'Tis The Season': A Review of "Born To Rule" by Mikey General

At this time of year good people are in the mood for giving and, although it holds no great personal distinction or significance for me, I was raised under the notion that to refuse a gift was rude and I dare not disgrace my Parents and Grandmother by being impolite. So, if you were doing some shopping for Achis, what would you buy me? Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I really really like music. I’m a pretty big fan of Reggae Music, in particular - I absolutely LOVE it. Now presuming, of course, you could conjure up almost anything that I would want, maybe we could start with a new Sizzla album! I know that the New Year will almost surely bring the obligatory release from Greensleeves, now going for more than a decade strong, but if wanted to materialize such an album before the end of the month, I wouldn’t be the one complaining. What else? Well, 2010 is apparently about to end without a new studio album from Lutan Fyah, so if you could make such a thing happen, I’d be most appreciative. What else would I like? Well, in speaking more currently, looking at how the year has gone, I’d say that probably one of the greatest gifts I could receive right about now would be an album from someone like . . . Oh I don’t know . . . Let’s just say, hypothetically of course, that . . . Mikey General would just drop an album. That would be really nice. Why exactly? 2010 has been a bit of a renaissance year for the veteran singer to my opinion and the very fact that he’s simply been around more and more has helped to make the year even more memorable. This year, unlike most the previous for quite some time has found the General staying active and doing so through a very healthy variety of sources. He’s had notable appearances on bit time, top notch pieces such as the Guitar Box Riddim from Tiger Records, Dynasty Records’ Upliftment Riddim and various others (including the recent ”Cultural Vibes” compilation from Jahsolidrock & Not Easy At All Productions) releases which, although they may not have raised the profile of this wonderful artist in the grandest of senses, they’ve definitely gone onto to make up one of the greatest years of his career in recent times. So, if you could find a way to line up a Mikey General album for me that would be just such a nice thing to do.

THANK YOU! Apparently my wishes (and obviously that’s the only reason this album exists) have been responded to as a little while back came the word that an album which was going to get me REALLY excited was forthcoming - Mikey General’s latest release, ”Born To Rule”. By this point, I’m pretty beyond actually counting the number of albums the General has had (I do, however, believe that this album is his first since 2007’s very decent ”Confidence In Self”), but I do have confidence in myself when I saying that, in all likelihood (some confidence, right?), I’ve never before been SO excited to dig into one of his albums. Traditionally viewed as somewhat of a ’sidekick’ (and I mean that not only in the most respectful of senses, but I also don’t have that view, personally) to Reggae legend and his “spiritual brother”, Luciano (who, most coincidentally, also has a brand new album out these days, ”Write My Name”), for me and a hopefully ever expanding group of fans, the General is just as talented as his historical friend and probably has been one of the most wholly talented singers that this generation of Roots Reggae music has seen. For me, besides just acknowledging that he has had a very good year (and he has), Mikey General is one of the artists who I just always like to listen to because his music is just so well presented, first and foremost. While I may be able to find you artists who have better voices (but not many) or artists who have sharper pens (but not many there either), I cannot name you a single one (including Luciano) who appears to have a greater COMMITMENT to what he/she sings than Mikey General. Also, in terms of the most tangible, I definitely consider the General to be one of the finest lyricists singing today. It isn’t necessarily something he gets due credit for, at least not in my opinion, but when you REALLY check Mikey General’s words and his messages, it’s quite clear. Now, speaking of credit, credit goes to the General himself (obviously) as well Luciano, for pushing the ”Born To Rule” album through their very own label, Qabalah First Music, in conjunction with Domacran Music from out of Germany. Previously, Qabalah has released albums for Mikey General and combination albums between the two and it’s so nice to know that they’re still in business and not only that but are in the business of undertaking such a project. With labels coming (especially) and going so often these days, Qabalah is one which, although not very active, always has found the time and resources to do the works of Mikey General and Luciano and that is the way things should be. As for the music here, it appears that the album has been placed together with former singles from the General and while some are familiar, some are much less so (and presumably new-ish). With that being said, of course should expect the same proven style of high and higher spirituality and inspirational type of vibes from the singer. There’re some twists and turns and one in particular, but to my mind the album doesn’t attempt to go about shedding any type of tradition of Mikey General and that’s so nice because we definitely like him the way that he is. By its end, while I’m not overly impressed or prepared to call ”Born To Rule” Mikey General’s best album to date, it does serve the purpose of not only keeping his name ‘out there’, but also - More Mikey General music is just a good idea and thank you for the gift!

If you know Mikey General’s music and you can at least somewhat put together this album, then the prevailing sentiment is very clear and so clear, in fact, that I thought that I’d start there for a change. Mikey General sings to praise to His Imperial Majesty and at least indirectly EVERY song on his new album, ”Born To Rule”, is done with that in mind. Directly speaking, there is a stretch in the early-mid portion of the album which has a string of what is some of the best material to be found on the album and all of the tunes are giving direct honour and glory to His Majesty. The first of these tunes is the fourth tune on the album, the delectably vibed ‘Jah Send His Love’. This one is just a ‘feel good’ type of a moment. It isn’t an over-cheery type of a song or corny to any degree, but I think that most listeners are going to have a very hard time vibing this tune without cracking at least one smile. Next in is my choice of the album’s finest moment altogether, the sublime title track.

“Seh mi nah tek no idiot chat
Cuz my knowledge is based on fact
Mystery babylon caan make I stop
Praise the toppa top
Cuz my faith is solid as a rock
I’m now the shepherd of the flock
And even though they put on the pressure
I remain a total Rasta”

The song is really (at least to my ears) about the wonderfulness which comes with walking with His Majesty and I think that, although the title and the chorus of the song are pretty specific, it is a song which definitely captures the main point of the album and absolutely a clear choice for the album’s title. Following that big selection is probably the most familiar draw on ”Born To Rule”, ‘Father God Almighty’. The tune came across Joe Fraser’s Chi Chi Bud Riddim from a few years back and it’s as nice now and it’s ever been to me and this is the type of seemingly ‘lost’ tune that can definitely be reenergized on album like this. ‘Ababa Jahnoy’ is the album’s previously alluded to changeup and it’s also the only combination you’ll find here. Joining the General are, of course, Luciano and Ethiopian artist Haile Roots and it was apparently recorded in Addis Ababa. The vibes are this one are . . . Different to say the least. It took a while to grow on me but, at this point it’s one of my favourites now so do give it a few spins before passing judgment. And finally there’s the declarative ‘So Amazing’, which speaks on the power of His Imperial Majesty. This is another one which will probably take more than one spin so give it some time, but it is fairly accessible and probably one of the better lyrical efforts on the album (particularly when the General begins to sing about the difference between KNOWING and BELIEVING).

As for the rest of the tunes on ”Born To Rule” as I said, they all have something to do with giving thanks and praise to The Almighty, but they do so, for the most part, indirectly and that alone isn’t a bad thing (and most of the time that’s my favourite type of song). For example, while the opener isn’t a song which I particularly really enjoy, ‘Full Speed’ is decent social commentary where Mikey General speaks the nature of the way the world works these days being too fast, literally and figuratively, and how it would be so much better if things ‘slowed down’ and everybody could enjoy the fullness of His Majesty. Continuing on, the second track ‘Free’ (which I REALLY like) has a bit of an odd vibes around it and it speaks on breaking free from the same type of situation elaborated on in the first track (and guess how that is accomplished) and perhaps the dynamic ‘Now Is The Time’ is the needed ’umph’ to get those things going - Becoming “free”. And I’ll jump ahead (just messy this time don’t?) to make a comparison between ‘Now Is The Time’ and ‘Tek It To Dem’, the album’s closer which is another type of ‘kick’ type of song. This one, however, is one which seems to be very personal for Mikey General as he speaks on his struggles in the business of making music and how he’s thought of leaving it all behind him.

“So many years of service yeah
Still can’t get no justice no
My family and friends encourage me
And let me know it’s worth it
My conscience rebukes me
And ask me if I am mad
How could I give up now and be unfaithful to God?
I‘ve got a mission to do
I’ve got to complete my trod”

This one really struck me because you and I can look at Mikey General’s career and say how it seems that he’s been struggling to make a name for himself along his journey and that’s one thing - But to hear the man himself say is certainly another FAR more revealing and fascinating and while that tune isn’t terribly impressive sonically speaking, it’s easily one of the most significant on the album.

The best of the remaining songs on ”Born To Rule” is probably the Da’Ville helmed ‘Joy & Laughter’ which is just really strong and upful. The tune is somewhat limited, but I do really enjoy the vibes which just light up not only this track, but the whole of the latter portion of the album, arguably. ’Better Place’ is another decent effort as is ’Me Myself & I’, but neither really offer too much exceptional. What I would suggest is to listen to both from more of a sonic standpoint. In that aspect, both are very nice (particularly the latter). And finally also check both the very familiar ’For The World’ and ’Need To Know’. The second of the two remains me quite a bit of ’No No No’ by Dawn Penn and it is the only ’traditional’ love song on the album as well. ’For The World’ is a pretty good honestly (it‘s also the shortest song on the entire album) - Although despite the fact that it does make a pretty large statement, my greatest interest in it is the fact that it sounds so nice.

Overall, what I’ll say about this album is that it is by no means the greatest album that I’ve heard and it’s not Mikey General’s best either. There are some soft spots here and lyrically it isn’t top notch either (particularly getting on towards the end). HOWEVER, there certainly are no BAD tunes here and none which you kind of frown upon being here as ‘experimental’ or simply drawing down the quality of the project. On top of that, like I said, it is a Mikey General album and the world (and MY world) instantly becomes a better place when he drops a new project. It should also be mentioned that the album itself is so nicely presented with very nice photos, graphics and words in the liners (including a very powerful (and extended) quote from His Imperial Majesty). So, given the year Mikey General has had, it is most appropriate that he blesses the masses with his latest album release in 2010 and while ”Born To Rule” is not a GREAT album, it’s more than enough to keep us interested (and even if he didn’t release it, we’d still be interested) and looking forward to an even bigger 2011 from Mikey General. Thanks for the gift.

Rated: 3.5/5
Qabalah First Music/Domacran Music
2010
CD + Digital


Mikey General @ Myspace

What I'm Listening To: December

Peter Broggs - “Jah Golden Throne” [Jah Warrior Records - 2000]

I didn’t have to dig back too far to find this absolute GEM of an album from Jah Warrior, the once mighty label from out of the UK. Peter Broggs is one of a very small group of artists who I just tend to make sure I’m listening to something from (others would be people like Yami Bolo, Batch and Ras Army as of late) as I almost always pick up something new from them on each and every spin. Lately, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying ”Jah Golden Throne” from Steve Mosco and company. This wasn’t Broggs’ best piece of work, I acknowledge that, but it’s always been one of my personal favourites. With a big big new version of ‘Jah Voice Is Calling’, ‘I Put My Trust In Jah’, 'Jah Is Mighty In Battle', ‘Rasta Nah Lose Him Culture’ (TEARS!), ‘Lef Babylon’, ‘Hail Him’, ‘Warning’ . . . You know what? Maybe I should take that back. Maybe it was one of his bests!

Black Dillinger - “Live & Learn” [MKZWO Records - 2007]

It’s easy to say that it must’ve been those two nights two or three weeks ago when his latest album, ”Love Life”, was absolutely MURDERING my players that brought the debut release of South Afrikan Reggae star, Black Dillinger, ”Live & Learn” back into my sights. In no way was this album as complete or as . . . FUN as it’s successor (when you listen to one after the other, the difference is SO obvious), but it also wasn’t AWFUL either. Today, the highlights on the album have perhaps changed (and again, my expectations are a bit higher for Dillinger these days than a couple of years ago), but I still think tunes such as ‘Dangerous’ alongside Vido Jelashe, ‘Dem A Wonder’, ‘Jah Jah Love’ (LOVE that ridiculous riddim) ‘Sinking Sand’ (especially that one) and a few others (like ‘Mama’) (Hey Mama!) are certified big tunes, regardless of the album they appear on.

Lutan Fyah - “Healthy Lifestyle” [VP Records - 2006]

“I know there’s a thief in Jah Garden
They only come to spoil Jah Jah Harvest”

The Xterminator produced ”Healthy Lifestyle” is an album I very much have a ‘hot & cold’ relationship with. I can remember when it first dropped and although I was pretty impressed at the time (it wouldn’t have been hard to be impressed at that time), I certainly wasn’t blown away by what I heard and soon after the album pretty much fell out of players and out of my favour as well. Over the last year or so, however, it’s slowly been creeping back to me, and it is outstanding because it’s almost like Lutan Fyah released a new album to my ears (instead of not taking off ALL of 2010, which is what he did) It’s not his best (I’m sure this time) and you would’ve hoped for that for his debut on VP Records, but what it is, is typically high level material from one of modern Roots Reggae’s greatest and most unquestionable lyricists. Every tune isn’t stellar (I don’t particularly like ‘You Can Do It’ at all), but you can drop in at almost any point of the album and hear something powerful being said - You can pretty much say the same thing for the Fyah’s entire career.

Peter Tosh - “No Nuclear War” [EMI - org. 1987, re. 2002]

There’s no surprise at all why I went rummaging through my embarrassingly small collection of Peter Tosh albums in early November - Early next year we will FINALLY be treated to the release of the LOOOOOOOOONG awaited ”Bushman Sings The Bush Doctor” tribute album to Tosh by Bushman (with February 15 supposedly being the actual date). The surprise is why I eventually settled on ”No Nuclear War” which just happens to be the final album Tosh was to release before his September 11, 1987 death (just days before actually), because this one, while certainly not horrible, wasn’t amongst his finest work. The original eight track set ( and the re-release with nine) pretty much only features three songs that I like . . . Did I say “like”??? I mean LOVE in every possible way. There’s the misty-eyed ‘In My Song’ which is beautiful, ‘Nah Goa Jail’ which is such a SIMPLE herbalist tune that the fact that it is as dazzling as it is comes as another surprise and of course arguably my favourite Peter Tosh tune ever is on the album, ‘Vampire’. Hopefully Bushman sings at least the latter (although he kind of tried that on ”My Meditation/A Better Place” with downright DISASTROUS results), but I am WELL looking forward to that album.

Riddim Driven: Diesel [VP Records - 2002]

Awful. Bloody awful (biggup Sherman) in almost every way. You know that you’ve made a really bad riddim when just about every artist you choose to voice it sounds off-beat and you don’t voice rubbish artist after rubbish artist, but some big names. Well, that’s exactly what happened with Peter Jackson and Rattler Records, but it wasn’t because his riddim, the Diesel was BAD, because it wasn’t, it was HEAVY (incidentally Rattler was also the name behind the most ‘difficult’ Trafalga Riddim as well), but with fifteen songs on the riddim’s album, it had maybe four tunes which were at least decent. Of course, the greatest was ‘Wosen’ from Kartel (then still spelled Vybz Cartel).

“Dem no got no girls like mine
Nor girls my kind
Whether down to di minute or up to di time
All the time
Some time
More time
Less time
Some bwoy a Joe Give, but mi ah Joe Grind”

Also doing well was Bounty Killer with ‘Chicken Head’, unfortunately the tune also featured the underrated Angel Doolas who wasn’t in a fine form but was annoying, Ward 21 on ‘Topping’ and Shadu (remember Shadu???) with ‘Money’. That’s it! I think Ele’s tune was a hit, ‘Passa Passa’, but it was bad and others such as Anthony Cruz, Vegas, of course Bling Dawg and Galaxy P, Bugsy Malone (remember Bugsy Malone??? He’s now Thugsy Malone) and even Mad Cobra and LMS with Morgan Heritage - All of them just missed the mark, but still draw this one for ’Wosen’.

Treason - “Word on The Street” [VP Records - 2003]

In retrospect . . . I have absolutely no idea what in the hell would have caused VP Records to take a chance on a pretty unknown trio named Treason (now named 3Suns), but also in retrospect, I’m pretty glad they did. Their debut, ”Word on The Street”, was probably one of the first Soca albums that I bought and back then at least, with tunes such as ‘Carnival Darling’, ’By The Bar’ with Bunji Garlin, ’Muddy Angels’, ’Dread Angels’ also with Garlin (and over the Tempted to Touch riddim) which is probably my favourite song these days and definitely Karnamania, I really enjoyed it. Not so much these days because I’m well spoiled and I probably haven’t like a 3Suns song in two or three seasons now, but it definitely helped to reopen a personal gate for me and to that end, it and 3Suns’ later album, ”Definitely” from a couple of years on, will always be kind of special for me. Just not very good anymore . . . although still pretty fun!

Stuff: Mama!

Yow!
So it’s the first of December and I’m sure you know what that means???

It’s my Mother’s Earthday! Yes. 55 years ago the greatest human female to ever walk the world was born, so biggup my Mother each and every time and not only does her favourite offspring (the youngest too. What!) have something on her way, but hopefully we’ll see her in about a month’s time yeah.

Mama A also shares a birthday with Richard Pryor, biggup Richard Pryor and ALSO, it is World Aids Day [ribbon]. Certainly something which is impacting not only to the world itself (duh), but also to this wonderful music which we attempt to celebrate so brightly each and every day. So hopefully, you’ll do something constructive for the moment, be it making a donation to your favourite applicable charity or maybe getting tested yourself or with your friends and/or family.

So! November was (seemingly the shortest month ever in the history of numbered days) a pretty productive month, I think. We got a lot of reaction for a few things - In particular there was the review for Apple Gabriel’s new album, ”Teach Them Right” (and more on that in a minute), also got just a bit for the review for Ras Indio’s ”JAH Bless Us”, most of which centered around ‘where can I get it’ type of questions and just to reiterate ‘publicly’, you can get it pretty much anywhere. It’s on iTunes right now and emusic and Ernie B had the album last time we checked. I also did a nice little article on Soca’s lacking digital presence. Didn’t get a lot of response for that (I now have legitimately about five people who come around here looking specifically for writing about Soca and pretty much ignore anything else (at least five that I know about who talk to me)), but what I did get was pretty informative and a lot of people liked my relaying of a story about my Daughter in honour of the anniversary of the Coronation of His Imperial Majesty - Biggup JC every time. Oh and Jah Turban was Artist of The Month, first time I did that in two months and that definitely is getting a lot of response and I recently filed a story for it on United Reggae as well (more on them in a minute too). So that was November. What about December??? Let’s talk.

• Okay! Reviews. My first review of the month, of course, will be for Mikey General’s new album, ”Born To Rule”, which a gentleman from Germany was kind enough to get to my house (via Bredz, of course) just last week (the case looks so nice, so well-presented) and we’ll be dealing with that on Friday hopefully. Other things which are nearly certain are reviews for new projects from Jahdan Blakkamoore, of course, (although that may’ve been delayed), I may actually go ahead and bash Jah Mason’s new album (because I haven’t bashed an album in a very long time), the Westside Riddim album, the new Strictly The Best releases and a vault review of a very popular Wayne Wonder album, oh and maybe Mighty Mystic’s new album also.
  

• On that same note, I think in 2010 that I’ve been FAR too generous in terms of ratings and rankings, so from here forward, for however long I write, you can expect a bit more stringent rating scale from me, even on my friends’ (who know that I am well WICKED and I no longer have to impress) releases. So expect a lot more 3._ ratings in December and into 2011.

• One thing, however, that overrating a few things has been good for is making LISTS, because the lasting impression is what makes something stick as opposed to getting ‘caught up in the moment’. And for December, you can well expect a variety of ‘Best of’ lists. I’m already thinking of ‘Best EP’s’ and things like such and I’ll probably do ‘Best Compilation’ and ‘Best Video’ and things like such. The biggest list, however, ‘Best Album’, will probably wait for the new year (even though you already know what I think that it is. No, it hasn’t changed). I may also do an update post from my Predictions post for 2010 and then do another for 2011 (the former of those two ideas is in question, I will almost surely be doing a 2011 predictions post, however).

• As I alluded to, I had a female reader (who told me entirely too much of her business) basically CHALLENGE me, on something that I said in the Apple Gabriel review, and she’d like me to address homophobia in Dancehall and Reggae music . . . I didn’t tell her that I would, but I think it is a pretty good idea and maybe I’ll do that this month also. And even if I do it (and I’m leaning towards it), I wouldn’t suggest ‘calling me out’ because usually, unless it is really really really interesting, it simply activates my superpower of magical and beautiful indifference.
  

I think that’s it! Tomorrow we’ll have “What I’m Listening To” for December and we’ll definitely continue doing that. OH! And I will NOT be going to Sting this year and apparently we're not going to be missing much anyway. But March 4-5 (whenever it is) . . . Yeah. We're doing that.

OH! Okay, Milestone! If you check my page at United Reggae, you can see that we had our first piece published on the site on December 5, 2009 and now, between however many articles and however many news stories, I’ve almost amassed 100 posted pieces and they have another two ready to go (three if you count that Jah Turban story), so we’ll probably hit 100 in just about a year’s time. And my work is also nearing 100,000 page views, so big me up. I never said I was THE best Reggae writer in the world (although CLEARLY I am), but I always said that I was the MADDEST and, in my opinion, that means going above and beyond, so doing 100 of those while still not missing a beat over here is pretty nice for me and, my buddies at TrueSounds.com declared me “probably one of the most prolific Reggae related music writers on the web, possibly even the planet” and yeah - I appreciate that and in terms of pure VOLUME, I definitely agree and I might just be THE most in that case and it’s definitely been a fun year demonstrating it yeah.

Biggup a couple of more great writers as well. We have Nico, who is more and more active these days and is ‘taking it to the next level’ in 2011. Nico’s going to be the second human being to go HD, like Machel, so definitely check him out, when I retire, he'll be charged with replacing me. And we have JC, Jahsh Concurz, who is fortunately popping up more and more these days, unlike the most ridiculous MONTH he used to wait between posts. You go over there and read that man’s work and tell me he doesn’t have the vibes to post every week. MAD!

Biggup Dale Cooper, did some stuff for us behind the scenes in November. Biggup Denise. Biggup everybody at Zojak (Hey Zoe!), Biggup Flava who sends us a new newsletter basically everyday (and sometimes twice a day). Biggup Molly from Bless Nobel’s camp. Biggup Rawle from Footprintz. Biggup Shelly G. Biggup Rod from Vizion Sounds. Biggup Josh from Soul of The Lion. Biggup Heather from Truckback. Biggup Domacran. Biggup Ras Denco and M&M. Biggup Akeunde from Jahlight Records and biggup Akinde also. Biggup Statia too . . . HILARIOUS. I’m not supposed to say anything.

And Biggup Mama A! From her last son. Everybody have a great month and if you are the festive type (and I'm not), then Happy Holidays.

Tune is easy this month don't?

'Right on Time': A Review of "Cornerstone" by Lloyd Brown

Very few things outside of certain concerts and festivals seem to run on any type of locked and solid schedule when it comes to Reggae music. Often, whether accurately or inaccurately in some cases, characterized by this clichéd intoxicatingly laid back and tropical sound by the mainstream, it frequently seems as if the music, itself, just doesn’t seem to find a reason really to hurry almost anything along and as someone who has grown up becoming accustomed to that bit of phenomenon - I have absolutely no problem with it - Whatever the music ‘sets out’ to achieve, it usually does, but very much on its own time. If Reggae Music were a person she’d (yes, of course, it would be a Woman) instantly make you fall in love with her on your first date together and give you the single greatest night of your entire life . . . After making you wait about two hours passed time. So, with that being said, one of the ways in which you see the very nonchalant manner in which the Reggae ‘industry’ seems concerned with being punctual is through album releases. I don’t pay very much attention to many other genres of music outside of Reggae (and Soca and Zouk), but what I can say is that when there happens to be an album ‘delayed’ in Reggae, the word “delayed” time and again seems to be more like ‘canceled’ or ‘delayed indefinitely’. You shouldn’t need me to point out downright DIRTY examples of people such as Lady Saw and Capleton who, despite not only being at a very advanced stage of their careers but, also being genuine STARS of Reggae and Dancehall music both had stretches in their careers which saw them active but without official album for more than half a decade. For a current case, one need not look any further than legendary Dancehall DJ Bounty Killer, currently headed on NINE years without an official studio album, despite now six (or seven) years worth of rumours of such a release ‘coming soon’. There’s also the case of someone like Sasha who will probably never have an album after so much publicity stating otherwise (seven years ago) and famously Dancehall superstar of superstars Shabba Ranking who may never have another album again, but once said in response to being asked when it might be released, “When it’s finished”. And I could go on and on with smaller cases, like Etana right now and dozens of others really, but I mention all of that to make the point even greater when we happen to stumble upon someone who OBVIOUSLY keeps his appointments.

Mr. Lloyd Brown. Come rain or shine, each and every year now for the past five, sweet singing UK veteran of veterans, Lloyd Brown has managed to push an album out. You never really hear much about delays, and even if you did . . . The album still comes and comes pretty much in November. Well, if you haven’t been paying attention (AT ALL!) it is November, at least for a few more hours, and that means that it’s time for a new Lloyd Brown album and he doesn’t disappoint - Offering up his latest LP (“album #14”), ”Cornerstone”. Out of all the very interesting things surrounding the actual releasing of the album, probably the most interesting is that it is the very first (at least to my knowledge) that comes over through Lloyd Brown’s very own Riddimworks Productions imprint. Previously, all of the Brown’s most recent four albums, including last year’s ”For Your Consideration”, came via the once mighty, now apparently vanquished Cousins Records from out the UK. He has also worked, in the past, with both VP Records and JetStar, but now, in conjunction with something called JMG Inc (hey Denise!) and the most wonderful people at Zojak Worldwide, the singer is venturing out on his own - See! Even if the man has to take matters into his own hands, he’s doing an album! The move isn’t exactly shocking. As for Cousins, despite having some VERY strong years in the mid 2000’s (which included releases from the likes of Jamaican stars Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Natural Black and Chezidek and big time UK acts Peter Spence and Peter Hunnigale, alongside Brown), the label has slowed down to a virtual halt to my knowledge, with their 2010 output only consisting of a few most scant digital releases. On top of that, Riddimworks is a label which I think is housed under Riddimworks Entertainment, which not only deals with the production of Lloyd Brown’s albums, but also produces for other artists (more on that in a minute) (eleven times) and has done Lloyd Brown direction and produced VIDEOS for Brown and others as well. So, when you add that to Brown’s longevity in the Reggae business, if there was ever any artist who was READY to take on the responsibility of producing, releasing and then promoting his own album, definitely he would qualify. Of course, besides only taking that step in the business sense, Brown is still a very big artist and fans like you and me aren’t going to cut him any room or grant him a ‘throwaway’ of an album, it well has to deliver a quality befitting such an artist and of course it does. It’s pretty hard to not attempt to ‘rank’ this one in terms of in comparison to his most recent work, but I promised myself that I wouldn’t. Instead, what I will say is that, as I’ve heard is the ultimate goal of so many artists over the years (particularly in the Soca arena as they too almost always have a year-to-year approach), ”Cornerstone” is certainly DIFFERENT and REFRESHING from what we’ve gotten in recent times from Lloyd Brown. And, with that being said, I don’t want to give the impression that this album turns out to be one which is going to get people like me drawing for words such as “experimental” or “victory lap” (that was ”Brownie Points”). ”Cornerstone” proves to be an album which, while it won’t shock too many longtime fans, it’ll more than impress . . . Besides, it’s the least it could do with all that damn help he has.

Two things, one of which is incredibly obvious, the other not so much (and I‘ll tell you about that near the end of this atrociously long review), struck me as being most interesting, musically, on Lloyd Brown’s brand new album ”Cornerstone”. The first, if you haven’t noticed (shame on you), is the fact that the album features eighteen tracks in full and TEN of them are combination tracks. If my math is correct (and there is absolutely no chance that it is), there’re eleven guest artists in full. Let’s examine!

The first visitor Lloyd Brown has on the album is definitely one of the most interesting - It’s ‘Da Grynch’ - Curtis Lynch Jr. of Necessary Mayhem, who chimes in on the title track/Intro. This has kind of become a signature for Brown on his albums and this one is pretty good to my opinion. To my own nerdy ways there is some further significance of linking Lynch and Brown together with both indirectly representing different eras of UK Reggae music (and should Lynch like to include a Lloyd Brown tune on his next riddim (or one of his older ones), I won’t be complaining too much. From an artistic point of view, the next combination track on the album was the one which most impressed me because I wasn’t too sure what to expect and it strikes in very strongly. The funky Gospel infused ‘Reasons [Amen]’ features a UK Dancehall DJ by the name of Babyboom, who I haven’t heard a great deal of but the man has SKILL! Sounded a little like Baby Cham (coincidence???), Babyboom locks it off on the tune which finds a minute early on simply give thanks, before we continue and it does so with one of the album’s biggest moments. I’ll skip the next one for now and head a few tracks on to a song called ‘Hit The Ground Running’, which features Krytykal: Tha’ Problem, a Hip-Hopper from out of the States. The tune actually comes in two different forms, one of which is labeled the *Hip-Hop Mix* and the other is *LB’s Reggae Remix*. Guess which one I like more - Of course it’s the latter which stands out to me instead of it’s slightly ‘electric’ sounding sibling, but although I’m clearly not the biggest fan of Hip-Hop music, the first (which, to my ears, sounds slightly Zouk-ish) the former is pretty good as well. For his part, Krytykal is pretty aggressive and it’s not my favourite part of the album, but like I said, it is refreshing. And speaking of Rap, a couple of rappers from out of the UK, Rodney P (who I have heard of) and Hunt (who I have not) {note to Hunt: It’s almost 2011 and you REALLY need to get more Google-able handle my friend}. Hunt features on the serene ‘Every Kind of People’ and while he makes his contribution very early on in the tune and is absent thereafter, he does manage to impress. Rodney P, on the other hand, is just clearly talented and his spot on ‘If Only’ is downright dynamic and he impresses full on and this isn’t the first time I’ve been so high on his work either. Also be sure to give copious spins to a song by the name of ‘In Every Way You Can’, which features UK singer, Miss Kjah. She has a very ‘BRIGHT’ sounding voice and it works quite well alongside Lloyd Brown’s smooth tones. The tune is a kind of freshly vibed song of praise and it well goes back to me referring to the album as ‘refreshing’, but not ‘experimental’. With Kjah on board, it doesn’t sound like much we may’ve heard from Brown in the past, but it’s also very very far from just being strange.

There is a tune by the name of ‘No Thank You’ which is sure to grab most of the attention from the hardcore Reggae heads because it just so happens to feature FOUR big UK based artists alongside Brown. St. Lucian born WICKED singer Nereus Joseph (he of the incredible ”Real Rebels Can’t Die” from last year), joins veterans General Levy, Top Cat and the legendary chatter Macka B on the flooded tune. The risk here, for me, was that the song would end up sounding messy with all of the different voices (and styles) packed into five minutes. But all of these artists are well experienced and the prospect of the tune potentially becoming ‘overwhelmed’ dissipates very early on and although I’m not blown away, it is one of the best tunes you’ll find here. Better than ‘No Thank You’, is the song ‘Look Lively’, which features Top Cat, who Lloyd Brown apparently locked in the studio for another tune and the risk of being charged with kidnapping (of a grown man) was well worth it because the song is EXCELLENT!

“This is just another extraordinary collaboration
Reuniting distant relatives like Nas & Damian
‘Fore I deal with the subject matter let me clear my throat
Ehhh, ehhh ehmm”

The tune plays off the vibes of Nesta’s ‘Lively Up Yourself’ (and I would have paid extra to hear Lloyd Brown say one time, “cuz I said so”) (and by “extra” I mean more than the FREE that I paid to get this album) (hey Denise!) (again) (I digress) and the King himself would have been pleased with this usage of his work because it is STRONG. And finally is another tune which I was really looking forward to hearing, ‘Songbird’ which features the recently debuting Adele Harley. This one REALLY slows things down and is not at all the type of song I was expecting to hear from the two together. It’s very ‘airily’ vibed and although it is a love song, it’s that kind of traditional UK Lover’s Rock which I assumed it to be. However, after about four listens or so, I started to really like the song and if the two wanted to link up again (and they probably will), I wouldn’t mind it.

Now, if you’re one of my regular readers, or just a very observant newbie, you’ve probably noticed that throughout all of that, I didn’t actually declare one of those ten tunes to be THE best tune on ”Cornerstone” and that’s because, and I’m happy to say this, the album’s finest moment just happens to find Lloyd Brown flying solo. You may have to forgive me for being bias (because every time she hears the riddim my young Daughter begins to dance uncontrollably), but CLEARLY the best tune on this album is the only song I was certain was going to be present before we got the album, Lloyd Brown’s cut of Rootdown’s sweepingly Ska vibed Kokoo Riddim, ‘She Nuh Easy’. Ostensibly there’re better tunes here (I’m about to tell you about one and have already told you about three or four), but just Achis Reggae favourite, Smiley, with his tune ‘Lively Road’ and Jaqee with the hit ‘Kokoo Girl’, Brown MELDS himself to that riddim and sucks out everything in it that is head rockingly beautiful and it is a captivating track and one which I like more and more each time I hear it. With that being said, however, if you don’t happen to have a delightful child bouncing about each and every time ‘She Nuh Easy’ drops in, then you might very well call the big old school vibed social commentary ‘More of That’ to be the best tune on this album.

“Togetherness, togetherness, yes it is the key
Unity, consideration, solidarity
So stop to all denial plus the negativity
We no waan no more of that
Caan tek no more of that”

“Togetherness, togetherness, yes it is the way
The teachings of Mosiah is the order of the day
Self reliance, distribution of the wealth
We need much more of that
We need much more of that”

Lyrically the tune just may be the best effort here and it also isn’t exactly boring . . . If my Daughter wasn’t so wonderful in absolutely every way, this would be my favourite song on ”Cornerstone”. Yes, it’s that good.

As the album winds down Lloyd Brown gives us three winners consecutively, with the bluesy ‘Come On Home’ and two old school sets, ‘Wanna Let You Know’ and ‘Another Sunday’. The first two are expressing sentiments captured from various stages of a ‘depleted’ relationship. ‘Wanna Let You Know’ is nearly exceptional to my ears and it sounds very familiar as well. Speaking of familiar, the final of the three tunes comes across an old riddim from Treasure Isle, the link made courtesy of the fine people at Joe Fraser Records and, probably just like the Kokoo today, anything at least half decent on that riddim is going to thrill and this very jovial and good time enthused lick is no different. And finally, Lloyd Brown obviously tries to make his listeners CRY near the end of the album - Placing both ‘Miss You Nights’ and ‘There’s A Reward For Me’ (!) in succession. The latter is going to get me someday, just like the original, it will probably get you as well, so be careful and the former as well. And always the gentleman, Brown is sure to say ‘Goodbye’ in a BIG way for the album’s closer. I guess you might be able to refer to this one as a ‘love’ song, but it really isn’t it’s just a well wishing song as you join me in waiting the next eleven months or so for the next Lloyd Brown release.

As I alluded a looooooooong time ago, there’re two things on the album which struck me as being very interesting, musically. The first was the decision to have more than half of the album as combinations and the second is one which will probably please (but do so greatly) only the most observant of listeners. So many songs on ”Cornerstone” seem to have extended portions without lyrics, where the music just plays uninterrupted and without lyrics. Most notably, check *LB’s Remix* of ’Hit The Ground Running’ (which you’ll notice is almost ninety seconds longer than the other version of the tune), but you can hear it on other songs such as ‘Goodbye’, ‘definitely ‘Songbird’ and ‘Every Kind Of Way’. I don’t know if it was intentional on the whole (surely it would be in each specific instance), but to me this is just a WONDERFUL idea and one which, either through this method, or through actually placing dubs on the album, is gaining steam throughout Reggae music and I hope to see it continue.

Overall, as I said, I’m not going to say if ”Cornerstone” is better than ”For Your Consideration” or some of the others (I will tell you that the STILL increasingly brilliant ”Silver” remains my favourite Lloyd Brown album to date), but what I will say is that after all of that material and looking back at this one, I am more and more comfortable saying that all of the combinations, whether you like them all or not, was a pretty good idea actually. Historically, I’m not a fan of such things and if you’re asking my opinion (and you are because you’re reading this), I would say that on an eighteen track album, maybe five guests at most would be optimal, but eleven looks just fine in retrospect for ”Cornerstone”. Now you stop and think of another artist who would go through allllllll of that in a year’s time. I was really looking forward to this album (having done not 1, but 2 previews for it) and I’m not disappointed. So, if you happen to be a Reggae artist/producer/whatever and you have a project which isn’t quite reaching the deadlines and you’re thinking about ‘delaying’ it for a little while - Stop and ask yourself, ‘What would Lloyd Brown do?’ See you next year.

Rated: 3.85/5
Riddimworks Productions/JMG Inc/Zojak Worldwide
2010
CD + Digital




Lloyd Brown @ Myspace

Coming Soon Vol. 26

Coming Soon
Midnite - “Treasure” [Rastar Records]

Yes! It’s almost next year! You know that means that IMMEDIATELY there will be new albums from the world’s busiest man . . . Oops, I mean Band, Midnite [aka Vaughn Benjamin] and he . . . I mean they’re getting things started right on time in 2011 with their first announced released, ”Treasure” from Rastar. The album becomes the followup to so-so efforts ”To Mene” and that other one whose name I can’t remember, ”Ina Now”. Actually listening through this one (it is on Juno) and it sounds pretty good actually. Of course, I’m not the biggest Midnite fan (because you are), but I think I might just put my hands on this one and have a listen, just like yourself.

Rated Potential: 4/5
Releases on January 25
CD & Digital

“Jah Cure Special” (EP) [Vizion Sounds Records/Zojak Worldwide]

Thankfully I was able to get a picture for this one so I could include it this week (biggup Aaron). This VERY curious piece, ”Jah Cure Special”, from Guyanese label, Walter Fraser’s Vizion Sounds, definitely caught my attention for a few reasons. The first and most glaring is that it is work done by Jah Cure with what is quietly one of my favourite labels and the second, of course is that not only is it a song or two, but they’ve lined up the Cure with some Guyanese talent as well. Like who??? Well, of course there’s First Born, that’s obvious, with a mix of the tune ‘Farmer’s Pleasure’, and it is a big big mix of an already big big tune. The second, however, is a mix of the tune ‘Your Love’ which features Achis Reggae favourite SHELLY G! When I first heard the tune I’d realized that it wasn’t completely new to me (further research reveals that it dropped earlier this year), but I had no idea that it was a Jah Cure/Shelly G combination. They sound absolutely excellent together as well. This release is eight tracks spread over the two tunes (with original, combination mixes, instrumentals and an a cappella version) and it is very very nice as well (listening to that voice in an a cappella is BIG and doing it twice is even bigger).

Releases on December 14
Digital

Lloyd Brown - “Cornerstone” [Riddimworks Productions/JMG Inc/Zojak Worldwide]

If you come back around here tomorrow (and by “tomorrow”, I mean ‘in a few days‘, because it’s Saturday when I’m writing this) you’ll definitely have the opportunity to get to know better the latest (and 14th) studio album from sweet singing UK veteran, Lloyd Brown, ”Cornerstone”. The album which comes via the singer’s very own label, Riddimworks Productions, is my Tuesday review for this week, so while I’ll save heavy commenting for ’tomorrow’, even if you forget to return, do definitely check out the latest from one of the true reigning masters of Reggae music.

Releases in a few hours
CD & Digital

Jah Mason - “Keep Ya Head Up” [Rastar Records]

If I’m reading correctly, then apparently Rastar Records has signed some type of distribution deal with VP Records (and the aforementioned ”Treasure” album from Midnite is also a part of that), which is seemingly going to lead to the release of the oft-scheduled and oft-postponed ”Keep Ya Head Up” album from Jah Mason. I’ve had it for a little while now and, having been looking forward to it for the two years that it was delayed ‘originally’ . . . It’s pretty bad and certainly wasn’t worth the time. It’s essentially a Hip-Hop album, which isn’t surprising from Rastar and that combined with some recycled lyrics just takes away from it and probably ensures that WHENEVER it drops, ”Keep Ya Head Up” will most likely be the Mason’s worst album to date.

Rated Potential: 2/5
Releases . . . December 21 {note: I’ve seen it on two different sites with that date, but one site even says 2011. Of course it could be a typo, but with this one, who knows. Stay tuned, unfortunately}
CD & Digital

Jah Turban - “Africa Is Our Home” (EP) [S.J.P Records]

I mentioned this one a few days ago, but I thought that I’d bring it back to just reiterate the point (or maybe it’s just a slow week) (the choice is yours). The outstanding Denmark based, Spanish Town born chanter, Jah Turban is set to widely release his debut EP, ”Africa Is Our Home”. This piece feature six very solid tracks including, ‘Mystic of Jah’, ‘Show Some Love’, the title track, ‘My Empress’, ‘Move Vampire’ and the big big first single, ‘Babylon Doom’. To me, every tune here has a big lot of potential and I’m well intending to pick it up myself. If the link between your ears and brain is functioning, you’ll join me.

Rated Potential: 4.5/5
Releases December 3
Digital
{note: Available at Skymusic.dk right now}

Konshens - ‘Weak’ (single) [Dub Akom Records/Zojak Worldwide]

Next, we have a BIG new tune from Reggae/Dancehall star Konshens, from one of my favourite new(er) labels, Akom Records from out of France, ‘Weak’. Call this one a bit of a ‘complicated gal tune’, it has this intoxicatingly KNOCKING vibes to it and not necessarily the kind of off-the-wall zaniness typically expected to a tune with such a label. Very nice chorus, strong lyrics and a nice vibes - This one has “winner” written all over it.

Releases on December 7
CD & Digital

Wyckyd J - ‘Make A Unity’ (single) [Don Jalys Production]

And finally - The name Wyckyd J is one which has been around from quite a few years now and though I don’t know that I’ve EVER truly paid him as much attention as he probably deserved, the young DJ (almost a decade younger than me) (which is absolutely disgusting) from out of Gwada may now be DEMANDING that I do so with a big new tune from Don Jalys (which is apparently a label in London which does French Reggae, as opposed to Frenchie from out of Maximum Sound, who is French and does English Reggae), ‘Make A Unity’, which is . . . WICKED. I might have to go back and give his album, ”Sweety Gyal” from 2008, a second listen because this isn’t his first tune this year which has reached the international digital market and nor is it the first such tune from which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Releases on December 13
Digital

In Stores Now

Taj Weekes & Adowa - “A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen” [Taj Weekes/Jatta Records]

I thought that I’d mention this one, if for no other reason than because the PASSION which usually comes from fans of arguably St. Lucia’s most popular Reggae export (unless I’m REALLY forgetting someone), is probably the closest thing that I can think of to Midnite fans. In the case of Weekes, I’ve just never really been much of a fan of his music and I don’t particularly know why. Still, I know a big album (on the surface) and certainly there’re going to be a lot of people farrrrrrrrr smarter than me who think the latest release from Taj Weekes & Adowa, ”A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen”, to be exactly that and that without conditions. I’ll keep my critiques to myself (unless I review it someday), but if you love Taj Weekes (and even if you don’t, you may want to give it a listen) definitely check out his latest much anticipated release.

CD & Digital

The Scallawah Rhythm [T.H.C. Muzik Records/Zojak Worldwide]

Here’s a VERY interesting release. The clues on this one come from the cover and the ample presence of the word ‘notorious’. Yes. You guessed it, it’s the riddim album for the riddim which backed Turbulence’s MASSIVE hit ‘Notorious’. I didn’t really know that this thing was passed about as much as it was, but certainly I can’t be surprised with as much WORK as it ended up doing for Turbulence. Also testing their skills across the Scallawah from T.H.C. is a very eclectic group highlighted by such mixed names such as Ziggi Recado (alongside Turbulence on a remix of the hit tune, which I think was on Ziggi's debut album "So Much Reasons") (the original is also here), the flaming UT Ras, longtime David House resident Moses I, Ray Darwin, Kulcha Knox, the late Daddigon, unfortunately Kid Kurrupt and Farenheit alongside Jovi Rockwell. Certainly the results, in almost every case, are mixed (the riddim itself is very very strange actually and I always thought that), but in all honesty this is clearly one of the most interesting entries on this entire post.

Digital

Westside Riddim [Special Delivery Music]

I was really considering putting one of my older favourite Frenchie labels, Special Delivery Music, in my recent list for my favourite labels last week (or whenever that was), but save for whatever they did on Lyricson’s recent album ”Messages”, I couldn’t think of any substantial thing they had done in 2010, but now they’ve well given me something. The captivating Westside Riddim is the label’s latest release and although it doesn’t make up for that much (presumed) inactivity, it’s definitely doing a major damage around these parts. Vibing what is probably one of the best riddims I’ve heard this year are the likes of Fantan Mojah, I-Octane, Konshens, Ziggi Recado alongside Mr. Mojo, Bugle and of course Gappy Ranks (with others). I’m really liking the sound of this one and it’s been soooooooooo damn long since I’ve dealt with something from SD, so you might be able to expect a review of this one sometime in December.

Digital
{CD reportedly coming soon in extended form, with contributions from both Tiwony and Maikal X}
{BIG!}
{Camille, leave me alone}

The Mento Riddim [Fedda Weight Productions]

Here’s another pretty interesting drop from a pretty interesting label in Fedda Wright (get it???) from out of St. Ann (!), the Mento Riddim from not too long ago. Okay, here’s the thing about this one - MOST of the songs on this one aren’t very good. You have songs from Matterhorn, Nuffy, Déjà vu and Luddy Haskell (who actually does have skill) which seem like they didn’t take any talent whatsoever to create. They’re just . . . They’re just there. But the riddim itself is BEAUTIFUL. It’s a REAL, LEGITIMATE Dancehall riddim, no ‘Hip-Hall’ foolishness at all. And it isn’t a TOTAL waste either. Tunes from Agent Sasco, a very D’Angel sounding Tifa and Shana S (whose tune, ‘Flashing Lights’, probably isn’t that good, but every time I hear her I just start to think of all of that . . . Curve and Ass she has. So, definitely be careful with this one, despite its pretty cover, you don’t want everything behind it. Trust me.

Digital

The Saudi Arabia Riddim [Pure Music Productions]

Speaking of actual Dancehall riddims (and pretty album covers), next we have the latest composition from Dancehall veteran, Delly Ranx‘ Pure Music Productions, the very LARGE Saudi Arabia Riddim which is probably my current favourite Dancehall riddim going (isn’t saying much, I know). It almost brings tears to the eyes, unfortunately - That KNOCK. That KNOCKING Dancehall one-drop which has become a most endangered species. Anyway (I digress), of course you can expect copious amounts of Delly, Macka Diamond (big tune), Teflon, Gappy Ranks again, Wayne Wonder (who I’m going to tell you about in just a little while) and most surprisingly, Gramps Morgan, whose ‘The Almighty’ tune is easily the best of the offerings here. Well done Delly.

Digital

The Old School Riddim [Russcuttaz Music Productions/Zojak Worldwide]

While I’m not overly thrilled with the Old School Riddim (or its title) from Russcuttaz, it’s such a rare occasion that I find myself saying such a thing, but pretty impressed with the project overall - Meaning that I like the artists and the rhymes over it mainly. And this one isn’t too PACKED with large names either. Higher Purse (the producer, I believe), Malijah, Chaos and Smokie Benz (alongside Karamanti) are some of the names here as are Shaka Pow, Cush Hunta and Wild Life, but the biggest guns on board are Natty King and Natural Black (both of whom do excellently with their tunes, respectively). So you can see that it isn’t soaking with star names. But that’s okay, because I like it and I think you probably will as well.

Digital

“Bubbling To Touch” [T.H.C. Muzik Records/Zojak Worldwide]

I was actually about to save this one for next one, but after we gave it a quick spin through, it was pretty impressive and we noticed the small bit of response to be quite strong as well. So, definitely check out ”Bubbling To Touch” which is another riddim compilation album from the same people I just told you about on the Scallawah, THC Muzik. Surely this one won’t attract as much attention, but apparently its rather easily and clearly stronger, in general, than its ’sibling’ the Scallawah and it features just as interesting collection of artists as well. Johnny Clarke, Daweh Congo, Noddy Virtue, Doniki, Fred Locks, Stream and the legendary Sugar Minott all decorate this piece and while I am by no means ‘blown away’, I am well intrigued.

Digital

Wayne Wonder - “If I Ever” (EP) [Singso/Zojak Worldwide]

And finally - Dancehall/Reggae superstar Wayne Wonder is an artist who has quietly been building a very nice last year or two for himself with a semi-steady stream of big and unexpected quality tunes. So, while fans (and I am one of them) continue to wait for the next EP, the singer himself has put together a nice four track EP on his own Singso Records label (going digital courtesy of Zojak Worldwide), featuring some of his recent work. You’ll find here the dazzling title track, the Big Ship vibed ‘All About You’ [New Chapter Riddim], ‘I’ll Never Leave You’ (on the same GORGEOUS Dean Pond licked riddim which backed the title track from Pressure Busspipe’s latest album, ”Coming Back To You”) and the EXOTIC ‘Don’t Say No’ from a few years back (which is HUGE) (incidentally, that tune got a WICKED straight Dancehall remix update not very long ago with Delly on board). Although Wonder has been flying beneath most radars since his last album, ”Foreva”, he remains one of the most consistent Dancehall singers of all time and his new EP, ”If I Ever”, is not only a big deal, but it is EXCELLENT as well, so do check it out.

Digital

**Bonus Stevy Mahy - ‘”The Beautiful Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip” [BCaribbean] Bonus**

Okay, I forgot to do this last week (and probably the week before) (and probably the week before that too) so I’ll make a quick mention of it. I got so much reaction, on the page and through email, on mentioning this one when we wrote it, so I thought that I’d come back to add just a bit. Certainly, wherever in the world you are, you can roll over to your favourite digital retail site and pick up a copy of Stevy Mahy’s most GORGEOUS album, ”The Beautiful Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip”. BUT, you can also grab up the CD as well (and I think that we are going to do that also). So, Yes. It is available on CD. I’m still listening to it. It is still perfect and the biggest non-Reggae album I’ve heard in all of 2010 and probably a few years before as well.

CD & Digital
{Check out the wonderful people at Antilles-Mizik.com}
{See My Review}