| CULTURE
TEN - 22nd April 2004 |
| 1.
Jah Mason- Keep It As It Was (Reggae Vibes- JA 7") |
| Jah Mason is a cultural DJ at the peak of his powers and he absolutely tears into this bashment riddim called Guala Guala. He's standing up for what he calls "ancient vibes" and asking why "all of a sudden the youth a turn thug". |
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| 2.Murry Man -
Keep The Fire Burning /Vitamin M vs Splitz Horns - Uprising (Scoops - UK10") |
| Produced by Vibronics, both sides of this 10" have been heard thumping out of Jah Shaka's speakers. Murry Man sounds distinctly like Frankie Paul as he exhorts the righteous to stay strong and the other side is a stepping instrumental. |
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| 3.
Morgan Heritage - Reggae Music (Massive B- US 7") |
| "Sounds will come and sounds will go, but this here sound remains for ever more" sing Morgan Heritage in praise of reggae. The recycling of obvious rhythms comes in for a lot of criticism but Bobby Konders has a way with favourites from the early dancehall era, in this case heavenless, that makes them feel fresh again. |
| 4.
Danny Vibes - When Jah Say/ Natty Nah Go Run (Backyard Movements - UK10 ") |
| Is that really Danny Vibes?! Wow, the young singer has changed his vocal style and it sounds good. UK roots people have been talking up this guy for some time, but he hasn't truly deserved it until now. The rhythms have been used by Russ D before for Christine Miller and Prince Malachi and both vocal pieces are accompanied by new Disciples dubs. |
| 5.
Luciano - Tribal War (Forward - JA 7 ") |
| "Solidarity and harmony brings unity in our family" sings Luciano on a production that sees the Italian/Jamaican connection in full effect. It's produced by Italian born Al Borosie and distributed by the Jamaican part of One Love Hi Pawa's supremely well organised set up. A fine example of modern roots music and one of the Messenger's best songs of recent months. |
| 6.
Queen Omega - Deliver Me (Charm UK 7") |
| Queen Omega's best single to date. Driving and up-tempo, it's guaranteed to get the roots crowd stepping. It's taken from her new album 'Away From Babylon' and she promises "never to sell my soul out for vanity". If you want the Sly and Robbie instrumental you'll have to get the Gregory Isaacs piece because there's no version on this. |
| 7.
Lukie D & Junior Kelly - Back A Me Yard (Massive Sound - JA 7 ") |
| A 'live' rhythm from Frenchie and a back to Africa anthem from the two vocalists. Lukie D is an awesome singer, if more than a little like Sanchez whilst Junior Kelly employs an 'interesting' pronunciation of the word repatriate (?). |
| 8.
Jah Mason - As The Wind Blows (Sip A Cup - UK 10 ") |
| Jah Mason has already delivered some wicked tunes for British producers Jah Warrior and Rootsman. Here he teams up with Gussie P who's unstoppable at the moment. It's the same rhythm as he used for the Fred Locks tune 'Vision Of Redemption' and comes with a tough dub version. |
| 9.
Chukki Starr - Prepare (Organic - JA 7") |
| Chukki Starr's recent visit to Jamaica has provided his fans with a shower of superb songs. He's a criminally underrated British DJ and when you hear him alongside Jamaican's like Natural Black and Turbulence, as he is here on the 'Question' rhythm, it's obvious he can more than compete. The UK heavyweight champ by a mile. |
| 10.
George Nooks - Blessing (La Famillia West - JA7") |
| A slow tempo croon from George Nooks that's quite beautiful in its simplicity. There are few vocalists out there with the sincerity to carry this off, but Nooks is a veteran who's still got it.
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