U Roy – Platinum
Reviewed by Sadie O., 4/9/09
Classic toasting with dub – thick, chewy, viscous dub – and U Roy’s signature stream of consciousness and squawps. Some of the masters are clearly not in great condition, but it hardly matters, because we’re REALLY REALLY REALLY STONED. Nothing makes much sense or even seems to be in complete sentences, but that’s ok because it suits the gooeyness of the dub. Yay!
FCCs? Doubt it, but who knows? Everything is awesome, but I kinda like 12 best.
1. 3:35 **very hissy master. Dubby midtempo bubble, toast that makes no sense if you don’t speak fluent patois, but was a huge first hit for U Roy.
2. 4:28 ***bouncy, very dubby skank, cool mostly nonsense toast.
3. 3:08 **extremely thick and gooey downtempo dub with bits of sweet original singing.
4. 2:27 ***fun toast, midtempo dub with bits of original singing.
5. 3:13 **downtempo dub skank – original vocals are almost as incomprehensible and demented as the toast. Light up!
6. 2:57 ***upbeat midtempo skank with horns – it’s party time, but everyone’s too stoned to dance.
7. 3:42 **downtempo minimalist dub, relaxing.
8. 2:57 ***upbeat skank, toast actually makes occasional bits of sense. Bits of original song about nicing up de dance.
9. 2:26 ***midtempo happy dub with happy toast. Whee!
10. 3:10 ***uptempo bouncy-swingy skank, a bit rock steady, with horns. Much covered simple religious number.
11. 2:46 ***midtempo bubble, bits of original song with always-relevant message.
12. 3:26 ****swingy midtempo bubble with electronics, big hit, great fun.
13. 2:33 **sweet original vocals (classic spiritual), uptempo dub, rather funny toast.
14. 3:05 ***uptempo bubble with electronics and bass.