3 Hours of Delight Today!

And just a reminder - If you liked reading about "Much More To Life" by Norris Man and want to hear a bit more and pay a hefty price of NOTHING AT ALL then maybe you can do that if you check out Sherkhanslair.com later today, Sunday the 16th of June when the producer from Tiger Records, Sherkhan cracks open the vault and frees up more than one hundred fifty songs!

If you want a little direction - Check here - and, again, be sure to log on to Sherkhanslair.com later today! Besides, it isn't like you have anything better to do.

Rewind!: "Much More To Life" by Norris Man

"Much More To Life" by Norris Man [Tiger Records]

Today we take a quick look back at a an album which definitely ranks as one of the best from the first half of 2013 and one which, I'm slowly thinking that I may have to elevate to the status of being its star's best ever as well. Norris Man is someone who can be quite polarizing. He can be inconsistent and there're many who do not enjoy his delivery as well (I'm not one of them). HOWEVER, I've always maintained that if you can get him at or even near his best, the chanter is as capable as almost anyone in Reggae music in the current era. Also, for the type of music that he does - with this image of a constant struggle - his voice is exactly what it should be and it adds to what he does. The question, when it comes to Norris Man albums, for me, is whether or not he is in a good form. If you catch a good Norris Man, there is a no ceiling and  he can do almost anything, as previous releases such as "Persistence", "Home & Away" and others have shown. In recent times Norris Man has demonstrated that someone who routinely draws the best out of him is the Tiger Records producer, Sherkhan who, over the past few years has recorded a great deal of strong material with the Trenchtown native. Earlier this year, they put it all together and turned in a memorable set which now take a look back at and Rewind! "Much More To Life" by Norris Man.

See original review

#1. Intro

"Haile Selassie I"

#2. 'Murdera'

"Murdera - your judgment set

I see that it's coming up on you right now

Slaughtera - for all the things you've done -

I've seen your world and your kingdom going down"

Grrrr! When I think back to the opener of "Much More To Life", one thing definitely still stands out greatly and that is just how much it turned out to be. It is a song whose display and presentation is nearly perfect and it BUILDS and BUILDS, matching the intensity and the emotions of Norris Man throughout the song. Seriously, this may just be one of the best songs he's EVER done and I don't think I'm overrating it at all. It goes from being this nearly melancholy type of piece near its nascence, into being this absolute powerhouse of a social commentary by its end. BOOM! 

#3. Skit 1 - Life

"We just have to be strong. Life Is like a battlefield, you know. There is good and there is evil and - the choices that you make, that's the direction you will go". 

#4. 'Much More To Life'

The title track for this record is one which I've actually dealt with closer and closer from the first time that I heard it and, like 'Murdera', but in a different way, it's also done a bit of blossoming for me. While broad and somewhat general, like the skit preceding it, 'Much More To Life' eventually kind of ties itself up in two ways. First of all is the fact that of all the different directions that it does go in, there is one unifying theme - that of enjoying life and giving praises to His Majesty. Secondly and somewhat quietly: There is a great deal of SKILL exhibited here - lyrically and in terms of the delivery, making for one of the most memorable moments on the album named after it. 

#5. 'Warning'

"Caan seh mi never warn you" 

On 'Warning' we find Norris Man a bit agitated and a bit pissed off at things that are going on in the world and he's making everyone known at his frustration on this BIG tune. He seems to reserve his greatest of fury for those who insist that they live positive and 'righteous' lives, but their actions show a different case. The chanter says that he's already told you what might happen and this song appears to be the final 'warning' shot. 

#6. Skit 2 - Rasta

"They don't look on the love and the joy and the righteousness and consciousness within one. Dem look on the outer appearance; the long hair, the bearded face".

#7. 'Oh Jah'

TEARS! I've kind of also taken 'Oh Jah' in a different way recently and it comes in tandem with the skit ahead of it. One this level, with just the song, you definitely get this sense of humility and freedom and LOVE, but when you listen to the skit along with it, it also becomes infused with a great deal of PRIDE. This isn't just a song giving thanks and praises, it's also one saying to all not to be ASHAMED of the path you take in life. Whatever it may be and whoever may stand against you - know that they don't you. They stereotype you and that your road is no less YOURS because of what others may say or do. 

#8. 'Jah Rule Always'

Another song for His Imperial Majesty, I think there is a very nice difference with 'Jah Rule Always' and several of the other similarly guided pieces on the album. That difference is that this tune, 'always', finds a way to tie the spiritual into the tangible. At its core, I think Norris Man is saying that giving honour to The Almighty MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. You do not get more concrete than that. Also, you can't ignore that this song is dazzling from beginning to end and definitely one of the best sonic experiences to be had on this release. 

#9. 'Let Love Control'

While it may not be the single best love song on this album (that comes next), 'Let Love Control' really does earn a high place here, still, because of just how good it sounds. Though certainly not bereft of substance (it is the opposite, actually) at all, it is so damn easy to get caught up and lost into the vibes of this piece. If you can narrow down the meaning, however, you'll notice that it isn't a 'love song' in the typical sense either. It isn't merely about the love within a relationship or between people. This song is about loving LOVE for the sake of love. A lot of love and a lot TO love. 

#10. 'My Feelings For You'

TEARS AGAIN! DAMN! WHY?! Why must this song be so good! Maybe it's just the riddim, the Dutty Foot or maybe it is everything, but 'My Feelings For You' had something special about it all the way through.

#11. 'Woman of Virtues'

Though not my favourite song on "Much More To Life" (although that does come next!), I do have a slight greater appreciation for 'Woman of Virtues' and I probably got it from its display. It sounds like a nice song and though there's much better similar material on the rest of the album (like both of the previous tunes), it does have a quality which keeps you coming back and I wouldn't be surprised if I came back so much that I really did start to enjoy this one tremendously one day. 

#12. 'The Soul'

"They tried to touch the heart

Cannot touch the soul"

Yes, 'Murdera' has closed the gap from my first passage through this album - but at the top remains the same tune. 'The Soul' was MASSIVE! It was a tune which was about inspiring people going through difficult times in life and, essentially, saying that going through these things were a NECESSARY course of life. In a sense: Definitely going through (or existing IN) the darkest of times makes it so bright when even a small amount of light comes through and that's what this song is about. It's the same thing you've probably heard dozens of times… but it almost NEVER sounds this good! 

#13. 'Anytime You Need My Love'

Still not one of the highest ranking tracks present here, but hearing my Wife singing the simply infectious chorus of 'Anytime You Need My Love' has raised it just a bit for me! 

#14. Skit 3 - Positive

"Trouble is out there, stay away from it. Always try to think positive, so you'll never be on a negative track".

#15. 'Read Between The Lines'

"You have been abusive, crossing the lines now

You show no compassion -

Out taking lives yes

Read from the scroll now

Then you'll know how -

Every reaction is a reaction"

'Read Between The Lines' was actually a song that I was familiar with prior to hearing it on "Much More To Life" and I'm glad that they included it here because it has definitely giving it something of a 'second wind' for me, personally, and I'm sure that I am not the only one who feels that way. What I take from this song is that it is one speaking about the negative behaviour of the world and how it isn't just an outward problem. You don't just live fucked up and do nasty things and walk away from it without a scar. What Norris Man is saying is that sometimes when you see sad people and people "crying" it isn't always because someone or something has done something wrong to them. If you 'read between the lines', what you may notice is that THEY were the someone doing wrong to others. A very deep song and one which strikes to the very personal presentation of this entire album in my opinion.

#16. 'Trying Man'

Sherkhan, Norris Man and company also grab a huge amount of my appreciation for adding this sublime track, 'Trying Man', which was Norris' cut of the Wharfedale Riddim. So many times this happens in retrospect: Where there is this giant song on a riddim which doesn't eradicate every other song on the track, but kind of draws your attention in that direction ALWAYS. I had forgotten that Norris Man had even voiced the Wharfedale because Tanya Stephens basically tied it down and had her way with it (and she did), but you put it on this album and a wonderful older song gets a much deserved rebirth. This was the second best song on that riddim and it wasn't that much behind what Stephens did either.

 #17. 'We Are the People'

If you think about it, 'We Are the People' was actually in a similar situation as the song before it on this album because its track, the Box Guitar Riddim, was also dominated by someone, Junior X, but because it was far more fresh in my mind, I did recall that Norris Man had a fine showing on it as well. However, again, listening to it these days and it sounds even better than I remembered it. The vocals here were probably underrated. Norris Man is someone who, in general, probably has an underrated voice because if you take it, alone, it can be somewhat awkward at times, but when he focuses it and he has a great backing to work with, the results are always something impressive. You hear that several times on this album, but as far as just pure vocal work, I don't know that this song has an equal on this album. Also, it wasn't just this high-powered Cure-like display, 'We Are the People' was a stirring social/cultural commentary which could have been TALKED and would still be worthy of many listens. 

#18. Skit 4 - So Much Things To Seh

"There's so much things to say because within this struggle, there's so much things happen. You only can tell from what you can remember but it's more - even deeper than that when it comes to politics and violence and gun shooting. Know that your Mother gone to Coronation market and you have to be there and then you hear gunshots start firing in that area. You wondering 'will Mama come back home alive?'- you know? So, you know we been living not only one month and two months, but like for fourteen, fifteen years of our life you know. So, you know being in the ghetto is like yow - is 'the fittest of the fittest'. 

#19. 'So Much'

'So Much' was a song, somewhat fitting given its name, which was all over the place. I don't know if there's anything that Norris Man DID NOT talk about in the less than four minutes of this song. He goes in so many different courses. However, in regards to this song alone, I've definitely come more into the line of thinking that the way the song is written and then carried out is all apart of the song's production. He absolutely wanted it to be like this. He wanted to provoke all kinds of different thoughts because it so much more makes the message of the subsequent tune stand out even further. That message, in the prevailing sense to my ears, was that in daily life we are pushed and pulled in so many different ways that it is most important to remained focus and diligent. If you don't, you're likely to miss so many things - including this song. 

"AS I LEARN AND OVERCOME

I SEE THE JOY AND THE MADNESS OF THIS EARTH! "

#20. 'All Day Long' & #21. 'Dreaming'

'All Day Long' and 'Dreaming' have basically melded themselves into my head as a pair and, if I live to be one, I'll probably be a very old [er] man and that will still be the case because what happens between them on "Much More To Life" is just entirely fascinating and organic to my ears. The two songs share a riddim and the first of them is pretty standard. You hear 'All Day Long' and it fits perfectly into the landscape of the album surrounding it as a song which is about just how difficult the struggle can be. It is an unpaid twenty-four hour a day 'job'.

"While they're scheming

Overnight they're dreaming

We were toiling through the night

Making things so pure and bright"

And then there is 'Dreaming', again on the same track, which comes in and you see that… even when others sleep and are dreaming [!] it still isn't over! On top of that, I immediately noticed the way the second song comes through which was kind of 'on the spot'. It sounded like a vibe and something which just kind of started as a spontaneous idea, but ultimately both vocalist and producer fell in love with the results and for good reason. Of course, that was just my idea, I could be wrong -

#22. Skit 5 - End

But I wasn't wrong because Norris Man confirms exactly what I thought on the album's final skit on which he explains that "that song" (meaning 'Dreaming') was a spontaneous vibe and something that just happened in the studio. Of course you'll have your own ideas in regards to the skits, generally speaking, but I think that the final one ties everything together superbly. It's always fascinates me when artists speak about their own music and do so in so much tangible detail and though I haven't heard too many from him, in several of the interviews I remember reading and hearing of Norris Man, he does that! And he does it unprovoked as well - just what he's thinking at the time. Whatever the thought which led to these two songs was a powerful one and one which is placed in a fine context with this skit. Thanks!

#23. 'Ovastand'

And finally (this thing has taken no time at all to write and I only just started doing it as a mental workout which developed into almost a full post) (write an intro and a conclusion and we're done!) was the somber 'Ovastand'.

"All I wanna do is to be a better man

So I can help this world to understand"

Initially, I took this tune as one saying to the masses to cognizant of not only one's own situation, but that of others as well. These days I've taken it a step further and I also think that the message here is one which involves and incorporates the idea of ACCEPTANCE as well. If you have someone in your life and they're really in your life, you accept their good and you accept their bad. You can try (and we usually do when we really like someone) to separate the two, but really accepting the full WORST of someone is the only way to be able to fully have them as a part of your life. 

So definitely pick up the latest album from Norris Man and Tiger Records, "Much More To Life". As I said, the album has already entered a small group of others which have a legitimate claim as being the artist's finest to date and it may someday even eclipse them all. Until then, however, the album was a strong one and one which, again, gave us a GREAT version of Norris Man. Anytime that happens, the results are not something you want to miss. 

3 Hours of [FREE!] Delight From Tiger Records

Yow! A very, very wonderful event/showcase is going down this weekend and You are welcomed to take part in it. Achis Reggae favourite and friend of ours, Sherkhan of Tiger Records is cracking open the vault and freeing up a great deal of their current catalogue and doing ABSOLUTELY FOR FREE on Sherkhan's website - SherkhansLair.com. For three hours on Sunday, which is the 16th day of June, you can freely log onto the site and have your choice of more than one hundred and fifty [150!] songs and it will not cost you a damn thing! That's a lot of songs to choose from and in honour of the coming occasion, we thought that it might be a good idea to narrow things down a bit for you or just give you a few ideas of what you might be able to look forward to by, briefly (not really), digging through some of the vault of Tiger Records. 

{Note: I don't have a list so I may mention some things which're not available during the event. If that should happen - GO AND BUY IT because it's probably really, really good anyway) 

 Albums

"French Connection" by Perfect Giddimani [2009]

To my knowledge, the very first album Tiger ever did for an artist was the powerhouse of a release that was "French Connection" from the explosive and unpredictable Perfect Giddimani back in 2009. What most stands out about this one nearly four years on was just how accessible it was. Roots Reggae isn't typically known for being the most 'reachable'' genre, but this album was definitely that because it offered up such a fun time. That is certainly a specialty of the volatile Perfect's and his dynamic ways were well on display here. Through tunes such as 'Step Away', 'Son of Jamaica', 'Marijuana We Seh', 'Bobo Special', 'Mi Nah Cut My Dread' and others, Perfect dazzled on an album which has only gotten better with time. Sizzla Kalonji, Zamunda and Lutan Fyah guested. 

"Ghetto Princess" by Diana Rutherford [2011]

The Lioness, Diana Rutherford, would make her album debut on Tiger Records in 2011 with the infectious and colourful "Ghetto Princess". The healthy release would offer the young veteran the opportunity to put on full display her deep and versatile bag of talents throughout its sixteen tracks and nearly an hour's worth of playing time. When I look back at this one now, what I most find remarkable is the FOUNDATION of the album. For some reason, I recalled "Ghetto Princess" as being this kind of pan-genre project and that wasn't what it was, for the most part. It was a sleeper of a HEAVY Reggae album which pinnacled on pieces such as its devastating opener, 'Harmonies of Cries', 'Rely On Me' alongside Assailant, 'A New Day', with Sizzla Kalonji (a tune which I now enjoy considerably more than I remember having had), 'Still A Lady', 'Lost In Extasy' and others. 

"Stand Up Strong" by Bazil [2011]

Tiger would do the double drop in 2011, chasing "Ghetto Princess" with the indescribably fascinating "Stand Up Strong" by Bazil. Nearly two years later and I don't even think that I've thought the final word on this album (which would make for a fine Vault Review someday because I’m pretty sure I never did actually write one for it) in terms of what I REALLY thought about it. But you don't have to beat it down to a powdery detail to recognize the basics. First of all, Bazil had a very high skill level. Lyrically he was very good and his delivery was one which was wholly captivating as, in a very Gentleman/NiyoRah type of fashion, Bazil needed very little in the way of 'space' to create melody. He didn't need a great track (although he got plenty of them on this album) to make a song entertaining and "Stand Up Strong" was definitely entertaining. It was also a bit more with tunes such as 'Don't You Stop', 'Right Things', 'Gunman Movie' and others. A PERFECT album for someone who might be new to Reggae music.  

"Much More To Life" by Norris Man [2013]

Lastly, while I can't at all imagine that Sherkhan will think to make free the only two months old "Much More To Life" - the latest album from Trenchtown veteran chanter, Norris Man - it's just an album that you should have these days. Each and every time I go back to it, I find something new to enjoy about it and while I immediately saw it as one of Norris Man's finest releases when I first heard it, I'm beginning to think that it ranks AT LEAST on par with any of them and I wouldn't be surprised if, some day, I came to consider it his opus. "Much More To Life" was huge!  

"Reggae Zone Mix Vol. 1" [2010]

And while it wasn't an album and I'm not the biggest fan of the mixtape, Sherkhan did do a very nice one in 2010, "Reggae Zone". Of course, it helps if you're a fan of Tiger Records' output - because it makes the music here far more familiar and impacting, but perhaps this would also be a nice place to start as well as it featured some of the label's staples such as Diana Rutherford, Perfect, Norris Man and Bazil and also Sizzla Kalonji, Lutan Fyah, Assailant and others including someone who I'm going to speak HIGHLY of right now.

Riddims & Tracks

The Box Guitar Riddim [2010]

Unless I'm really overlooking something, the Box Guitar is probably my favourite track that Tiger has ever done and certainly a great deal of that goes with the fact that it carried what was… simply one of the best songs I have EVER heard, the all-conquering and downright MASSIVE [!] 'Cross My Heart' from Junior X (the aforementioned "someone who I'm going to speak HIGHLY of right now"). That piece was a heavy and mighty and intoxicating social commentary from someone in Junior X who has, at least to my opinion, spent his career quietly redefining what it means to speak on the times in a very cunning and clever way. But he was not alone and was joined not only by a lot of the names I've mentioned thus far, but also the venerable Mikey General, Terry Ganzie, Likkle Devon and Lutan Fyah. Probably one of the most underrated tracks in recent years in my opinion - it was fantastic.

The Sufferah Riddim [2008]

Jah Mason and Teflon were amongst the names featuring greatly on the HEAVY Sufferah Riddim - a track which almost sounded like it kind of missed out on its time and I mean that in a good way. The Sufferah was a bit of a 'blast from the past' in how it was vibed, sounding like it came from a year thirty years or so prior to its actual time. It CRAWLED! But it also developed into an excellent composition and is another of my favourites in Tiger's vaults. Michael Rutherford, for a change, and Blessed also made fine appearances as did the usual suspects. Oh! And the clean instrumental of this one was gorgeous! 

The Wharfedale Riddim [2006]

The Wharfedale is probably the most well known single composition that Tiger Records has done to date and while it is best known for the brilliant Tanya Stephens mashing it to pieces, what she left behind was more than enough for the expected likes of Rutherford, Norris Man ["They cannot conquer me! Rastafari protect and keep I and I alive!"], Kalonji and especially Lutan Fyah, to make great usage of. The crystal voiced and woefully under-recorded Chrisinti also gave a fine effort in ‘Tomorrow'.  

The Ol' Sitt'n Riddim [2007]

Norris Man advised all to 'Let Love Take Control', while Junior X told of the 'Modern Day Pharaoh' on the SUBLIME Ol' Sitt'n Riddim from a few years back. Another very underrated track, as a composition, the Ol' Sitt'n was fantastic. It was a beautiful piece and with its kind of 'mid' pacing, it made itself open for a wide variety of different types of material, from a healthy roster of vocalists. It also would birth very nice pieces from the likes of Emperor Mangasha (I had COMPLETELY forgotten that Mangasha was on this riddim), Black Lion, Assailant (whose 'Don't Do Me Dat' was big) and even the late Eloquent.  

The Dutty Foot Riddim [2012]

If you just… need to get a few things off of your mind and feel like crying a little, DEFINITELY check out the Dutty Foot Riddim. It did have nice songs on it within its five vocal tracks, particularly 'Wat A Lala' by Lutan Fyah, of course, 'Rebel' by The Lioness and 'My Feelings For You' by Norris Man. But THE highlight of this acoustic piece was the riddim itself and the clean instrumental is about four minutes of as good of 'crying music' as you are going to find.  

The Arena Riddim [2007]

Although it isn't his usual style, the Arena Riddim found Sherkhan and company heading into the Dancehall and doing so proudly and in an impressive way. Of course when you do such a thing, it may not be a bad idea to secure the services of someone like Busy Signal and that is precisely what Tiger did - TWICE. The daring DJ would twice reach the track, once with the HARD 'Teaser Myspace' and again with the wholly ridiculous 'We Nuh Play With People', the riddim's best tune, which found Busy going all Timex Social Club on the people ["Never know seh wi evil. Boy diss: Gunshot right away. Dem check seh a joking ting, wi nuh laugh. No water gun war wi nah play"]. Teflon also joined in as did Jah Trouble (who sounded all of eleven years old at the time).  

And The Sun Come Dung [2012]

And there was also (I think I'm almost done) ("Briefly"… right!) (Now checking in at 1664 words) the And The Sun Come Dung Riddim from not too long ago at all which was a sparkling track, which I definitely could have used a few more tracks from - it was very good. Highlighted by Diana Rutherford's scathing 'Beware' and the Jah Cure-ish 'Let Me Love You' by Zamunda, this track also featured the work of Terry Ganzie and even Zeno. Again, be sure to check the instrumental as well.

'Smile On My Face' by Diana Rutherford [2012]

Unsurprisingly, Rutherford has also had quite a few singles on Tiger Records and one of her better was selections was probably this piece, 'Smile On My Face', which, as its title suggests, was a piece about leaving your problems "worry" behind and focusing on the things in life which bring a smile to your face. On top of that, I also remembered this one because the cover for the digital single (which Bredz hopefully included here, otherwise this thing will just kind of float around in here somewhere) was amazing. The smile on her face looked divine.

'Earthly War' by Ras Brando [2011]

The lively Ras Brando [BOOM!] also recorded a few nice pieces with Sherkhan and Tiger (including a nice combination with Al Pancho and Anthony John which… I THINK was on the Ol’ Sitt'n), called 'Other Datings') (it is on the Ol' Sitt'n) such as this overlooked single from a couple of years back, 'Earthly War'. Of course, this is a commentary on the state of the times, but in Brando's case, like all of his music, it gets an extra dosage of PASSION. Brando is someone else who you don't hear from as much as you'd like, because every time he does have something, it is almost always impressive. This was no exception.  

'You Mean The World To Me' by Erup & Diana Rutherford [2007]

Erup took time out his busy schedule of clicking his damn fingers to record this nice combination track with Diana Rutherford, 'You Mean The World To Me'. You may not have expected it to be such, but this song had layers in its sound and it was mightily impressive. Not the smallest reason for which was the fact that it featured Rutherford adding a bit more on her really maxed out vocals, but the two also had a whole heap of musical chemistry as well.  

'Bad' by Jah Trouble & Juvenile [2008]

Check 'Bad' - a combination featuring the aforementioned Jah Trouble alongside Juvenile. I've known this song previously, but perhaps because I haven't heard it in awhile - It caught me! Damn infectious! 

'Hard Rain' by Likkle Devon [2012]

And finally in our very, very brief look back at the catalogue of Tiger Records and stuff you may be able to download for absolutely nothing at all from SherkhansLair.com on Sunday, June 16th  is a very good song which I was almost sure was at least a couple of years old, but apparently only released just last year, 'Hard Rain' from veteran and Tiger Records staple, Likkle Devon. It's kind of Techno/Electro and a the obvious changeup on this list, but good luck trying to get this song out of your head after you've heard it once or twice. 

So! Remember, this coming Sunday log on to SherkhansLair.com for three hours and ENJOY! It's 1pm-4pm in Jamaica. In London that is 7pm-10pm. In Amsterdam, in Paris and in Berlin that's 8pm-11pm. In Ethiopia that is 9pm-12am. In New York it's 2pm-5pm. In Tokyo that's Monday, the 17th, 3am-6am. Figure it out and be there to take advantage of one the coolest ideas and online events in recent times courtesy of Sherkhan and the wonderful people at Tiger Records. And I know that you're thinking so I'll just tell you - NO! YOU CANNOT DOWNLOAD THE GIRL ON THE FLYER! WHAT!

"Playing Catch-Up": A Review of The Box Guitar Riddim by Various Artists

With artists, things are so simple. You’re an up and coming artist, you have talent, you have the proper networking in order and are making the proper links and eventually, for one reason or another you end up with your big break. Be it a song for yourself, featuring on someone else’s project or whatever it is, eventually you wind up opening that door to success. And regardless of how long you stay there, even if you’re thrown out, you can almost certainly be assured that someone somewhere will always remember how they came to know of y our work, because all of your work is yours - It sounds like you and it always will. Producers? Things are incredibly more difficult. For example, should you frequent my work, you’re almost certain to be familiar with my great appreciation of one Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor? To my opinion, there’s no one in the world making Reggae music better than that man right now and given the amount of research I’ve done on him, I’d like to think I could identify his work, but if you put three new riddims up and said one was his would I DEFINITELY guess which? Maybe not. On the other hand, were it someone like Sizzla Kalonji, I’d put my chances at 100% all the time. Going back further, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could find work from Xterminator, Star Trail, Don Corleon and others amongst my historical favourites and I couldn’t be completely sure that I could recognize the output and that’s just the way it is when it comes to labels and producers. However, the interesting thing is that instead of maybe ‘attaching’ themselves to a particular sound or vibes (which is certainly possible (biggup Lenky), but extremely far from infallible), producers and labels can attach themselves to artists, projects, riddims and so on, the possibilities are almost endless. An example of this would be if I were to ask you, very randomly, if you remembered Sizzla’s albums Black Woman & Child and Da Real Thing. Now if you do and you know anything about them, if I asked you to break them down, how far might you get before you mentioned that both had the same producer? Bobby Digital. Now take that concept and apply it to moving forward and how big of a deal is it when ‘Young Artist A’ begins to work with that same producer? Did it not become much more SIGNIFICANT when you learned that Jamelody was working with Bobby Digital? Didn’t it make you (if you’re a big fan and you most certainly are if you’re about to read this big ass review) even more interested to hear the results? Of course it did. Producers and labels definitely do enjoy that kind of BROAD propulsion in terms of how they move forward - Sometimes their work moves for them.

Such is the case here where we find ourselves looking at Achis Reggae favourite, Sherkhan and company at Tiger Records. The work? Last year the label pushed what was probably their most high profile piece of work to date, the “French Connection“ album from the inimitable Perfect. They had been around prior to that release (more on that in a second), but definitely the album (largely due to the fact that it was the best piece of material Perfect had done in quite some time) placed the label in a greater esteem and standing of popularity amongst many and for probably many more it was an actual introduction. Well, hopefully that piece of work did enough of the legwork and many of those same new eyes stayed ‘in touch’ with Tiger Records and are now set to enjoy their latest work of art, The Box Guitar Riddim. Now, this riddim isn’t the very first of its kind, so again, if you just jumped on board to listening to Tiger Records, you might want to go back and look up big pieces such as the Wharfedale, the Arena and the Ol’ Sitti‘n riddims, respectively (and technically, there was also the Breadfruit). Also, while some of the tunes weren’t the greatest, it definitely should be said that in Tiger’s catalogue exists a PERFECT riddim by the name of The Sufferah which, even before the eventual album, should have definitely sent off warning shots that we were dealing with something pretty strong here. And if you go through those pieces and try to find some type of prevailing vibe and sound . . . Good luck. On one hand was the fairly vibrant Roots piece Ol’ Sitt’n, then there was the heavy Dancehall focused Arena and then (yes, you have three hands now) there was the Sufferah which was downright skeletal (and again, it was certainly the best of the bunch) - So you don’t get to say that ‘Tiger Records make this type of vibes’, they’re pretty much across the board. And now said board is widening in the form of the former Sandfly Riddim, the newly christened Box Guitar Riddim. This release is apparently the beginning of a new ‘official’ series from Tiger Records, ’Riddim Zone’ and the artwork for the cover is very appropriate and very well done as well, so obviously quite a bit of consideration was taken in the presentation here and justly so because the riddim itself is GORGEOUS! It’s not the most vibrant sound, but it also isn’t ’sad’, it’s pretty close to center which is great because it allows the actual artists to take it in almost any direction they like. Seriously, I can’t think of subjectry, within the landscape of what is discussed in modern Roots Reggae, which you just COULDN’T fit in over the vibes of the Box Guitar (which makes the only true detraction I have with the project - The fact that there’re only ten vocal tracks - all the more glaring). On top of that, the riddim also ‘travels’ a little bit and in doing so in picks up the occasional colour and difference (most notably a saxophone which seems to do different things almost every time you hear it), which is an effect I always enjoy and gives the work some individuality amongst itself. And were that not enough (and it should’ve been), the fact that the Box Guitar Riddim contains what just may be the best damn song I’ve heard in 2010 so far will hopefully pique your interests.

There are a few nice and welcomed surprises on the artist selection for the riddim. Tiger Records (like everyone else) certainly has their favourites and you’re certainly going to see some of them here (which is a good thing especially considering who those artists are), but the two or three names who weren’t expected in anyway DEFINITELY bring quite a bit of flare and colour the project as well. The artist who is most certainly Tiger Records’ absolute favourite, Sherkhan himself, actually gets things going on his brand new Box Guitar Riddim album in a very proper way with very improper placement. Apparently within the ‘Riddim Zone’ things are going to occur a bit differently so the unofficial ‘decree’ that all clean riddim versions go at the END of riddim albums goes completely unobserved by Sherkhan and Tiger Records. This mix is subtitled ‘Sandfly Version’ and it’s definitely a more laid back and guitar heavy style and it’s just lovely to listen to, despite its rather odd placement, and for what it is it’s one of the most impressive outings that you’ll find on the compilation.

Sherkhan makes way for the vocal tracks on the album (all of which feature Sherkhan) (DUH) and the first to take a shot at the Box Guitar is a love bitten and smitten Lutan Fyah with ‘Feliesha‘. This one is pretty straight forward with Fyah trying to grab the attention of a very special lady and having varying degrees of success. It is a love song through and through, but something about it definitely gives it a bit of originality and I can’t quite put my finger on what is, but it almost seems like Fyah is singing the song for himself and the listener is just kind of eavesdropping. It’s a lovely song still, even though I feel nosey as hell now. Another title for that tune could definitely be ‘Pre-Boom’ because that is exactly what it is as it precedes what is the finest tune on the Box Guitar Riddim, probably the finest for veteran Junior X to date and one of the finest of the year altogether, ‘Cross Me Heart’. I had my ears on this thing from listening to about seventeen seconds of a thirty second long clip which had me IMMENSELY impressed with the powerhouse of a song. And when I got the full thing (biggup Sherkhan) . . . TEARS!

“Yes, I’m ready to stand up and fight
Yes, I’m ready to stand up and fight for what I know is right
So all Gideon soldiers unite
Been held in the dark, but Rastafari has lead all his children to light”

The song is absolutely beautiful, Junior X is an artist who has definitely made his presence known in the game, but I don’t think he’s ever done anything like this. ‘Cross Me Heart’ could help a lot of people, myself definitely included (by having me absolutely bawling around my room this morning). HUGE tune!

X turns the Box Guitar Riddim over to another familiar voice at Tiger Records, the ‘Tigress’ herself, Diana Rutherford, who steps through with the contemplative ‘Still A Lady’. This tune is another lovely selection on the riddim and it kind of struck me as ‘Feliesha’ did, where it seems like the artist is sort of having a conversation within themselves and the listener is merely a ‘fly on the wall’. Rutherford sounds very good and apparently and not surprisingly (AT ALL), she has a forthcoming album on Tiger Records, which I’m looking forward to. And to continue with the fairly familiar faces whose presences here - Norris Man, for all intent and purposes, has the second best tune on the riddim as he absolutely MELDS his inimitable wailing vocals on ’We Are The People’ to the Box Guitar. Besides that, the tune is very clever and very uplifting as well and it’s one of the better tunes from Norris Man that I’ve heard as of late (and he’s been on a pretty good swing as of late which is a great thing following what was, in my opinion, a couple of years of less than stellar material). Veteran Little Devon’s certainly isn’t a household name to many, but this isn’t his first take on a Tiger Records riddim (he had an excellent tune, ’Burning Hot’, on the Sufferah Riddim) and it definitely doesn’t sound like it is because his ’Pain’ is another highlight on the riddim. Despite the title, the sentiment of the tune is lovely and very inspirational and Devon has this way (almost like a Jah Cure) about the way he sings which kind of inherently maximizes whatever he says - It makes it so much more of a big deal and that is on full display here. The next familiar voice comes in with Zamunda (speaking of Jah Cure) who puts another big tune on the Box Guitar with ‘No Place In Babylon’. This one may be the most definitively spiritual effort on the riddim and it’s also a big tune (saying that a lot, aren’t I) as he seems to sing of both a literal (physical) repatriation as well as a mental going home and it’s a very powerful vibes. Definitely keep an eye and an ear on the singer (from the most magical place on earth) in the future as he certainly has a big future ahead of him. And speaking of St. Ann, lastly, of course, is Perfect who brings a second tune on the Box Guitar (following ‘Come On Woman’ from French Connection), in the form of the fittingly titled ‘Once Again’. This HAS to be at least the fortieth tune that Perfect has made about dealing with police officers and ganja. Seriously, should Perfect ever offer you a ride, if you’re in a hurry turn him down, because you are almost certainly going to be detained! The tune isn’t one of my favourites here. . . But something about that chorus I just cannot AT ALL seem to get out of my head.

As far as the artists who I wasn’t expecting to hear on the Box Guitar, the most surprising is definitely Bazil, who I’d never heard of prior to seeing him here. Bazil is a French born artist (who delivers in English) who has reportedly signed up with Sherkhan and Tiger Records and is working on a forthcoming project and his tune here, ‘Critical Situation’, is his debut set with the label. It is a nice way to get started. The first time I spun through the tune I heard Bazil’s voice (which is a little ‘different’) and kind of tuned out and in the course of listening with a diverted attention I noticed a stream of lyrics and of course I had to go back and take a listen and what I heard was a pretty nice social commentary. I’d have to hear more, of course, to make a bigger thought, but so far I’m definitely interested in Bazil. Then there’s Mikey General. I shouldn’t at all be surprised with seeing the General on anything and maybe I’m not so much as I’m just HAPPY AS HELL. Mikey General has quietly been one of the most solid, consistent and respectable Reggae artists in the world for quite some time now and his work is almost always an utter joy to take in and his piece on the Box Guitar, ‘Time Soon Come’, is definitely no exception to that. The tune finds the General calling for the destruction of corruption wherever it may exist and in whatever form. It’s pretty standard for Mikey General - Like I “an utter joy to take in”. And finally is another surprising, but very welcomed veteran, Terry Ganzie, who offers the lover’s number ‘The First Time We Met’. This one didn’t reach me to any grand extent, save for a choice moment or two, but I just love to see Ganzie doing things in the studio and hopefully we’ll see him on more of Tiger Records’ projects in the future. The tune offers a decent lead-in to the clean versi. . . Oh, that was at the beginning wasn’t it?

Overall, go ahead and call this one a ‘sleeper’ and a ‘dark horse;’ as what will certainly be one of the strongest (but perhaps underappreciated) riddims of 2010. Like I said, the only thing I can actually and tangibly point to as being less than how I would’ve liked is the number of tracks, but if I reach a point where I say the only thing I don’t like about this project is that I want more of it than I got - That certainly can be looked upon as a good thing. The Box Guitar Riddim is top notch throughout and I just enjoy the overall feel around this one. It’s not overwhelming to any degree (unless Junior X is on the mic), it’s just very well put together and SOLID. It’s also another strong testament to the quality of Tiger Records, so if you haven’t been paying attention and need to play a bit of catch-up on what they’ve been doing up until now, the Box Guitar Riddim is about as good of a place to start as any. Well done.

Rated 4.5/5
Tiger Records
2010
Digital


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