Wednesday, March 17, 2010

General Smiley/McPullish "Natty Natty"

Here's a new track for anyone interested in Mungo's Hi-Fi, Lee Scratch Perry, Twilight Circus or UK steppers dub. Combining those influences with the classic toasting vocals of Jamaica's General Smiley, McPullish has created a nice slice of modern roots with dubstep leanings.

From the artist bio: 
General Smiley "Natty Natty" (Charlie's Records)

General Smiley earned his place in the history of dancehall as half of deejay duo Michigan and Smiley, with hit songs in the '70s and '80s including "Nice Up the Dance," "Rub-a-Dub Style," "Diseases," "One Love Jamdown," "Sugar Daddy" and many more. In 2008
General Smiley linked up with McPullish at Dub Compound Studio in Austin, Texas. "Natty Natty" is the first song he recorded working with McPullish and now the first to be released on Charlie's Records 7" and download.

General Smiley paints a picture of his faith in Rastafari in a poetic first verse and describes his personal journey as a rub-a-dub DJ in the next, taking the listener on a lyrical trip starting in Kingston, Jamaica, deejaying "ragga from the age of ten," on to New York, and finally reaching Austin, Texas only to find the "same problems" no matter the location. The B side finds McPullish tweaking saxophone, feedback loops and some heavy phase-shifting to create a thick and atmospheric dub version. General Smiley and McPullish are currently working on a showcase-style album together.

      GENERAL SMILEY Natty Natty  by  McPullish