Flame On - Machel Montano HD
Release Date: Jan 25th 2008

CD Review: Exponentially Entertaining

The acute, brilliant and compelling Machel Montano HD strikes again for 2008 with his fourteenth (14th) album, but one should note that this is his fifth solo album entitled 'Flame On'. Machel is well known for delivering exciting, and fast paced Soca music accompanied with the usual one or two "love-up" tunes which no doubts add to his repertoire and versatility. 'Flame On' is no different! He remains one of the most consistent Soca artistes from Trinidad and Tobago and his productions always do one of two things - relive Soca from the past when it was known as ... [Read Full Review]

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Soca Gold 2007 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Jun 12th 2007

CD Review: BUY IT! I Dare You

Last year, I found myself in beautiful Port of Spain, Trinidad in February for Carnival and literally had the time of my life. While this wasn't my first Carnival (or rodeo for that matter), this was the first time that I really and truly enjoyed my experience because I stayed nearly the entire time and got the full Carnival experience. This Carnival is THE Carnival experience of the entire Caribbean and 2006's installment would have to be considered one of the best (and that's not just by my relatively `fresh' perspective, I heard PURE Carnival heads both local and foreign saying the exact same thing at the airport when leaving) in recent times. This was also due to the fact that TnT's football team, 'The Soca Boys' had made their way to World Cup of Football which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and you could definitely see the massive effects of the tream's successes going on in Trinidad. Such a wonderful time I had that I had to make sure that ... [Read Full Review]

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Reggae Gold 2007 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Jun 12th 2007

CD Review: Reggae Gold? ... Exceptional?

Is it that time of year already? The Reggae Gold compilation is without a doubt the single most popular reggae compilation that there is in the world (which is saying A LOT considering that there are a billion of them) and is probably best used as a litmus test of the music for the rest of the non-reggae listening world. To put it frankly, even people and groups of people who do not really like reggae, check out the Reggae Gold compilation and one could make the point that besides being the most popular, easily, it is also the one which has attracted the most new listeners to the music. For example, there was a rather brief 6 month period during the year 2002 when a song by VP artist Sean Paul named Gimmi di Light was absolutely taking over the world. I myself, living in the states at the time was very proud that the music had attained such ... [Read Full Review]

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Global - Bunji Garlin
Release Date: April 23rd, 2007

CD Review: Crossing Over

It is now rather timely that Soca music is making a greater and more significant appearance on the international level and finally invading the United States. The last few years alone have seen artists such as St. Vincent's Kevin Lyttle and Rupee and Edwin Yearwood of Barbados take to the international airwaves with their pop-infused style of Soca (most recently known as Popso). Popso has become rather popular as it almost exactly is akin to pop music, with just a tinge of the wildly insane vibes which is the more `traditional' brand of Soca. In its `standard' form, Soca music is anything but standard as it rather easily pushes forth some of the craziest and harshest musical vibes in the world. The heart of the music is Trinidad and Tobago which offers the grandest platform for the music in easily the finest and most divine Carnival in all of the ... [Read Full Review]

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Strictly the Best 36 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Nov 21st 2006

Track Listings
01. Always On My Mind - Da' Ville
02. Beautiful Lady - Gyptian
03. Brown Skin - Richie Spice
04. Real Thing - Bitty McLean
05. Love & Affection - Wayne Wonder
06. Do You Know - Mr. Vegas
07. Deeper - Alaine
08. Love You Right - Morgan Heritage
09. What Will It Take - Jah Cure
10. Old Skool Love (Remix) - Divine Brown
11. Coming Over - Chuck Fender & Cherine
12. Memories By The Score - Voicemail
13. Stay With You - Tarrus Riley
14. Good Love - Cherine
15. For Life - Roger Robin
16. Wrong Address - Etana
17. Life Seeds - I Wayne
18. I Know - Della Manley Featuring Mutabaruka

CD Review: Strictly the Better

Its Strictly the Best time again! Each and every year I find myself most looking forward to seeing the StB compilation, moreso than perhaps any compilation VP Records Produces outside of Soca Gold. The mixture of tunes is always a tad bit deeper than what you'll find on the more marketable and mainstream Reggae Gold from the summer and they typically rely less on pushing their own artists and more on pushing good reggae music (thus the name). But easily, the best feature of StB (outside of the always MARVELOUS packaging) is that it comes in 2's. Nearly every year (since I've followed it) you'll get one higher powered dancehall comp. and one smoother roots and lover's rock version.

2006 is no different and again, not surprisingly, the softer more mellow of the two takes the prize of being the better album. Besides comparing it to its sister album, StB#36 is just GOOD! Its a very very solid album on its own merits, boasting some of the finer roots and lover's artists on the scene today, and boosted by one of the strongest years for roots in recent history.

So strong is it that I won't even complain (that much) of VP pushing their own artists EXTREMELY hard this year.

Another interesting aspect of #36 is the mix between established and unestablished talents on the project, track ten, Old Skool Love Remix even features an artist, in Divine Brown who isn't a strictly reggae artist, but with a reggae remix of her very fine tune. And continuing on that vibe, StB#36 is packed well powerful in female representation of the young female artists. The young first lady of th Element, Etana comes WICKED on her shatteringly beautiful Wrong Address; Cherine Anderson from One Love fame steps nicely with her Good Love and pulling a double duty with Chuck Fender on the nice Coming Over Tonite. Topping them all however, is of course the divine and ANGELLIC Alaine on her wonderful Deeper, which also happens to be my choice for best song on the album (now what really would have been nice if VP could have gotten the Lovesounds combination with Beres Hammond, but hopefully they're keeping that for his next album. . . or her first?)

VP once again turns to the proven but under appreciated Bitty Mclean for one of the finest pieces on the album, the brilliant Real Thing finds Mclean typically capturing a forgotten era of lovers rock magnificence. Also check the nice nice On My Mind which was a fairly big hit down here not too long ago, just a nice vibes song. And VP talents Wayne Wonder, Richie Spice and Gyptian all represent well on their respective songs, with Richie Spice's divine Brown Skin coming out the finest of the 3.

Really the only song here that I have a problem with is the now nearly 3 year old (and WELL promoted Life Seeds by I-Wayne), but that is cancelled out by the MAMMOTH Stay With You by Tarrus Riley from his new album Parables. Stay With You may be the best love song I've heard this year period! That song is completely gorgeous, with a well powerful message, and if you see a review from me for his new album in the next few days, rest assured it was the main factor influencing my decision to purchase it.

Overall, I'm giving StB#36 a well earned stamp of recommendation, I would even call it better than last year's #34, as it has more top class material. Always happy to see the young talent represented, particularly the young female talent, and it is just a joy to listen to.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Strictly the Best 35 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Nov 21st 2006

Track Listings
01. Goodas - Tony Matterhorn
02. Hot Wuk - Mr. Vegas
03. All Out - Sean Paul
04. Wine - Alaine
05. Ukku - Idonia
06. From Them Dis - Bounty Killer & Idonia
07. No Badda Mi - Perfect
08. Gash Dem And Light Them - Chuck Fender
09. Gangsta Guerilla - Mr. Peppa
10. Bad Out Deh - Alozade
11. How High - Movado
12. Hits Pon Toppa Hits - Capleton
13. Good Over Evil - Assassin
14. Try Offa You - Buju Banton
15. Hunting - Bounty Killer
16. Hey - Courtney John Featuring Jovi Rockwell
17. Everybody Bounce - T.O.K.
18. Sail On (Play Guitar) - Sizzla Featuring K-Salaam

CD Review: Strictly Steady

Each and every year (with the exception of one in recent memory) we get treated to some of the most comprehensive, unique and wonderful compilations on the market as reggae fans. Just one trip to your local record store will reveal that reggae houses love releasing compilations, be it because there aren't as many solidified artists who can push an album worldwide from this tiny island or maybe they just love compilations as much as we do; regardless, the reggae shelves are overflowing with a steady diet of mixed artists.

One of the most comprehensive, unique and most wonderful is without a doubt the Strictly the Best compilations. Besides ALWAYS being in a beautiful packaging and standing out from that overflowing shelf, musically it covers a range that no one covers on one compilation. And it always comes in two's, giving the consumer the choice of one or both lover's rock/roots or dancehall.

But typically the lover's rock edition is better.

This year is no different with the word I can best use to describe the lover's rock edition (#36) is 'solid', the word best used to desribe its more outgoing dancehall sister is probably 'steady'. StB #35 suffers ever so slightly from hardly doing anything spectacular, and when it does, it leaves you thinking that the particular track or tracks might belong better on its sister.

There are nice nice songs here, perhaps the album's best dancehall track is Good Over Evil by the young veteran Assassin (would have loved Gully Sitten here tho, hopefully they're saving that one for his album next year), over Dave Kelly's Stage Show riddim, with 'Sassin showing a wicked level of consistency on his recent releases (and I'm still predicting that someday the dancehall game will be his and his alone). Check Sean Paul absolutely locking the flow on his best song in a while the brilliant All Out over the Dem Time Deh riddim; young superstar Idonia also taking on the DtD riddim with his nice and slack Ukku; I'll also give Matterhorn his respect with his best tne that I've heard from the soundman, Goodas over the Gully Slime but the ever improving Mr Peppa ultimately pushes the GS to its limit with his well powerful Gangsta Guerilla.

All that being said, the best song on StB#35 is Nah Bodda Mi by St. Anns (BIGGUP ALL ST ANN'S MASSIVE! myself included) native Perfect. Love Nah Badda Mi, the song is Perfect at his best absolutely losing it over teh course of the song, still getting his point across. Of course you have to check the ridiculously nice Alaine over the Sweat riddim on Wine, one of the best cuts on that riddim and the high-powered combination From Dem Dis with Bounty Killa and Idonia, definitely worth checking several times.

The end gets a little weird however with the ultra talented Jovi Rockwell combining with Courtney John of Fiwi on the annoyingly odd Hey, I like Rockwell and will definitely keep an eye on Jamaica's Nelly Furtado in the future however. Also Sizzla's Sail On with K-Salaam. . . I like this track, I really like this track, however, it has virtually no place on this album and as the last track on the album almost seems like an 'oh we forgot to put a Kalonji track on the album' type of situation. Also mixed in there is a status quo wholly average Everybody Bounce by TOK and Chuck Fenda's nice but already well worn Gash Dem.

Overall, well overall, I'm kind of confused by StB#35, especially at it's end. However, I will recommend this one perhaps to not so keen fans of the music but fans who are truly FANS. You almost have to be a reggae fan to appreciate this one which is not what I would say about too many of the dancehall editions of StB, but this one goes so many places in its 18 tracks, but never really leaves home. So this one is Strictly for reggae fans.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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D Soca Zone 7th Flag Up - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Nov 21st 2006

Track Listings
01. Hott Spot - Yearwood, Edwin
02. Jump Wave - Madzzart
03. Leave Me Alone - Jamesy P & Skarpyon
04. We Ready To Go - Yearwood, Edwin & Shurwayne Winchester
05. Flames - Jabe & Barry Chandler/Bruce Chandler
06. Quad Ride - Red Hot Flames
07. Yaga Now - Bailey, Tony & Edwin Yearwood
08. I Like It (C'Est Bon) - Mystic Vibration
09. High On The Dance Floor - H20 Phlo
10. Turn The Lights Down Low - Skarpyon
11. My Girl - Lyttle, Kevin
12. Flaunt - Taxik Band & Claudette Peters
13. Expose (bonus track) - Elakru
14. Trouble (bonus track) - Vert-X
15. Wine Down Low (bonus track) - Rameses & Malcolm X/Stylez P
16. All Over You (bonus track) - Statement

CD Review: Keeping Your Winter Hot

I always get in a better mood to write a soca review. And although the music shelves aren't exactly saturated in what is unarguably the most fun musical style ever created, VP Records has shown a nice nice penchant for pushing the music moreso than any other large label. Between the Soca Gold anually wicked compilation, the D'Soca Zone compilations and releasing albums from artist's like Edwin Yearwood, Bunji Garlin and 3Suns all within the last 3-5 years, they've done well (although signing Destra might be a pretty good idea in 2007!) promoting soca.

One of these promotions is the annual winter/fall release of D'Soca Zone compilation. The DSZ compilation is very similar to the Soca Gold compilation, its almost like SG jr. in that it mainly draws from more recent tunes and generally not looking for the biggest names (although the bigger names always are present).

This year is no different. But I'm mighty glad to see this album and my anticipation for it was well rewarded, in the few years I've been listening to this one, the 7th Flag Up is definitely the best of the bunch! This album has a few songs from a few artists whom I've never heard of that had me wayyyyy more than impressed, and some songs from artists that I may have heard of, but not too familiar with, that just blew me away!

Case and point: Although I am slightly familiar with Red Hot Flames, I had never heard Quad Ride and the song is MASSIVE! Its that never let you stop jumping from the start style soca which I absolutely love. But on the flip side, of course I'm familiar with poster boy Kevin Lyttle and Edwin Yearwood and just like on the 6th Flag Lyttle offers a nice shot with his My Girl just a lovely lovely song and Yearwood and Krosfyah score nicely with the opener Hott Spott as well as on the combination with reigning Monarch, Shurwayne Winchester on the even nicer We Ready to Go, and wherever they going, I'm going too! Big track!

Also check Skarpyon, another unknown to me, on the wonderful Turn the Lights Down Low, not at all derivative of the Marley song of the same name, but a mighty strong track. Add Vertex to that list of unfamiliar talents to me but their Trouble is a might powerful track as well.

All that being said, one of my favorite tracks on the 7th Flag Up is probably Jamesy P. and the aforementioned Skarpyon on the MASSIVE Leave Me Alone, the St. Vincy natives are well represented here (and throughout with Lyttle, and Mystik Vibration as well). Leave Me Alone is the more laid back style of soca, however on a recent trip to Tortola I had the song drummed into my brain, AND I LOVE IT! And it's only topped by my favorite track on the 7th Flag Up which is Expose by El-A-Kru! I loooooooooooooooove that song! Big, vibrant and beautiful soca, song just has you moving for days, and I'm partial because I favor the female voice in my soca, but Expose is AMAZING!

Also worth hearing is Mystik Vibration's nice I Like It, and I have to mention Flames by Jabae which is the song that prevented me from listening to the remaining 75% of the album because it had me stuck there for several hours! The package also comes with a mix cd that was the style of a lot of the SG albums and it's still somewhat useful here as well.

Overall, of course giving this one a seal of recommendation! I always love this album and its pretty much to tide the fans over, to keep strong soca music in the mainstream for those who can't get to all the fetes still keeping this time of year warm throughout the West In. Pick up D'Soca Zone:7th Flag Up and tell em Bramoi sent you!

p.s. I would have just loved if they could've somehow squeezed my new favorite soca tune "My Car Brek Down" by Contone in here! But love it still!

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Nah No Mercy: The Warlord Scrolls - Bounty Killer
Release Date: Nov 7th 2006

Track Listings

CD Review: For the Warlord!

There have perhaps been more talented and more versatile dj's than Bounty Killer. There have been tons of lesser talents who have garnered more attention, both at home and abroad. There have been artist's who have even made their name off of Bounty Killer's career, and although he is the crowned Warlord, he has not won EVERY single battle, although he has won every war.

However, when it comes to literally OWNING the ear of the ghettos of Jamaica, no other artist has ruled those areas, particularly in Kingston with an iron fist as Bounty Killer has. Every single artist you will ever hear of from these areas will claim, above all others as his (and sometimes her) greatest source of inspiration. Artists such as Vybz Kartel, Aidonia, Busy Signal and even Warrior King will list the Killer as the best and claim to know all of his lyrics (even though most of them aren't from Kingston). Bounty has also done his part to seeing that the talent get risen to such a level to be mentioned in the same sentence as himself, as he has in recent years been the courier to bringing up such now established talents as Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall, Baby Cham and a slew of others.

Therefore, its only fitting, after having released double greatest hits album for Beenie Man, Sizzla and Beres Hammond, and a well powerful single for Lady Saw as well, that the Warlord would get his turn as well.

This is the begin all, end all albums for Killer. This album is so well put together that just listening to it had me reliving my teenage years and hearing songs that I used to recite at lunch time daily. Songs like the long forgotten but smash No Interview, New Gun, Gun Thirsty, the big man combination 21 with Pinchers!

But that's just the beginning. More recent hits such as Sufferah with Wayne Marshall from the Diwali riddim and the dark and slack Fitness with Angel Doolas also made the cut, so if you just started listening to Rodney Price in the last few years you're covered as well, but I suspect that the fan who will get the most satisfaction out of this one is the fan who has been following his entire life. Its just awfully interesting to see how Killa's style changed with the times but never sold out to what was popular, just a natural and gradual change. Evolving now to the point of him becomming the proto-type modern aged aggressive styled dancehall dj.

My favorite Bounty Killer song of all time is track #7, disc one LODGE. Its my favorite song between the 2 discs, just that simple simple beating of the lyrics and arrangement just keeps the head nodding. Also love the songs proceeding it: of course Spy fi Die, of course Coppershot, of course Statement, of course Dead This Time! They also pack the quality at the end of the first disc with hit after hit, My Xperience, the fine fine Suspence which I hardly remembered, Fedup Sufferah and the disc ends with the notorious Look. One of the hardest pure dancehall culture songs you'll ever hear anywhere.

Disc 2 is packed just as tight, although perhaps in a 'lighter' mood. All the 'gal tunes' seem to congregate on disc 2. Although, the oddball such as the sickly wicked Warlord makes an apperance on disc 2. The best of the gal tunes is probably the big hit combination with singer Barrington Levy, Living Dangerously, still one of my favorite songs with the rather most unlikely of combinations running through. He also drops in the odd but classic ode to his mother on Miss Ivy Last Son which became a hit on all reggae fronts. Salvation, Seek God, Roots Reality & Culture all culturally follow such big tunes as Fitness and Arrow in closing out the spectacular disc 2 before a rare Addies special/mix.

ALSO, big biggups to VP. The album is very very nicely packaged and presented and they have been on a roll lately with not only regular releases but greatest hits albums and re-releases from such artists is I-Kong, Dennis Brown (biggup Locks Lion on the review) and Garnett Silk. And although Killa may have not proven to be the best business man, but he has scored maybe the finest deal of his career as next year will see the release of not only his first album since 2002 but an album featuring his 'Alliance' crew which features some of the best talent Jamaica has to offer (Kartel, Ele, Busy Signal, Idonia, Wayne Marshall, Mavado etc.) as well.

Overall, I can't recommend this one enough for a wide variety of Bounty Killer fans. This is a project for all of his fans. For the new fan, this will show you the history of the artist which you're just getting to know and show you exactly where he came from and how he got to be where he is in terms of his standing in dancehall. And of course, old fans will literally drool over Nah No Mercy's lineup, trust that your favorite song is here! From the classic style that Bounty revolutionized of dj battles and war and all the wins and scars he's collected over the years to the oft-forgotten versatility of the artist. Definitely 5 stars, definitely one of the best albums of the year, and definitely looking forward to a huge '07 from the Killa.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Child of a King - Luciano
Release Date: Oct 24th 2006

Track Listings
01. Remember When
02. This One Is For Leaders
03. Brother Man
04. New World In The Morning
05. Young Gifted & Black
06. Desperate Lover
07. Can't Take No More
08. Watch What U Doin'
09. Peace Train
10. So Much Going On
11. This One Is For The Children
12. International Cannabis
13. Not Until
14. Child Of A King
15. Silver And Gold

CD Review: Luciano's Simple Brilliance

Almost instantly the world of music becomes a much better place the second Luciano releases a new album. The vibes are always amongst the strongest of the year, and despite routinely releasing upwards of 4-5 albums a year, Luciano always seems to exercise a great deal of quality control on his albums. Combined with the fact that he is without a doubt the most consistent roots reggae singer of the last decade and one of the most classy, I always look forward to hearing a new Luciano album.

Despite his immense popularity and inexhaustible recording level there never seems to be a bit of controversy surrounding the artist. No, he isn't given the proper attention which he should receive abroad, but here he is without a doubt one of the most popular artists Jamaica has ever seen. Just a cursory listen to his new album, Child of a King will perhaps tell you why: Nothing puts a strain on Luciano's music, and there is no strain at all in the super laid back, and very solid effort on Child of a King.

This album has mighty big shoes to fill being the follow up to his last VP album, the massive Serious Times. And while not being as strong as that album, Child of a King does more than hold its on with an almost curiously strong vibe emanating from the top tracks here. Much of the production is done by Mr. Vegas' partner in crime Byron Murray for In the Streetz Records, one of the busiest producers in Jamaica right now having done tracks for nearly every major roots reggae release since the beginning of the summer and Luciano is rightly afforded some of the finest backing tracks available. Thus, had you been listening through that time, you'll hear some very familiar material redone to probably its greatest effect by Luciano.

The best tune here is probably the title track, one listen and the reason why the album was named after that track in particular is quickly revealed. The song is not unlike many a Luciano song which exclaims the power and loyalty of His Imperial Majesty without going over the top or resorting to the yelling style of many of his peers, its like how you can define the Messenger's entire career; simple brilliance.

Also check the opener, the acoustic Remember When, just another simple beautiful and lush sounding tune. Check the wonderful anti-violence Brother Man which should probably be the second single if anyone is paying attention, big big song; Definitely no Luciano album is complete without an herb song, Child of a King is blessed with the outstanding International Cannabis over the Free Life riddim; and Watch What You Doin' is probably my second favorite song on the album over the fine Street Swing riddim.

Also, a few nice covers are here, standing out is the cover of Bob & Marcis's Young Gifted and Black, and it works very nicely for the Messenger of course. Also included is somewhat of a tip of VP's hat by including both This One is For the Leaders and Silver & Gold, both were released a little later than the Serious Times album, but Child of a King was originally expected for 2005.

Overall, definitely pick up Child of a King, like most Luciano albums these days (and most of the past half decade or so) it is top notch. His voice is as clear and crisp as it has ever been, he's working with one of the best young producers in all of reggae and its a Luciano album! That should be enough to make you want it, the strong vibes on it will be enough to make you like it, definitely recommended!

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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100% Local Grade Vol:1
Producer: Ryan Alcantara ( Lexxxus Sound)
Duration: 1:18:27 min
Release Date: Oct 2006

Listen (RealPlayer Media) | View Track Listings

At the young age of 22 Ryan Alcantara has already produced a number of underground mixtapes and has already created a name for himself as a talented producer with a keen ear for music, with very smooth mixes and innovative refixes. One of his mixtapes, "Soca Extreme 2k6" (visit D'Sound engine Room) was nominated for an award at the 2006 International Soca Awards.

Being first mix tape of its kind, the mode of 100% Local Grade is slightly different from some of his previous work as it is more focused toward the promotion of the local reggae music industry. Ryan included music from all local recording artists. The CD starts with the Signs Riddim and continues throughout with conscious lyrics and signature clean mixes. It features all the locally engineered riddims including big names like Patience and Infidelity, truly showcasing Trini talent. If you want to know what Trinidad reggae is all about this CD gives a panoramic view of our local talent with all the big names and new comers. The mix tape also includes an exclusive from Thayo, a Trini talent out in Orlando, Florida.

Trini Jungle Juice had chance to speak with the producer and got some insight into the mind behind the talent. "Black Chiney & Soul controllers mix tapes I grew up on inspired me." Ryan expressed that he believed it was something that Trinidad needed. He alluded to the grandeur of the Mix tape industry outside of Trinidad to the extent that there are awards shows dedicated solely to mix tapes. Pioneering the local industry Ryan encourages his people in the music industry to jump on the train and build the popularity. "If I am to be the best in Trinidad it can't be by default, because I am the only person doing it, I want it to be because my work sounds the best of everyone else's."

Be on the look out for more releases from this young talent including Head to Head featuring Censored Inc. and also look out for the 2k7 edition of the Soca series.

100% Hard Local Grade has the TJJ stamp of approval.

Big up to Studio 53 and Finland House doing big things on the local scene, making giant steps where the local reggae industry is concerned.

More info on local artist or Lexxxus Sound and bookings etc. available at
www.myspace.com/lexxxussound

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Locked Out - Marlon Asher
Release Date: 2005

Track Listings
01. Ganja Farmer
02. I Love You
03. I Believe
04. Love of Jah
05. Locked Out
06. Standing
07. Israel - Featuring Kapa Shanti
08. Wonderful

CD Review: Just a Taste

Going on 2 years now! I've been waiting on an album release from Marlon Asher. From the first time I heard the big big song Ganja Farmer, I wanted to hear a full length studio album from Asher, and was definite sure that he wouldn't fade away and become a one hit wonder. That wasn't the case at all, as subsequently, the Trini native has proven to have some serious vibes and even having his first album at 31, he definitely has a long and healthy career ahead of him.

I got what I thought was just a sampler of this album having only 8 tracks altogether on the disc. But this is in fact hyped as Asher's 'Preview Album' for Caribbean Underground, the label who originally put out the first international pressing of Ganja Farmer. And with just 8 tracks, the first 3 of which all flow along the same Ganja Farmer riddim, it exists solely to give you a taste of whats to come, when hopefully he signs a nice deal with VP or Greensleeves and comes strong with the 15 track release.

Until then we have locked out! One of the very interesting song on the album is the combination with NYC dj Kapa Shanti, just the combination of styles and I hadnt ever even heard of Shanti before, the combo works however. As I mentioned, the first 3 tracks are on the same riddim. The latter 2 I Believe and I Love Yuh are both pretty decent songs, I Love You actually sounds like somewhat of a freestyle but it still works for me.

Of course it goes without saying that he best tune on Locked Out is definitely Ganja Farmer. The song has lost none of its luster for me, despite the fact that I routinely still listen to it at least once a day, just a wonderful song about the treatment of herb in Trinidad, built over one of the easiest and most laid back riddims and vibes that you'll ever here. Ganja Farmer works on the 'less is more' theory taking minimalist (yet wonderful) production a very very long way. And probably in a few years, we'll look back on Ganja Farmer and say it was somewhat pioneering in the reggae scene in Trinidad.

But that's not all! The 3 other tunes are all winners as well. Standing, the only other song here that I was actually familiar with, as it was a previous release, with the nice refrain announcing "This is Mr Marlon Asher!". Standing is a knowledge track, on a typically Asher-like level vibe. The title track is also very impressive as well. Locked Out is more of the same strong roots: "I just wanna be a child of Jah! Give thanx and praise forevah! I dont wanna be swimming in a lake of fyah. . . I dont wanna be locked out of Zion!" Making the very simple cover even more powerful as you literally see him separated from the Conquering Lion.

Love of Jah is the first 'official' single from the album, I assume, as its the only title here with a video supporting it very strong track as well. BUT! My second favorite track here is the aptly titled Wonderful, which is a. . . wonderful track! Wonderful is about as upbeat a track Asher has ever done that I've heard, but after awhile it just gets magical and he sticks to that bouncy riddim without bobbling at all, that track was made for this tune! Wonderful could be a big hit in JA, given the proper chance and promotion.

Interesting to mention that I always likened Asher's style to some of the up and coming dj talent here, however the artist that I'd say he most vocally resembles is without a doubt Jah Cure. No, he doesn't have that earth shattering vibe in his voice that you'll find Cure applying, but he has that somewhat raspy earthly creek to his voice which he uses to perfection (you can hear it especially in the title track, the first few lines of which sound like something directly from Jah Cure).

Overall, its likely that unless you go the ordering route that you wont be able to find much from Locked Out. As it is a preview album but also from an indie internation and young label, all signs make this one an order! But should you have the opportunity to get it definitely take it, Marlon Asher is one of many young talents to keep an eye on!

P.S. Loving what they are doing in TnT on the roots scene. Before, it seemed as if it was the Empress, Queen Omega trodding alone on the scene, but with talent like Asher, Propher Benjamin and the lethally wicked Khari Kill emerging, TnT looks to join St Croix as a haven for reggae outside of JA.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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My Name Is Gyptian - Gyptian
Release Date: Sep 12th 2006

Track Listings
01. Beng Beng
02. Mama
03. Beautiful Lady
04. You Never Know
05. Around The World
06. Serious Times
07. Take Me Higher
08. Through The Valley - (featuring Round Head)
09. Woman I Love You - (featuring Teflon)
10. School Girl
11. Take My Money
12. Keep On Knocking
13. What Are We Fighting For
14. Stop The Fussing
15. Holiday - (featuring Keisha)

CD Review: Serious Times, SERIOUS Expectations

Meet Gyptian! The latest in a long and constantly updated roster of amazing roots voices emanating from Jamaica. The 22 year old from St Andrew follows most recently such artists as Warrior King, Jah Cure, Fantan Mojah and of course, I Wayne. His hype has nearly equalled them all and his debut album for VP, fittingly titled My Name Is Gyptian, has been one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year. And it has a hard time living up to its own hype, but ultimately listeners will come away with the thought that young Gyptian isn't going anywhere.

Gyptian was actually discovered by the same individual (known as 'Mr Wong') who discovered I-Wayne and originally marketed as having a sound similar to the earth shattering voice of Jah Cure. Now, I'd actually call him a better (SINGING) version of the underrated Norrisman, with a nasally kind of strong chanting when he's at his best, but it is a voice all his own. He originally attracted attention with his MASSIVE Serious Times single (and didnt we all expect this album to be named Serious Times?)and has maintained the high standards with his subsequent releases for various producers, most notably the wonderful Is Their a Place for Vendetta which is absent here.

Gyptian the album is a piece that will take a while to grow on you. It doesn't actually just blow you away on all levels the first few times you listen to it, probably due to Gyptian's age, as he hasn't yet reached his full level of development lyrically or hasnt yet grown to just do whatever, so a few of the tunes here you can tell he's holding back a little, but that will come with time. Definitely Gyptian, the finished article will be something reggae hasn't seen in awhile.

The best 2 tunes here are produced by the same individual, Kemar Mcgregor. The opener is the best song! Beng Beng is MASSIVE, even moreso than Serious Times (more on that in a second). The song is backed with a beautiful nyah drum riddim which Gyptian digs his claw deep into and mashes so hard! Beng Beng is one of the best songs I've ever heard, simply! The other tune, the obligatory ode to she who gives life, Mama, over the simply magical Triumphant riddim, also with the drum, is one of my favorite tunes by the young artist.

You also have to check Beautiful Lady (which started to grow on me immediately after my girlfriend identified it as her favorite track) just an all around wonderful track. Much of the direction here was done VP and I think at some points they take Gyptian in the wrong direction by putting him over the older sounding riddims, his voice breathes New School and he should have been allowed to identify with his era a little more (and shame elimanating Is There a Place from the fold). Their biggest fumble, however, is the re-do of Serious Times. If you really like the tune (and I love it) you'll notice it has been slightly redone taking it down just slightly, just as they did with Turbulence's Notorious.

But that's the bad (along with a just odd combination with Roundhead on the weed anthem Through the Valley, we know Roundhead is wicked and he loves weed more than oxgen, but those are two artists who should have never met on a song). The album picks wayyyyyyyyyy back up on the nice youth anthem School Girl. Just a really cool 'innocent' record and the rest of the album is fire! Take My Money, Keep on Knoking, What are We Fighting For?, Stop the Fussing and Holiday are all winners. Particularly the nice laid back Take My Money and Keep on Knocking very derivative of Serious Times with a nice message which is very clever. Also love Holiday which does nice in placing Gyptian with a nice female vocalist, the unknown Keisha (love to see session singers getting big opportunities) with a sax backing.

Overall, for a debut and for how young Gyptian is this is a very very nice album. I wouldn't have even minded waiting until early '07 for this one to drop at all, but I'm still happy it's here sameway. What Gyptian represents is some of the wonderful new young talent coming from Iland, and look for that sophomore jinx to miss Gyptian by a mile. This is just the beginning, what follows will surely be magic.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Rebelution - Tanya Stephens
Release Date: Aug 29th 2006

Track Listings
01. Welcome To The Rebelution
02. Who Is Tanya
03. Put It On You
04. Still A Go Lose
05. To The Rescue
06. Spilled Milk
07. Truth, The
08. Saturday Morning
09. Cherry Brandy
10. Keep Looking Up
11. Do You Care
12. Rosa
13. Warn Dem
14. To The Limit
15. These Streets
16. Don't Play

CD Review: Tanya Stephens: The Poet of the Dancehall

Just about 2 and a half years ago Tanya Stephens returned from her self-imposed musical 'exile' to Sweden to drop the finest album of her career, Gangsta Blues. GB caught many people by surprise and set Stephens in rare air as a complete female dancehall artist, who had yet to crossover, but could still sell albums. For a dancehall album, on an indie label (VP), Gangsta Blues did amazing, reportedly selling over 100,000 copies.

The now eagerly awaited Rebelution has caught no one by surprise, and it more than lives up to the sickly high standards set by GB. Rebelution is very similar to Gangsta Blues in terms of the vibe, with the only main difference being that Rebelution takes a more cultural vibe in its duration, however, musically the two are very similar. Stephens and her manager/producer, the brilliant Andrew Henton work the boards and the minimalist production here makes Stephens' greatest talent, the real star of the album.

Tanya Stephens has a very different style for reggae. She is somewhat in the same veign of Lieutenant Stitchie or Papa San (minus the fast chat) in that she is a pure story teller. All of her songs are about SOMETHING, there is a message to be found in each one of her verses and while she isn't as active as some of her peers, her fans would seemingly have no problem in waiting longer for her to craft such gems of music.

The best song on Rebelution is probably the wicked wicked first US single, These Streets. These Streets an admonishment to her lover who spends much time which rides a slightly revamped version of Marley's No Woman, No Cry riddim. Instead of going out again, she suggests he "keep your lips pon me like your marijuana". The song is lyrically BRILLIANT and its not the only one here. You also check the wicked Do You Still Care a tune about acceptance and discrimination (and I would suggest those of you who are going to flock to Beenie Man or Vybz Kartel's latest cd to talk about homophobia to flock to this one to talk about Anti-homophobia), the way that song is put together: From a white racist dying of liver failure being saved by the liver of a Black man to a homophobic ghetto youth being saved by a gay passerby after being shot.

(See how easy it is to review a 20 track cd when all of the songs are about SOMETHING).

Also check Come A Long Way, an ode to Black leaders of the past. Come a Long Way is one of the main tune which emphasizes the differences between between Rebelution and Gangsta Blues. Also check the opener, Welcome to the Rebelution, a spoken word style piece which NO ONE in dancehall could have written besides Tanya Stephens and it sets the album off on the right foot.

Then you get to the other side of Stephens. Both Put it On You and Don't Play are 2 of the smartest sexual tunes you will ever hear. And she is a lady, so she doesn't just come out and say things (usually!) but she uses metaphors such as in Put it On You when she says, "Mi dun book a room ova di Hilton, like Paris mi nah get embarrassed so yu free fi bring di still cam!". Don't Play is my 2nd favorite tune on the album as it follows much the same vibe as the excellent Boom Wuk from the Gangsta Blues album. Also check the wicked Who Is Tanya, which is also quite similar to Wi a Lead from GB.

VP has spared no expense in producing Rebelution. The wonderful packaged disc comes inside a holder which is wrapped and then the case underneath is still wrapped like a typical cd. Also, in the package is a (now becomming more and more common in reggae) dvd. The DVD includes videos from the big hit from Gangsta Blues, Its a Pity and the first JA single Warm Dem. It also includes a private performance Tanya held in NYC for several of the tracks from the album; However, most interestingly, it includes interviews in the studio with Tanya and others. Perhaps the most interesting being when her own producer, Andrew Henton and the producer who discovered her Barry O'Hare discuss her lyrical ability, with Henton summing it up best as "we figured if you make music with no point, then whats the point of making the music?"

Overall, this is one of the best releases of the year, nearly all of the 20 tracks (including the interludes, Sunday Morning is MASSIVE, and Saturday Morning aint that bad either!)are winners, even the ones I didn't mention, Cherry Brandy (combined with Saturday morning) a story about (trying to) overcoming alcohol; The Truth, talking about how hard it is to get over an old lover; Home Alone, squite similar to These Streets in the same vibe, but lyrically maybe even stronger. They're all top notch, the album is top notch. AMAZING! GO GET IT!

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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King at the Controls - King Jammy
Release Date: Aug 29th 2006

Track Listings
1. Mr. Landlord - Half Pint
2. If I Were A Carpenter - John Holt
3. Agony - Pinchers
4. Punany - Admiral Bailey
5. Peenie Peenie - Shabba Ranks
6. I Love King Selassie - Black Uhuru
7. Father Jungle Rock - Nicodemus
8. Water Pumping - Johnny Osbourne
9. Boom Shack-A-Lack - Junior Reid
10. Deh Wid You - Super Black
11. Children Of The Ghetto - Cocoa Tea
12. Exit, The - Dennis Brown
13. Run Down World - Nitty Gritty
14. Under Mi Sleng Teng - Wayne Smith
15. She's My Baby - Leroy Gibbons
16. Rock Them One By One - Eccleton Jarrett
17. Let Off Supum - Leroy Smart
18. One Scotch - Admiral Bailey/Chaka Demus
19. Serious Time - Admiral Tibet
20. I Know The Score - Frankie Paul

CD Review: Long Live di KING!

The debate of great dancehall producers must begin with one name. King Jammy. The King of the Dancehall, has ruled the dancehall since the early 80's shift to the ragga/digital style, and to this day is one of the (if not the most) most influential men in all of the dancehall.

So VP Records did a very nice thing in producing this 'project', with 20 strong of the legendary producer's finest and most crucial works and a wonderfully done, nearly hour long, dvd accompanying it. While you can find several well done compilations from the early digital ragga era of the dancehall (particularly Greensleeves The Biggest Dancehall Anthems 1979-82), this is the first that I know of the sort of following just the path of one superproducer, and the producer whom they chose may just be the definition of the term, 'superproducer'.

I can't go on and tell you, like normally, what I might think the 'best' tune here, however, without a doubt my favorite is Wayne Smith's immortal Under Mi Sleng Teng over the equally immortal sleng teng riddim. Then you get into the classics such as John Holt's If I Were a Carpenter, the song so wicked it can make beautiful women dance with ugly man! Of course Junior Reid doing the 'jamrock' riddim with Boom-Shack-A-Lack and doing double duties as the frontman of Black Uhuru on I Love King Selassie.

You also get Admiral Bailey's MASSIVE hit Punani, smooth Johnny Osbourne's Water Pumping, Frankie Paul's smooth smooth I Know The Score, Nitty Gritty Run Down the World. You can go on and on, every song here is a classic and that's exactly why its on this cd.

Another thing you get from a more modern look; Many of the riddims here that you may not have been aware were actually Jammy's riddims you get to see the initial hit from them as it is now more and more propular to revive a classic riddim.

But that's only the half of it.

Also included here is a wonderful DVD with interviews with Jammy's his co-producer, Johnny Wonder and many others, including Ninja Man. Ninja gets into a rather funny 'clash' with Bunny General right in front of Jammy's studio and you get a really interesting look at the very very rich old man still recording JA's finest in one of the most violent ghettos in all of JA, with absolutely no intention of leaving. You get rare glimpses and interviews with individuals such as Tupps, Jammy's selector who had achieved a near mythical mysterious reputation when I was coming up, you watch him as he ever so quietly and carefully work. And you get alot of the King's peers and protoge's talking of the man and his work and MANY of the artists who voiced for him, from Josey Wales to Elephant Man; his peers such as Bobby Digital and Black Scorpio (and nice footage of their clash) and even his wife, the documentary is every bit as good as the cd.

Overall, every dancehall producer from now on out will owe a debt of gratitude to Jammy. Some of the younger and reigning producers of today such as (older)Dave Kelly, Lenky and Vendetta are definitely doing a good job holding it down, but even today King Jammy's work comes with a bit of an edge on the competition, just by virtue of having his logo. Definitely check this one out, for not only good music, but the historical side to the vibes. VERY WELL DONE!

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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It Is Crop Over Vol 2
Barbados 2006, MoonBlast Productions

Track Listings
01. Calypso Fever - Keann
02. Juck Down - Omar Mcquilkin
03. Clear - Mikey
04. Bam - Dru
05. Jump, Wave - Maddzart
06. Wine It - Dr. Evil
07. Wine Down Low - Rameses, Stylez P, Malcom X
08. Like to See - Glen Benjamin & Papito
09. Soca Flight - Soca Rebels
10. Queen - Rameses, Dru
11. Ironing - W.O.D.
12. Hold me tight - Soca Rebels
13. Calypso Fever Instrumental
14. Sunshine Girl - Hypa Sounds

In today's world of computer technology, all it takes to create music is a good music programme.

To create good music, however, requires a good ear and particular skill. Sebastian Legall, producer of It Is Crop Over Vol. 2 has both, and if he maintains his current course, he will become one of the top names in music in the region. A first listen to this 2K6 release is enough to convince anyone of his growing talent.

At 23, he already has two albums and a number of hits to his credit, through his company Moonblast Productions. Hypa Sounds' Sunshine Girl, still resting comfortably at #1 on Hott Top 20 after two weeks, is Legall's most recent piece of magic.

His first recordings were of some local reggae artistes, but the rhythm of calypso was a stronger pull and the soca arena more viable. "I have a general love for music and I wanted to contribute in a bigger way. His first soca recording was Ramases' Put It Up, in 2003 and last year he released his first compilation It Is Crop Over Vol. 1 which featured hits like the Styles P, Ramases and Malcolm X combination Gals; and Peter Ram's School Girls.

It Is Crop Over Vol. 2 opens with one of the album's better tracks, Calypso Fever by Keann Walters, and is a great introduction to the following 13. Talent on this year's release includes Omar and Mikey from Electrik, Madzzart, Jamaica's Dr. Evil, Glen Benjiman and Papito, W.O.D, Dru, and Soca Rebels. The trio Malcolm X, Styles P and Ramases return as well. It is very ironic that Legall did not study music either at school or professionally, but taught himself by listening to a variety of music, and experimenting on the computer, thus creating all the music for all the tracks.

The album, produced with the help of Banks Breweries Ltd., is currently available in stores.

Andrea King of NationNews

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Chalkdust - The Bandit Factory
Release Date: June 2006

Track Listings
01. The Bandit Factory
02. The Mailman
03. Dookeran Have Jack
04. Trinis Talk Too Much
05. Court Clothes
06. The Wake

CD Review: Well Worth De Wait!

Ah wait and ah wait, ah count corbeaux on meh neighbor roof and sip mauby in de hot sun, and ya know what? It was well worth de wait.

The CD "Pan have We DNA," is already ah essential for all Trini's and Calypso lovers. Hogging 4 kaisos that holding de prestigious title of Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch winners; "Fish Mongrel" and "Trinidad in the Cemetery" for 2004 and "I in Town Too Long" and "Ah Doh Rhyme" for 2005. So getting the 2006 release should be a given.

Well Dr. Hollis Liverpool aka Chalkdust "new" cd is out. I run out and grab it up one time despite it only having 6 songs. De Mighty Chalkie, a 7 time Calypso Monarch winner cyah let down. This cd boasts his contest entry tracks which were never heard by the public prior to Sunday night Demarche Gras show. A feat in itself to enter without getting the public warmed up to the titles nor the experience and practice that prior performances would bring to the stage.

Chalkdust determined to match the current record held by the Mighty Sparrow of 8 titles before retiring will have to give us another year of bliss as he only placed 3rd this year despite a loud dissatisfied crowd. The same crowd that expressed their devotion to the 1976 Trinidad & Tobago Humming Bird Silver Medalist for Contribution to Calypso ensured that Chalkie won the People's Choice Award 2006 on the night for his performances "The Bandit Factory" and "Chalkie The Mailman."

"The Bandit Factory" as a cd reflects all the things that are intrinsically Trinidad and Tobago past and present in terms of melody and content. The cd titled song not is current in it's focus on the crime issues that is plaguing the island, and describes how different aspects of our society are responsible for our recent conveyer belt of ole tief.
Having an excellent talent for describing the elephant in the room in fine and fun detail, Chalkie goes on to tell us all about how easy it is to have your way in sweet T&T... just make sure and have some money to pass. Whether yuh looking for ah big building contract or getting yuh gun permit asap... a few blue notes is de new according to Liverpool, and he letting you know a few people that accepting.

"Dookeran have Jack" is another born classic sure to be a big hit in rum shops around de world, describing the latest war for head of de UNC. Ah "all fours" sweat is de platform for this battle between these friendly poilcians. It have all de fundamentals to a boss game; 10 fuh baiting, studying de cut pack, and who holding piece to hang de Jack! With all de commess in Trinidad and Tobago these days it impossible to miss. De island does look like Portugese fans take over and paint de island casue everywhere is Green or Red. So Chalkie do he own investigation to get to the bottom of de Digicel and Lactel invasion. And well it turn out dat there only following were de money is. Trini like a ole talk... They does talk too much! Stories, for example bout Trinis calling Lara in Australia to tell him dat dey see a stray dog in he yard is just one of de many. Social commentary... let we talk make Digicel rich.

Track 5 revealing more than expected like all vintage Chalkie... letting people know that if you want to challenge any "Status Quo" with good or bad intensions... yuh better have plenty Court Clothes. Who have dan dan outfit and who need get some well crafted mention in this melody.

In Chalkdust tradition the last track keeps up with his message of Family and God as it takes a walk thru history with a discography of hymns and psalm samples. There's always something in there to remind us that we need to pray and give thanks to the higher being.

At the end you will want to listen again and again. The Bandit Factory will add to the other 300+ songs by Chalkdust as instant classiscs. Go out and get this one.

Dr. Ram Dass for Trini Jungle Juice

Buy this CD at www.trinidadmusicstore.com today!

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Reggae Gold 2006- Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Jun 20th 2006

Track Listings
01. Temperature - Sean Paul
02. Step Out - Busy Signal
03. Toppa Ting - Capleton
04. Bun Him - Black-er & Macka Diamond
05. Gangster Rock - Elephant Man
06. Badman Forward Badman Pull Up - Ding Dong
07. Ring Ding Ding - L.O.C.
08. Dance - Voice Mail
09. Dutty Wine - Tony Matterhorn
10. Slow Wine (Remix) - R. Kelly featuring Sean Paul & Akon
11. Hotta - T.O.K.
12. Anywhere We Go - Assassin
13. Youths Dem Cold - Richie Spice
14. These Streets - Tanya Stephens
15. Baby Tonight - Bitty Mclean
16. I Still Believe - Wayne Wonder
17. Can't Get Over You - Da'Ville
18. Ma Ma - Gyptian

CD Review: Easy if You've Been Paying Attention

Its a mighty difficult decision I go through every year deciding whether or not to buy the Reggae Gold album. On one hand, they'll usually give you only a track or 2 that you probably can't get anywhere else on a (LEGITIMATE) cd, just one or two songs, but these songs will be HUGE. And on the other hand, the other 15 or so tracks will be so familiar that by time the album drops, you'll already be tired of them.

This year is no different, and as you can see, I gave in to my temptation. What happened? Well there are a few good tunes here. . . Just like I said. However, some of the songs are just flat out over-spun and annoying to me by this point.

What's good here is that whoever put together 2006's edition of RG was keen on putting one of the better artist's on that album back on this one. So, I'm declaring that the best tune altogether on Reggae Gold 2006 is without a doubt "Baby Tonight," by Bitty Mclean. The song might just be the oldest on this record altogether as it was present on his last album which was released in 2004 I believe. But who cares, Mclean strikes GOLD on "Baby Tonight," just as he did a year ago with the magnificent "Walk Away From Love."

What else is good? Tanya Stephens tips her hand on her forthcoming album with the excellent "These Streets" which rides an acoustic variation of Marley's No Woman, No Cry riddim. There's other good material here as well. Shockingly to me, I'm not that all disgusted by R. Kelly with Sean Paul and Akon on "Slow Wine (Remix)," the tune isn't bad as I thought it would be and with the exception of Mclean's tune has probably gotten more rotations by me than any other tune here.

Also, of the other songs that I've heard tons of, "Anywhere We Go" by Assassin rides the soon to be immortal 85 riddim and I've not yet tired of hearing that one. Neither have I tired of hearing Wayne Wonder over the Seasons riddim on the wonderful "I Still Believe" nor Gyptian over the Triumphant riddim on "Mama."

But the buck stops there. If you've been paying a deep attention to dancehall for the last year (and most likely you haven't), then tracks 1-9 on this one might be completely useless to you (with the possible exception of #8 Voicemail's Dance, but all their songs sound EXACTLY alike dont they?). Not a horrible song amongst them at all, and I still like Elephant Man's MASSIVE "Gangsta Rock" and Capleton over the Sweat riddim on "Toppa Tings."

That's just a personal preference however, and like I said, if you dont necessarily seek out every single new song comihng out of Jamaica or spend your weekends in some club somewhere, then you might well like each and every tune there (with one exception). And all of this may be new to you.

The real problem with Reggae Gold 2006 is just one song, and I dont care how old it is or how many times you've heard it. You put "Ring Ding Ding" on an album and its a problem, if you're over 8 you'll hate that song!

But the rest of the album is fine. As always, I recommend this one for new fans of reggae music or fans who haven't been keeping as keen an eye on the music for the last year or so. There is some very good material here for the reggae saturated fan as well, but you out there probably go through the same tough decision I do when buying this one every year (and I have only missed one in the pass 6 years). This year includes a useful DVD of highlights, clips and girls and yada yada yada, but I like it. As usual Reggae Gold gives an entertaining mix of whats going on in dancehall right now and check it out if you'd like to catch up on things.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Soca Gold 2006- Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Jun 20th 2006

Track Listings
01. Tempo - Calypso Rose featuring Shurwayne Winchester
02. Carnival Feeling - Roy Cape/Rita Jones
03. We Reach - Iwer George
04. All Inclusive - Explainer featuring Maximus Dan
05. Losing Control - Kevin Lyttle featuring Jamesy P
06. Take You With Me - Edwin Yearwood featuring Lady Saw
07. One Island - Nadia Baston
08. De Harder Deah Come - Red Hot Flames
09. Warrior's Coming - Bunji Garlin
10. He Lie - Blackie
11. Park It - Explainer
12. Soul On Fire - KMC
13. Til Morning - Lil' Rick
14. Outta Hand - Tony Prescott
15. That Is Carnival - Fay-Ann Lyons
16. Ting 4 D Road - Mista Vybe
17. Party - Miss Alysha/Fay-Ann Lyons
18. Up In Dat - Mr. Slaughter

CD Review: I've been waiting for you!

Typically this album will come out in May or June, and I will completely be caught off guard, everytime I catch myself going "Its time for the Soca Gold album already", and while it was previously just a sidekick to the Reggae Gold series, this 'Robin' album for the last few years has ridiculously outshone its 'Batman' counterpart.

This year is no different as 2006's installment has mighty big shoes to fill as '05's was sooooo huge with the vibes. Things are a little more relaxed this year, but the vibes are still there. And, disarmed with the customary mix CD accompaniment, and re-armed with a nice little useful DVD in the package with nice footage, this one seems fit to set the tone for future installments. And by the same token, if you're a fan of Caribbean music, go and look at the tracklist for Reggae Gold 2006. . . go ahead I'll give you a second. . . Finish? Exactly, you know all those songs!

I went to Carnival in TnT this year and had an excellent time! One of the best of my life, just a great time! And I was really looking forward for awhile to this one, even though I'm still vibing to 2005. So this year, unlike previous, I have a few 'complaints' (not real complaints): I don't know if anyone has yet to make VP aware of a little artist named Destra. . .; We couldn't get a some kind of version of Ganja Farmer by Marlon Asher, I know its nowhere near Soca, but last time I checked, you put Sasha on 2004, start getting this artist out there someway somehow!; and what about the Sizzla-KMC combination? Would have looked nice! And MY SONG! Where's Maximus Dan's Warrior? (told you they weren't real complaints, just wanted to look like I've been paying attention)

Kudos go to VP for getting Dawg E Slaughter back on the album with one of the finest efforts here altogether with the excellent UP in DAT. The song is reminiscent of the big sounding tunes like Bounce and Trample which got me listening to the artist. Love Up in Dat bad! That's not to say that its the best song on the album however. That distinction belongs to Fay Ann Lyons' truly excellent That is Carnival! I LOVE that song, if it doesn't do something to you, I'm sorry to tell you, but you died somewhere along the way!

The girls here really outshine the boys, with Fay-Ann accompanying unknown (to me) Ms Alysha on the wonderful Party and soon to be booming star Nadia Boston taking over on One Island. One Island is kind of what I consider that quintessential Soca that is not that over-powering type of marching feel. Its more laid back, but still has that big vibe, excellent tune! (okay maybe putting Destra on here might have overloaded my senses!)

Of the boys doing well is of course Slaughter and Bunji. Bunji dropping the SECOND best tune for the Soca Boys on Warriors Coming. I also REALLY like Mista Vibe's Ting 4 D Road. The song sounds kind of messy, but it reminds me of one of my favorite Soca tunes ever, Thelma by South South West. (to-date I haven't finished Ting 4 D Road because I always go and pull out Thelma!)

Also check out upset winner of Monarch this year Shurwayne Winchester with Calypso Rose on Tempo, nice nice tune. Former multiple Monarch winner Iwer George finally back here, sounding very good on We Reach. See! You let me talk about this album long enough, I'll recommend nearly every tune! I even like Carnival Feeling, with another female in Rita Jones shining!

Overall, I always love this album. Soca Gold gives a good mix of the different style's of music. But it's generally a direction where it tries to go. 2004 was all over the place trying to hit as hard as possible, '05 was even more all over the place, but toning it back just a tad, this one tones it back a little more, quite a lot like 2002. But it makes it work, and it also includes the DVD allowing the average fan to put faces with the music. With TnT making it (and giving a mighty fine effort in the process) to the World Cup this year, Soca continuing to have a presence in the mainstream with artists like Rupee, Kevin Lyttle and Destra on the rum commercial, this might be one of the most important installments of this one, and musically, it lives up to it, definitely recommended!

(oh yeah and I forgot about Park It, by Explainer, big tune! And hilarious!)

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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D'Soca Zone 6th Wukk Up - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Jan 24th 2006

01. Home For Carnival - Kevin Lyttle
02. Waistline Shotz - Mr. DJ
03. Keep It Rolling - Edwin Yearwood featuring Sakito
04. Welcome - Sheldon Douglas
05. Genie - Shurface featuring Tony Prescott
06. Inside Ah De Fete - Da Bhann featuring Giselle The Wassy One
07. Sucker - Sanell Dempster
08. Jockey Shorts - Mr.Lee
09. Fire Me Up - Bud
10. First Time - Taxik
11. Wet - Bomani
12. So Hot - Pelf
13. Death Trap - Double Xplijun featuring Donella Weeks
14. Mr. Postman - Lima Calbio
15. Mokojumbie - Daddy Jones & Pumpa
16. Another Man - El-A-Kru
17. Dun De Place - Da Bhann & Buke
18. Bad Mimi Mega Mix - DJ Rude Boy - Bunji, Fay-Ann, Claudette Peters & Wasie

CD Review: Coming Home...

VP's D'Soca Zone is essentially a carry-on partner to their excellent Soca Gold series. And it's timely, released on the eve of Carnival, the album typically packs some of the potential road march favorites.

Expectedly, the best thing that can be said about the 6th 'Wukk Up' (and presumably ever other edition in the series) is that it is absolutely a fun listen. There is something on here for you I can all but guarantee you, regardless of what kind of music you listen to, something on this album will get you moving on some level definitely.

The best stuff tune here without a doubt is the opener by posterboy Kevin Lyttle, who drops a massive shot on Home for Carnival, the hook on the tune is so cool. Also check the excellent "Genie" by Tony Prescott, "Sucker" by Sanell Dempster, "Waisteline Shotz" by Mr DJ and "Fire Me Up" by the much talked about Bud. I also liked both tunes by Da Bhann "Inside ah de Fete" and "Dun De Place," featuring Giselle and Buke respectively.

The TJJ crew loves tracks "First Time" by Taxik and "Wet" by Bamani - the melodies are just sweet!

Overall, (this is probably the shortest review I've written in years) I'll stamp the seal of reccommendation on this one and I'm on my way to Carnival! Something here will definitely get you going, the last Soca Gold album was nearly essential, but this one isn't too far behind, huge huge vibes.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Soca Gold 2005 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: June 7th 2005

Track Listings
01. Madder Dan Dat - Machel Montano
02. Right Now - Bunji Garlin
03. All Aboard 2K5 - Edwin Yearwood/Bunji Garlin
04. Trombone - Scrunter
05. Body Water - Mini Prest
06. Turn 'Round - Hot Sand
07. Lorraine (Re-Make) - Explainer/Bunji Garlin
08. Is It Me - Sean Caruth
09. See Yuh Gyul - Surface/Tony Prescott
10. All Night Long - Donella Weeks
11. Mor-Tor - Rikki Jai/Machel Montano
12. Sleeping in Your Bed - Michelle Sylvester
13. Ah Hook - Blackie
14. Recurrence - Sanell Dempster
15. Candy - Terry Seals/Journey
16. We Are One - Sexy Tricia/Karma
17. Crazy Wine - Blazer
18. Roll Back On It - Ginja

CD Review: One of The Best in The Series...

The Soca Gold annual compilation from VP Records is always about huge vibes and great times by some of the biggest and some of the not so well-known soca artists from all throughout the Caribbean. It generally covers all forms of the music very well and is always well represented, and I have actually yet to hear an edition of SG which I felt was actually below average.

2005 is absolutely no different and with all the pub that Soca has gotten in the last year (by virtue of posterboys Rupee and Kevin Lyttle) it may prove to be the most popular edition of the series yet.

Luckily, the album itself does not dissapoint at all! There is some really fun material here, from the opening track of soca legend Machel Montano, to the unbelievable stretch of really good songs which closes the album. Montano is the star here, appearing on two of the album's best track, the opener, Madder Dan Dat and the absolute best tune here, a combination with Rikki Jai called Mor-Tor. Mor-Tor is MASSIVE and besides the chilled opening, never really lets you go when it goes to full tilt. Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin is also present more than once, once in a solo, his best effort Right Now and another in a combination with future posterboy Edwin Yearwood on All Aboard 2k5, and finally in a remake of the tune Lorraine with Explainer.

The real story about SG 2K5 however, lies in tracks 11-18. There is some flat out amazing music which closes the album. Besides Mor-Tor is the excellent Sleeping in Your Bed by Michelle Sylvester; the hilarious A Hook by Blackie T; also the beautiful Recurrence by Sanell Dempster, which may or may not be a tribute to late Soca head Onika Bostic who died in 2004, beautiful regardless; and needs to be a future star Blazer, blazing on Crazy Wine which is one of the album's best tunes, he was also in such a position on SG 2K4. From the 1st half of the album, you really have to check Turn Around as well, by Hot Sand.

Overall, I'd definitely stamp a seal of approval on this one and recommend it beyond a normal record. Only thing that disappointed me here was the lack of a tune by Dawg-E-Slaughter or Maximus Dan (and maybe the odd tune Candy, but even that's growing on me). If you at all caught any of the massive soca bug that circled the world in 2004 then you should check out SG 2005, and tell em I sent you.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Soca 101, Vol. 3 - Various Artists (VP Records)
Release Date: Feb 7th, 2006

Track Listings
01. Lift Ya Leg Up - Spice & Company
02. Jump & Wave - Preacher
03. De River - Blue Ventures
04. Sweatin' - Krosfyah - (featuring Edwin Yearwood)
05. Ah Feel To Party Tonight - Winston Soso
06. Wanna Dance - Arrow
07. Raise Yuh Hand - Flyin Cloud
08. Jump & Wine - Beenie Man
09. Lethal Batty - El-A-Kru
10. Hold Up Yuh Foot & Jump - Zulu Lightening
11. If Ah Rude Ah Rude - Devon George
12. Showdown (Band Meet Band) - Xtatik - (featuring Burning Flames)
13. Man Ah Bad Man - Bud
14. Gu Nu Gu - The Mighty Sparrow
15. Wine Down - Byron Lee
16. Tempo - Ellie Matt & The GI's Brass

CD Review: A Lesson in Vibes

I consider myself to be a relatively new listener when it come so soca music. Having just gained an extreme interest in the music, despite my almost constant access to it, within just the past five years, there is still much about the modern age of soca and even more of the calypso eras which I don't know about. Thus, I am always on the lookout to expand on, not only my collection, but my knowledge of the genre as well. So, I pickup virtually every new compilation as well as older compilation which I can find (and when you live in the Caribbean, the shelves are JAM PACKED with soca comps, perhaps just as much as reggae); with the overall goal of being someday to have just as vast a knowledge base for soca that I do for my other favorite musical genre, reggae.

Luckily for me someone at VP Records also has an interest which matches (well, exceeds, they actually spend a great deal more than $13.95 on these albums I imagine) mine. The reggae giant label routinely supprts the genre, much moreso than any label (major or indie) which has an established name in the music (with respect to J&W). They have the 2 comps, which they release anualy, the MASSIVE Soca Gold and the nice D'Soca Zone, combined with the fact that just since the turn of the century, VP has released albums for soca acts, 3 Suns, Bunji Garlin and Edwin Yearwood, and have been the main distributor for our top rankin soca artist, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires. And just recently, they added soca king Garlin, to their extensive list of exclusive recording artists (they also have Yearwood signed as well).

Then there's the Soca 101 series as well. The series which is actually marketed to the dj community, serves to fans as well to give them an update on earlier records of the exciting genre. Therefore, it isn't rare to get such an album and seen names like Bunji and Destra on one end and Arrow and Sparrow on the other end, and what can I say? I love it!

The result of such planning is a wonderfully inclusive and even educational project (I dont really think they intended it to be educational hahahah!). This, the 3rd and most recent installment of the series is without a doubt the highwater point for the entire series, which goes to hope that VP chooses to do what they did with volumes one and two and release volume 4 sometime in 2007. And as soca continues to gain in popularity and in the VP Records release rotation, this series figures to become more and more of a priority.

The album starts out well strong with two BOOMSHOTS. Both Lift Ya Leg Up by Spic & Co. and Jump and Wave by the Calypso Preacher are exceptionally strong. With Lift Ya Leg Up getting the album kicked off with a very powerful vibe, almost immediately making you happy that you bought this one (that's VERY important, I can't tell you how many times I've bought an album and spinned track #1 first and been completely disappointed with the purchase as a whole!). It is ever so slightly topped by the MASSIVE Jump and Wave which is a soca favorite, but the first time that I had heard the tune and I LOVE IT! Jump and Wave is more of the big and vibrant sounding soca which I enjoy and just make you wish you were in the midst of millions jumping!

So the discussion for what my favorite tune from Soca 101 Vol. 3 pretty much began and ended between those two track. Until I heard track 3.

The honor of best track without a doubt goes to absolutely divine De River by the Blue Ventures with Sanell Dempster on lead vocals. The song takes that big soca vibe and adds a wonderful vocalist to the mix and Ms Dempster is one of my favorites, she does this big track justice! Definitely worth the price of admissions alone just within the first 3 tracks, but there are several other tracks in the balance of the album which make it even better.

Check the last 3 as well! The classic calypso vibe of Gu Nu Gu by Mighty Sparrow, is part of what makes an album like this such a wonderful idea. Of course keep going and check Byron Lee and the Dragonaires on Wine Down with an excellent effort, not only by Lee and the Dragonaires, but by a fine fine uncredited female singer as well. Lastly, finishing the album is the excellent (and probably 4th best tune altogether) Tempo by Ellie Matt & The GI's Brass. The song is a nice mix of not only vocals, but excellent instrumentation as well, with a couple of minute long brilliant passes of instruments alone!

Other highlights include Sweatin by Krosfyah of course, always check them out in any situation! Check Moses doing pure soca showing his versatility on the fine fine Jump and Wine, definitely happy they made that inclusion of that one and Beenie puts forth a fine effort. Check soca VET Devon George on the strong If Ah Rude Ah Rude, sounding like a dancehall track wrapped into a soca vibe.

Lastly, check out musically the most interesting track here, Showdown. Showdown is a strong combination between two soca bands, XTatik and Burning Flames, and its as crazy and as hype as you would imagine if you are familiar with the two groups, and just one of the several hidden gems you pickup when you pickup and album like this.

Overall, definitely recommending Soca 101, Vol. 3 and even the first 2 should you be able to find them. Its a wonderful series for the new soca fan in particular, I imagine the more established soca heads just might have ALL these tracks in the collection already. The vibes are at the top! And this after a fantastic year for soca music, hopefully looking forward to a great '07.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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Tough Life - Junior Kelly (VP Records)
Release Date: Sep 13th 2005

Track Listings
01. Tough Life
02. Blaze
03. Rasta Should Be Deeper
04. Receive
05. Love You Like That (featuring J.C. Lodge)
06. Touch My Heart
07. Hold The Earth (featuring Dennis Brown)
08. Jah Give Me Strength
09. Not I
10. Youths Dem Nah Cool
11. Satan Throne
12. Loser
13. Jam For A While
14. Ease My Pain
15. Dem Story
16. The More I See Her
17. Be Wise

CD Review: Eternally Slept On, Eternally Wicked...

Is there a more overlooked big artist in Jamaica than Junior Kelly? Jah Mason maybe? Maybe Determine? Or maybe even Bushman? If the title of JA's most underappreciated doesn't belong to Kelly, then he's right up there. The artist has consistently turned in big tunes and big albums and is constantly overlooked by his peers such as Sizzla (to whom he's most often compared) and Capleton, and even by the newer crop of hitmakers such as Turbulence and Fantan Mojah.

He remains, however, perhaps the single most consistent roots artist on the scene (with respect to Luciano), his music is always at a certain level and he's one of the few distinctively reggae artists who don't try to overstep the reggae 'boundaries'.

His newest album, VP's Tough Life, is very very impressive, I'd venture to say his best in a few years and one of his best ever. The opener and title track is one of the highlights and one of the big sound roots anthems you've come to expect from the artist, just big beautiful sounding reggae music. Also check the excellent Rasta Should Be Deeper, again, big anthemic sounding tune with a fantastic message.

The big pre-release tune on this one was Receive which became a JA #1 (and probably is the reason TL came out when it did) and it is a really big tune and one of the album's best. However, the real story about Tough Life is the 'toughness' of the middle tracks on the album. Beginning with the literal highlight here, which is Hold the Faith, a wicked refashioning of an old Dennis Brown hit and it features the chilling vocals from the late great Crown Prince himself.

Also in that run of tunes is the excellent Youths Dem Nah Cool which begins in typical Kelly fashion only to 'ascend' to near music perfection as Kelly abandons the typical chanting on the second verse and just begins talking directly to the youths of the world, its really a big big tune that you need to hear. The album's best tune however, is Satan Throne. The song just climbs at the beginning and eventually blows out to a luxuries anthemic melody and is actually one of the best tunes Kelly has ever recorded, you can literally replay it several times and not tire of that one tune alone. Later in the album a Kelly production, Ease My Pain becomes one of the better tunes on the album.

Overall, if you really love the reggae music, this is your album. It is almost painfully consistent and Kelly never wavers from his devotion to the music, nor his devotion to it at nearly its highest level. Tough Life is steady, maybe not spectacular, but that's the perfect way to describe the artist as well, and if you're a fan of Junior Kelly, then you will LOVE Tough Life.

Bramoi for Trini Jungle Juice

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It Is Crop Over - Various Artists (Moonblast Productions)
Release Date: 2005

It Is Crop Over is the debut album of Moonblast Productions. Sebastian Legall who is only 22 years of age and from the small island of Barbados produced all tracks... [read more]

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