Roots Rock Reggae

Track Listings

1. Dreaded Youth (Dreaded Youth)

2. Wasting Time (Jack Johnson)

3. Rocksteady (Chris Murray w/ Go Jimmy Go)

4. King Kong (Arena Productions w/ Bret from Pepper)

5. Take What You Want (Chandelle)

6. Tradition (Living In Question)

7. In Between Times 2005 (Go Jimmy Go)

8. The Box (Ooklah The Moc)

9. Keep Your Distance (Woody)

10. Simple Island People (Kupa'Aina)

11. Thomas's Lament (Harrison)

12. Listening (Microscopic Syllables)

13. Losing You (Pennylane)

14. Bad Idea (Pepper)

15. Phat Fish (Pimpbot)

16. Here To Stay (Mixed Nuts)

17. Don't Bring Me Down (Mr. Orange Undercover)

18. Chinatown (Suspicious Minds)

19. Fallen Again (The Crud)

20. No Excuses (Geronimo)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Highlights: An exclusive track from Jack Johnson, a new version of the hit song 'In Between Times' by Go Jimmy Go, a track by rising stars Pepper and one of their friends in Arena Productions. Plus special guest Venice Shoreline Chris Murray (formerly of King Apparatus), and the exclusive home for 'Simple Island People' by Kupa'Aina (as heard on NBC Television's primetime series "Hawaii")

Tracks:

Living Like A Refugee
Soda Soap
Weapon Conflict
Bull To The Weak
Big Lesson
Let We Do We Own
Smile
Compliments For The Peace
Pat Malonthone
Garbage To The Showglass
Akera Ka Abonshor
Kele Mani
I'm Not A Fool
Ya N'Digba
Refugee Rolling
Monkey Work
Ma Fo Ya

Amazon.com

Made up of former displaced persons from the killing fields of Sierra Leone, members of the Refugee All Stars (a.k.a. R.A.S.) were forced to flee for their lives during the 1990s, fanning out into nearby West African nations. Through continued hard times, bandmates Reuben M. Koroma, Francis (Franco) Langba, and Abdul Rahim (Arahim) Kamara entertained and heartened their compatriots with truthful, gently satiric, liltingly infectious tunes. Filmmakers Banker White and Zach Niles made a prize-winning documentary about the band's courageous struggle, thereby bringing their story to an international audience. Backed by Keith Richards, Sir Paul McCartney, and other socially conscious celebrities, R.A.S. embarked on a rapturously received world tour and were at long last able to augment their earlier, but nonetheless invaluable, field recordings with professionally engineered studio tracks. The resulting seventeen songs travel through deceptively relaxed Sierra Leonean Palm Wine music, triple-rhythmed gbute vang and reggae-like sounds (complete with toasting), Nigerian Afro-Beat, and even echoes of Congolese soukous. Backed by sweet yet astringent vocal harmonies, sultry guitars, homemade percussion, and playfully retro-sounding organ riffs, each selection reveals still another facet of a bittersweet but ultimately triumphant saga of survival. At long last, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars are poised to become the superstars they were always destined to be. --Christina Roden

Album Description

This is a group of musicians who lived for years as refugees in the West African nation of Guinea. While living in a tent camp, they acquired a couple beat up guitars and a rusted out sound system and began playing. American documentary filmmakers made the band the focus of their movie, which received enthusiastic endorsements from the likes of Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Joe Perry, and Ice Cube. The film's success has allowed the band to tour internationally to ecstatic audiences. Born in the midst of a violent, decade-long civil war, the group and its music celebrate our ability to sustain hope, inspiration, and creativity - the best in us - even in a climate of rage, loss, and madness.

Customer Reviews:

Rock to the rhythm of the Refugees.......2007-07-12

I lived in Sierra Leone for 4 years, from 1971-1974. The time I spent there has shaped my beliefs. I was introduced to new music, new languages and this album brings it all back. As well as the Hi-Life and more traditional songs, this album has some really good roots reggae

But, don't buy it because I'm getting misty eyed. Buy it because the music is inspiring and makes you want to dance. Buy it because you've never heard anything from Sierra Leone. And, when you've bought it, go out (or online) and find the album by Afro National.

I was lucky to live in Sierra Leone and I love this music. Now to try to find the tv program which goes with it...

ABOUT TIME! Bob Marley would be proud!.......2007-06-27

At a time when we are overwhelmed by negative and ignorant music (with few exceptions) in the US and elsewhere, this CD is a Godsend! Positive and uplifting music along with thought-provoking lyrics by people who really know that you can't be happy if you've never been sad.

The rapper Black Nature has a lot to teach his American rap counterparts. Keep up the good work brother, your work far outstrips the US rappers who have inspired you!

To Grace, The Emperors, and all the other RAS, God bless you all. ZBob Marely is smiling somewhere.

Living Like a Refugee CD is excellent for both music and content.......2007-05-13

I work with refugees here in the U.S. so I was particularly interested in listening to this group of musicians who formed a band while they were in refugee camp. The song "Living Like a Refugee" poetically describes some of the many feelings refugees have when they are uprooted from their homes and forced to flee to another country. Many of the refugees I am working with are from West Africa and they love hearing the music because they identify with the songs and they understand the ethnic languages used with the music. This is the first artistic and creative piece that I know about which has originated in a refugee camp and is now being listened to by ordinary people all over the world. I hope that the music will help all of us to understand that refugees are people just like us and that they deserve to be acknowledged and respected for the courage they demonstrate to the rest of the world, especially those of us in the U.S. who have no idea what it is like to "be a refugee".

Passionate Sounds.......2007-01-19

Great CD filled with passion and emotion. Recommend to anyone. Smooth, relaxing vibes.

Must have!.......2007-01-15

If you like world music this will be a great addition to your music collection. It has a slight reggae feel to it at times but the lyrics make you really feel where it is coming from. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this 15 song album. Enjoy

Average customer rating:

A well done tribute
Insightful and entertaining eollection

The Future Is Unwritten
Joe Strummer
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Redemption Song: The Ballad of Joe Strummer
The Sandinista! Project
Let's Rock Again
Icky Thump
Streetcore

ASIN: B000MV8D38
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

"White Riot," the Clash
"Rock the Casbah," Racid Taha
"Crawfish," Elvis Presley
"Black Sheep Boy," Tim Hardin
"Kick Out the Jams," MC5
"Keys to Your Heart," the 101'ers
"I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.," the Clash
"Natty Rebel (2006 mix)," U-Roy
"Armagideon Time," the Clash
"Nervous Breakdown," Eddie Cochran
"(In the) Pouring Rain," Clash II
"Filibustero," Joe Strummer
"Martha Cecilia," Andres Landeros
"Minuet," Ernest Ranglin
"Trash City," Latino Rockabilly War
"Rangers Command," Woody Guthrie
"Corrina, Corrina," Bob Dylan
"Johnny Appleseed," Joe Strummer
"To Love Somebody," Nina Simone
"Willesden To Cricklewood," Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros

Amazon.com

This 25-song soundtrack to Julian Temple's biopic of the late Joe Strummer is not as much a retrospective of the punk-rock kingpin as an 80-minute radio show with the ex-Clash leader spinning the dials on influential favorites, such as Tim Hardin's "Black Sheep Boy," Eddie Cochran's 1958 rocker "Nervous Breakdown," and Nina Simone's 1967 version of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody." Snippets of interviews and Strummer testimonials break up dead air between tracks, which include previously unreleased demos of Clash nuggets like "White Riot" and "I'm So Bored with the USA," as well as Strummer's toned-down solo work with the Mescaleros. But the real treasures lie in the rarely-heard-before: The Clash performing Strummer's "(In The) Pouring Rain" live in 1984, which never made an album; 1988's "Trash City" recorded with Strummer's Los Angeles combo the Latino Rockabilly War; and the 1975 UK-only single "Keys to Your Heart" from his pre-Clash band the 101ers. The latter's ska-and-punk tendencies, obvious influences on English bands like the Pretenders and the Beat, indicate an early direction for the Clash and the sway its leader would hold over the future of music. --Scott Holter

Album Description

The soundtrack to "The Future Is Unwritten," a documentary chronicling the life and times of Joe Strummer, frontman for the seminal UK band The Clash. The film premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for a Grand Jury Award.

Customer Reviews:

A well done tribute.......2007-06-21

I think this is a great album! It is, of course, a soundtrack strictly speaking but it sounds more like a mix CD from a very cool friend with broad musical tastes. Yet it does all tie together because of who it's about. There are few compillations that cover so much territory and yet flow so evenly. I can't wait to see the film!

Insightful and entertaining eollection.......2007-05-30

It's hard living off the scraps that may come our way now that the great man has gone and I'm sure there will be some pretty crass compilations in days to come! This however is skillfully put together and paints a picture of the man through the music he wrote and the music he loved. The opening studio take of just his voice singing White Riot sends a chill and as the full song commences memories flood back of sweaty Top Ranks and the band blasting away within touching distance of the audience.Following thisThere is a very unusual rendition of Rock the Casbah in Arabic however the most part is taken up by Joe playing songs from his radio show all of which are special. My particular favorite is the U Roy song. Many of you will have bought the 'Front Line' album back in 76 as it was sold at a promotional price of 69p the track that appears here is a version of the original and to my money superior, what a voice!!
I enjoy this album because it flows and it something to keep as an aid to remembering Joe Strummer, the songs are linked by passages of dialogue, a sprightly sounding Topper Headon is just great to hear at last, but most moving is Joe's passage about the ability and power of people to change things. His voice seems to crack with the emotion and intensity of what he is saying and I'm afraid to say I cried again!!

Average customer rating:

Streetcore is it!!!
Not Going to Gush!!
Makes winter feel like spring
Smokin' Joe
Epilogue

Streetcore
Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
Manufacturer: Hellcat Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Global a Go-Go
Rock Art and the X-Ray Style
Let's Rock Again
Elgin Avenue Breakdown Revisited
Walker

ASIN: B0000CD5FN
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Coma Girl
Get Down Moses
Long Shadow
Arms Aloft
Ramshackle Day Parade
Redemption Song
All In A Day
Burnin' Streets
Midnight Jam
Silver And Gold

Album Description

Third Hellcat release for Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, recorded just weeks prior to the beloved rock legend's death on December 22, 2002. Digipak. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Streetcore is it!!!.......2007-05-25

More than music, Joe Strummer's voice and songs take you on a stunningly moving journey. His tunes are gripping and beautiful. His voice raw and deep. My new best friend: Track 7- All in day-- is like a shot of dynamite energy. This is truly quality, outstanding music. You deserve the treasures of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros!! Take the trip and you'll never turn back!

Not Going to Gush!!.......2007-05-12

I'm determined not to gush over this album!! however I think Joe got close to where he was going with the mescaleros and it all feels criminally unfinished. It's clear that the band had to release everything to fill the whole album but when you listen to 'Get Down Moses' or 'Ramshakle Day Parade' you know it was a major step on from Global a Go Go. Joe's dream was this world music fusion that rocked!! I like to think that he got there but just think there was so much more to come. GUSH GUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes winter feel like spring.......2007-02-01

It's hard to not be a little nostalgic when reviewing an artists
last album before their death but then again it's hard not to be
nostalgic when reviewing anything by joe strummer. Five years
since his passing I still believe this is his best solo effort.
The fact that it wasn't finished makes me wonder what more it
could have been. Strummer was one of those few voices that
seemed to speak to the whole world,a rare voice we need now
more than ever. Keeps you a little more sane doesn't it?

Smokin' Joe.......2006-12-15

One of the best showcases of Joe's cross-genre talent ever. I love the smokey, sultry quality of his voice on these tracks. Truly an enormous loss for all of us '70s teens who grew up in the original punk era was Joe's passing, and this, his last album prior to his untimely death in 2002 is, in my opinion, one of his best ever. The incredible talent of the Mescaleros shines through, together with the energy Joe obviously brought to this Labor of Love. Every single track on this CD is a good one, but I especially enjoy Get Down Moses. Rock on Joe! We miss you!

Epilogue.......2006-08-10

Joe Strummer's death continues to depress me, especially after playing "Streetcore." His music as usual is timeless and will be with us forever...

Average customer rating:

Mostly excellent with one baffling decsion
Very Very Good
How Do You Redo That?!
Too hyped
Fitter, Dubbier

Radiodread
Easy Star All-Stars
Manufacturer: Easy Star
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dub Side of the Moon
Easy Star All-Stars: Dub Side of the Moon Live
The Information
Easy Star, Vol. 1
Is it Rolling Bob?: A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan

ASIN: B000GUJZ5K
Release Date: 2006-09-04

Tracks:

Airbag featuring Horace Andy
Paranoid Android featuring Kirsty Rock
Subterranean Homesick Alien featuring Junior Jazz
Exit Music (For A Film) featuring Sugar Minnot
Let Down featuring Toots & The Maytals
Karma Police featuring Citizen Cope
Fitter Happier featuring Menny More
Electioneering featuring Morgan Heritage
Climbing Up The Walls featuring Tamar-kali
No Surprises featuring The Meditations
Lucky featuring Frankie Paul
The Tourist featuring Israel Vibration - Skelly Vibe
Exit Music (For A Dub)
An Airbag Saved My Dub

Customer Reviews:

Mostly excellent with one baffling decsion.......2007-04-17

The album is really really good and I recommend it highly. I don't think they knocked this one out of the park like they did with 'Dub Side' but easily a stand-up double.

My one gripe is why in the world they picked Citizen Cope to do Karma Police?? There are so many capable reggae singers that would have just made this song killer and I love what the musicians did with the arrangement but I just can't get over Clarence simultaneously feigning Thom Yorke's voice and a Jamaican accent. He murders the song for me. Don't get me wrong he's a fine artist in his own right but this was not his place. My opinion is that if you are going to do a reggae album get *reggae* artists or be prepared to upset some passionate (READ: cranky) reggae fans.

Imagine KP sung with a real heavy Jamaican singer's voice like Buju or Sizzla ("This is what you get...") or given the royal treatment with Barrington Levy ("Karma police...). This would have been not only the best song on the album but possibly of the year. Of course, those are huge names in reggae but so are Horace Andy and Toots Hibbert. Even talented less-famous artists (Where's Corey Harris & Ranking Joe this time around?) would have made this song stand out rather than stick in my side.

Everything else is great and they did an amazing job with arranging some very difficult material. Some highlights for me:

- Horace Andy! He does a bang up job on Airbag.
- The opening riff of Electioneering is brilliantly transformed into an organ. Possibly my single favorite part of the ablum.
- 'Paranoid Android' drags at first (not a huge fan of the Kirsty Rock performance but it's growing on me) but then come the horns for the middle part which really take the song into an unexpected epic reggae march.
- The Meditations sound sublime as always with their rendering of 'No Surprises'.
-And of course, Toots Hibbert throws 'Let Down' for a loop and makes you smile while listening.

Very Very Good.......2007-01-05

When I first heard Dub Side of the Moon, I thought it was amazing. This album I did not expect as much out of. However, it is also an amazing listen. Even if you aren't a Radiohead fan, you can love this music. If you are a Radiohead fan though, you are in for a special treat. This album is great!

How Do You Redo That?!.......2007-01-04

Beautiful record!! It grows on you the same way the original did. The same mood is present, but w/ a nice, soulful twist landing on the ones & threes. You gotta buy this ingenius record! I can only wait patiently for their next feat!

Too hyped.......2006-11-03

To say that this album is in the same degree, better, or even close to Dub Side. I say, hellllllll no, I don't know what these people here are talking about. To start, you simply can't compare the emotional and instrumentally multidimensional Dark Side of the Moon with Radiohead, come on. This album is much more one-dimensional, simplistic, and monotonous. There is nothing special here, and as far as reggae goes, I can name you 25 reggae albums with more soul and better than this, even those two dub solos at the end do not amount to anything; Scientist, Mad Professor, and Augustus Pablo 30+ yrs. ago did dub 50 times better than that.

If you are looking for good reggae albums, here are a few. Bob Marley - Babylon by Bus (his best most polished live album by far), Third World - Ultimate Collection (one of the most instrumentally achieved groups in roots reggae), Augustus Pablo - East of the River Nile (this one is very unique and just a great classic), Matisyahu - Live at Stubbs (great new reggae with lots of soul), Los Pericos - Mystic Love (this guys are from Argentina and very versatile, way better than this album, you'll be surprised), Mad Professor - The African Connection (an obscure dub gem) and of course Dub Side of the Moon (a must). I could name some more but you can't go wrong with these ones.

Fitter, Dubbier.......2006-10-31

What an enjoyable trip! Especially "Let Down", Toots makes it a work of praise to the heavens; "Fitter, Happier", the true genius moment where the Rastaman's paranoia comes out; and "Exit Music", Sugar Minott has a good thing going on that one. Only bummer: "Subterranean Homesick Alien", probably my fave track on the original - George Michael seems to be singing it here, not that I mind George but it's too white-sounding to be included here. Am I in trouble?

Average customer rating:

My copy was COPY-PROTECTED!!
IF YOU LIKE REGGAE: YOU'LL LIKE THIS!
My least favorite by an artist I love
Great remake of great roots Reggae
Daring, Devoted...but...

Throw Down Your Arms
Sinéad O'Connor , and Sinead O'Connor
Manufacturer: That's why there's chocolate and vanilla
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Collaborations
Sean-Nos Nua
The Lion and the Cobra
Aerial
Extraordinary Machine

ASIN: B000B6D6TU
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

Jah Nuh Dead
Marcus Garvey
Door Peep
He Prayed
Curly Locks
Vampire
Y Mas Gan
Prophet Has Arise
Downpressor Man
Throw Down Your Arms
Untold Stories
War

Amazon.com

Much has been made in Sinead O'Connor fan circles and the pop music press about the controversy-courting singer's decision to revive her self-shelved career with a disc of reggae covers. After the critical breakthrough that was 2002's Sean-Nos Nua, an album of traditional Irish tunes artfully reimagined, a jaunt through Jamaica carried the whiff of a stunt--there she goes banging the drum of defiance again, went the popular gripe, just when the world had widely concurred it liked her riffling through the dustbins of her own musical roots. On closer inspection, though, O'Connor's sabbatical to Burning Spear country makes a lot of sense: rewind to 1992, when she famously ripped a picture of the Pope on "Saturday Night Live," and the memory that it was Bob Marley's "War" that struck her as suitable tearing music clicks into place. What Throw Down Your Arms reveals more than anything is that the rasta spirit has never fully left O'Connor. Separating "religious music" from "music about God," O'Connor gracefully insinuates herself into each of these songs, imbuing some (the sparsely done "Jah Nuh Dead," "Marcus Garvey," "War") with characteristic fire and indignation and others, including the title track and the charming "Curly Locks," with a fully realized and oddly audible sense of enlightenment. Significantly, her signature Irish lilt is fully tact here; it's her sole white-girl spin on a series of universally appealing, otherwise untouched songs. Groundbreaking producers Sly & Robbie and a real-deal reggae backing band lively up the proceedings without peeling away the message. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

My copy was COPY-PROTECTED!!.......2007-06-21

This is a great reggae album by Sinead, who shines at pretty much everything she does. I don't know if this is true for all copies of this CD, but mine came copy-protected, meaning that it can only be played... and not installed into iTunes etc. to be part of your collection. Great album though... and great artist!

IF YOU LIKE REGGAE: YOU'LL LIKE THIS!.......2007-05-09

It seems that I am in the opposite boat to most of the reviewers here: I am actually not a big fan of Sinead O'Connor. I heard her sing The Foggy Dew with the chieftans and loved it, but was disappointed with Sean Nos Nua because it was filled with computerized pop reworkings of traditional Irish songs. I thought my 12 seconds of fandom were over. Then I heard her singing Downpressor Man on an independent radio station and was blown away. She drives home all of her classic reggae covers and takes you down to the roots. It is produced by the legendary riddum section Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass) both of whom played with Peter Tosh and Bob Marley as well as many other artists. The songs are sung with a powerfull conviction that can only come from a true respect for reggae/rastas. The expertise of Sly and Robbie cement Sinead's talent in a bedrock history. Hypnotic, chilling, and at other times warm and inviting, Sinead's voice is stellar and completely unaffected. If you like classic reggae this album is worth listening to.

My least favorite by an artist I love.......2007-03-28

I am a HUGE Sinéad O'Connor fan, and I think she's one of the most underrated performers of my generation (probably due to her political/social views, which conflict with much of intolerant America). Plus--she has been a little flaky--lesbian today, pastor tomorrow, etc. Still, this album leaves me lukewarm. There are some catchy tunes like "Vampire," but in general the songs sound like a singer outside her element.

Sinéad's hook for me has been her ability to elicit strong emotions: pain, injustice, love, longing. This collection doesn't do this much for me.

Great remake of great roots Reggae.......2007-02-28

Respect to Sinead O'connor everytime. This CD is great, the selections of songs are some of my favorites. Her remake of Door Peep, Y mas Gan, and Prophet has Arise are amazing. I defenitly recommend this CD

Daring, Devoted...but..........2006-12-24

No one can ever accuse O'Connor of being an insincere artist. She took what (for most anyone else) would be a "you gotta be kidding me" concept and made a drop-dead serious effort. Only someone with buckets of talent could pull such a thing off.

Luckily, O'Connor has never lacked for talent, though she may have lacked for timing. The woman is indeed, as most critics and All Music Guide note, one of the greatest "born" singers to emerge in 20th century pop. She's also had extensive experience with reggae fusions to great success in her strong back-catalogue. People apparently forget that she's still sold 20 million records in spite of the "Pope thing." Her ability to successfully fuse styles was outright pioneering in the late 80s and beyond.

That said, this is a flat-out "religious-experience" record. O'Connor fakes nothing here, from the non-mainstream (but *choice*) reggae/rasta tunes she is covering, to the classic line-up of authentic studio players (recorded with Sly & Robbie at Tuff Gong, for heaven's sake). O'Connor has always been able to throw darts at God and spiritual themes...this album lets her go full-throttle. The opening rendition of "Jah Nuh Dead" is creepy in the best way you could imagine. It's her statement that she means every word she sings. Her soul and passion on every song is the ticket here: sensuous on a great "Curly Locks," firing on Babylon with "Downpressor Man." The title track is, again, spotlessly sung, produced, rendered, you-name-it.

The downside? You have to either really like Sinead O'Connor or really like reggae music and its message. The sounds alone are great for any ear, but at heart (on sleeve) this is a serious work, and not for the casual listener at all. I champion O'Connor's bold talent and, some day, in a rational world, this woman will be given the major props she has earned.

Also, I'm really disappointed that O'Connor is allowing cigarettes to start hacking away at that unbelievable voice. It's evident on virtually every song. Her timbre and resilience has suffered, and it's a crying shame, given that her calling card has always been the pristine, multi-octave tone of her vocal instrument. It's also clearly the cigs that are doing it. But she hasn't lost a shred of soul. This very good, very worthy album is proof. Buy it as an O'Coonor fan or a fan of REAL reggae, and you'll be utterly thrilled. There's no middle ground... otherwise it's a complete novelty.

Average customer rating:

Endless talent, humor(!), peerless voice
A Superb Sound, Filled With Passion And Soul!
Another great offering
Lovely Lila!!!
From Latin standard to modern vocals

Una Sangre (One Blood)
Lila Downs
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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La Sandunga
La Cantina
Border (La Linea)
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La Llorona

ASIN: B00023GFT0
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

Viborita
Dignificada
Cielo Rojo
La Bamba
One Blood
Malinche
Tiringini Tsitsiki
La Cucaracha
Mother Jones
Paloma Negra
Brown Paper People
Una Sangre
Yahahuari Nin

Amazon.com

There's no doubt that singer Lila Downs' profile is on the rise after her appearance in the film Frida and on the accompanying soundtrack, which led to a performance at the 2003 Academy Awards. The dividing lines between cultures and classes are major themes throughout the Mexican-American singer's decade-long career; but whereas 2001's Border is more angry about the disparities, One Blood: Una Sangre is more inclusive, if only for the hopeful note of unity sounded in the English-language version of the title cut (the album has two distinctly different readings of the song sung, respectively, in English and Spanish). While much of the cumbia-based, genre-breaking material here is original, Downs and her band completely revamp two covers: Ritchie Valens classic "La Bamba" features techno beats and African drumming; the folk song "La Cucaracha" opens with wailing guitar before settling into a gentle reggae groove. Stylistically restless and lyrically didactic, One Blood: Una Sangre is as ambitious as it is beautiful. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Endless talent, humor(!), peerless voice.......2006-02-04

It does not happen very often that one can hear a forty year old classic in a new cover version, and it is as if you hear that song all new and all over again. Especially, I had always thought that Chavela Vargas' version of Paloma Negra would remain the "gold standard", but when I listened to Lila Down's version here, ohh boy was I wrong, and ohh boy was I blown away! She plays with her talent, she jiggles with her incredible musical possibilities. Where other artists put a lot of effort into a single interpretation, where you see they work hard, Lila Downs seems just like a child that opens a big box of candies and asks: "What type of magic do I feel like doing next?"

All the other songs range from the great (Cjelo Rojo, Tirineni Tsitsiki) to the curious (Mother Jones) and to the original (covers of La Cucaracha and La Bamba), but Lila's Paloma Negra shines as the jewel and showpiece of this CD. If Chavela Vargas' version was the "classic", now it seems more like the pedestrian version to me. And don't get me wrong: I still think it was in itself an incredible performance. But if you want the overdrive, listen to the Lila Downs. Her's is so full of vioce and class, it will blow your mind away! Only in a song like this can it show, where the true genius of an artist really lies.

Let's hope there will be many more showpieces for Lila's endless talent and peerless voice to come!

A Superb Sound, Filled With Passion And Soul!.......2005-07-05

I first heard Lila Downs' sultry, smokey voice in the film "Frida." The movie's entire soundtrack is extraordinary, and I still listen to the CD frequently. Fortunately Ms. Downs has come out with four albums since then, because I love the passion and soul she puts into her music. "Una Sangre" is her latest offering. And it is an eclectic, outstanding mix, based on her multicultural artistic vision!

Lila Downs is a Mexican-American vocalist, with a Scottish-American father, and a Mixteca mother. She grew up in both the Mexican state of Oaxaca and in Minnesota, USA, bi-lingual and bi-cultural. Lila received formal voice training in Mexico and in the States, and performs her own compositions, as well as tapping into the rich indigenous music from the Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, and Nahautl cultures. Her variegated sound is a real fusion of Mexican folk songs, rich American blues and jazz, along with some pop, mixed in with Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms. I occasionally hear some gospel in there also. It is really difficult to pigeonhole her music and interpretations into a genre. This is a good thing! She is totally original.

"Viborita (Little Snake)," leads off with a fantastic driving Afro-Latino beat sustained by a fleet bass drum, with call-and-response vocals. It is very reminiscent of coastal music from Mexico, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean - similar influences, right? The poignant "Dignificada," comes right afterward, and really gives the artist an opportunity to show-off her versatility with this slow sensual bolero. "Cielo Rojo," (Red Sky), is an excellent cut, one of my favorites - a sort of Mexican flamenco with 3 very different guitars at work here. It's gypsy-like, with soaring vocals and Lila, at times, trilling a falsetto high in the back of her throat.

"Bamba" is her take on the 200+ year-old song that Ritchie Valens made famous outside of Mexico, and her version of "La Cucaracha" is a fabulous 'cumbia', which some folks mistakenly call reggae. Reggae, which I really like, is totally different. The cumbia is a Colombian folk dance and music, which originated among African slave populations on the country's Atlantic coast. It is popular in areas of Mexico and Latin America. Extremely sensual, the music is often classified as "salsa, played in 4/4 time with a heavy beat one and accentuated beats three and four, giving a loping rolling rhythm similar to 'riding a horse.'" Anyway, this version of "Cucaracha," which usually has political lyrics, is certainly the most unusual I have heard.

"Tiringue Tsitsiki" (Flower of Marigold), is beautiful and sweet. Lila harmonizes with herself with minimal accompaniment here. While Malinche, with Downs' deep-toned voice and powerful delivery is bold, with lots of percussion - snare drums, maracas, and harp. "Paloma Negra" is traditional Mexican, with a fresh touch. "Mother Jones," performed in English, is pure blues. "One Blood," and "Brown Paper People" are also sung in English.

Lila's husband, Paul Cohen, is the musical director and saxophonist. He has brought together an excellent, international group of instrumentalists who come from the US, Mexico (string-multi-instrumentalist, Celso Duarte), Cuba (bassist, Junior Terry Cabrera), Chile (drummer/percussionist, Yayo), and Brazil (guitarist, Guilherme Monteiro). Mexican and American guitarists Ernesto Anaya and Marvin Sewell, make guest appearances, as does the renowned Japanese percussionist Satoshi Takeishi.

This is a wonderful CD! Lila Downs is a unique artist - simply superb! Highly recommended!
JANA

Another great offering.......2005-06-16

On this Lila Downs fourth or fifth CD if you count the rerelease (with additional tracks)of "Sandunga" finds her even deeper and more comfortable in her binational soul. Revealing her bicultural identity by the light of the moon , much like a leopard in a starless night jungle, her vocals pounce on your soul, invading and capturing your innermost feelings. There is a certain maturity to her latest work that reveals an accomplished artist, one who has travelled the globe and still comes back to her roots. There are no less than five traditional songs that have been given the Lila Downs treatment to retain their folkloric roots but with an edge, the Lila Downs edge. Even the songs that are originals have that feeling of traditional folkloric music because of fine production and musicianship. Although Lila is the star, credit must be given to the tight band that hails from different lands and whose flags make them like a U.N. delegation. Of course, it goes without mentioning that Lila's "amorcito" Paul Cohen does a wonderful job arranging and producing the various melodies for a tight cohesive sound. If you are new to Lila you may feel the disc lacks continuity but this is who Lila is. She is a multitalented artist whose voice is like a contortionist, bending ,dipping and weaving between genres in her unimitable style. To say she is unique is an understatement. Whether she sings in husky tones, soft whispers, lingering, escalating ,suddenly diving operatic high notes or any style Lila chooses , she is fantastic. Listening to her gives me chills today just like the first time I heard her back in 1999 . The haunting melodies stay with you long after the disc stops playing. I've been listening to this disc for about a year now and never seem to get tired of it. I only put it away , off my multi-disc rotation to give others a chance but I always come back to her. She can sing avariety of styles, many are featured here and they are all really good. Obviously she could do just a jazz album, as is evident on her English version of "One Blood" where she sounds like like a sultry, throaty , Latina, Sade. Her talent is boundless. She has been compared to Chavela Vargas but really there is no comparison, there is Lila and then there is Lila. It is her style, her persona, her music that creates the magic. Some of the more traditional songs that have received the Lila treatment are the mystical "Cielo Rojo," "La Cucaracha," La Bamba," and "Paloma Negra" come to new life like antiques recently brought out of the cabinet to be proudly displayed at the table. Although I like very much the traditonal songs featured on this disc I am also drawn to "Dignificada" which has a slight reggae back beat, "Malinche" which explores the Mexican godmother cursed by some but that belongs to all of us who have Mexican heritage, the bluesy , rootsy sung in English "Mother Jones," the call to musical arms Paul Cohen sax introduction on the Arabic sounding "Brown Paper People" with it's hip-hop inflected vocals adding further worldly textures and both Spanish and English versions of "One Blood/ Una Sangre" solidify the bilingual/binational nature of this disc. Lila is like a fine glass of wine or aged anejo Tequila that resonates with the various nuances and influences of the earth and climate, creating an experience to be savored and to reflect upon. She is not a person who fits into the flavor of the day pop- variety-disposible-icons that flood the music market today. This is a true artist who reflects what many people only feel and cannot express. This is another in a succesive line of great Lila Downs albums to be experienced. As others have stated, check her out live too. I've seen her three times and her shows are incredible. You need this CD in your collection, your soul will never be the same.

Lovely Lila!!!.......2005-01-31

Lila Downs is by far the most amazing vocalist of our time. I have all her CD's and can't wait until the next. Her music and live shows are inspiring and moving. She's a Latina who keeps it real and is proud of who she is, where she comes from and where she's been. I had the honor of meeting her and her inner beauty surely compliments her outer beauty. Her talent is moving, and her humility inspiring. I recommend this CD 100% as well as all her others. Hear it for yourself... and catch her live performances when she's in your town!

From Latin standard to modern vocals.......2004-11-18

UNA SANGRE/ONE BLOOD is perhaps the most startlingly contemporary. 'Viborita' opens with pounding drum beats, choral quality, and a beat that is contemporary in style.
Downs' vocals have moved from Latin standard to modern in UNA SANGRE, without losing any power.

Average customer rating:

A good preview
BOMB!
Best of Slighly Stoopid
slightly stoopid acoustic rocks
Their best cd?

Live & Direct: Acoustic Roots
Slightly Stoopid
Manufacturer: Cornerstone Ras Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ska Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore & Punk | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Closer to the Sun
Everything You Need
Give'n It
Kona Town
Flying Ship of Fantasy

ASIN: B0001MDPPE
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Cool Down
Fire Shot
Devil's Door
Sensimilla
Souled
Couldn't Get High
Nico's
Mellow Mood
Collie-Man
Too Little Too Late
If This World Were Mine
Sun Is Shining
Wiseman
I Used To Love Her
Prophet

Album Description

Slightly Stoopid possesses a unique dynamic. They have the sort of musical kinship that is clearly the result of years spent growing up together in one of Southern California's premiere surf towns and the relentless pursuit of creating the quintessential soundtrack for the lifestyle that exists there. Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald are perfect musical counterparts, complementing each other in the realm of elctric and acoustic rock, reggae, dub, blues, hip-hop, punk and metal. Boasting dual front men, Slightly Stoopid yields a rare chemistry. Both are multi-instrumental, often switching effortlessly from bass to guitar in the middle of their shows, continuously balancing their vocal stylings and fresh harmonies and always converging into songs that are good enough to be respected by the very artists who inspire them.

Customer Reviews:

A good preview.......2006-08-01

These guys are amazing musicians; perfect together - a modern Simon and Garfunkel. This album is pretty good on it's own, basically the best modern rock out there, if you'll call it that. It's hard to call it anything because these guys are totally unique; it's a sound I've been lookin for but haven't found in other artists. Even better are there next two albums, and more diverse.

BOMB!.......2006-03-10

If you like the guitar and some chill mellow music, you gotta have this CD.

Best of Slighly Stoopid.......2006-01-01

This album in my opinion is by far slightly stoopid's best. I don't really care for most of their other music just because they sound so "white". This is pure reggae.

slightly stoopid acoustic rocks .......2005-09-12

this is the best cd i have heard in a long time if you like acoustic music with BADARSE guitar playing you will love this cd. these guys tear up the guitar with there funky basslines and pounding rythm

Their best cd?.......2005-09-09

There are some gems of songs on the other cd's they have, but I don't care for a lot of their faster punk songs, and some of them are basically crap. This cd I listen to start to finish without skipping over songs. White boys talking with a Jamaican accent in between songs is rather silly, but they make up for it with songs like "Fireshot", "Sensi" and "Couldn't get High". "Wiseman" is also a great song.

Definitely worth the purchase.

Average customer rating:

Roots, Rock, Remixed
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Manufacturer: Quango Fontana
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000RHRFWM
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Soul Shakedown [Afrodisiac Sound System Remix]
Lively Up Yourself [Bombay Dub Orchestra Mix]
Dubby Conqueror [Fort Knox Five Remix]
Sun Is Shining [Yes King Remix]
Soul Rebel [Afrodisiac Sound System Remix]
African Herbsman [King Kooba Remix]
Don't Rock My Boat [Stuhr Remix]
Small Axe [Paul & Price Remix]
Rainbow Country [DJ Spooky's Subliminal Funk Remix]
Trenchdown Rock [Trio Elrico Remix]
400 Years [Jimpster Remix]
One Love [Cordovan Remix]

Average customer rating:

banned in d.c. bad brains greatest riffs
Someone finally does something right.
A great collection of Bad Brains material
best hardcore band EVER
enhanced?????????

Banned in DC: Bad Brains Greatest Riffs
Bad Brains
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Black Dots
Quickness
Rock for Light
I Against I
Bad Brains

ASIN: B00008V5TK
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

Pay to Cum
I Against I
Don't Bother Me
I
Regulator
F.V.K.
Re-Ignition
Sailin' On
How Low can a Punk get
At the Movies
With the Quickness
Sacred Love
Soul Craft
Voyage to Infinity
Banned in DC
Big Takeover
Joshua's Song
I and I Survive (single mix)
The Meek Shall Inherit
I Luv I Jah
The Prophet's Eye
Riot Squad

Album Description

The first ever definitive collection of greatest hits, features 23 tracks including rare versions and the never before released song 'Riot Squad', as well as the video for 'I Against I'. Caroline. 2003.

Album Details

22 Track Collection Includes Rare Tracks and Previously Unreleased Riot Squad that Appear on CD for the First Time.

Customer Reviews:

banned in d.c. bad brains greatest riffs.......2007-05-14

one of the greatest comps ever everyone should own this

Someone finally does something right........2007-04-08

This collection is exactly what it promises on the front sticker: a "Definitive" collection.

It shows you every side of the Brains, from their blistering hardcore awesomeness to their forays into grotesque sounding metal (not that the metal songs are of low quality, but man is that some ugly, evil riffing on "Voyage To Infinity" and "Soul Craft"), and, of course, some Reggae songs at the end.

Thats what makes this disc so great, you see every side of the Bad Brains.

If you've never heard the Bad Brains before, they're one of the best, if not THE best, hardcore band of all time. Nobody sounded like these rastafarian dudes. Dr. Know was an amazing guitarist (he started out playing jazz fusion), playing tight, furious riffs and ripping out solos like no ones business, HR had a very unique voice with unbelieveable range, at times he sounds very operatic and soulful and then one second later can be screaming like some crazy evil dwarf baby. Earl Hudson (HR's brother) plays drums at light speed, all the while refusing to play those simple "boom-chick, boom-chick" kind of drumlines like most other hardcore drummers. Finally, Darryl Jenifer played bass very well (check out the solo he performs on the live cut of "Big Takeover" on this disc!) and, along with Hudson, kept the band locked in tight at whatever speed they played at.

And they could turn it on and off at the drop of a hat, too. They had lots of tempo shifts and stops in their songs, something that keeps the hardcore numbers from getting too repetitious (something plenty of other hardcore bands suffer from).

So with this disc, you get over an hour's worth of their best songs, every track lovingly re-mastered to sound as good as possible. I'm also very happy that they did vinyl transfers for the "Rock For Light" tracks too, as the CD issue of that album was artificially sped up for some mysterious reason. So you get to hear songs like "Sailin' On" and "At The Movies" at the speeds they were meant to be heard at, something fans who don't own the vinyl edition of that album(i.e. me) will be glad to have.

The bottom line is: The Bad Brains were a truly original force in music, and this disc is an excellent representation of who they were and what they did. It's easily the best single disc purchase of these guys, though after hearing their stuff, you'll probably want to buy more.

A great collection of Bad Brains material.......2005-11-17

This collection spans the best of the career of these DC/NYC reggae/hardcore musicans. Later stuff is OK....but Bad Brains aren't the same without HR's "throat".

If you have never heard the band before this makes a good primer, to get you into them (and they are counted as influences by lots of bands: Beastie Boys to Living Colour & No Doubt (the last two have covered Bad Brains songs both live and in the studio). So if you like what you hear on this disc....make the purchases to get yourself the rest of their library (especially the early stuff) !

My only complaint with this compilation would be that I prefer the SST label recordings versions of the "I Against I" era material. I am sure not having them on here is more a result of label infighting, so at least recordings from that era are still here for inclusion.

Other than that.....great, great stuff !!!

best hardcore band EVER.......2004-06-28

No hardcore band beats the bad brains. They play so damn fast you cant understand them...its great! These guys don't jsut play hardcore either, on this album theres metal and theres reggae. Theres no reason why not to buy it if you like punk (none of that pop-punk crap.)

enhanced?????????.......2004-06-05

i bought this album for the supposed enhancement,as i already knew bad brains are legendary.but the tracks sound the same as they do on the albums they took them off???.caroline have always been a rip off!!

Average customer rating:

reggae greats

Jonny Greenwood Is the Controller

Manufacturer: Sanctuary Trojan Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sound of Silver
The Good, the Bad & the Queen
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Pocket Symphony

ASIN: B000MTPA9A
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Dread Are the Controller - Linval Thompson
Let Me Down Easy - Derrick Harriott
I'm Still in Love [12" Mix] - Marcia Aitken
Never Be Ungrateful [12" Mix] - Gregory Isaacs
Bionic Rats - Lee "Scratch" Perry
Cool Rasta - The Heptones
Flash Gordon Meets Luke Skywalker - Jammy, Roots Radics, Scientist
Black Panta - Lee "Scratch" Perry & the Upsetters, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Lee "Scratch" Perry & the Upsetters,
Fever - Junior Byles
Beautiful and Dangerous - Desmond Dekker, Desmond Dekker
Dread Dub - Lloyd's All Stars
Gypsy Man - Marcia Griffiths
Ruffer Version - Johnny Clarke, Johnny Clarke
Right Road to Dubland - Jahlights
Dreader Locks - Junior Byles, Junior Byles, Lee "Scratch" Perry
This Life Makes Me Wonder - Delroy Wilson
Clean Race - Scotty

Customer Reviews:

reggae greats.......2007-04-10

If you like old skool reggae "DUB" this cd is for if you. Guys put this in your car stereo to impress the ladies,light up a spliff and cruise. Classic reggae songs with lee "scratch" Perry, Delroy Wilson, Gregory Issacs, The Heptones, Desmond Dekker, Junior Byles, Johnny Clarke, Jahlights, Scientist & Jammy & and the Roots Radics, Marcia Aitkens, and Scotty. One Love
Time To Feel Irie
O Yeah
For those who dont know who Jonny Greenwood is he is the guitarist from that small unkown band Radiohead and he is the controller.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Dreaded Youth (Dreaded Youth)
2. Wasting Time (Jack Johnson)
3. Rocksteady (Chris Murray w/ Go Jimmy Go)
4. King Kong (Arena Productions w/ Bret from Pepper)
5. Take What You Want (Chandelle)
6. Tradition (Living In Question)
7. In Between Times 2005 (Go Jimmy Go)
8. The Box (Ooklah The Moc)
9. Keep Your Distance (Woody)
10. Simple Island People (Kupa'Aina)
11. Thomas's Lament (Harrison)
12. Listening (Microscopic Syllables)
13. Losing You (Pennylane)
14. Bad Idea (Pepper)
15. Phat Fish (Pimpbot)
16. Here To Stay (Mixed Nuts)
17. Don't Bring Me Down (Mr. Orange Undercover)
18. Chinatown (Suspicious Minds)
19. Fallen Again (The Crud)
20. No Excuses (Geronimo)