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WORDS
BY Jonas Sears / j_sears@yahoo.com
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DANCEHALLBASHMENT
MIX VOL1 |
Various
Artists
(Jamdown) Jamdown released another various artists mix. This is
a second of the series. It’s called DANCEHALL BASHMENT MIX VOLUME
2, and the album features twenty-three tracks. It’s difficult
to imagine that one can get so many tracks on a single CD — unless
they’re short tracks. The CD is stuffed with dancehall thumpin’
to the beat of a single riddim. It’s peppered with a couple of
lover’s rock tunes performed to the same riddim beat with a dash
of the typical, carnival ride sound effects of sirens, airhorns and
Selector yells (a certain distraction to the conservative lover’s
rock fan). In such a fan’s words, that type of artistic mutation
occurred twice during the entire continuous play compilation: Ghost’s
“I Knew I Loved You” and “Gonna Be Me” by Flava.
This production decision is somewhat bittersweet to the likes of listeners
like us. One on hand, we’re saddened that producer, Jazzy T included
very few lover’s rock tunes. On the other hand, we’re happy
he didn’t stomp out the romance from a lot of songs belonging
to our beloved genre. In all, the CD offers a rollercoaster ride of
fun without the cotton candy, and depending on how you dance (or whatever
you do while listening), you’ll get fewer head jerks and neck
strain! |
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--------------|SCREWDRIVERPROPHECY
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 PPROPHECY
- Screwdriver (AO Records) Tradition impresses members of this
camp. If you can keep producing fresh material and stay true to your
roots, then you’re worth your weight in gold. Screwdriver is
as good as gold. If you’re less materialistic, you’d say
“better!” Although it’s been several years, it seemed
only a short while ago watching him receive accolades during one year’s
Reggae Soca Music Awards. Tall, lean and very gentle, Screwdriver
stays close to his family’s Carol City camp. In fact, this work,
PROPHECY was produced by Dalton Lindo (Screwdriver) — blood of
the Lindo legend. The music is traditional to the roots of Jamaica
. . . to the roots of the people. His style of conscious lyrics and
softly strummed rhythm has stayed true without mutation. Considering
this fact, his music bores no one. This sixteen track compilation
was released not long ago by Artists Only Records — a label not
highlighted before in RTA. From the lead cut, “What We Gonna
Do” to the finale, “O.A.U.” this work is loaded with
conscious roots to lover’s rock. Nothing here is tailored to
accommodate an hour-playing, digitized, kiddies-ride riddim. |
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LAVASHA |
SMOKE
IN
THE WIND |
 SMOKE
IN THE WIND - Lavaska (Ya Man) Along the same
lines, we find Lavaska’s SMOKE IN THE WIND appealing. With a
voice not finely tuned, Lavaska sounds like a Caribbean counterpart
to British rock sensation, Rod Stewart. No doubt Lavaska’s style
conjures memories of listening to Stewart’s less rocking ballads.
Although Lavaska echoes the ideals of reggae’s conscious music,
he doesn’t quite fit into the traditional reggae scene —
which probably best categorizes his music as “world” music
with a coffeehouse flavor. Remember coffeehouses? Hmmm . . . probably
not! Anyway, with the help of Dean Fraser and a host of others, Lavaska
released just over a dozen tracks through Ya Man Music partnered with
Mercury Records. Now that offers a bit of clout. Lavaska has the style
that might cross over
to a whole new generation of coffeehouse-style listeners. You know!
The browsers over at Barnes & Nobles. Soft enough not to distract
readers and substantial enough for independent listening when one
is tired of reading and rather not focus on anything but a cup of
cappuccino. Neck strain? Not! |
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Stranger
on Earth
    
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