Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Dread Zeppelin - Bar Coda
Dread ZeppelinBar Coda
Label: Cash Cow Productions
The basic “schtick” here involves an Elvis impersonator vocalist singing Zeppelin (and other) classics reinvigorated to an often reggae beat. This time they inject some Beatles, Bob Marley and other song snippets with their unique flavor as well.
• Dread Zeppelin Website • Dread Zeppelin WikiPutumayo Presents - Latin Reggae
Putumayo PresentsLatin Reggae
Label: Putumayo World Music
I love reggae and Putumayo has managed to thrust a whole bunch of wonderful established as well as newcomer Spanish singing reggae based artists (largely from Spain) into the spotlight with this release. Ya mon!
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiDub Trio - Another Sound Is Dying
Dub TrioAnother Sound Is Dying
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Swirling metal, reggae, dub, jazz and a sphincter load of talent together with unscrupulous sounds in an elevator shaft of musical potential that also swings the fulcrum of nefarious fanaticism to produce outlandish yet cohesive results in a Melvins kinda way.
• Dub Trio Website • Dub Trio WikiFear Nuttin Band - Yardcore
Fear Nuttin BandYardcore
Label: Bodog Music
Dual dancehall style vocals utilizing a wide variety of musical genre platforms to riff off of. Most of them are heavier or punkier; some are more reggae, but all have the hippin,’ hoppin’ vocals. Quite catchy stuff!
• Fear Nuttin Band WebsiteHR (of Bad Brains) - Hey Wella
HR (of Bad Brains)Hey Wella
Label: DC Underground
This legendary and highly influential Bad Brains vocalist and front man extends his lengthy career (starting in 1978!) with another solo offering, utilizing their time tested signature juxtaposition of hardcore punk and reggae, with hip hop inflections. A slick and well produced release, yet I am under-whelmed.
• HR (of Bad Brains) Website • HR (of Bad Brains) WikiFunkadesi - Yo Baba
FunkadesiYo Baba
Label: Funkadesi Records
Multi award winning Indian-Afrian-Caribbean ensemble from Chicago proves why they have earned such accolades by flooding the listeners ears with an excellent and energetic selection of popular world beat rhythms ranging from Bollywood, bhangra, reggae, funk, hip-hop, electronica and folk, blended and mixed into an infectious and danceable platter of tunes.
• Funkadesi WebsiteNatty Nation - Reincarnation
Natty NationReincarnation
Label: iNatty Records
Madison reggae legends blast the Midwest with more of their infectiously buoyant rhythms and hip hoppin’ hybrid temptations. Lyrically mixing Jah philosophy with various related paths of mysticism allows for new spiritual perspectives for which their music may glide on.
• Natty Nation Website • Natty Nation WikiJahdan Blakkamoore - Buzzrock Warrior
Jahdan BlakkamooreBuzzrock Warrior
Label: Gold Dust
A raw, innovative and intense blending of dancehall, roots, R&B, cumbia, hip hop and dub from this Guyana born but Brooklyn raised musical warrior. Teamed with fellow Dutty Artz members Matt Shadetek and DJ /rupture this release strikes hardest when Blakkamoore’s intense and diverse lyrics are melded to mighty dub and dancehall DJ beats.
• Jahdan Blakkamoore WebsiteRoots Collective - Rising
Roots CollectiveRising
Label: Self Released
Patterned after the famously horn fronted reggae bands from the past, this Madison based outfit regales tales of love and unity with a soul felt altruism. By featuring a rotation of three vocalists (including one female) each of these 5 tracks bolsters a separate sound and vibration to be inspired by.
Passafire - Everyone On Everynight
PassafireEveryone On Everynight
Label: Law Records
A refreshingly colorful approach to utilizing the reggae vibe and riffs while expanding the overall flavor with jam, funk, prog and hard rock. Hooks that slide into your mind and sincere lyrics that pacify or antagonize as needed.
• Passafire WebsiteZiggy Marley - Family Time
Ziggy MarleyFamily Time
Label: Tuff Gong Worldwide
Bob’s eldest son switches gears and focuses his good grooving reggae melodies towards the youngsters. Friend and family guests here include Rita Marley, Paul Simon, Willy Nelson, Jack Johnson and more! Did you see him singing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
• Ziggy Marley Website • Ziggy Marley WikiFat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW
Fat Freddy's DropDr. Boondigga & The Big BW
Label: Drop Records
Reggae ribbed rhythms from New Zealand sway with the cool breeze of tropical dances while skipping across numerous global music resonances and inspirations. Infectious ambient soultronica sunsets smoothly slip into hazy jazzy dub pop and future groove friendly hip hop.
• Fat Freddy's Drop Website • Fat Freddy's Drop WikiView More
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