The
sun is hot, we’re wearing our Bermuda shorts and it’s that season again when a bucket
load of Reggae releases seem to appear. hiapop Blog listens to the best riddims and ting.
The
Expanders – Hustling Culture (Easy Star)
LP
/ CD / DL
Out
Now
8
/ 10
Newly
signed to the legendary Easy Star record label, things are looking particularly
good for The Expanders. Add to that
their part in being backing band for such reggae luminaries as Alton Ellis, The
Maytones and The Wailing Souls and you can begin to understand why people are
keeping an eye on the quartet.
Their
charm seems to be very simple – good, roots-based reggae with uncomplicated
backing and harmonies combine to make some often great reggae tunes. On Hustling Culture, their first release
since the cover version album Old Time Something Come Back Again from Xmas
2012, they have assembled twelve original tracks each one as worthy as the
last.
What
is particularly pleasing is their clear adoration of reggae greats of the likes
of The Ethiopians, The Mighty Diamonds and The Gladiators, whom they cite as
major influences, and how they manage to tuck in a few lovely acknowledgements
and reggae tricks along the way.
The
title track in particular has some adorable harmonies and Uptown Set has some
of the most exquisite dub moments contained in the ‘normality’ of the backing –
reverbs, voice echoes and bass solos are all squeezed in.
Throughout
the album the quality of each tracks shines brightly and the taken for granted
dubs, particularly on the Extended 12” Version of Iron Throne must surely make
way for a dub version of the album.
Links
Morgan
Heritage – Strictly Roots (CTBC Music Group)
LP
/ CD / DL
Out
Now
7.5
/ 10
There
really isn’t a need for Morgan Heritage to call their album Strictly Roots,
it’s like AC/DC calling an album Heavy Metal or Michael Buble releasing Frank Sinatra
Wannabe, particularly when there actually isn’t much that can actually be
called strictly roots here. Added to
this, telling the listener that the title track is that particular genre and
exclaiming “this is reggae, this is reggae” on Light It Up really isn’t
necessary.
That
said, the collection of thirteen tracks is actually of very good quality and
provides some solid reggae pop and Dancehall throughout. The inclusion of several Dancehall tracks is
perhaps epitomised in the appearance of Shaggy on final track Keep On Jammin’. It’s an entertaining piece of speedy
reggae/pop-rock with a classic sounding reggae beat and more than likely
destined for single release.
Morgan
Heritage themselves really need little introduction. Often regarded as reggae royalty, the quintet
are the children of the legendary Black Eagles founder, Denroy Morgan and as
such have the ability to attract the likes of current favourites Chronixx,
Bobby Lee of SOJA and J Boog who adds a touch of modern day R&B to the
proceedings.
Already
a number 1 album in the US iTunes Reggae Chart, there’s nothing particularly
brilliant about the assemblage, but equally they rarely put a foot wrong in
terms of song construction and memorable hooks.
Strictly
Roots is a grower, and one which will need a couple of listens to start to
appreciate its better moments. It does,
however miss some good, solid ‘traditional’ reggae tunes and maybe a little dub
here and there. Close, but no cigar.
Links
The
Ship-Tones – Indie Reggae Revolution (Philophobia Music)
CD
/ DL
13
July 2015
9
/ 10
As
the album title alludes, Indie Reggae Revolution isn’t your ordinary album. Leeds duo Chris Shipton and Chris Campbell have
created an album of incredible foresight which is bordering on genius.
The
premise is simple – take ten Indie tracks, use the original vocals and
re-interpret the song as a reggae piece.
Sounds bizarre, it is, but it works superbly. Both Chris’ have worked extensively in the
world of reggae for over a decade and their absorption of the genre has now
paid off.
With
their heart in the live scene, The Ship-Tones have combined some of the best
Indie tracks of the last few years with entirely unique reggae
instrumentation. Album opener, and the first
single released back in December is Dilemma featuring Edwyn Collins. One of many superb songs from his 2013 long
player Understated, like all the songs on the album sounds and feels like it
has always been a reggae track. With ska
traces, and a slow lazy approach it includes several lovely subtle dub touches
and a wonderful brass section. There’s
also a Mr Benn Mix of Dilemma which has to be heard to be believed.
We’re
treated to some absolute corkers along the way – Ickle Shocks with Ricky Wilson
(Little Shots – Kaiser Chiefs) is a contender for a future single, and Good For
Me featuring Stephen Holt and Clint Boon (You’re So Good For Me – Inspiral
Carpets) which was the b-side of Dilemma sounds like a classic reggae track
from the grand opening to the simply gorgeous keyboards.
The
Cribs are represented on two tracks by the Jarman twins with Ryan on ‘Ari Kari
(Hari Kari) and Gary on Jah Anna (Anna), and The Vaccines main man Justin
Haywood Young contributes If You Wanna Reggae (If You Wanna) which is a
dub-fest if ever there was one. He also
provides Teenage Icon which again could maybe rival the original.
With
Stephen Malkmus taking a break from The Jicks on the rock infused De Senator
(Senator) and Jeffrey Lewis aiding the pop/folk reggae of Try It Again yet more
tracks are turned on their heads and re-invented as classy reggae versions.
Perhaps
one of the most fascinating tracks is Moved Your Chair by Thabo. A cover of The Artic Monkeys track from
their Suck It And See assemblage, the leader of The Real Deal brings a quite
stunning soul touch to an often harder sounding track. His voice is one of those quite amazing things
that sends shivers down your spine.
The
Ship-Tones have created something very special here, the least we can all do is
take the time to listen.
Links
Published on Louder Than War 17/06/15 - here
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