| CULTURE
TEN - 17th May 2004 |
| 1.
Luciano - Strive (Addis -Switzerland - 7") |
| Are European producers getting the best performances from Luciano these days? Swiss duo Jil and Stuff have certainly put together a quality roots record. The rhythm is called King Of The Nile and completes a hatrick of top notch productions on their Addis label. Carrying on from where Admiral Tibet left us with Valley Of Division, this is the coolest roots music out there. |
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| 2.
Culture Freeman & Bush Chemists - King David Style - (Conscious Sounds - UK 10") |
| The last Culture Freeman outing on Conscious Sounds, like this one, was actually a B side. But it was the one that was played by sounds like Jah Shaka and King Earthquake. it was called King David's House and lyrically this one is a complete re-run, but so what? if anything, it's better and accompanied by a melodica piece by Chazbo. |
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| 3.
Morgan Heritage - Uncomfortable (Big Yard - US 7") |
| "Uncomfortable babylon shall be from this day on". Some roots producers must be a little nervous as well. Big Yard, the Shaggy camp, have been providing catchy dancehall for some time now, but this must be the first time they've turned their attention to a foundation rhythm. And they do it so well! The bass really shakes and they've drawn an urgent performance from Peter, Gramps and Mr Mojo to match the revolutionary lyrics. |
| 4.
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. |
| 5.
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. |
| 6. Taffari -
I Am A Rebel (Acoustic Vibes - JA7") |
| Acoustic Vibes are tipped to be one of the labels to take 'live' roots reggae forward. Using musicians like Lenky should help them do it and this Alto Ego riddim would be a good starting point. There are a whole heap of good vocals on this but Taffari just shades it. He's an exciting new singer who says that "circumstances made me who I am, firm and strong in this dimension". |
| 7.
Selah Collins - Hope (Studio 55 - UK 7 ") |
| "Forget about the bling and material things". Selah Collins delivers an uplifting song on a new label. Wazair from King Original has switched to a live sound and a new studio in East London. All the pieces on this Black Skin rhythm have different mixes and a wild dub. |
| 8.
Richie Spice - The Way You Living (Pow Pow - Germany 7") |
| Richie Spice has been around a while, but seems to be getting a lot more attention in Jamaica lately. it might be due to his new sing-jay style that is used to devastating effect on this German production. This is a 'live' sound, not one of their dancehall rhythms, but it's the vocal that's really doing it. Richie Spice is developing a unique style and sounding like an important new voice on the roots scene. |
| 9.
Chezidek - Provider (VP - JA7") |
| An Xterminator production from Fatis Burrell who ruled roots music in the nineties. VP have licensed this track, despite the fact that it won't get played in many dances or on the radio because Fatis is at another level. VP are looking to sell the next Chezidek album, 'Rising Sun', to a loyal international fan base. This is quality; a vocalist who hasn't been over-exposed and production that has the Xterminator stamp but is still progressive. |
| 10.
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.
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