The Congos – Cock Mouth Kill Cock
Reviewed by Sadie O., 7/9/07
Real Roots Reggae from some serious survivors. The Congos were a vocal duo, produced by Lee Scratch Perry, however now they’re basically vocalist Cedric Myton, and with much sparser production. Myton has an incredible falsetto vocal style, and has gotten original harmony vocalists Watty Burnett and Roy Johnson back for this record, making for a distinctive wide harmony lineup. Deep roots and Rasta message.
No FCCs. LOTS of faves – 3, 6, 8, 12-14. Whew!
1. 3:41 **downtempo roots skank, rather minimalist sound, distinctive vocals with a series of Rasta truisms. I have no idea what the title signifies, but I’m pretty sure it’s NOT what you’re thinking!
2. 3:58 ***rather stoned sounding electric guitar intro, then another downtempo minimalist skank, quite skankable. Interesting vocals.
3. 3:22 ****wonderfully odd vocals. Absolutely nutted!
4. 3:26 **very slow Rock Steady (I know it’s contradictory), very sweet music. Chastising lyrics.
5. 3:39 ***more amazing nutted falsetto vocals, Rasta miracle lyrics. Yowzers!
6. 3:52 ****extremely minimalist dubby music, falsetto lead and wide harmonies. Babylon must fall lyrics (can’t disagree with anything here!)
7. 3:31 **more truths and diatribe, some different lead vocals.
8. 3:23 ****a bit more uptempo than other riddims, cool harmonies (not so much falsetto).
9. 3:14 ***midtempo with a bit of bounce, augmented a bit by occasional horns.
10. 3:47 **classic backing riddim, downtempo with a Nyahbinghi feel.
11. 3:34 **midtempo and VERY minimalist, sometimes only drums and Myton’s vocals.
12. 3:25 ****sort of a groovy, lounge-y feel, with farfisa and spoons (?). Some sort of wisdom is being dispensed, but I’m not sure why or to whom.
13. 3:15 ****cool midtempo skank, very nice music, good anti-unjust-war message.
14. 2:47 ****slightly downtempo skank, really cool hummed backing vocals. LONG fade.