Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Reggae
Dread Zeppelin - Bar Coda

Dread Zeppelin - Bar Coda

Dread Zeppelin
Bar 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 WebsiteDread Zeppelin Wiki

Putumayo Presents - Latin Reggae

Putumayo Presents - Latin Reggae

Putumayo Presents
Latin 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 WebsitePutumayo Presents Wiki

Dub Trio - Another Sound Is Dying

Dub Trio - Another Sound Is Dying

Dub Trio
Another 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 WebsiteDub Trio Wiki

Fear Nuttin Band - Yardcore

Fear Nuttin Band - Yardcore

Fear Nuttin Band
Yardcore
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 Website

HR (of Bad Brains) - Hey Wella

HR (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) WebsiteHR (of Bad Brains) Wiki

Funkadesi - Yo Baba

Funkadesi - Yo Baba

Funkadesi
Yo 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 Website

Natty Nation - Reincarnation

Natty Nation - Reincarnation

Natty Nation
Reincarnation
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 WebsiteNatty Nation Wiki

Jahdan Blakkamoore - Buzzrock Warrior

Jahdan Blakkamoore - Buzzrock Warrior

Jahdan Blakkamoore
Buzzrock 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 Website

Roots Collective - Rising

Roots Collective - Rising

Roots Collective
Rising
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

Passafire - Everyone On Everynight

Passafire
Everyone 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 Website

Ziggy Marley - Family Time

Ziggy Marley - Family Time

Ziggy Marley
Family 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 WebsiteZiggy Marley Wiki

Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW

Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW

Fat Freddy's Drop
Dr. 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 WebsiteFat Freddy's Drop Wiki

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