Album Review: The Kingston Lions - The Kingston Lions

Hey all, got a review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here:

It is of The Kingston Lions self titled debut.

Support the artist, buy the album, read the review and peep some video below:

Album Review: The Paragons - On The Beach with The Paragons

The Paragons

On The Beach with The Paragons

***and1/2 out of *****

The UK based Charley Records specializes in reissues and earlier this year they re-released The Paragons, On The Beach. Originally available in 1967 on Treasure Isle, the rocksteady/reggae offering is a joyful listen with rich harmonies, great sound and flowing groove. 

Full Show Friday: Steel Pulse - Live At Reggae Lake Festival 2023 Amsterdam

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Steel Pulse!

This week it is reggae legends Steel Pulse Live At Reggae Lake Festival 2023 Amsterdam.

Pro shot, pro sound, Enjoy!

Tréson Releases New Single "Life"

The Canadian reggae artist Tréson released a new track, "Life".

Listen to the upbeat, reaffirming single in the vein of Michael Franti below:

2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Artists Announced

We already knew The Rolling Stones were going to be there, now we know the rest of the lineup for the best festival in the country, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. 

RtBE predicted who would be playing yesterday, and we got a few right. Check out this great video to get you pumped:

Some highlights for RtBE:

Album Review: The Frightnrs - Always

Hey all, got a review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!

It is of The Frightnrs newest album, Always.

It is a good collection of rocksteady and reggae as the band pays homage to their deceased lead singer.

Support the band, buy the album, read the review and peep some video below:

Live Streams: Easy Star All-Stars - Live from Washington D.C.

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Easy Star All-Stars - Live from Washington D.C.

The reggae grooves emanate from the nations capital today as the Easy Star All-Stars play and live stream their show from The Hamilton. 

You can stream their show here, and to get in the mood here is some video:

Dylan Cover #518 Robert Palmer & UB40 "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists,  Robert Palmer & UB40 performing a cover of "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" 

Thoughts on Dylan Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
A simple little number coming off of John Wesley Harding it discards the lyrical wizardry for a down home spin.  We are rewarded with easy bliss, not often found in Dylan tunes. The emotions displayed by the singer here are heartfelt, hearty and easy going, just like the tune as a whole. Always a pleasant ride, bring that bottle over here...   

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Robert Palmer is applauded again, again, again, so stupendous...RtBE has always dug Palmer with his mix of English, New Orleans, light Caribbean. While UB-40 has always sounded kind of silly to these ears they certainly have a place in the light reggae world.  

Thoughts on Cover: 

This one falls into the slightly cheesy range, but it takes a folk number and gives it a shiny reggae overhaul in unique fashion. It all is a bit much for the tune from all involved, but is a fun listen once or twice and would probably sound spot on with warm breezes blowing on a beach and a frozen cocktail in your hand. 

Nugs.net Add The Hold Steady, Ziggy Marley and More

RtBE can remember downloading random fun shows from nugs.net Free Stash back in the day. There were some killer Grateful Dead and Phish shows, plus a random sampling of Black Crowes, Robert Randolph and others. Now it has evolved into one of the best live streaming sites and more. 

Recently they announced the addition of three new acts who RtBE enjoys, The Hold Steady, Ziggy Marley and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. 

The site already has some amazing artists on it and is only growing larger and better with time and new artists. To celebrate, here are tunes from each of the new additions. 

RIP Lee "Scratch" Perry

Lee "Scratch" Perry passed away at the age of 85. 

Perry was a giant in the world of music, having worked with everyone in the Jamaican reggae and dub scenes, while influencing far beyond his countries borders. He was wholly unique and marched to his own funky drummer, we will not see his like again.  

We reviewed Panic In Babylon for Glide back in the day and respected him as an artist and innovator. The best way to celebrate his life is listen to his art. Enjoy:

Full Show Friday: Ziggy Marley & Ben Harper - Sessions at West 54th

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Ziggy Marley & Ben Harper!

Some months our Full Show Friday's will focus on specific artists, years, venues, festivals or some combo of it all. 

This months Full Show Friday Series focuses on the Sessions at West 54th St Series.

This week we focus on Ziggy Marley & Ben Harper and their upbeat set which aired in 2000.

Perfect set for a summer Friday and a great way to wrap up our focus on this musical series, there are a bunch we did not get to and may look to review this on in future months. Hope you enjoyed revisiting the series as much as we did. 

Pro Shot, Pro Sound, Enjoy:

Album Review: U-Roy - Solid Gold U-Roy

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!

It is from U-Roy and it is titled Solid Gold U-Roy.

The final album that the Jamaican legend worked on during his life was this release from Trojan. It is a unique revamping of his old hits, all in one place. 

Support the artist, buy the album, read the review and peep some video:

Dylan Cover #443 The Mighty Diamonds "Lay Lady Lay"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by The Mighty Diamonds playing "Lay Lady Lay".

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette and more. Now the spotlight shines on various reggae artists from Is It Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan.  

We have covered a song from this collection in our Dylan Cover Series before, so we will skip Toots this month even though that is a good one from this collection.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we addressed a cover of this tune:
Excellent track and the first time the world heard Dylan's new singing style, which would only last for Nashville Skyline. This song is the standout track from this album, it is a classic and so simple, yet sweet and timeless. One of Dylan's best tracks, this phase was the the closest to "country" he ever got and "Lay Lady Lay" is an overall fantastic piece of music.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE knew about The Mighty Diamonds before ever hearing them sing a note as one of our favorite Phish covers has always been "Have Mercy". We found the original and have dug their sweet singing styled reggae ever since.

Thoughts on Cover:
A chill cover that just stays out of that easy listening reggae-light zone. We hope you enjoyed this month's focus on reggae covers of Bob Dylan tunes.  Support all the artists and buy the album for even more covers. 

Dylan Cover #442 Sizzla "Subterranean Homesick Blues"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Sizzla playing "Subterranean Homesick Bluest".

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette and more. Now the spotlight shines on various reggae artists from Is It Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan.  

We have covered a song from this collection in our Dylan Cover Series before, so we will skip Toots this month even though that is a good one from this collection.

Thoughts on Original:

From the first time we posted a cover version of this tune:

One of the most iconic songs from Dylan's most famous period and a very early showing of how powerful a music video could be. Dylan nods to beat poetry, current events, Chuck Berry's "No More Monkey Business", paranoia, and the Vietnam War all in around two minutes of linked lyrics over one of his earliest electric recordings. There is also the sly sense of humor which Dylan never gets enough credit for, while raging against the proverbial machine. A classic '60's tune in all respects and one non-Dylan fans usually love as well.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Sizzla is artist RtBE became familiar in the late 90's with his reggae/dancehall sound. While we strongly disagree with his anti-LGBT stance and believe it is flat out stupid, we wanted to showcase the most interesting cover on the album...

Thoughts on Cover:

The song that would seem the oddest fit for a reggae style cover is Dylan's pseudo 60's rap poetry, but Sizzla does a cool job of interpreting the tune.  Now if he could only open his mind to the modern world he might be on to something. 

Dylan Cover #441 JC Lodge "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by JC Lodge playing "Don't Think Twice It's All Right".

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette and more. Now the spotlight shines on various reggae artists from Is It Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan.  

We have covered a song from this collection in our Dylan Cover Series before, so we will skip Toots this month even though that is a good one from this collection.

Thought's on Original:

From the first time we reviewed a cover of this tune:

This song is so iconic and flat out awesome, even people who dislike Dylan have to enjoy this tune right? Biting and yet not bitter, a toss off of the grandest proportions, "Don' Think Twice, It's All Right" is epic and yet so straight forwardly simple. It easily ranks as one of the bard's best works, truly a classic and has been covered by so many people in so many ways.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:

RtBE is new to JC Lodge. 

Thoughts on Cover:

Not our favorite cover. This one falls into the easy listening section far too easily with programmed drums and soft floating vocals and soprano sax. 

Dylan Cover #440 Nasio & Drummie Zeb featuring Incline "Gotta Serve Somebody"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Nasio & Drummie Zeb featuring Incline playing "Gotta Serve Somebody"

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette and more. Now the spotlight shines on various reggae artists from Is It Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan.  

We have covered a song from this collection in our Dylan Cover Series before so we will skip Toots this month.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
This powerful call of hell-fire and brimstone rained down from the mountaintop as Dylan proclaimed his faith proudly, and this was the first song that most of the public heard confirming the fact that Bob did indeed "Go Jesus". It is point and fact with its belief and message. You gotta serve somebody... can't be simpler then that when it comes to faith can it? The original has a driving beat and a propulsion to it that sounds urgent, but not as urgent as Bob sings, reinforcing the proclamation through his powerful lyrics and leaving no man or woman on the sidelines...he brings everyone into this spiritual battle, and whatever your beliefs it is impossible not to feel Bob is committed as he runs through the verses and chorus.

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE have not heard of any of the artists on this cover until we heard them on this comp.

Thoughts on Cover:
A real great combo the fire and brimstone of religious Dylan and groove of reggae are a perfect match as many artists in this genre dip back into the ancient preaching ways as Dylan did with this tune. The crew on this cover  Nasio & Drummie Zeb featuring Incline do a great job as laser like electro keys, toasting freestyle, a killer guitar solo and backup vocals fill out the song in glorious style. A def highlight of this months album focus.

Dylan Cover #439 Luciano "Knockin' On Heavens Door"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Luciano playing "Knockin' On Heaven's Door".

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette and more. Now the spotlight shines on various reggae artists from Is It Rolling Bob? A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan.  

We have covered a song from this collection in our Dylan Cover Series before, so we will skip Toots this month even though that is a good one from this collection.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
The song that seems to have been covered by every and any one, but when originally recorded it it was featured on one of Dylan's oddest releases yet. A straight ahead mournful number that just seems to work somehow and like a lot of Dylan tunes has grown beyond it's humble beginning. The song is really a testament to his amazing songwriting which can seem simple at times. The tune has invaded culture (possibly because of all the covers) and I would wager is one of Dylan's most widely known tunes...
Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
 Luciano is a reggae legend who has been active since the early 90's with "Shake It Up Tonight" being the first song RtBE heard of his.

Thoughts on Cover:
As we dip into reggae covers of Dylan during August, we will start with the song that seems to lend itself to reggae the most.  Whether it is Guns N' Roses or Jerry Garcia Band the irie vibes descend during Dylan's cowboy tale or woe. Luciano does a fine job with the tune, keeping it fairly straight ahead and like all of the tunes this month it works well to listen to it under the hot summer sun flowing out of loud speakers.

Album Review: Burna Boy - African Giant

Burna Boy

African Giant

**** out of *****

The newest release from Nigerian singer Burna Boy (aka Damini Ogulu) is an intoxicating mix of styles, substance and sounds as all of his many influences get air time over the hour long African Giant. The Afro-Fusion artist incorporates many genres and even as things hop around from song to song the overall cohesion of the record is rewarding.

The easy flow from Burna Boy is accentuated by various focal points, the opening title track announces it's presence with an easy beat and flamenco guitar line while "Anybody" blows a saxophone with yacht rock lightness and ease, but these are not light and airy tunes. The song "Dangote" uses an odd spastic beat, trumpets and strong singing, threatening to break big, but instead stays even to describe the poverty and financial injustice. The title is the last name of the richest African Aliko Dangote who is Nigerian. The state of his country is firmly on Ogulu's mind as Nigeria history is the backbone on the soulful "Another Story" as he speaks to and for his people

The groove is central to everything here as well, tracks like on the hypnotic "Wetin Man Go Do" or the plucking/rolling ease found on "Pull Up" as these songs (and the majority of the record) were produced by Kel P while "Collateral Damage" deliver a seventies funk vibe. Damian Marley and Angelique Kidjo support on the slapping "Different" which announces the times they are a changing while there is no need to say it during the bumping "This Side" with YG.

Modern day hip-hop and R&B grooves play central roles on the get down club track "Gum Body" featuring killer lines from Jorja Smith in a frothy duet while "Omo" kicks up the dance beats and rhymes while "Killin Dem" uses minimalist warbling beats and percussion to interesting effect as Zlatan arrives rhyming with power. "Show and Tell"brings Future to help out on the Skillrex/Dre Skull produced track which pumps up the bass but both Future and Burna Boy's more aggressive style of rhyming on this effort isn't the best on the album.

Successful tracks like "Destiny", "Gbona", "On The Low" and "Spiritual" manage to infuse all of the influences into a winning mix of guitar lines, vibrant percussion, personal singing and smooth head bopping grooves never breaking loose into full on raves, more like a cool late night lounge vibes in the hippest club in the world. 

While the term "world" is a shitty way to describe "non-American" music, Burna Boy has truly incorporated many modern world sounds into a common cool thread and structure. While his previously release Outside may have announced his talent to the world African Giant is leaps ahead, living up to his boastful title with aplomb. 
_________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:

Album Review: Trojan Jamaica Compilation - Red, Gold, Green, Blue

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of Trojan Jamaica's first official release the compilation titled Red, Gold, Green, Blue.

Everyone from Toots to Sly & Robbie were on the album covering blues tunes in reggae style. It is alright, but more hit and miss than it probably should be.

Support the label, buy the album, read the review, and peep some video below:

Dylan Cover #320 Toots and the Maytals "Maggie's Farm"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune comes is a cover of "Maggie's Farm" from Toots and the Maytals

This month we have a special focus on Artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight, Toots and The Maytals who headline the Congo Square Stage, Thursday May 3rd. 

Thoughts on Dylan's Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
"Maggie's Farm" is classic Dylan, everyone thinks they know what it's about and they are sure they are right, but they all think different things. I will confess I like the sped up Electric version from Newport Folk Festival that caused the end of popular folk music (in theory) and really solidified Dylan's pop music career. It is a great tune and really flows in lots of forms making it perfect to cover.
Cover: 

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE love Toots and the Maytals. They were the first Jamaican artists we truly enjoyed (yes, before Marley) because of their up beat mix of ska reggae and soul. Having caught them years ago at Wetlands we were amazed at the tight playing and the way Toots handled the crowd with confidence. He was royalty and he knew it.

Thoughts on Cover:
A really great combo of style and substance. Toots weathered vocals and more lackadaisical style presented here works. Before listening we thought it would be more upbeat protest music (which would have ruled) but we will take this laid back rollin' version. A reggae tribute album huh? We will have to come back to this in exactly 100 more cover versions.....