There‘s no way this should work. Too many cooks in the kitchen, too many A-listers, too much hype. But f*ck me if Thievery didn‘t pull it off. David Byrne, Louie Vega and the kings of chill churn out a sunshine-fueled Afrobeat gem. In the immortal words of Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith, head of another A-Team, “I like it when a plan comes together.”
Various Artists Jonkanooo
Fifteen artists chat lyrics over a recycled dancehall beat in this latest one-rhythm-supports-an-entire-album compilation from reggae-specialists Greensleeves. This time ‘round, famous (Sean Paul, Beenie Man) and not-so-famous lyricists (Looga Man, Kim Kartina) share the marquee with Donovan “Vendetta” Bennett‘s Jonkanoo riddim. Jonkanoo is the African-inspired Christmas celebration in which revelers parade through the streets dressed in masquerade, but here the word means bashment revelry, which is precisely what this uptempo arrangement delivers on “Frame I and I.” In the track, Beenie explains why it wasn‘t him who murdered Jamaica‘s most famous dancer, Bogle. It‘s an I‘m-not-guilty plea you can get jiggy to.
Ranking Joe World In Trouble
Listen to Ranking Joe‘s World In Trouble and you‘ll think one of two things: either Joe‘s repetitive pro-Jah/anti-Babylon chants are lyrical tools facilitating greater roots-man consciousness; or Joe is the world‘s worst lyricist. At least there‘s no debating World contains some real tough roots reggae riddims. Pleasant surprises include the ska-roots (Skaboom) remix of the title track by UK outfit Vibronics, and a bonus remix cut of “Don‘t Follow Babylon,” featuring former Black Uhuru front-man Mykal Rose. There‘s some potential here-just don‘t expect Joe to reinvigorate the genre.
TC Let‘s Go
After a whole host of quality R&B-inspired bootlegs comes TC‘s first release on Valve and it‘s a monster. The bass is ridiculous, really heavy stuff, whilst the bongos work well keeping the momentum going. Lovin‘ all his little vocal touches as well, and the mixdown is something to be applauded too.
Pendulum Slam
After some signature Pendulum “space talk,” the track surprises you as it goes into 32 bars of groundbreaking hip-hop before frantically winding up and dropping into a next level rinse-out. With its quality catchy riff too, it could be big enough to top “Another Planet.” Time will tell.
Duo Infernale Positive Vibes
After a whole host of labels fought over this one, I finally received a test press from DogsOnAcid and I‘m told it‘s coming out on their Under Construction imprint. Love the musical atmospheric intro that drops into a lovely reggae-influenced bassline accompanied by switching drum programming. Works everytime.
DJ Rooster Shake It (Steve Angello Remix)
I know this is by no means a new release, but this remix has been a mainstay in every one of my sets. Stripped down old-school acid house that pumps deep and low. Fantastic production that powers over all other house music out there for me.
PMT Gyromancer Remixes
An old classic back with a revamp and four mixes to choose from. They‘re all high-quality versions but I reckon the Stanton Warriors have done a sterling job here, keeping true to the original but also adding their distinctive, pounding sound. A must for the high point in any DJ set.
Force Mass Motion Out Of It
A fantastic track (due out soon on Lot 49) from the best producer out of the prog scene. Force Mass Motion crafts an absolute belting groove with a tech tinge and swelling production. Great sound, great label!
