Reggae Singles Fall 2008

REGGAE PROMO SINGLES, Fall 2008
Reviewed by Sadie O., 9/11/08
Brand new Reggae promos from a variety of sources. Inner Circle emailed a couple tracks, Promise Riddim was from Radiodirect, VP records sent some promo single CDs, and Dubmatix had a few free downloads on their website. I’m going to see if I can score some complete CDs from Dubmatix, because they’re really good…
No FCCs detected. I like track 3 and the Dubmatix tracks at the end.
1. ***strong midtempo skank, a bit dubby, fine vocals (although they should lose the processed ones!) Anti-violence lyrics.
2. **toast of track 1 with Lutan Fyah, starts with vocals, riddim a bit subdued and sad.
3. ****same riddim, toast by Damian and singing by Stephen. The kids work real good together…
4. ***Promise Riddim starts with electronic orchestral sounds, then midtempo bubble. Very soulful singing, anti-violence lyrics. Really good, except for a bit of vocal processing.
5. **strong singing and toast about unrequited love – rather disturbing in places.
6. Female vocals, love song to a loser. Not my fave.
7. **upbeat midtempo skank, sweet vocals, love song/nice up de dance lyrics.
8. ***version of track 7, very dubby, frankly much better without the rather sleazy lyrics.
9. ***a bit downtempo syncopated skank, crazed vocals about pot.
10. **midtempo skank, apparently about being busted for growing pot? I dunno – Richie Spice has an interesting style…
11. ***midtempo skippy bubble, pleasant singing, fun sound.
12. ****electronic gun noises, then downtempo dub skank. Bits of vocals. Random noises and solo flute endings.
13. ***bouncy happy midtempo dub bubble. Wheee!
14. ****downtempo dub bubble with vocal harmonies.
15. ****downtempo dub kank with electronics, praise of pot.
16. ****sparse but forceful jungle grime – this’ll wake you up!
17. **simple piano intro, midtempo skank, pleasant but rather amateur sounding singing.
18. ****groovy downtempo dub instrumental.
19. ****more of the same.