate their vibes and I’m almost completely at a lost as to why. I think it may have something to do with the my perception of them making somewhat of a ‘poppish’ blend of Reggae (think UB40 to some degree) but that doesn’t actually make great sense, I just do not know why the Morgan Heritage camp has constantly stayed off my radars despite being CLEARLY prominent and one of the (if not THE) most popular Reggae group in the entire world and their obvious skill level. Another artist in that same mold would be young Gyptian. I had kind of been on the fence in terms of him exactly because I did actually like some of the earlier material that he brought but in retrospect, he NEVER remained an artist who I had a great feeling for consistently and now that, although still being somewhat in the developmental stage, he is what he is and I don’t ever visualize a moment where Gyptian will be anywhere near relatively close to being one of my favourites and of course, he’s not the only one (Anthony Cruz). In the Dancehall, things are even more crowded with names who I just don’t get or just don’t like (as artists). I could go on and on with names like BLING DAWG, Chino, Danny English, Alozade and who knows who else (Hollow Point, Jagwa)? Some of them are decent, they really are, some of them I’m just neutral on and some of them still, are just AWFUL (in my opinion) and in any case, I just don’t get the attraction.

However, sometimes I do get it to a small degree because, of course, musicians and artists are people and thus, come with extra ‘baggage’ even before making it into the studio. Such would be the case of the subject here, Alborosie, whose background and story is about as interesting as anyone currently on the Reggae landscape. The Sicily born Alborosie has been one of the most popular European acts over the course of the past half decade or so and in doing so has even managed to attract TANGIBLE attention on the other side of the pond. That is thanks in no small degree that, for the most part, he literally picked up his base of operations and moved to Jamaica in order to further his career and open himself up to more and more opportunities. This move led to him dropping some pretty BIG tunes such as Kingston Town, Herbalist and Rastafari Anthem. Someone who stands out as easily as Albo does definitely attracts attention quite quickly in Jamaica, figuratively and literally, and soon it was to the point that his popularity had risen to such a degree that the record labels came calling for the possibility of an album. Now what reportedly happened with his situation is quite remarkable as UK Reggae giant label Greensleeves, apparently thinking that striking a deal with the Sicilian Reggae star was imminent (either that or they SERIOUSLY wanted to impress him), released a tune of his, the aforementioned Rastafari Anthem, on their Biggest One-Drop Reggae Anthems 2007 album (he was also on the previous year’s edition) as well as featured him on the accompanying DVD. And when negotiations reportedly fell apart, it seemed as if Greensleeves had just done someone else a HUGE favour by introducing the artist to the masses. They actually ended up doing Albo himself the favour as he would go to release his own debut album, Soul Pirate, last year on his own Forward Recordings imprint and it was quite commercially successful throughout Europe. But, with Greensleeves having been sold to VP Records last year, the link was made again and, unsurprisingly, completed as it was announced earlier this year that VP had signed the artist to Greensleeves and planned to release his sophomore album this year. Well, if you were waiting for it, that time has come as Alborosie releases his album Escape From Babylon through GS. The album features some familiar tunes and some which I haven’t heard at all (and I, admittedly, haven’t been paying such great attention to Albo’s output) and in general to be honest its very well put together and you really wouldn’t expect anything less from VP/Greensleeves. But something, for me, just isn’t right! I’ve never really been too impressed with Alborosie’s music and, much like in the case of Morgan Heritage (although I think even would agree that to a lesser degree), I definitely recognize that there is a talent there and I believe Albo is into his 30’s already, thus, I wouldn’t expect a big change of vibes to come from him at some point, he too is what he is at this point (and even more so than Gyptian), but I don’t like it very much. However, with the links he has made and the status that he has attained for himself in his time, particularly in Europe and definitely in the Caribbean as well, Escape From Babylon becomes one of the more anticipated Reggae albums of the year by the masses. As for me, just going into it, I could really take it or leave it but lets see how he does, shall we.

So, with his back story and history definitely interesting, what about Alborosie’s music may not vibe with me too well? Well, first of all, unlike several other European artists and general non Caribbean people who take up the music, Albo didn’t do so with the usual style. Instead, for the most part, his music resembles Roots Reggae done in the 1970’s, so it isn’t as transferable immediately. Case and point would DEFINITELY be the opener of Alborosie‘s new album Escape , America which, to me at least, just isn’t very striking for better or for worse. Another thing which QUICKLY develops in my mind when listening to this tune in particular is that lyrically, Albo just isn’t very impressive. I think DELIVERY is definitely left up to interpretation but lyrically speaking, he kind of vibes and writes in kind of a clichéd method. That being said, however, the vibe generated by the SWEET riddim on America is well worth checking. And I’m going to say EXACTLY the same thing about the tune next up, No Cocaine. The delivery here is a bit more natural (although it takes a minute to get a hold of) (for both listener and Alborosie) and pretty much on every level No Cocaine is a ‘better’ tune than America, however, its still nothing too special and if you listen to Reggae with almost any type of frequency, you’ve probably heard a few dozen tunes (at least) on a similar vibes. That being said, I’m still calling the somewhat catchy ganja anthem one of the better tunes on Escape From Babylon. The final tune of the opening three, Mama She Don’t Like You is CLEARLY the best of that bunch and, by extension, one of the better on the album. At times it kind of funny and it definitely has a strange sound (I guess you might be able to call it Ska) and it happens to feature someone who actually has caught my attentions, young I Eye. The singer is a protégé of Alborosie’s partner and co-producer of the album, longtime veteran producer Clinton ‘Specialist’ Dillon and she well adds a nice forceful yet feminine direction to the tune which blends nicely with Albo’s normal. . . Stuff. All in all its an okay start and I probably was expecting less.

I found myself kind of drifting through Escape From Babylon trying to find something which caught my attentions and naturally I started on the two other combinations. The first features none other than the late and great Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emmanuel Brown and is a take on one of his tunes, Can’t Stand It and I just don’t like this tune. Of course, I appreciate the effort and the actual attention to detail to make such a thing happen but Albo dominates the balance of the tune and there just isn’t much special in his bit. As I mentioned, I have definitely grown an appetite for the Morgans as solo artists and one of them chimes in on Escape From Babylon, Gramps, on the tune One Sound, which is clearly one of the best songs on the album to my opinion. This one just has a very nice sound and I love the chorus where Gramps shines and Albo does well also and although some of his lyrics are, again, kind of clichéd Reggae, I think the tune, Gramps and himself sonically both overcome that. It wasn’t until I headed back towards the head of the album when I found my choice as the album’s best tune and lo and behold, it happens with Alborosie all on his own. Global War probably lacks a clear direction (as do most tunes on Escape From Babylon) but it’s one of the tunes here (like One Sound) which sounds so good that it makes me not even care! (Sounding like Gregory Isaacs at times) The tune seems to kind of relate quite a bit of Alborosie’s own personal journey to where he is now and who he has become (and it sounds VERY familiar) and in its own little way it does accomplish that and it does sounding so nice! Big tune without question. The next solo tune which caught me as being quite nice was Dung A Babylon. This one is kind of corny and I’m almost surprise I kind of liked it but WHO CARES! Again, from a purely sonic standpoint the tune is well catchy (especially the chorus) and although Albo does struggle with the lyrics to my ears (more on that in a second) I think the overall vibes of the tune makes up for it. Now, I do have to mention a tune which has been getting quite a bit of attention and even before the album released, I Rusalem. This tune has to be one of my LEAST favourite on the album and it all boils down to the lyrics (musically it, as well as 100% of Escape From Babylon to my opinion is on point) as it just DOESN’T DO ANYTHING! The song says very little in the way of tangible (or even implied) solidity, “Give thanks and praise to The Most High Jah”, “Don’t lose yourself”, “Money the root of all evil”, just BUILT on the carcasses of well worn clichés that any Reggae head is likely to be tired of to the point of actually criticizing when such a thing is done and done with virtually no bright spots. As Alborosie’s Escape From Babylon winds down he manages to avoid any such missteps as I Rusalem but he also manages to avoid a BIG tune and most of the final five tunes are very AVERAGE. The music on Humbleness is DIVINE! But Albo just doesn’t do much with it outside of clichés; Promised Land is a LITTLE better than Humbleness but strictly from a sound standpoint (the delivery is amongst the best on the album) but that isn’t saying much to me here; Mr. President is VERY close to being BAD and Operation Uppsala, while definitely one of the best of the final few isn’t very strong either. The closer is exactly what you would have guessed it to be if you’ve been following Roots Reggae albums recently, a Nyah drum piece name Likkle Afrika. And I’ll sum it up like this altogether: For what it is, Likkle Afrika is probably either average or slightly below average but its STILL one of the best tunes I heard on Escape From Babylon. Take from that, what you will.

Overall, I hoped to either do one of two things in scrutinizing Alborosie’s Escape From Babylon for the sake of this review: I either wanted to see what the fuss was about and see why so many people had become a fan of Albo’s or I wanted to know EXACTLY why I’m not such a fan of his and I failed MISERABLY on the former but I fully understand the latter now. The reason I feel that I’m just not feeling Alborosie’s music is because it seems like he’s just trying too hard. As I mentioned several times, his lyrical ability isn’t to where you might think it would be if you’ve never heard his music and only heard how many people react positively to him - a great deal of it deals with really REALLY tired subjects and metaphors that make their way around mediocre average everyday run of the mill Reggae singers and CERTAINLY not ones who have VP contracts. When you take that and compare it to someone like Gentleman, Ziggy or even the late Natasja as ‘outsiders’ and particularly Europeans and they all had more of a natural feel for their own particular styles (ESPECIALLY Gentleman to whom Alborosie is most often compared) and it didn’t have that kind of a stale and MECHANICAL sound at times to it, its more dynamic and moving. I will say, however, for Alborosie’s fans, that Escape From Babylon isn’t WORSE than what I’ve previously heard from him and as I’ve said I wasn’t a fan then either. So you will probably like it just as much and definitely I wish you well with it. As for me, and you reading this whose tastes usually are somewhat like mine, I just can’t get too far into Alborosie. Great musical choices and productions but I kind of wish someone else was doing the singing.

Rated 2/5 stars

Greensleeves Records

2009

CD + Digital