Okay so, that was 2025. I hope you liked it but if you didn't, there's nothing we can do about it now. It's over... on to the next! We had some very impressive releases from some expected and some unexpected stars to help make the year fun and, presumably (and hopefully), this time next year, we'll be saying the same for 2026. So we're already looking ahead to what the future might have to offer and to do that we're going to use a feature from back in da day. Today we assemble a group of ten individuals who we're hoping to hear from in the new year. Most Wanted 2026!
{Note: Names appear in no particular order}
{Note 2: I intentionally excluded people who I know have albums scheduled or are heavily rumoured to be releasing albums}
Anthony B
It was just 2023 when the great Anthony B released his most recent set, "Bread & Butter", so while the world isn't exactly starving for a new one from him just yet... it would be pretty nice considering the roll he's been on in recent times. I'm sure I'll say this in regards to someone else (if not everyone else) but, with the right producer, based on what he's been up t o lately, I think Anthony B's next album -- whenever we get it -- could be a contender for best of that year. Even at such an advanced and well grizzled stage in his career, the Original Fire Man appears to be well within reach of his prime. ANTHONY B! SHOW EVERYONE WHAT I MEAN AND DO AN ALBUM IN 2026! PLEASE.
Queen Omega
We're just coming up on the third anniversary of "Freedom Legacy", Queen Omega's most recent studio release but prior to that, a truly ridiculous FIFTEEN YEARS had elapsed in between records from her, which was entirely unacceptable. Three years is just fine in my opinion and the star of our Album of The Year for 2023 would look just fine making her return in 2026. In the summer or so I actually heard an interview (on a radio station in Toronto, I THINK) where the Queen said she was at work on her next album and I, of course, glued into that fact. She didn't say with whom she was working or give any type of timeframe for its potential release whatsoever but, if she does make an appearance next year, she could definitely do a lot for 2026.
Damian Marley
"Stony Hill" will turn eight years old next summer and one of the legit, bona fide superstars of the genre, Damian Marley, figures to be DUE for a new set any one of these years now (and I can recall hearing a rumour that he was coming with something late 2024, I believe) and one would think that he is actively at work on the next project. I always enjoy stressing the fact that, despite the most obvious thing about him -- he's Bob's son ["Tell mi which CD do you think dem get? Di one closest to di Bob Marley boxset"] -- Jr. Gong is a wizard. Lyrically, the man is virtually peerless and what he is capable of is downright special. Hearing a brand new performance of his talents is always a gift. Hopefully he brings gifts next year and I think he will.
Ras Batch
Without looking anything up, I would probably say that Ras Batch releasing an album in the next twelve months would be THE biggest surprise if everyone on this list were to do the same. The last time we heard from him would have been on "Rootz & Kulcha" from early 2017 and if you know anything about Batch, he pretty much likes to do his albums by himself. Of course there're exceptions (one in particular) but he generally keeps production in-house via his own Sound V.I.ZIon imprint. That's fine but I think if he could, somehow, get into that never endingly active mix of Trinity Farm Music (like other VI artists, Ancient King, Abja, Danny I and even Akae Beka) it would see the rather reclusive Ras Batch to a greater level of frequency... and he can bring Ras Attitude with him! I don't think it happens but stranger things have.
Sara Lugo
Finally (technically. I'm writing this one last but she won't be listed last), you knew she was coming. How about a new Sara Lugo album for the new year?! Recently returning to the familiar ground of Oneness Records, the now VETERAN singer (Sara Lugo's probably getting towards (if not already) forty years old (that is RIDICULOUS!)) (further research reveals that she just turned 38!) could definitely freshen up 2026 via dropping album #4. It's been a minute (and four and a half years) since "Flowaz" ["Bring me flowers!"], so she's also due (...for an album) any year now and 2026 seems as good as any. I'm actually going to predict that this one does happen in the new year. Maybe it comes from Oneness, maybe not, but I suspect Funky Comfort will reign in 2026!
Luciano
I could definitely be wrong and I probably am but, off the top of my head, I THINK that the most recent studio album that we got from the great Messenjah, Luciano, was 2020's Oneness produced GIANT, "The Answer". He's had re-releases, remasters, greatest hits and compilations since then but, as far as I can tell, not an actual new album since it (he had one called "Return Of The Chronicles" which was an odd R&Bish re-working of some of his biggest hits that was really hard to listen to). That's fucked up... it just is. Even if I'm forgetting one, hopefully one of the greatest voices this music has ever produced and one of its longest serving soldiers comes back to us in a characteristically BEAUTIFUL way in 2026.
Mark Wonder
There was an EP back in '23 called "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" but I think that the last full album from the GOLDEN Mark Wonder remains 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" (the man has been slaying dragons for a really long time). That album came from a very familiar source, Oneness Records and, not too long ago, Wonder appeared on their High Peak Riddim. I'm thinking that 2026 could be a very good time to get the old band back together again and see what could happen. What could happen has history as, way back in 2012 Wonder & Oneness teamed up on the aptly named "Working Wonders" which is, EASILY, one of THE best albums I have heard in my entire life. I think that it's time for a sequel ["WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?!"]. Will it actually happen??? I wouldn't bet on it.
Busy Signal
This one is very specific and I don't really think that it has a legit shot of happening but let me ask you something: How damn cool would it be if Busy Signal's next album came via the Zion I Kings?? Doesn't that sound pretty good?! Obviously, the thought arose as the well versatile Busy actually did cross paths with massive Reggae collective for a single, 'The Days', back in October. Now, if they could get together again.... this time for a full album, the results, just as the quality of the single would suggest, could be MASSIVE.
Jah Defender
Such a list from me these days HAS to include the currently flaming chanter from out of Trinidad, Jah Defender. Along with being quite active these days, he lays a giant claim to dropping THE single best tune that I heard in all of 2025 altogether 'Haile Selassie I', so of course I'm interesting in getting my hands on a full release in 2026. Magnifying matters is the fact that he's been doing a lot of work with one single outfit, House Of Riddim. I can DEFINITELY see HOR reaching with a full Jah Defender project in the new year and you know what? I think it WILL happen and if it does, at least on paper, this one will have Album of The Year potential in my opinion.
Reemah
I know that I said that these were listed in no order in particular but I specifically saved Reemah for last because she's probably my #1 in terms of how much I want it to happen. It has been a downright heinous soon-to-be eight years since her last set, "Breaking News", and... frankly I'm getting tired of waiting. This is some bullshit! Had I done this list last year or the year before, my prospects would have probably been higher. Today? Nope. I have none. I don't think this is happening. I do hope that I'm wrong but I'm not seeing one of the true, bona fide GENIUSES that we have today doing a new album in the new year. I'm just not.... but DAMN, I HOPE I'M WRONG!
"Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" by Mark Wonder [Yutman Records]
Thank you! Thank you so much! Call 2023 the gift that keeps giving as it has just been erupting with damn strong Reggae releases within just its very first third and here is another. Back with a new set to add to the fun this year is Achis Reggae favourite, the magnificently wondrous Mark Wonder with a very solid EP, "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer", courtesy of one Jon Moon & Yutman Records from out of Berlin, Germany. This is interesting because (so many things), not too long ago, at all we came across a tune the vocalist had done for Yutman by the name of 'Urgency', which was typical excellence from Wonder (more on it in just a second) and a few weeks on from it, another fine single by the name of 'For the Reason' (more on it coming too.... just keep reading) would follow. I had no clue that Dragon Slayer and Yutman were working on a [semi] full release but they've tacked on three more tunes, added an acoustic cut of 'For the Reason' and three dubs and here we have "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer". BOOM! I don't think I ever thought that I'd arrive at this point; but if I'm just thinking openly right now about my absolute favourite artists to listen to right now, Mark Wonder's name would be on that list and it has probably been for the past decade or so, really. I've said it before, he just makes a brand of CLEAN Roots music which resonates with me more and more as I get older. Therefore, anything the man does, even a new single (and he does have a new one, 'This Time', on the Costamaica Riddim), is going to get my full attention and though it hasn't been a terribly long time since his last release -- 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" -- "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" definitely comes as a welcome surprise!
Let me tell you something, quickly, about "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer": Its music is absolutely exquisite! I do not know much of Yutman's past, but looking through their catalogue, they have worked alongside the likes of Lutan Fyah, Uwe Banton, Crosby, Vido Jelashe and maybe one or two others with whom our readers may be familiar (like Jahcoustix) and with sounds like this, I'm hoping they continue to spread the love. 'Urgency' was sublime and while it just may be the best overall song here, there is very impressive work on the other selections as well. For example?? Check the bar of gold which opens things here, 'Controlled Hypocrisy'. The riddim behind this one is candy. It is a sugary sweet joy for your ears! I've had so much fun working my way through this tune --in part because at every step that riddim is there playing a great supporting role-- and where I stand with it these days is that Mark Wonder is calling for a return to the way things used to be done, going forward. He makes it a point to not only criticize current dealings, but to also lift up figures from yesteryear ['Saluting the great warriors: The Resistance. They lay the foundation. The rock I & I stand on"] for laying a proper foundation which we have steered away from. Regardless of where you stand on it, in regards to its direction, I think we'll all agree on its quality being extremely high. The same could be said for 'African People', a song that immediately made me damn excited to see that track #8 on "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" was listed as 'African People - Dub', because I thought that, given its sound, it would make for a particularly impressive piece of dub. As for the original tune, here, take a listen.
Reggae music, wonderfully, has always been an artform which has made the point of pushing PRIDE into people of African descent. There have been an endless number of songs on the topic and 'African People' has to be one of the strongest ones that I've heard lately on the topic. 'Power for the People' touches Yutman's hefty More Fyah Riddim from a few years back (the little bassy intro on that riddim is.... just cool) and it is just a strong commentary on the state of times. If I am being critical here: The one thing I didn't like was the fact that 'Power for the People' is the only track on "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" sans a mix. You hear that riddim and think about how nice a dub of it might've been and you really want to hear it (and you also can't get the instrumental on the original More Fyah Riddim compilation). Outside of that, however, I'm having a very difficult time finding something to complain about here.
"Never want to engage the people in conversation
Don't even give a damn about their plight
Economical strategies, political monopoly
An orchestrated plan put into motion
More power for the people!
More power for the people I say!"
As we mentioned, 'For the Reason' was the second single released ahead of 'Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" and its presence here comes alongside a streamlined acoustic version of the tune as well. Both are not only lovely but come in with a decidedly different type of vibes for this release before ascending into a piece which really just makes you feel good! As I've said in the past, there is a certain value in that. We listen to music for a variety of reasons and we appreciate it for many as well so, when you find yourself going through a list of songs and you get to that one that is going to immediately bring a smile to your face, it tends to stick with you. That was 'For the Reason' for me! I hesitate to call it a 'love song' in the typical way that phrase is used because it registers (for me, at least) as more of a general empowering/motivational type of composition. It hit me more of in a broad way saying that this is something attainable for people (women in particular) - having someone look up to you in this way. Regardless, 'For the Reason' is gorgeous! Musically, the acoustic pass is a very nice change of pace and, again, both are just nice to hear.
As for the aforementioned 'Urgency': Yes, it is the finest piece of work that "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" has to offer in altogether and you could very well make the case that it is Mark Wonder's finest selection in some time (which is saying a lot given both his quality and consistency). 'Urgency' is a downright STUNNING to call to action and it has this... pull to it which isn't of an overly aggressive or hype nature, but it has such a powerfully attractive charm to it that, if 'Urgency' doesn't make you feel like doing better or being better then I'm jealous, because clearly you are either perfect or damn close to it and simply have no room for improvement like the rest of us. Wonder seems to appeal more to your common sense than your emotions at first before just grabbing all of you by song's end ["If you don't see, got to wake up from your sleep"]. While the best dub you will hear on this project is 'African People - Dub', both the drum heavy 'Controlled Hypocrisy - Dub' and the brilliantly streamlined 'Urgency - Dub' are outstanding as well. It's the latter which really grabs me because it almost makes for a kind of a moody vibes and an experience quite different from the original track but, again, all three of the dub versions will reach a whole heap of satisfied listeners in my opinion (and I may change my mind about the best of the lot if I keep listening to 'Controlled Hypocrisy - Dub'.... DAMN!) and it was just a really good idea from Moon and company, which includes Ganjaman, who is credited on 'Controlled Hypocrisy - Dub'.
Overall, yes of course I want to write more but I promised myself that I would attempt to do a more standard write-up for this one and that next thing that we're doing, but if you've been paying attention to the output of Mark Wonder lately (or at any time during his career, really), then you know precisely the level of work he is capable of and "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" is definitely more of the same. To my ears, his work always comes through with a certain level of class and refinement and this set is saturated in both. It also helps that the Dragon Slayer (and according to the press material I read on this one, apparently this may be the last time he adopts that moniker) (LONG LIVE THE DRAGON SLAYER!) is provided with t op class music throughout and while Yutman Records may not exactly be a 'household name' in the genre, a few more outings like this one may go a long way in changing that. Outstanding.
Okay so, I was about to make this entire post about a big new single from our old enigmatic friend, Turbulence, but he's not the only one showing up this week with a piece of magic. For his part, however, Turbulence has linked up with Pandemic Records to deliver 'Hero'. What do I say for 'Hero'??? Okay, 'Hero' may just be the single best tune that I've heard from Turbulence in.... a decade? Fifteen years??? I'm not quite sure on the time (or what the other song would have been), but it is EXCELLENT!
"Disappointment, greet you every step you take
And the system just won't give you a break
About to lose it all - riding on the edge
You've reached your limit, no one's there to help
You're so clueless, di giddeon is so toough
BUT BEFORE YOU THROW IN THE TOWEL, JUST LOOK UP
Here HE comes to save the day
Trust in Jah to lead the way
Jah knows best
So every tongue haffi confess
I was down to zero
His Majesty is my hero
Binghi launch out!
Like a seed in di wilderness
Don't let dem tell wi no beast, yow mi ever blessed
None a dem can spoil mi joy nor mi happiness
How yuh fi curse when Jah blessings just ah manifest?
Gallang, go tell di Obeah man seh mi no fear flesh
CAUSE JAH LOVE AND JAH POWERS MEK MI FEAR-LESS
Tell mi seh you push mi down, I couldn't careless
Wi victorious!
Wi left dem inna pure stress!"
BOOM! The song also comes fully equipped with one SWEET one-drop serving as a lovely backdrop and Turbulence produces a masterpiece fully befitting someone of his supreme talent (....just wish that he would do this more often as is one of a very select group of individuals who is capable).
And then there's Mark Wonder - someone who has never and likely will never struggle with consistency at all. His new piece, 'Urgency', for Yutman Records from out of Germany is more of the standard excellence that his fans have come to expect and enjoy throughout his career. This social commentary is also just a very nice listen. You take a very impactful message and you blend it with a damn infectious sound and you get yet another big winner from Mark Wonder.
Wanted to bring to your attention an excellent recent release from an unlikely source and one that I don't think that we've ever dealt with on these pages (probably weren't around when we were fully active) as the excellent Nanang Riddim comes courtesy of Mink Productions from out of Austria. A little research (loosely suggested to me by the album cover) shows that the riddim is so named after the Na Nang Club in Vienna, Austria whose Website says that it:
"is a multicultural place where you can find different people from all over the world. We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself. Forget your sorrows for a little while and feel free while dancing to sweet reggae and dancehall beats delivered by some of the best DJs in town."
What initially got my attention on this one was despite the fact that it does feature quite a few names that I am not AT ALL familiar with, four of the first five tunes come from Chezidek, Anthony B, MARK WONDER and Jah Defender (Defender actually has a new EP out this year, "Jah Movements" from Lion Twin Music. I haven't gotten through it just yet, but when I do, maybe I'll let you know what I think), and all four of them do particularly well as you might imagine with Wonder's 'Remnants Of Israel' probably being the single best tune on the whole of the riddim in my opinion (though you know I'm partial as hell in his case). With that being said, however, as I got more and more into the Nanang, I started to find myself relatively CONSISTENTLY impressed by some of the under-known names on this almost comedically stuffed set. For example, although his is a favourite amongst Mink Productions, I've only run across the name Young Garvey once or twice ever and didn't too much favour his kind of Hip-Hop heavy style; BUT, his effort here, 'Did You Know', is downright WISE. The tune features Young Garvey given a huge credit to many people of African blood who were noted for making contributions to the world in terms of their inventions. Several of these, like the stoplight and peanut butter, I was well aware of; while others like the first home security system and, technically, VIDEO GAMES were completely new to me. The song is just a flowing tribute to ones to whom society as it exists today (and, likely, will exist for the foreseeable future) owes a giant THANK YOU.
Also definitely impressing are the likes of Darrio, with 'No More' ["This is a global crisis! A nuh just one nation ah face it. Man ah tek man life fi some numba pon a payslip and ah mek it look basic"], the big-voiced Graduate, Diva Ana, BenJahmin, King Labash, Bandulu and Preview KClassical who, ever so faintly reminds me of the reclusive Sabbattical Ahdah on his solid offering, 'Rebel Soldier'. The riddim itself is a LOVELY one-drop and, thankfully, Mink Productions thought enough of it to place it in the hands of some very capable vocal talents who provide it, thoroughly, with performances befitting its quality.
So, if you get a minute or two (or a lot more with twenty-three tracks) (seventy-five minutes to be exact) definitely check out what is already one of the better riddims and riddim albums of this young year, the Nanang Riddim from Mink Productions.... just thought I'd let you know.
Crowns. We have been spoiled, You and I. We have been treated a little too well and I'm afraid that, if ever it is no longer the case, we will not know what to do with ourselves and how to go on. The good news is that, if it does ever actually stop (and it will not), we will have decades upon decades worth of STUFF to go back to. Of course, I'm referring to the wonderful music we've gotten from a seemingly infinite amount of sources throughout the years and today, specifically, I think I'll focus strictly on the music I have had the LUXURY of covering on these pages over the past thirteen years or so (minus four or five when.... I didn't feel like it). Just here, we've talked about many albums which not worked in their time but have gone on to become some truly timeless work and, personally, some of my absolute favourites from anyone, of all time. And just to demonstrate how wide this point is applicable I will grab two albums which could not be more dissimilar if they tried, to make my point: On one end there would be Mad Cobra's "Helta Skelta", which was the very first album review we did on this blog, while on the other would be a candidate for my favourite album recorded during the last thirteen years, Midnite's "Beauty For Ashes". One of those sets (and I'll let you figure out which one I'm talking about) (think very carefully) may just be the finest lyrical display I have ever seen on an entire release as its star delivered gem after gem, all bouncing around the central theme of unity and bringing people together. The other may be THE most violently offensive and divisive album in the history of Dancehall music (not 'topped' by the likes of Bounty Killer, Merciless, Ward 21, Ninja Man, Vybz Kartel, Mavado or Aidonia (of course not Aidonia)). There was no unity to be found as the DJ would pick a fight with anyone, including The Devil, Himself. Both, in their own very distinct and unusual ways, were displays of genius but, again, they could not be further apart but we've had so much fun with both and will continue to. A quick visit to the 'Modern Classics' tag reveals that while most of the biggest material that has been soaring during our time here has been of the Roots Reggae variety (and I think that is, primarily, due to it just being so prevalently recorded on albums as opposed to the other genres we deal with), the artists themselves are of such a BEAUTIFUL assortment, that it makes me PROUD. Along with the expected likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, Luciano, Anthony B and Vaughn Benjamin, you'll find MACHEL MONTANO and Queen Omega from Trinidad, Gentleman, Ziggi Recado and Lion D from Europe. You'll see, along with Queen Omega, Etana and Tanya Stephens and then Batch, Niyorah and Tuff Lion (who didn't even need to utter a word to make the list with his stunning "Ten Strings") and even a release from our old friend Harry Mo. Like I said, we've all been spoiled. Spoiled rotten!
2012
A nice sized chunk of the 'blame' for our expectations be sky-high can be also placed at the feet of a very interesting union of artist and label. Back in the summer of 2012 there was a most wonderful album from a most wonderful artist which produced by a most wonderful label as the increasingly incomparable Kingston born Mark Wonder linked up with the just as accumulatingly exceptional Oneness Records from out of Munich to give to the world the GIFT (THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH!) that was "Working Wonders". I've extolled on the splendours of both ad nauseum (even prior to the release of "Working Wonders") (well, maybe not to that degree way back then) and you're well familiar with their works, even apart from one another, if you frequent these pages. Mark Wonder is simply one of my favourite artists today (and probably ever) and Oneness Records is amongst my favourite labels ever as well. With both predominately focusing on Roots Reggae, the potential of such a union occurring would have been appetizing for me at the time and, before I'd even actually heard it, I can remember having such a strong feeling about the possibility that we were about hear something special and "Working Wonders".... kinda turned out alright, didn't it??? I think so.
2019
So why not try it again? It seemed obvious enough to me but (probably thankfully) what always seems like the right move to make in my mind doesn't always occur; but this time it did. Perhaps it goes to show its lasting strength and significance that, about seven and a half years following its initial release, Oneness Records would released "Working Wonders In Dub" which was a lovely dubbed out EP version of the album via the great Umberto Echo (they only did seven of the fifteen songs, but it was a BEAUTIFUL, kind of nuanced and non-stale style of Dub) ('nuanced' may not be the best word, but they weren't just like instrumentals with a few sound-effects thrown in, here and there). And, thankfully, that wasn't the only work planned for Mark Wonder and Oneness Records with one another. Just a few months later in March 2020, Mark Wonder and the Oneness Band would once again team up (biggup Jah Mason) for the full sequel to "Working Wonders", the epically titled "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer". If ever there was an album which had pressure on it, there was such "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer". I'm thinking of an album that not only followed a great one (and it didn't do so directly, between sets with Oneness Records, Wonder would do both "Scrolls Of The Levite" in 2015 and a couple of years later would come "Dragon Slayer". Those albums did nothing to dampen expectations on any forthcoming Wonder release AT ALL) but followed a great one with the exact same background in terms of labels and producers and such. As far as what we've dealt with here, what Chezidek and Dutch label, JahSolidRock, managed to do in 2013 with the mighty "The Order Of Melchezedik" definitely comes to mind. That set would arrive three years after what stands as, arguably, the singer's greatest piece of work to date, "Judgement Time", and was damn near a classic of its own. So what would become of "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer"? Could Mark Wonder and Oneness retain the MAGIC that would produce its older sibling some EIGHT YEARS later? The only stupid question is the one you already know the answer to. Of course they could! In retrospect, "Working Wonders" exists as this downright immaculately concepted, performed and produced piece of Roots Reggae. It absolutely SHINED from beginning to end and demonstrated a brand of the music which so wonderfully refined and well done that, nearly a decade later, it exists as bright as ever. So how do you follow up on something like that. The easiest way to describe what happens on "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" is to just say that THEY DID IT AGAIN. In fact, they did it SO well that it left you 'wondering' if somehow, someway, they managed to even do it better this time. Let's think about that.
To the surprise of hopefully no one at all, the second album comes very much as a continuation of "Working Wonders". If operated under the notion of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' and "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" isn't much of a deviation, if at all, from its predecessor. So, if you enjoyed "Working Wonders" (and you did), you're very likely to have a similar appreciation for this one. I will say, reluctantly (because I loved it), that because the first one did exist, it almost seemed as if the chemistry had grown even stronger and we got yet another TREMENDOUS release from Mark Wonder and Oneness Records. AND, if I recall correctly, (again, due in part to the large reception "Working Wonders" received and the buzz it generated) going into this one, the attention was extremely high and it was what we were all expecting. Expectations began being met on "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" IMMEDIATELY as the very first selection, 'Level With Me Idrens', was a bona fide FUTURE CLASSIC, as soon as it stepped through the door! WHAT! It comes in with such a nice and tranquil vibes about everyone simply making an effort to get along with one another ["No tug-a-war, it's just an upful vibes"] and to stop making an effort (because that's exactly what we're doing) to find things to separate us further and further apart. And the riddim here (with those horns!) is so powerful - altogether making 'Level With Me Idrens' a tune which ranks high for Mark Wonder completely, on this album or any other. A similar BRIGHT message is the theme behind the syrupy sweet 'Another Day', which also rises near the top of "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer. The fact that 'Another Day' was selected as one of the singles from the album should come to the surprise of no one at all because... I mean.... I understand we all have different tastes and it's a beautiful thing that we don't enjoy the same things and aren't 'wired' the same way but.... seriously, if you're even the slightest bit interested in Reggae music, I'm going to have a hard time listening to an argument about how you could not possibly like this tune! It is so nice! I mean, listen to this thing (I'm assuming the video is in here somewhere)! Settled so gingerly in a one-drop which is as brilliantly simple as it is STERLING, 'Another Day' threatens to BLIND listeners as Wonder tells us to give a thanks for EVERYTHING we have and if we don't have anything, then to give thanks for the coming of a new day and a new opportunity to get something (there's probably be like six-ish songs that I could call the best song on this album. I just told you about a pair of them. Here's another -). If it were possible, "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" manages to go even higher on the next piece up, the towering 'Brand New Me'.
"Thanks for the lesson well learned
You have taught me so well
Now I won't make the same mistake again
It's just that I've always believed in loyalty to the end
Now I'm a brand new me
I'm a brand new me
I'm a brand new me
On the battlefield, a soldier gives his soul
BUT NOT EVERYBODY KNOWS TRUST IS WORTH MORE THAN GOLD
Seeking for the treasure, gotten no measure
But while we're living, while we're giving-
People can still be so cold
But I'm believing and redeeming myself and whole
Now I'm a brand new me"
This piece of gold strikes in on a message of just going throughout life and amassing experiences, good and bad, and how to move on from them. I really enjoyed how 'Brand New Me', as fine as it most certainly is, isn't entirely positive. It has REALISTIC negative aspects to it, which made it very relatable and tangible to my ears. Rounding out our first third of "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" was the the heavily diasporic 'Voyages Across The Sea' which featured two Oneness favourites teaming up as South African, Crosby, joins Mark Wonder on the label's lovely Bambu Riddim. Once upon a time, we used to run into the work of Crosby quite frequently on Oneness Records' tracks and I was damn happy to see his name attached to this project (he also had a solid full project of his own, "A Better Place", just a few years back) (really cool tune on that album called 'Play Yuh Something) because he's delivered some fine material of his own (check 'Jah Powers' on the Redeemer Riddim and 'Heart of A Lion' from the Raspect). Unsurprisingly these two blend perfectly and form yet another winner from both on a Oneness production.
'Remz Of The Dragon Player" is very much a release which you can truly just turn on and walk away from. Do so, even as a background vibe, and you will encounter some truly STUNNING music as, along with basically the entire first third of the album, the winners continue to roll through. For a PRIME example of that, check, oh I don't know, the very next tune, as Mark Wonder goes ancient with 'Kemetic'. Pieces like this, which are so specific can be taken in a variety of different ways, in my opinion. Along with the literal approach of drawing this line from Rasta and Ethiopia to Egypt, I also think it works in the sense of just demonstrating to someone how powerful their lineage is and how high of a standard they should hold themselves to. When you're able to do that for someone, although it may be difficult to comprehend (it is), and have them really get it, not only does it make them FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES, but you also have the potential effect of instilling in them something which they will go forward an use in fully tangible ways such as, perhaps, finding better ways to conduct themselves and/or treating themselves and others better. When you come from such CLASS, it is your job to keep it sharp. 'Nubian Glory', Wonder's cut of Oneness' African Children Riddim, strikes with a very similar message of maintaining a very high status and standard of life because of your ancestry and who you were born to be ["African children, this is the revolution. Steadfast in meditation - knowing Haile Selassie is The Highest One, Ruler Of Iration"]. This one, more specifically, speaks to the younger generation (and as I sit here typing this, I'm just now noticing, after more than seven and a half years, that 'Nubian Glory' was basically the title track of that riddim), where it has legs as both a tool of education and inspiration... well I guess us old folk should be taking it like that as well. And if you stick with this streak, you run into the similarly rooted and downright MAMMOTH 'Blessed Itiopia' which, by the slimmest of margins, is probably my second favourite song on "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" altogether (slim on both sides, from #1 and #3).
"From di anciency, up to this time presently
All hail, unanimously - A ROYAL DYNASTY
Now the scepter will never depart from thee
ALL CULMINATING WITH THE CROWNING OF THE KING"
'Blessed Itiopia' is SERIOUS! While similar in many respects to both 'Nubian Glory' and 'Kemetic', 'Blessed Itiopia' is a praising tune at its core. It is also incredibly dynamic and just a joy to spin through. If you're at all familiar with Mark Wonder's work (even if you aren't and this is your first time listening), you know that such tunes are a specialty of his -- they always will be -- and 'Blessed Itiopia' has to be one of the finest of its kind that he has ever done. You take the vibes from that huge set and go right into 'Better Days' and... things change just a bit and I mean that in a good way. I was SO DAMN HAPPY that they included a track like this one on the album because what it does is to change the pace but not in such a huge way that it becomes strange. 'Better Days' is downright melancholy but it arrives in a way which, should you choose to really tune in, does not lose one shred of the strength that you're going to find on some of the more VIBRANT selections here. To me, something like that speaks to the true talents of an artist: You can play absolutely anything and if he feels it, Mark Wonder can produce something magical. 'Better Days' is magical.
While 'Better Days' is surely the album's changeup in terms of sound, 'In Tune 2 Di Rockaz' manages to 'resituate' things here slightly on its own. So much of "Remz" is heavily spiritually based and so is this one, but here we find Wonder kind of placing the music is a kind of a 'go-between' for the spiritual side and the people in the tangible world. In doing so he, once again, is damn impressive - serving up one of the undeniable highlights of the release. And with about a minute and twenty seconds to go Echo and company, perhaps, give us an early taste of a future Dub version as the vocals fade away and the track is left to DAZZLE and it does! 'Crisis' was the singer's great take on the Buff Baff Riddim from Oneness and Real People Music and despite the obvious risk I run of being a broken record (you know I don't care), it proved to be one of the album's finest tracks and definitely one of its most formidable lyrically as well ["A continuation of the propaganda machinery. Finding new ways to obtain their monopoly, so di ghetto people dem have to find a new strategy just to maintain their space in society"]. Still, to my opinion at the pinnacle of "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" has to be the JARRING 'Same King'.
"Rising up to meet the sun raise in the morning
Giving thanks and praises for a new beginning
It's such a joy to see the rainbow bliss
And like robins, my people rejoice and sing
The waters meet in Zion
The truth within manifestation
It's the truth: IT IS HIS DOMINION
Thy precepts will always keep
BE HUMBLE, IN KNOWLEDGE WE SEEK
HE SAID 'WEEP NOT, SONS AND DAUGHTERS, WE ARE THE WORD'
It's the same song and the same King
It's the togetherness
Forever, yes -
HE LIVES"
This tune SHINES! Coming with a golden old school vibe, courtesy of the Retro Locks Riddim, what begins as another very nice praise ultimately ascends into a very complex and IMMACULATE (the latter kind of goes without saying, it is a Mark Wonder song after all) moment of giving a supreme thanks to THE Supreme. BOOM! And ending matters here and sending us on our way is yet another very powerful and just beautiful (it just feels good to listen to) selection, 'Voice of the People'. This one is Wonder standing up for the marginalized people of the world who are so often overlooked ["Voices of the people cry aloud and, dung inna di slum everyone waan get out. System implementing need cut out. Total catastrophe there ain't no doubt"] and the 'vehicle' used to deliver that message is a gorgeous one (with horns!). A tune like this one could really do some heavy work because what you get is this powerful idea and it is packed in something which is so easily digestible and EASY TO RETAIN! When your message is presented like this, you have something special.
Overall, Mark Wonder and Oneness Records definitely had.... "something special" on their hands when they sealed up "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer", once again. I'm of the opinion that they could do as many of these things as they wanted and the results would continuously be of this level (there is no reason not to believe that) (AT ALL). And I have to reiterate just how happy I am that this album exists. Following "Working Wonders" (which, I am going to assume, was as successful commercially as it was critically), it would have seemed a natural next step to take and then came the Dub release and this sequel - CLEARLY artist and label are very conscious and APPRECIATIVE of what they have found in one another. Fans, such as You and I should be most grateful of what they've managed to do and.... who knows what they can do going forward. Until then, however, as I alluded to (I think I did), I walked away from "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" 'wondering' if maybeMark Wonder and Oneness Records had actually outdone the MAGIC they'd produced in the first time around. A year and half later... damn. I think they just might have. FLAWLESS!
Back to work. If ever there was a direct benefit from us having taken so much time off over the last few years it is definitely the preponderance of the material that we missed. I find myself sitting around trying to figure out what to write about next and, unlike it was in the past when I was struggling at times to find things that I was passionate about to write a big review for, I now have the opposite issue. There has been five or six years that we missed of consistent activity and, as time waits for no one, I am doing my best to catch up (and I won't. I never will because something has already certainly slipped between the proverbial cracks and I will never return to it) to what we missed. Because of that and because it was always my desire for these pages to at least somewhat focus on some of the more obscure or less covered pieces, giving them what may be their only comprehensive attention online, I have soooooo much stuff that I am looking at doing and, for someone like me, those prospects are DELICIOUS! Still, as it is amongst the traits of my species - I am a creature of habit and a few years away may break some of them, but clearly not all of them. So, as you will clearly be able to see, in our brief time back to writing 'fulltime', I've already shown quite a few of my habits. I write about Sara Lugo (she's a part of my life) (she's "a part of yoooooooours!"). Doing so in October 2020 was the very first post on this blog in over three and half years and, nearly nine months later I was damn happy to do it again in taking a look at her new album, "Flowaz" (which is fantastic and you should have a listen to it if you have not already.... and even if you have, you should have another). She is one of the most delightful and wholly interesting individuals that I have ever encountered in music and not only is writing about her fun, in general, I also love the fact that we've been able to keep some type of 'historical' account of her work from so early in career. So maybe someone, a hundred years from now, might mistakenly stumble across these pages and hear one of the most amazing voices that has ever existed (you're welcome! With your flying cars and stuff). Another undeniable pattern of mine (probably the clearest) is that I write reviews for Vaughn Benjamin albums. I've explained it ad nauseum by this point - it is something which I find both refreshingly challenging and therapeutic for me, personally. And while the historical aspect, in his case, isn't as significant giving just how popular he has been for SO long, my dealing with his work is as much about me writing about him, as myself. I've written at least five of them already since we've been back and, following this review, I'll write one for someone else, then it's another release from Akae Beka. You'll also find various methods of analysis for a variety of our favourites in the short term and, going forward, of course that will remain the same. Some of them - I LOVE!
Fortunately I am not the only one who has a habit for doing similar things. While Lugo will dazzle us with her organic blending of styles and genres and HALT us with that voice and Benjamin will force us to keep notebooks to breakdown his words, we already know what Mark Wonder is going to do. While the singer may lack in the departments of mystery and the art of surprise, he makes up for it in virtually EVERY single aspect of making music (so, I'm sorry to tell you that if it is one of your major aspects in deciding who to listen to that you want to be SHOCKED every time you turn on a record, you may want to find someone else to listen to) (you poor, poor soul you) and does it as one of the most consistent names in all of modern Roots Reggae in my opinion. Something which, over the past decade or so, has been so remarkable about Wonder is just how his popularity has seemed to increase over that time. I don't know of anyone who, at such an advance stage in their career, has seen that happen without some kind of great shift in terms of the type of music that they made. While people like Capleton and Buju Banton may've (they did) endeared themselves to a wider audience after turning to Roots music after having reigned as Dancehall aces, respectively, Mark Wonder has no such history. And although he's certainly been respected from the very first single he released, whatever it may have been (for some reason I want to say it was called 'Caution', but I could be wrong about that) (further research reveals that I was right (I once heard it said that the sun even shines on a dog's ass occasionally) It was 'Caution' for Black Scorpio in 1988), a few years back his popularity seemed to take a lofty jump. I'd like to think that a whole heap of that is on account of the "Working Wonders" album from 2012, which was a bona fide masterpiece and definitely attracted a great deal of new listeners. In addition to that, Wonder has really just been on his grind and has made a way for himself, particularly on the very active and populated European scene. Personally, he's also grown in stature by my own estimation. As I've said in the past, Mark Wonder has gradually but SOLIDLY become one of my truly favourite artists today and someone whose work I most certainly look forward to hearing (big new single out now, 'State of our Affairs', courtesy of Addis Records).
SO WONDERFUL it was that despite the fact that we took a break, Mark Wonder remained hard at work and would release a trio of albums during our hiatus. The first of which was 2015's "Scrolls Of The Levite", which I told you about not too long ago, and its followup would arrive just a couple of years on in the form of "Dragon Slayer". "Scrolls" came via Nowtime Sound, an American label, but the vast majority of Wonder's albums have been done through European and Jamaican imprints such as Oneness (who gave us "Working Wonders" and its 2020 sequel, which I will tell you about next time) (and a 'wonderful' dubbed EP cut of "Working Wonders" in 2019), Al.Ta.Fa.An., Redbridge and Zola & Zola. "Dragon Slayer" was a return to the norm and in a MAJOR way as it found the singer linking with the well esteemed Irie Ites Records from out of France. The label was a very dependable source of material for us when we were active, releasing projects for the likes of Lorenzo ("Movin' Ahead") and, most notably, Ras Mac Bean wayyyyyyy back in the day (who also did an album while were away, probably should get around to that one as well one of these days) with the outstanding "Pack Up & Leave" - the debut album for the criminally under-recorded Guyanese vocalist ["Time fi reach di borderline, no need fi hesitate - cause I don't really wanna be late!"]. The label was also very consistent in doing big riddim sets once, having made excellent tracks such as the Strange Things, the very popular Rocking Time and others. And were that not enough (it will never be enough) (I will never be satisfied!) (NEVER!) while we were away, Irie Ites would also deliver "Reggae Farm Work" from the always colourful Perfect Giddimani. So, if you had the slightest of reservations of their credits and abilities, you will leave them here, right now before moving forward without them. The idea of Irie Ites doing an album with Mark Wonder was big news to me and I immediately expected something top notch. The album's title has become something of an unofficially official nickname for the vocalist which, I believe, dates back to a mixtape that was released years ahead of this project and is, as far as I know, unrelated. Since then he has fully embraced it (OBVIOUSLY) and, someday we will all either look back on a certain portion of his career as the 'Dragon Slayer Years' or he will write an autobiography, "Mark Wonder: The Dragon Slayer" (look me up in about a decade or so Mark Wonder if you need someone to do a little work on that). Until then, let's take a look back on "Dragon Slayer" from 2017 which, to the surprise of absolutely no one in the world, was another excellent entry into the catalogue of someone who I have definitely missed over the last few years.
2014
There was not a single thing about "Dragon Slayer" which would make it stand out from the pack of Mark Wonder's other releases as far as its sound or direction. While I wouldn't rule it out completely if ever there came the day when he would do some type of changeup release, perhaps more so than almost anyone else that I can think of (.....thinking about it right now.... still thinking - okay maybe Batch would be in that category, but he has flirted with Dancehall a few times, though I would be SHOCKED if he ever did an entire Dancehall album), Mark Wonder makes this GLORIOUS sounding Roots Reggae music. It is what it is and either you enjoy that particular tune at that particular moment, but you should not at all expect any type of deviation here (or anywhere else!). And, I should also say that "Dragon Slayer" is a bit on the DENSER side of Roots music as well. If you do have an ear for the vibes in their more veteran-ed form, you will likely find gold throughout this one. The carats begin to register as early as the very first tune and title track. The declarative 'Dragon Slayer' might go to shed some light on the origins of the name as Wonder picks up his lyrical shield, armor, spear and.... other dragon-fighting.... paraphernalia and heads to work.
"Ask me my name and from whence I came
I'll tell you Ithiopia, still remains the same
HAILE SELASSIE IS MY CLAIM TO FAME
Rastafari, I've got to praise HIS name
I am the Dragon Slayer!
I am the Dragon Slayer!"
For a song which is quite SIMPLE at its core, 'Dragon Slayer' does manage to strike a heavy blow. It is a call to action and I would even argue that Wonder's idea of a 'dragon slayer' isn't just himself or any single person but is, instead, anyone who chooses to carry the mantle of taking positive and upful action against any DRAGON that her or she may encounter. It is divine and, as is often the case, you're likely to get more out of it with several spins. You should spin even more time on 'Celebrating This Life' (TEARS!) as it is and has always been the single finest thing I hear on "Dragon Slayer". You see this as a title and your mind begins to expect one thing to come forward, but you will not get that BRIGHT and FESTIVE vibes that you're thinking of. Instead, what happens is this OUTSTANDING track which varies in intensity throughout and if you truly tune it in, you see why. This is a song about celebrating ALL of life - the good, the bad and everything in between as well. I think what really made this one cling to me was just how well its presentation links with what is going on. Life isn't all great or horrible and the composition on this one reflects it. It sends the most observant of listener on an emotional trip which you probably cannot afford to miss or overlook. I also have to mention the riddim. Whatever it is, it's fantastic and, again, somewhat understated which is entirely appropriate for the moment and clearly Irie Ites respected it to show it off they way that they did here. Speaking of showing off music, there is an 'Extended Dubwize' mix of a big song called 'Militancy' and it is nearly eight minutes long (BOOM!). Wonder is on the lookout for some soldiers who are willing to stand up and fight for goodness in the face of tremendous evils. This one is kind of odd because on one hand it directly carries the theme of antiviolence but I take from it that what he's saying is that we're wasting our time fighting against one another when a far more dangerous enemy is at work. You also need to pay attention to the vocal performance on this one which is subtle, but stunning at times. He sounds SO GOOD during portions of 'Militancy' and, again, the vibes match the song and Irie Ites put them on a full display with an instrumental which lasts for the better part of two and half minutes. Most interestingly, the other selection on "Dragon Slayer" receiving such treatment is also its most recognizable drop, at least for me. I believe 'Lots of Raging' to be the third version of an older Mark Wonder piece called 'Break The Ice'. It was the title track of an album he did in 2005 for Soundproof Productions and Redbridge Muzik, respectively, and it also appeared on an earlier album by the name of "Signs Of The Time". By the slimmest of margins I do prefer the version from "Break The Ice", but between the one on that album and "Dragon Slayer", they're interchangeable in terms of their quality (the version on "Signs Of The Time" is also good but not as strong as either of these, in my opinion). The sound is a SPECTACULAR one and Mark Wonder utilizes it to put a little heat beneath the feet and hearts of those in power who 'produce' mass injustice against the underprivileged of the world. It is somewhat broad, at times, which I actually think works here and you should probably check all three versions just for the full impact.
"Dragon Slayer" remains at an expectedly very high level almost completely throughout its twelve tracks and fifty-two minutes. The biggest remaining moment (and probably the biggest altogether after 'Celebration This Life') is the MASSIVE 'Break Dem Asundah'.
"Listen how the trade wind blows
Watching the rivers as they flow
All created by Jah, The Almighty
Seasons comes and goes
Even friends and foes
Earth-cycle and all its mysteries
Rise up Israel from yuh sleep and slumber!
Chant and sing, break de asundah!
Acting smart, but dem no clever!
Rastafari live for iver, for iver
Don't stuck in di deeds and propaganda
Neva giving up di fight, no neva
HE gave I di victory!
How I long to be on the eastern side, where peace and love abide-
And the sun just glows and glows!
Rise up Israel from yuh sleep and slumber!
Chant and sing, break de asundah!
Acting smart, but dem no clever!
Rastafari live for iver, for iver
Yadding away to the promised land
Soldier on with di banner in our hands
MANS CONFUSED BUT EARTH REMAINS IN ORDER
SHOW RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER - IN TUNE WITH MOTHER NATURE"
BOOM! Over what just may be the single finest riddim on the entire album, 'Break Dem Asundah' mines gold and may just be one of Wonder's best songs.... period, like ever. Later is the stirring 'Freedom Fighters' (biggup Chezidek). Chiming in on a similar sentiment to 'Militancy', this one may even be just a bit stronger in full. It is certain to get your head nodding and fingers tapping with that lively track underpinning it. As I said, this one is another call for more fellow potential slayers of dragons wherever they may be and it is a GORGEOUS one ["Rasta-cal resistance to your policies. And the immunization and their disease"]. If 'Freedom Fighters' doesn't get you moving (then I'm sorry to inform you, but you may actually be dead), then perhaps the heavier 'Hol' Yuh Kulcha' is more for you. It probably won't get you in the same way with its more crawling vibes, but if you love more old-school centric Roots Reggae, here you will find gold! Mark Wonder speaks to the importance of preserving traditions and concepts which are passed on through generations of people. I think even he would say that we all must change with the times (evolution or extinction), but we must be wise in what type of influence we receive ["Everyday a new world is forming a and the times are changing. People say the world is ending, can you imagine?"] and what we reject. The DRUM on this one is intoxicating. Once upon a time having at least a single track on a Roots album featuring this heavy drum was every bit as obligatory as having songs about ganja and mama and because, at least from my experience, those days are unfortunately gone, every time I do notice it, it stands out. 'Hol' Yuh Kulcha' stands out, mightily. That same sound persists through the next tune in, the all kinds of delightful 'Iyainghi Rebel'.
"Now as the people's vision fades
Pure miseries and heartaches
Broken dreams and tragedies
Jealousy all the rage
And as we turn another page
It will be going round and round in circles
I'm a rebel!
Revolutionary rebel!
Fighting for a cause
NAH LOOK NO APPLAUSE
Rebel!
Iyainghi rebel!
Black and comely is HE
Haile Selassie!
Militantly as we trod this battlefield, with Rastafari as our guide and shield
Nah take part inna dem crooked deal
I, as The Rastaman, keep it real!
Down in here inna babylon yard, survival we know is the key
And there's no justice for you and me
STILL GIVE PRAISES TO THE ALMIGHTY"
It almost sounds as if they made a dub version first and then went back to it and added vocals, which is something I do not often say, but I do consistently find myself thinking. Regardless of the process, however, it was an excellent composition on one of the biggest tunes on "Dragon Slayer". Things do lighten up, ever so slightly, on the exalting 'Solomonic Dynasty'. This is very interesting because, sure, it is giving praise to His Majesty, but that is largely reserved to the chorus (which is amongst the very best on this project, at worst. It may be THE best) the verses are more tangible and socially focused. For me, it makes for a piece which is 'sophisticated' (been awhile since I've used that word, I'm sure) (just searched it, apparently I've NEVER used it on these pages, so there you go!) that you will find. 'Solomonic Dynasty' was another one which began to glow brighter and brighter the more you listened to it, so keep that in mind before moving on. I was fairly certain that I was familiar with 'True Patriots' from somewhere before it appeared on "Dragon Slayer" and while that may or may not be accurate (starting to think that it is not), its origins have no bearing on its quality - and it is lovely! Like 'Solomonic Dynasty' before it, 'True Patriots' is just SMART work. It is situated in a way which isn't shocking, but is unexpected as Mark Wonder says that your loyalty isn't only to the land where you reside and/or were born, but to a higher place as well. Taken more tangibly and literally, I think that you can say that 'True Patriots' is about leading a more upstanding life and at least trying to do better for ourselves and others.
You might recall 'People Need Security', which was Wonder's cut of Irie Ites' damn catchy Billie Jean Riddim, way back in. Here, the singer was, essentially, trying to keep the piece saying that if you're not going to treat people properly and with respect, they're probably going to react in a way which.... isn't very "proper" or "respectful" and you cannot blame them. It's interesting that, if you followed Irie Ites' releases around that time of the early 2010's, Mark Wonder wasn't a constant name that you would run into voicing their tracks, as were the likes of Spectacular, Lutan Fyah, Sizzla and the aforementioned Lorenzo and Ras Mac Bean, so the existence of "Dragon Slayer" (and only its existence, not any other aspect about it) would have come as a bit of a surprise but obviously artist and label heard something from one another that made them think that they could 'make sweet music together' and maybe whatever it was - they found it on 'People Need Security - they were right. And lastly check 'Uprising' which is a much better song than I think I (and probably a lot of people) have given it credit for being over the years. If you take it in totally, 'Uprising' features great vocals (duh! It's a Mark Wonder song), the riddim is very nice and fun to hear and it is well written. So while it may be fairly basic and not something which leaps out at you, it walks over to you and stays with you instead - or at least it did for me. Both a call to action and an antiviolence piece, 'Uprising' was damn good, whether you realized it or not.
Overall, as I was going through for the sake of this review, something about "Dragon Slayer" started to become clearer and clearer. There was once a well ran phrase called 'concept album' which, basically, referred to an album where all of the songs were of the same unique style or theme. You didn't hear it thrown around very often in Reggae music and, really, the only time I recall it being used was by the aforementioned always innovative Perfect Giddimani who had one back in 2008 with "Born Dead With Life" but we've seen them, here and there, without the term actually being referenced. Basically Sizzla had one just last year with "Million Times" - an album completely filled with love songs. I bring up 'concept album' because I now think "Dragon Slayer" may've been one, really. The vast majority of these tunes are either fully or at least partially about calling people to action. Mark Wonder calls himself now 'The Dragon Slayer' but he is obviously not comfortable being the only one and he's taking applications for others! "Dragon Slayer" is an album about LOOKING for people who are interested in making a change and then beginning to make that change. Knowing that and listening back to it, a few years on, puts it in a bit of a different light and even adds to songs that may have slipped beneath the proverbial radar (like 'Uprising') and it was already QUALITY before that as Mark Wonder and Irie Ites Records created magic together and you knew they would. Three years later he'd go even higher and I'm sure I will get around to telling you about that pretty soon.... I kinda can't help myself, it's what I do. Well done.
