Some Record Reviews

First up, a couple of new(ish) 12"s from Falasha Recordings that no doubt have been played on Aba Shanti I's dances on dubplate for ages.

Sister Audrey's 'Forward Home' in which she wishes for a trip back home (guess where) "1 by 1 and 2 by 2", thankfully sounds nothing like this:



Which is less shocking than some attempts at similar I've heard in recent times.

Three dubs take up the rest of the vinyl, including a blazing horns version.


The real killer material is on the Emmanuel Joseph 'Road to Zion' 12" (who gives glory to all those you'd expect- Jah, Selassie etc, as well as those who show mercy in effective, upbeat fashion), in particular The Shanti-Ites 'Jah Lord' which is on the B-side.



This one has been warming up the last couple of dances featuring Aba that I've attended and is a stunner. A laid back back organ driven number, underpinned by bass as heavy as you'd expect, it's hypnotic, particularly in a darkened room with huge speakers enveloping you, the odd echoed test tone, nyabinghi drums and dubbing adding to the effect. But really it's all about the organ line. Wicked.



Black Redemption have got Fred Locks to update his classic 'Voice of the Poor' inna UK style.

Original:





The B-side is however, dreadful- horrible electric lead guitar wank destroying an already fairly tepid song.



In revive mode, Pablo Gad's 'Hard Times' has got a repress on 10". Not much to say really, when you can listen to it:



apart from: Classic Steppers (with some excellent deejay chat as the song progresses).

oh look, there was also a 2-step garage tune (it's all the rage, you know) that samples it:



Apparently 'Hard Times' was an update of an old Silvertones rocksteady tune, but my knowledge of the Silvertones rocksteady output is flimsy to say the least. Regardless, you get the late '70s/early 80s original and 'Gun Fever'(a nice enough slice of roots, but not why you buy this) plus dubs.



I've also picked up a reissue of the following on Archive Recordings (who were also responsible for the amazing Symbols and Rod Taylor/ Prince Alla 12"s more recently). One for fans of White Mice:




Also recommended are Mungo's Hi Fi/ Brother Culture's 'Wickedness' 12" (Scotch Bonnet), which has an ace dubstep remix on the flip (although it plays too fast) and would sound lovely next to the King Midas Sound 12" (The Bug and Roger Robinson), but you'll know all about that release anyway.

Shit, as I root around, I keep finding other records that should be mentioned. I'll do this again...but maybe I'll leave it a while, just so I can remain suitably out of date.