It's November, which in the reggae world means a holiday rush of new music and...it means Sting, Jamaica's most anticipated yearly concert, is around the corner. But some have wondered, what's Sting without Ninja Man? Will there be a "surprise" dispensation for the king of Clash? Vybz, Bounty, Beanie and Movado will just have to wonder until that day...
Happy to announce that premier reggae news site United Reggae seems to be back online and in business. The website went away for a minute, but it's back with it's usual cool previews and interviews.
Germany's Echo Beach Records has a really nice Remix edition of the Ruts DC's classic album titled Rhythm Collision Reloaded. Rob Smith (RSD), Dreadzone and more offer dub delights!
A new reggae film is making the rounds. Made In Jamaica looks great -- both cinematography and narrative direction. Check it out!
Was on the air a week back doing Saturday Nite Rockers on KUSF. It was Oct. 31, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., also the end of daylight savings time in the US. So at 2 a.m. the clock rolled back to 1 a.m. giving the show and extra hour. Four hours of reggae!
Some highlights (music featured in the player below):
Lorenzo & Chezidek "Mr. Officer" (Irie Ites)
A crucial re-lick and livication to the one like Mikey Dread, riding his famous "Roots & Culture" riddim. Great dub versions of this track too.
Monsoon – A Salaam Alikum (Soul of the Lion)
Really nice roots singjay piece, reminiscent of Capleton or Natural Black. Bigging up the Motherland, Africa, and all peoples of the world.
Rula Brown & Lukie D – Move Me Baby (digital)
Excellent Lovers Rock tune riding the Studio One / Marcia Griffiths riddim "Tell Me Now."
Barbee – Feels So Good (Chi Ching Ching)
Jamaica's number-one pin-up girl can actually sing. This Dean Fraser-produced tune is quality. Sweet vocals on a modern one-drop beat. A new song that already has chart traction in Yard.
Other highlights:
Rosey's Bost & Bim produced track "Love" (Quango), Blackice "Sensimillia" on the Maestro riddim (Weedy G), I-Octane's "ballad of the year" tune "Lose A Friend" (which really is moving), and the excellent Focus Riddim on Raw Moon, represented in the playlist below by Tom Laing's "Heavy Load." Go deh!
