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Labour of Love II by UB40 Used copy in excellent condition $12 Rat in the Kitchen by UB40 Used copy in excellent condition $12 |
Labour of Love II: In 1989, UB40 released its much-anticipated follow-up album to the multi-platinum Labour of Love. This release, fittingly titled Labour of Love II, retraces same process taken by its predecessor. This process, of remaking ten songs in the unique style and grace of UB40, helped propel eight boys from England to the top of the music charts six years prior, and helped to make this album do the same. "...brilliant compilation of reggae covers by UK(birmingham based) band - BRILLIANT!" Rat in the Kitchen: "This is no doubt one of their best works, unlike some of their later works, each song has a different jive to them. Not one song is worth skipping, you'll love them all..a definite buy." |
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Now by Black Uhuru New copy $24 |
Review: "The thing I love most about this cd (NOW) is Don Carlos. I prefer his solo releases, but his voice is one of reggae's best. There are quite a bit of remakes of Black Sounds of Freedom on this cd only this time sung by Don Carlos who, by the way, is one of the founding members of Black Uhuru. Included on this release is a strange, but nice remake of Jimi Hendrix's "HEY JOE". Don't expect the same Black Uhuru from the Michael Rose/Puma Jones era, but do expect good solid reggae upon delivery." |
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Freeman by Burning Spear New, shrink wrapped $25 |
Now in his fourth
decade, this reggae pioneer can still deliver roots reggae that works up
a sense of political urgency while maintaining a muscular, good-timey
groove. No indulgent jams, either -- just fine melodies backed by a
punchy rhythm section. (Rolling Stone) Perhaps the most amazing thing about Burning Spear is how little his approach has changed after nearly 40 years as a recording artist. His themes and concerns -- freedom, self-determination, equal rights -- have remained constant, and he sticks pretty close to his original musical template of slow to mid-tempo roots rhythms with plenty of horns and percussion layered into the mix for added punch. (Yahoo Music) |
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Live at Stubb's by Matisyahu Hasidic Reggae $29.00 new Also available by Matisyahu: Youth - $29 (New) |
Live at Stubbs: “It's not overstating the case to say that Matisyahu is an original. The
visual package is startling: Picture a young man in traditional payos
(side curls),
black hat, and long beard grabbing the mike and going off in front of a
crowd at New York's hip Mercury Lounge, or the Knitting Factory, or
Southpaw -- all rooms that Matisyahu has sold out. He is a man on a
mission. And a man with a message.” Joan Anderman, Boston
Globe, June 20, 2004 Youth: The thumbnail description of Matisyahu: File under Hasidic Beatbox Reggae. Despite having markings of novelty, it's really nothing of the sort. Fronted by a man named Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller), they are truly a band. Two independently released CDs brought them a rapid and well-deserved ascent, making their signing with a major label a logical step. Youth benefits from a more expansive sound and production by the fantastic Bill Laswell. Matisyahu's singing and the substance of his songs (spiritual living, self-awareness, the value of knowledge and learning, kindness to others) are presented with a loving sincerity, and buoyed by tremendous musicianship. In particular, drummer Jonah David and guitarist Aaron Dugan bring a wider set of influences and interests to their playing than the reggae tag the band often gets. Free of any proselytizing, this melding of Talmudic teachings and Jamaican rhythms flows so naturally that it underscores the shared roots of the two cultures. |