Courtesy of Jon Freer (mosoul.co.uk) here are 24 reviews of released and soon to be released singles (12″, CD and even 7″) (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):
Max Romeo / Prince Jazzbo – Give Praises / Live Good Today (Blood and Fire) 7″
This is the first of six limited seven’s taken from a compilation of Fisherman versions, which hits the shops soon. Max Romeo eloquently thanks God over a hearty guitar driven backing on “Give Praises”. Prince Jazzbo recalls the power of Selassie, alongside original Congo warbling.
Horace Andy / Dean Fraser – Love Love Love / Fisherman’s Anthem (Blood and Fire) 7″
These new versions using the Fisherman rhythm were recorded recently in Jamaica and then edited and mixed down in Germany by the mighty Rhythm & Sound crew. The positivity of Horace Andy’s lyrics shines through on the magical “Love Love Love”. The “Fisherman’s Anthem” sees Dean Fraser reverential sax tones coat those earthy grooves nicely.
Mykal Rose / Early One – Let You Love / Jig Jig Jig (Blood and Fire) 7″
The legendary Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry originally produced the Fisherman track in 1977, and these new interpretations are in the spirit of the original. Mykal Rose’s coaxing vocals give more praises on “Let Your Love”. Early One tells a Fisherman’s story on “Jig Jig Jig”.
Luciano / U-Roy – Going Home / Fisherman Style (Blood and Fire) 7″
Celebrated vocal artistes Luciano and U-Roy crop up on the fourth instalment of the Fisherman 7″ series. “Going Home” finds Luciano in a positive mood, happy at the prospect of his homeward voyage. U-Roy gives his view of the sea trawlers on “Fisherman Style”.
Lutan Fyah / Country Culture – Whitewash Walls / Make Poverty History (Blood and Fire) 7″
Lutan Fyah and Country Culture make an appearance on the penultimate 7″ in the series, with Culture delivering one of the finest interpretations in the shape of “Make Poverty History”. On this track, he pleads for leaders to make the effort to eradicate unnecessary suffering. Lutan Fyah talks about important life issues on “Whitewash Walls”.
The Congos / Big Youth – Fisherman (Edit) / Feed A Nation (Blood and Fire) 7″
The Congos finally make an appearance, bringing us an edit of the original track. Solemn beats and a substantial bass sit beneath begging vocals on the wonderful “Fisherman”. Big Youth supplies the final adaptation, where his smooth vocals show the importance of Fisherman and the metaphorical significance of their work. The full compilation will certainly be worth waiting for!
King Kooba – Static Society EP (Freerange) 12″
Well, there are a couple of new tracks on this EP, but they’re nowhere near as exciting as the reworks of Kooba’s “San Salvador”. Luke Soloman grabs the bull by the horns and twists the track into a fierce floor moving mission, as beats thump, the bass boils over and the sax ends up in a frothy mess. Patchwork opts for a more grown-up angle, where a turning bass, gorgeous keys and sweet sax create a restrained touch up.
Soulphonic Soundsystem – EP (Convincing Woodgrain) 12″
Santo and Chauncey Canfield might be based on opposing coasts, but this hasn’t stopped this US based pair making great records together. Unfortunately, this isn’t an EP of original material, but a remix 12″ featuring overhauls from The Fort Knox Five, Ed Royal & DJ Enne and Ben Mitchell. Mitchell’s summery remix of “Catalina Sunset” is the pick of the bunch, with its playful keys, sunshine strings and powering percussion.
Benjamin Devigne – The Soul & Jazz Of…(Still Music) 12″
Benjamin Devigne and Patchworks show us that musically inspiring yet dancefloor pushing jazzed up House didn’t die when St. Germain moved to Blue Note. “Beginner” is an innocently keyed journey to the other side, where saddened vocals and a shakin’ bass poke the listener in the right direction. “Mess Up” is a dazzling key driven composition, whilst “Ocre” grooves politely, courtesy of honest bass delvings, pretty keys and masterful brass work. “Nostra River” is the only track on this EP not to feature French Deep House master Patchworks, but it still enchants, courtesy of laughing flutes, brave brass and a veiled rhythm section.
Unknown – Re-edits #4 (Jiscomusic) 12″
Once again putting the pieces together in a different order, yet still managing to create ear pleasing morsels, this 12″ is fine, but probably won’t be as huge as the last Jisco release. The producer behind these fine re-edits hails from across the pond, but made it over to the Jisco crew’s neck of the woods recently. High-spirited vocals fly over fun-loving brass and a wholesome bass on the A Side track. Euphoria inducing strings provide the high point on the B Side, as they strut their stuff alongside emphatic drums and a bass that carves out its own little groove.
Lephtee – So Far Back (Buzzin Fly) 12″
New whirring creepy-crawly recruit Lephtee opens his account with a tripped out slice of deeper House, which references his Michigan upbringing and abstract musical ideas. Smacked beats sit behind melancholic keys that just hang in the air on the original version, with mean metallic synths providing a nasty twist to the tale. Phonique’s remix floats those pained keys over computerised beats and a gritted teethed bass.
The Everything Treatment – Sola (Buff International) 12″
The Everything Treatment use their worldly influences to produce culture respecting compositions that are exciting interpretations and not lazy pastiches. Ever so lovely guitars and sweet strings meet on the Brazilian dream like “Sola”. “The Theme From…?” floats ghostly vocals over uneasy keys, scrunched brass and bass unpleasantness.
Lorayne – Something About You (Deeplay Music) 12″
Buzzin Fly regular Rocco injects a little magic into Lorayne’s “Something About You”. Lorayne’s ever so beautiful vocals sit atop world brightening keys on Rocco’s vocal version. His ‘Deep Mix’ is home to a throbbing bass, blinding keys and layered strings.
Jazztronik – en:Code EP (Especial Distribution) 12″
Ryota Nozaki brings us another jazzy banquet, once more handpicking cuts from a CD only album, and there are three hot tracks that deserve your attention “Pathways” is a highbrow string led number, with imploring vocals from Rob Gallagher and Valerie Etienne. “Rio, Sol E Mar” is a jittery percussed number, where Marcos Valle’s agreeable vocals slide over guitars that grow in stature. Sonia Satana features on “Working Day”, a tasty narrative with exploding bass action and sweet keys.
Will Saul feat. Ursula Rucker – Where Is It? (Air) 12″
A clear standout on Will Saul’s recent longplayer, Ali B has snapped up “Where is It?” for his Air imprint. It’s all about the original version, where Ms. Rucker’s angered vocals are laid upon unsure keys, a snarling bass and steady percussion.
Mocky feat. Feist – Fightin’ Away The Tears (Four Music) 12″ & CD
This rather lovely collaboration pits Mocky’s production precision against Feist’s gorgeous vocals. “Fightin’ Away The Tears” stirs up the emotions in the way that every song about heartbreak should, with Feist’s hurt vocals aided and abetted by fragile guitar work and tender brass kisses.
Johnny Arthur – Evil Edna (Kill Brique) 12″
London’s Johnny Arthur steps up with the second release for David Duriez’s harder edged sub-label. The original is a disorientating key mission, with a naughty bass and uncaring percussion. Hateful beats, flashing keys and a fearsome bassline cohabit on Deetron’s tougher retooling and Duriez himself even supplies a noxious synth led DJ tool.
Coldcut feat. Roots Manuva – True Skool (Ninja Tune) 12″
Coldcut’s tabla’d collab with Roots Manuva has been soiled by Sway, Switch and Spank Rock. A pissed off bass and swimming keys dominate Sway’s revision, whilst Mr. Rock gives the track his normal shrill keyed treatment. Switch’s mix is in his usual style, as a churning bass mixes up groovin’ keys and powering strings.
The Superimposers – I Wait For You (Little League) 7″
The summery Superimposers bring us a couple of warm-hearted sunshine laced offerings. Demonstrative synths, submissive vocals and pretty organ keys offer patience on “I Wait For You”. Fussing keys, restless guitars and enthusiastic percussion show a perkier side to the group on “Superimposters”.
Foreign Beggars feat. OhNo & Dubbledge – Slow Broiled Ilk (Dented) 12″
The Beggars offer us rough and ready UK Hop. “Slow Broiled Ilk” is a tussle between a grating bass and emphatic beats, whilst glass smashes and a nasty bass makes its voice heard on the violent “Backdraught”. Hundred mile an hour vocals are chased by shining keys and a growling bass on “Hot Plate”.
Young Dog Alien – EP (Young Dog Alien) 12″
A certain expert blender has been in his musical kitchen once more, this time delivering a triplet of odd musical dishes. A bass tries to groove away against languid beats on “Gotta Keep Workin’ It”, whilst the tiny “Amp Trouble” is home to sleepy guitars and a hollow rap. Het up guitars and an energetic string display dominates “Electric Eel”.
Spies Like Us Vs Exit Only – Destination EP (Analog Anonymous) 12″
Analog Anonymous launches with a musical battle between Spies Like Us and Exit Only, with the secret agents coming out on top. Bass darkness meets string lightness on SLU’s sturdy “Destination Unknown”, whilst “Jamaican Flood” is a messy keyed hitter. Exit Only’s finest contribution is “Musik”, where Marvin’s vocals are expertly manipulated over jumpin’ guitars and a sandpaper bass.
V/A – Taster EP 3 (Cookshop) 12″
The Implosion Quartet reign supreme on this Cookshop Taster EP. “Luksus Problem” weaves tragic guitars and sad keys together over clomping beats. “Phase Out” spins violin stringed loveliness over powering percussion and a harsh bass.
The Ape Drape Escape – 200 Angry Bikers (The Laundrette) 7″
Well, the Ape Drape Escape sound as angry as the riders. “200 Angry Bikers” sees a scared vocalist run from sprinting drums and fierce guitars. “They Filled A Bag…” is a fuzzy guitarred number with staccato vocals, forward march percussion and electronic warbling.