A “New Day” for Big Mountain

Big Mountain lead singer Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney has weathered some rough turbulence–from struggling reggae musician to pop star back to struggling reggae musician–a rags to riches to rags story of sorts. But Quino is determined to shed the trappings of pop music and get his band back into a conscious groove with its political, yet–to quote Quino–”commercially applicable” blend of reggae.  Read more... (6842 words + 3 images)

CD Review: Abja, Inna Red I Hour

Review by Wendy Russell

Abja: Inna Red I Hour [I Grade Records]

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DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid Vs Twilight Circus Dub Sound System

Riddim Clash

DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid Vs Twilight Circus Dub Sound System
[Play Label]

Experimental is the best word that comes to mind as the bell signals Round 1 to this sound clash. We have two different types of sound boys on this collaborative effort–NY-based DJ Spooky creates his own meaning of riddim through productions that ‘trip’ and kick away the ‘hip’ in hip-hop with head-nodding beats on “Other Planes of Dub,” while Twilight Circus’ Ryan Moore, based in the Netherlands, dubs your life-organs with bass leaving tissues popping out from the skin on “Dust Storm on NGC 7023.”  Read more... (298 words)

CD Review: Anthony B, Untouchable

By Julian Smith

Anthony B
[Togetherness Jamaica]

After a teasing year long wait, the much publicized ‘Untouchable’ album, the seventh to come from Rastafarian deejay Anthony B, produced by Togetherness Records CEO Christopher Kerr, hit the streets of New Kingston on October 3, 2004.  Read more... (655 words)

CD Review: Various, The Ultimate Reggae Mix, Vol. 1

By Matty Tice

Various Artists
[JamDown Records]

JamDown Records has just released their latest in a series of chart topping compilations, “The Ultimate Reggae Mix Vol.1.” Following a format similar to the successful “The Ultimate Dancehall Mix” series, this album features some of the finest names in Reggae performing their hit singles of the last year. This continuous in-the-mix album is mixed by Jamaica’s Jazzy T of the Renaissance Sound System, and is chock full of sound effects giving it that live D.J. club feel.  Read more... (440 words + 1 image)