Tribute To The Speaker Box... The King Tubby Mix Vol. 1

It’s been a while since I’ve touched on dub but there is no one more deserving of mention and respect then the master himself King Tubby. I could probably go on for days writing about the importance of Tubby… not only in relation to Jamaican music but also to recorded music as a whole. So instead of waxing eloquently for a few hours I’ve borrowed the entry from Wikipedia that succinctly sums up what he did…

“King Tubby (born Osbourne Ruddock, January 28, 1941 – February 6, 1989) was a Jamaican electronics and sound engineer, known primarily for his influence on the development of dub in the 1960s and 1970s. Tubby’s innovative studio work, which saw him elevate the role of record producer to the creative height previously only reserved for composers and musicians, would prove to be highly influential across many genres of popular music. He is often cited as the inventor of the concept of the remix, and so may be seen as a direct antecedent of much dance and electronic music production.”

I could also go on for months creating mixes of his music… but because time is limited I present to you a 15 track Tubby mix for you to enjoy. I kept my effects to a minimum because with Tubby at the controls there is little need for sweetening. And of course, I haven’t even scratched the surface of what Tubby created so I foresee us revisiting him again in the future.

Here’s what’s in the mix…

From the album King Tubby Studio Verses Channel One Studio released on the Shelly label circa mid to late 70s and the track called “Channel Feel This One.” “Desperation Dub” is the second track and is available on the album called Sweeten Dub a collection of tracks from 1978-84 and available on the Orange Street label. The third song is called “Love And Peace” and comes from the excellent Blood & Fire release King Tubby’s Prophesy Of Dub which features the production of Yabby You and of course the King as mixing engineer. For the fourth track I was originally planning on posting the track called “King Of Kings In Dub” from an awesome album called Surrounded By The Dreads At The National Arena but while listening to the track I remembered a mash-up I had downloaded which features King Tubby alongside Macy Gray, of all people, and has been titled “Inna I & I Try” by a DJ/remixer whose name I haven’t been able to track down. Now I’m not familiar with the original song so I can’t compare it to the real version but I’ve played it for those who know the original and they were impressed so it must work pretty well. I just know that I really dig this mash-up and this is as good a time as ever to throw it in somewhere. Besides it really does serve as a fitting modern day tribute to the remixing skills Tubby pioneered and are being utilized today by the new generation of remix artists. The fifth track, “Shaolin Temple” is from the Auralux CD Barrington Levy In Dub (The Lost Mixes From King Tubby’s Studio) – it’s a nice combination of heavy Roots Radics riddims with Tubby’s mixing wizardry. Coming up next is “Love Of Jah (Version)” from B&F’s Yabby You CD set Jesus Dread and again a real winning combination of talent. The seventh track is called “Dreams Of Dub” a nice Ali Baba version which comes to us from the Sly & Robbie CD called King Tubby’s Dance Hall Dub. Next is one of my all-time favorite reggae tracks and it is called “Roots Of Dub” from the LP called appropriately Roots Of Dub from 1975 and on the Total Sounds label. The ninth track is “Six Million Dollar Version” and is available from another excellent Blood & Fire CD called Dub Like Dirt which was released in 1999. “Sensi Dub Part 2” is next from the album called Sensi Dub Vol.2 which features Lee Perry & The Upsetters, as well as Tubby with Sly & The Revolutionaries and was released in 1989 on the UK based Original Music label. The eleventh song in our mix is called “Bosrah Dub” and is the dub version of Prince Allah’s “Man From Bosrah” and was produced by Tappa Zukie and mixed by Tubby – I’m not sure of where it’s available because I got this one off a CDR that a friend sent me a couple years ago. “Morwell’s Star” is the twelfth song and again appears on a yet another Blood & Fire release called Dub Me featuring Morwell Unlimited and King Tubby’s. The thirteenth song is “Madhouse Dub” lifted from the album Harry Mudie Meet King Tubby’s In Dub Conference Vol. 1 and on the Moodisc label. “Coral Dub” is up next, again featuring the Roots Radics and from the Trojan Records CD called King Tubby’s Hidden Treasure and produced by Jah Thomas. Finally, the last track in the mix is called “Melodica International” featuring Glen Brown & King Tubby from still another Blood & Fire release! This CD is called Glen Brown & King Tubby – Termination Dub (1973-79) and this is a great tune to wrap it all up!

If we’ve learned one lesson today it is… If you want to hear more King Tubby head right over to Blood & Fire and buy ‘em up! Thanks to them for making available so many treasures that may have tragically been lost!

Here's the mix!

Halloween In March? Why The Hell Not?!

There's this odd phenomenon in the States and possibly elsewhere in the world where Yuletide Fanatics have been known to celebrate Christmas in July; they pull out all the Christmas tunes, maybe sip a cup or 2 of eggnog and begin the 6 month countdown to the real holiday. And though I'm not one to criticize people and their idiosyncrasies I know that personally after being flooded with two whole months of jolly Christmas tunes I'm always more than happy to put that stuff away for another 10-11 months. I actually like to hide it away where I don't even see it again until next November.

But what about Halloween? As you can tell by the fiendish posting way back in October I'm a huge fan of Halloween and its spooky vibes, so when it was suggested by some "Halloween" bloggers that they were gonna pull out the creepy tunes to celebrate Halloween in March, I couldn't resist joining in!

So...here for your pre-Easter listening pleasure is the exclusive Halloween mix I posted on October 31st and only made available for 24 hours. It's only 22 minutes long but it'll help put you in the mood... for dying Easter eggs! Mwuhahahahahahaha!

Enjoy!

Oh - The King Tubby Tribute To The Speaker Box Mix is in the works as we speak - I've fallen behind this week because of the complications of real life but I promise, you'll be able to check it out very soon!

Check This Out! An Original King Tubby Speaker Box Sold On Ebay!

I don't remember how I came across this, my 5 and 6 hour Ebay searches for reggae music are rather few and far between these days, but nonetheless I did. You can check out the completed auction link here. Yes... I'm going to come out and admit that I am now the proud new owner of this original King Tubby's speaker box!! And if you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell ya! No I'm definitely not in a financial situation to be bidding but damn do I wish I could. It's hard enough explaining to the wife about the record sized boxes that arrive in the mail on a consistent basis... I couldn't imagine explaining this being left on the front step?

This is an item worthy of the collection of the Smithsonian - it's such a rare and amazing artifact it's a shame it isn't in a museum! I know I'd pay a few bucks just to get up close and personal with the weathered speaker box and just imagine the bone jarring, foundation crumbling bass this cabinet had produced. What mythical ground breaking tunes were projected from these aged cedar walls?

It's a shame the fledgling Museum of Jamaican Music hadn't been in on this... it's definitely a piece of Jamaican musical history that should be preserved and it kind of saddens me that whoever bought it will be moving it out of Jamaica away from where it all began and where it would have been best to be displayed for future generations of Jamaicans and Jamaican music fans to see and admire.

Enough soap box for today - see you next week with a new musical post! Maybe I'll put together a King Tubby mix in honor of the speaker box...

Ranking Trevor - The Original Ranking

As a self-described disciple of DJ Daddy U-Roy, Ranking Trevor is one of the best if not most underrated DJ's to ever pick up the mic. Active in the late 70's and into the early days of "rub-a-dub" little is actually known or written about him. I spent some time scouring a few volumes of reggae reference books and even the WWW and I've really come up with nothing. But even without knowledge of his personal history, the music he recorded speaks volumes about the talent he possessed/possesses.

I found reference to Trevor in an article about the vocal group The Jays that appeared in the Jamaica Observer in 2003 it said, and I quote... "At a time when the deejay phenomenon was raging, Ranking Trevor was right there among the best, with powerhouse cuts like Eastman Skank, Three Piece Chicken And Chips, Rub A Dub Style, Answer Mi Question and War." It was a start but not exactly the all-encompassing biography I had been hoping for.

Then I came across another article online, this time from the Jamaica Gleaner, from June 12, 2005 written by Staff Reporter Toussaint Smith. It was actually a small snippet of an article from 1983 and then included a modern day follow-up interview. The clip from '83 was referencing a show in Brixton that Trevor had performed with Eek A Mouse, Captain Sinbad, Little John and Billy Boyo. So instead of trying to rephrase everything I decided just to quote directly from the article. The complete text can be found here.

And I quote...

"Sunday Gleaner: Tell us about the show.

Ranking Trevor: The show was kept at Brixton, Ace. It featured me, Eek-A-Mouse, Captain Sinbad, Little John, Billy Boy-o. And that was the first time all a we really went to England, so we get a nice response, 'cause the people did like the package.

We performed in Brixton, Manchester, and do another show in Birmingham ­ a dem place deh you find most of the Black Jamaicans, 'cause London is a strict place when it comes to venue.

Me remember when me was doing the song name Answer me Question, me hear when the people dem response and it bring back memories when me done work and come offa de show de man dem a say 'me like how yuh work, a years dem nuh hear a man like me ...' So when me done me get me comments and dem like how me perform and thing. Billy Boy-O do well and Captain Sinbad him do well. Eek-A-Mouse was on the rise with the song name A Wha Do Dem, A Wha Do Dem Dem? time deh me have like Savlamar a run the place and Rub-A-Dub Style and Queen Majesty was hit from way back in the '70s, yuh nuh.

Sunday Gleaner: How has your life changed since?

RT: Well, me end up living a family life in England for over 20 years. Meet a nice girl, she give me two nice kids, yuh nuh. So when me think bout the violence and shootings in Jamaica, it encourage me not to come back home as yet. I was there living a family life though, one and two stage shows same way. Plus me and Clint Eastwood and General Flint, all when dem get the big hit Another One Bite the Dust. I was behind them at that time. Plus we use to do other producing with Errol Dunkley. I always in the music.

SG: You were featured in the French Magazine Natty Dread Le Magazine Du Reggae. What was that like?

RT: This magazine suppose to out fi the last two years now. Me just get my copy, but every year dem come down and choose another artiste, so that's how I get my copy, and it have all the Channel One history. Channel One Revolutionary, 'cause the band weh I work wid, it called Revolutionary, that's the band that made all the backing tracks for my songs, led by Sly as the drummer, Ranchie as the bass, Ansell Collins keyboard man, other man like Skully as percussion and dem thing deh. So the magazine a try capture the past of Ranking Trevor, 'cause it's been hidden for years because me go a foreign go live so long people figet bout me.

Dem hear bout Shabba Rankin, Delly Rankin, Squidly Rankin, but no one remember bout who was the first Rankin. It force me fi mek tune like dat, Who Trouble Trevor Ranking.

SG: What do you think of the reggae industry today?

RT: Right now, the industry is there. The people just want the proper songs to process. Dem only a get it little bit and the dancehall cover it. And dancehall do so much; it a come from all angles. The real authentic music may coming from Tuff Gong, Penthouse, King Jammy's, Bobby Digital ­ is only certain place you get the one drop coming from.

Nowadays, because the one drop take over the whole a Europe, dem have my record a sell fi $300. And most European people really don't like CD, they like vinyl, dem like the scratching inna it and how it fries, because a di Studio One days yuh find dem records.

SG: Do you think the veteran artistes are getting justice now, compared to back then, when it comes to stage show production?

RT: Is only the ones dem weh always get it a get it still, but the ones dem never really get it still nah getting it. But the one dem that upfront and dem have people weh we pick dem. Like me, I don't have an agency, I don't have a management, I don't have a lawyer, because all dem things deh I done already learn it from the studio right to the pressing plant.

But some a we nah get we thing weh we suppose to get, 'cause right now yuh have over US$600 million in France weh every producer try fi get. You have bout 10 top producer run to France to try to get this money and this money is not their money.

It belongs to the artistes, man like Delroy Wilson, Freddie McKay and all dem man deh wey dead and gone out a di music and nuh get nutten. Dennis Brown is the next one; might get a little but him nuh get weh him fi really get. All Gregory Isaacs.

If dem man deh fi really collect the right publishing nuh guy caan talk to dem man deh, 'cause the music is so big ... The little bit weh dem a get is nutten. Most of the man dem like Alton Ellis, The Heptones nah get nuh benefits, is just the little shows dem a do.

SG: What are you up to now?

RT: My plan is to get 60 Ranking Trevor on the road, but when I get out volume one... The problem wey a keep me down fi years is money. My intention is to put out all my songs. Last year when I went to Canada, di people dem say 'boy Ranking Trevor, we glad to see yu, a years."

Well, biography wise that's as good as it gets... so let's get to the music. I have put together a 15 song mix of Ranking Trevor tracks for your listening pleasure and I think you'll dig 'em! I also want to take this space to thank Steve L. over at the Blood and Fire Message Board for hooking me up with 3 of the tracks that are in the mix - these three songs were like missing pieces to a puzzle and I'm grateful to Steve for his generosity.

Here’s what you’re gonna hear…

Starting off the mix, from the B-side of Greensleeves first 12" from 1978, is the track called "War" featuring the vocal talents of the Wailing Souls, the toasting of Ranking Trevor and that distinctive Channel One "Jo Jo" Hoo Kim sound . Following that up we’ve got the single "Ital Stew" from a Channel One 7". The third track was originally released as 7" on the Socialist Roots label and is called "Savalamar Rock." Because my 7" copy of this one is so mutilated, I borrowed it from a 1981 various artist LP called Train To Zion Dub produced by Colin Oldham, engineered by Prince Jammy, Barnabas and Ernest Hoo Kim and released on the Tuff Gong label. Barrington Levy provides the sweet vocal portion of the fourth track called "Wife And Sweetheart Dem A Friend" from 1982 and released as a 12" on the Joe Gibbs label. Next up is the track called "Love And Inity" from Ranking Trevor’s 1978 Virgin Front Line LP In Fine Style. The sixth song is "Pure And Clean" taken from a RAS Records various artists CD called Origination – Sky High And The Mau Mau 1974-1984. "Anti-Lulu" follows that one up and comes from a 1974 7" on the Hitbound label. The eighth track is one of Trevor’s best known collaborations, the song from 1978 is called "Truly" and features the vocal trio The Jayes at the top with Trevor providing the Djing halfway through. It’s from a 1978 12" on the Different label and though this is not the original version released by Channel One and often arguably sighted as the first twelve inch "discomix" ever released in Jamaica, the song itself is of note because of that distinction alone. Besides, it doesn’t hurt that it’s such a nice song… Up next is a song that I’ve been trying to track down for a while now, "Three Piece Chicken And Chips" from 1978, originally released as a 45 on the Hitbound label and also available on the equally illusive Ranking Trevor & Trinity LP called Three Piece Chicken And Chips (One On One) which was released on the Cha Cha label the same year! The ninth tune in the mix is the 12" version of the song called "Whip Them Jah Jah" from the Niney The Observer V/A CD Microphone Attack on the Blood & Fire label. I know this track was originally available in 1979 on the Sufferers Heights imprint out of London and included a track by Horace Andy and a dub version from King Tubby – It’s been on my wants lists for a few years now. Anyway… following up the Niney production is a little tune called "It’s A Good Day" off a 12" on the Ossie and Koos label – production courtesy of Ossie Hibbert – a nice uplifting tune! Next is one of my favorite Ranking Trevor songs, from a 1982 Greensleeves 12" and produced by my beloved Henry "Junjo" Lawes, mixed by Errol Thompson and a nice riddim courtesy of the Hi-Times Band, it's called "A So Me Chat" - dig it! The next track is a tune called "Answer Me Question" which was released on Channel One and was appropriately riding on the timeless Answer riddim (thanks again Steve) Rounding out the bottom two… "Have A Little Love" featuring Al Campbell off a 12" on the KG Imperial label. Finally, we round out the mix with another song from In Fine Style, this one is called "Rub A Dub Style."

Whew – I’ve got to stop writing these lengthy tracklists – I must have spent an hour and a half writing this out!! Check this space for future mixes with simply numbered playlists.

Enjoy!

Here's another Ranking Trevor combination track that is definitely worth a listen... Culture w/Ranking Trevor with the song "Trod On" which originally came from a 12" on the Sky Note label and appears here on Distinctly Jamaican Sounds courtesy of an anonymous reader! Thanks!!

By Request... A Little Lord Creator

By Request... Lord Creator (born Kentrick Patrick circa 1940 in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago) began his career as a calypso singer. In 1962 he moved to Jamaica after achieving initial success with his song "Evening News" in 1959. His talent easily transitioned from calypso into the new ska sound emanating from the island around the time and Creator quickly became known as one of the best crooners in Jamaica. Creator's track "Independent Jamaica" became the official song marking Jamaica's Independence from the British Empire on August 6, 1962. It was also the first song ever released in the UK on Chris Blackwell's Island Records label (Island 001) though oddly enough legend has it that Owen Gray's "Twist Baby" (Island 002) made it to the shops first. In '64 with the help of Coxsone Dodd and the equally legendary Tommy McCook he hit big with the tune "Big Bamboo." After that success he went on to record a calypso album at Studio One called Jamaica Time (which I unfortunately don't have and have never even heard!) Lord Creator went on to record throughout the ska era, through the rocksteady phase and disappeared from the scene in 1970 right around the time the reggae sound was gaining momentum and right after he cut one of his best known tracks "Kingston Town" for producer Clancy Eccles.

There is an interesting story regarding the later phases of Creator's career... apparently Creator had run into some hard times and had borrowed $30 from Eccles. Some time had passed when Eccles was informed that UB40 had recorded a version of "Kingston Town" and that Lord Creator was due substantial royalties. When Clancy Eccles approached Creator to let him know the good news Creator fled afraid that the producer had come to collect the $30 he owed him. After Eccles caught up with him and royalties began to roll in Creator was able to get his life and career back on track. He went on to perform at various "Oldies Nights" and even toured Japan later on.

So... as per the requests, here is the Lord Creator mix and this is what you're going to hear...

1. "Hold Me Tight" from the Studio One album Dance Hall '63 featuring King Stitt
2. "Feeling The Rhythm" from the Studio One "Best of Lord Creator" CD called Golden Love
3. "Bang Bang Lulu" from the Dynamic Sounds produced calypso album Big Bamboo
4. "Big Bamboo" taken from the Trojan Calypso Box Set
5. "Evening News" from the Blue Beat 7" (BB 292)
6. "Everything Crash" again from the CD Golden Love
7. "Independent Jamaica" from Island Records 40th Anniversary CD set
8. "Such Is Life" from the various artists sampler CD called The Rough Guide To The Music Of Jamaica
9. "Paint Up, Clean Up Time" also from the Trojan Calypso box
10. "Remember Ma & Pa" taken from a Randy's 7"
11. "Precious Time" from Golden Love again
12. "Molly" off the CD boxset Trojan Reggae Brothers
13. "Archie Buck Them Up" from the Studio One LP called Presenting Jamaica All Stars Vol 1
14. "Kingston Town" off the Trojan Originals Boxset
15. "Bangarang" taken from Golden Love once again
16. "Beyond" also from the King Stitt enhanced LP Dance Hall '63

Give him a listen!

The Sweet Sounds Of The Heptones

Okay, now that we’re done taking a little trip away from Jamaica we’re back to the island for music that we all can consider “Distinctly Jamaican.” I was giving the Heptones a listen this weekend and surprised myself when I realized that I have yet to give them some praise or exposure here. I love these guys! They’re the kind of group that never fail to raise your mood. Great lyrics, smooth harmonies, just some of the best music you can wrap your ears around – regardless of genre and era!

The vocal trio know as the Heptones comprised of Leroy Sibbles, Barry Llewellyn and Earl Morgan, were beyond a doubt one of the best rocksteady and reggae harmony groups that Jamaica ever produced. After a brief stint with Ken Lack’s Caltone label, they started recording a string of hits when they went to work for Coxsone at Studio One in 1966 right at dawn of the rocksteady era. They left Studio One in 1971 and went on to record for Joe Gibbs, Harry J, Augustus Pablo, Harry Mudie, Geoffrey Chung, Phill Pratt, Rupie Edwards and last but not least Lee “Scratch” Perry. Eventually Sibbles left the group for a solo career and the Heptones regrouped adding Naggo Morris as his replacement with minor success.

I present, for your listening pleasure, a mix of Heptones tracks from various eras and producers, in no particular order. Hopefully you’ll hear some tunes you know and if you’re unfamiliar with this talented group perhaps this mix will inspire you to discover more. Give ‘em a listen!

Here is what you're gonna hear...

The first track is called "Ting A Ling" and comes from the album of the same name produced by Coxsone Dodd and of course released on the Studio One label in 1970. Next we have the song "Road Of Life" produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry and taken from the 1977 album called Party Time on the Island Records label. Third, we've got "Fatty Fatty" from the Dodd produced various artists album called Natural Reggae released on Studio One in 1969. "Sufferer's Time" also from Party Time is next in the mix. The Augustus Pablo produced track called "Love Won't Come Easy" taken from the 1979 Greensleeves 12" is next followed by a nice melodica tinged dub called "Rockers Dub" courtesy of the man Mr. Pablo - a nice heavy Rockers tune! Back to Coxsone again with the song "Haven't You Any Fight Left," swiped from the Ting A Ling LP. "Make Up Your Mind" is the eighth track inside the mix borrowed from the excellent but nowhere near complete Lee Perry box set Arkology. Sticking with another Perry production is the tune "Warden" from the fantastic CD called Unreleased Night Food And Rare Black Ark Sessions originally recorded circa 1976-1977 and finally released on the Auralux label in 2005. "Warden Dub" immediately follows this track. One of the best known Heptones tracks is next, a little tune called "Country Boy" from the Harry J produced LP called Cool Rasta released on Trojan Records in 1976. This version of the song is different than the Island Night Food release... it doesn't have the bluesy guitar soloing at the top but it's relatively the same. "Good Life" off another Greensleeves 12", also from 1979 but this time produced by Joseph "Hoo" Kim - another nice song but I'm kinda biased. I've always admired and respected the quality music Greensleeves made available on 12" single from the late 70's all the way through the "rub-a-dub" of the early 80's, but I digress. From the Heartbeat release called Sea Of Love is another Coxsone classic called "Be A Man." Another Coxsone tune called "Nine Pound" comes at you next from the aforementioned Ting A Ling. Back to the Black Ark for "Crying Over You" from the Pressure Sounds various artists CD called Produced And Directed By The Upsetter. Jumping right back to Studio One we've got "I Shall Be Released" from Sea Of Love - an absolute classic tune! A real uplifting tune called "Sweet Talkin'" lifted from the album Night Food is rounding out near the bottom of the playlist. "Give Me The Right" from the 1982 self produced Heptones LP called On The Run is the eighteenth track in the mix. We follow that one up with another tune from the same LP called "Work And No Pay." Finally the last track presented for your listening pleasure is called "Choice Of Colours" heisted from the Studio One various artists release from 1971 called Reggaematic Sounds. Enjoy!

Heptones Mix

The Distinctly Non-Jamaican Sounds Of Reggaexx's Noir Mix

I know the name of the blog is Distinctly Jamaican Sounds and in the year its been in operation I've only posted music of the Jamaican variety. And though Jamaican music is my one true love I do occasionally listen to other things such as blues, early rhythm and blues, exotica and cool jazz and that is where the dilemma comes in. I just completed a "crime jazz" mix complete with clips from noir films and I wanted to share it. Would anyone be interested in hearing this non-reggae mix? Or will I be alienating those who stop here for Jamaican music? Don't get me wrong, I'm not announcing a "format change" for the blog and if I hear enough requests I may institute a once-a-year policy for posting non-Jamaican mixes.

I'm really proud at how this "Noir" mix came out - the music I selected blend well and really provide a highly visual and even moody listening experience.

After reading the feedback I have decided to post the mix... Here it is!

1. Serge Gainsbourg – Black March
2. Mulatu Estatke - Gubelye’
3. Holly Golightly – Love Is
4. Laurindo Almeida – Big Town
5. Curtis Counce – The Butler Did It
6. Artie Shaw – Nightmare
7. Jimmy Smith – Chicago Serenade
8. Sam “The Man” Taylor & His Cat Men – Harlem Nocturne
9. Sarah Vaughn – Night Song
10. Sam Butera – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
11. John Coltrane - Theme For Ernie
12. Nelson Riddle – Speakeasy Blues
13. Bobby Darin - Charade
14. Jerry Goldsmith – Love Theme From Chinatown
15. Stan Wilson – A Lady Sings The Blues
16. Heath Allen – Detective In The Rain
17. Miles Davis – ‘Round Midnight
18. Alex North – Floozie
19. Jazz At The Movies – The Big Sleep
20. Quincy Jones - Peter Gunn

Valentine's Love Gone Wrong

I've never been one for Valentine's Day. To me it always seemed like a holiday devised by the card companies, chocolate makers and the florists to help tide them over until Easter. Luckily my wife is of the same mind-set so there's never a need to commit to a financial splurge on roses and Godiva's - thank God! Don't get me wrong, I love what the holiday represents and there is nothing nicer in life than finding someone you'll enjoy growing old with but I don't think we should need a "holiday" to profess our love with tokens from our wallets! But enough of that... I'm here to present another themed mix for your listening pleasure.

It would probably have been a lot easier for me to find 20 or so love songs and put them up for all to hear but I wanted to go a different direction. Besides, by posting true love songs would be falling into the trap that Hallmark has set for us. Instead I've decided to expound on one of the most painful and annoying aspects of love; the break-up.

Here's the track listing...

Winston Samuels – I’m Leaving
Lloyd Clarke – Love Me Or Leave Me
The Wailers – Don’t Ever Leave Me
Winston Samuels – She’s Gone
Freddie McKay – Tears Won’t Help You
Derrick Morgan – Tears On My Pillow
Horace Andy – Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely
Boris Gardiner – Ain’t No Sunshine
Max Romeo – I Don’t Want To Let You Go
The Silvertones – That’s When It Hurts
Ronnie Davis – I’ve Lost My Lover
Gregory Isaacs – Love Is Overdue
Carlton & The Shoes – Never Give Your Heart Away
Ken Boothe – Crying Over You
Winston Francis – Leaving
Bob Marley & The Wailers – She’s Gone
Delroy Wilson – Here Comes The Heartaches
Paulette & The Lovers – Please Stay
Horace Andy – Please Don’t Go
Barrington Levy – Why Did You Leave Me

Love,
Reggaexx

Download

I'm Back To Help You Beat The Mid-Winter Blues

In the midst of some crappy, cold-ass winter weather last night I got to thinking... what I could use right now is a vacation! I want to leave this snow, freezing rain and treacherous driving shit and go somewhere nice and warm. I want to sit somewhere beneath a palm tree and look at clear blue skies speckled with happy flying birds. I want to feel the temporary sting of hot sand on my feet and quick relief in the form of a dip in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. I want to go to Jamaica damnit! I don't care if my trip would involve sitting in a sweltering airport in Montego Bay for 2 days, at least it would be better than being snowed in in Chicago. I just want this winter to hurry up and get the hell out of here! I sometimes wonder if man was meant to live in this sub-zero climate and frankly I'd have to say no. Give me 85 and sunny everyday and I wouldn't complain.

Well, where am I going with this rambling you ask? Well I'll tell you. I've decided to get the blog rolling again by giving all of those in the same bad weather boat I'm in, a taste of the tropics. Those who are living in warmer climates are not invited along for this little trip so don't even think about trying to buy a ticket!! (Okay I'm kidding there - everyone is welcome to come along!!) We're gonna take a little cruise to my favorite island in the Caribbean and I'm sure everyone knows which one I'm talking about! Here it is, in my first post for 2007, a mix of songs following the Jamaica theme... perfect for lightening your shitty winter burden.

Now this mix is all over the place - there are some Mento tunes at the top, some ska, a couple reggae tracks and of course a nice sampling of some rub-a-dub/early dancehall. Now toss aside the snow shovel, take off a few layers of clothing, pour yourself a nice Jamaican rum or beverage of choice and get ready to take a cruise to warm weather bliss...

Welcome aboard!

The Jolly Boys – Take Me Back To Jamaica
Charlie Binger & His Quartet – Jamaica Is The Place To Go
Jamaican Calypsonians – Jamaica Gal
Keith Lyn & Ken Lazarus – Jamaica Ska
Basil Gabbidon – Jamaica Is Mine
Lord Tanamo – A Dash Of Sunshine
The Itals – Jamaican Style
The Techniques – Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)
The Maytones – Jamaica
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Smile Jamaica
Louie Lepkie – Jamaica A Fi Wi Country
Yellowman – Jamaica Nice
Brigadier Jerry – Jamaica Jamaica

Download

A New Reggae Take On A Carpenters Classic...

I know I'm supposed to be on hiatus but I couldn't pass up sharing this with everyone! I was wandering around the web today looking for some Christmas mash-ups to round-out a wacky/varied genre Christmas mix I'd been working on when I came across the website of Mark Vidler. To be honest, I'd never heard of him until today but after giving this a listen I can honestly say I love the work he's doing! You have got to click-on or download this track - "Carpenters Christmas (Karen Meets Roots Radics Uptown)!" I never thought I'd live to see the day when Karen Carpenter was ridin' the "Love In The House" riddim! This one will definitely be making it into next year's mix. Merry Christmas all!

As Promised... The Complete Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Christmas Mix

Here it is in its entirety for your Yuletide listening pleasure!

1. Carlene Davis – Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto)
2. King Stitt – Christmas Tree
3. Johnny Osbourne – Christmas Stylee
4. The Joe Gibbs Family – We Three Kings
5. Gregory Isaacs – Christmas Behind The Bars
6. Yellowman – Where Is Santa Claus?
7. Eek A Mouse – Christmas A Come
8. Cocoa Tea - Christmas Is Coming
9. The Aggrovators – Santa Claus Dub
10. Ras Pidow – Winter Storm
11. The Wailers – White Christmas
12. Toots & The Maytals – Christmas Feeling Ska
13. Alton Ellis & The Lipsticks – Merry Merry Christmas
14. Jacob Miller – On The Twelve Days Of Ismas
15. Trinity – Video Christmas
16. Eek A Mouse – The Night Before Christmas
17. Michael Palmer – Happy Merry Christmas
18. The Granville Williams Orchestra – Santa Claus Is Ska-Ing To Town
19. Tiger – Tiger Claus
20. Freddie McGregor – O Come Let Us Adore Him
21. Dillinger – Hi Fashion Christmas
22. Jacob Miller – Deck The Halls
23. Trinity – All I Want For Christmas
24. The Ethiopians – Ding Dong Bell
25. Rico And His Boys – Silent Night

The Complete Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Christmas Mix

So Long For Now....

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the mix but... sadly I'm going to take this space to announce that I am taking some time away from Distinctly Jamaican Sounds. I initially started this blog in an effort to share my love of Jamaican music and I hoped that it would be a welcome place on the net for those who wanted to give this beloved and diverse music a listen. It's been a lot of work but I've enjoyed researching, writing and posting music for all to share over the last year and 2 months but it's starting to feel more like a job than something I enjoy doing. I don't mean to be a bummer at this festive time of year but in all honesty, I'm tired of not receiving feedback for my efforts. I appreciate all those who leave comments on a regular basis - you've kept me going throughout my time here but unfortunately this Christmas mix, that so many have taken the time to download, was the straw that broke the camel's back. I spent countless hours perfecting this holiday mix and posted it free of charge to spread a little Christmas good will and all I expected in return were comments - whether positive or negative - I just wanted people to tell me what they thought.

Obviously this blog is just another stop in the endless chain of free music downloads. What people forget is that MP3 blogs such as these aren't done my faceless corporations or record companies, they're done by actual people who have an appreciation for genres of music that stray beyond the mainstream only want to share their passion with others. If you get no reponse from your perceived "audience" it makes your life a lot easier just to keep the music and information to yourself.

It's been fun but now I definitely feel like a radio station whose signal never penetrates the studio walls - is anyone out there listening?

Again I apologize for being such a downer but it's been eating at me for a couple months now and I just needed to get it out in the open. Hopefully this time off will clear my mind and restore the pleasure I used to derive from posting here.

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year To All!

John AKA Reggaexx

Jamaican Christmas Mix - Part 3

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it has come down to this. Here is the third and final chapter in the 2006 Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Jamaican Christmas Mix. So without further fanfare let's get to what you're about to hear!


Starting off we've got Michael Palmer with the song "Happy Merry Christmas" from the 1985 Greensleeves 12" which also included the Yellowman track heard earlier in the mix. A nice selection with production courtesy of Linval Thompson and a riddim which some may be familiar with whose name escapes me right now.

The mix then takes a decidedly ska turn with the Granville Williams Orchestra doing their interpretation of the holiday classic "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Their version is called "Santa Claus Is Ska-Ing To Town" and it comes from the Trojan Christmas boxset. A wicked tune!!

Next we take a complete 180 with gruff voiced DJ Tiger and his song called "Tiger Claus" taken from the 1994 album on Profile Records called appropriately "Reggae Christmas." This is without a doubt the best track on the record and the newest track you'll hear in the mix.

Freddie McGregor takes the mic next and delivers a nice rendition of a Christmas Carol we all know. "O Come All Ye Faithful" is the fourth track and it's definitely a nice change of pace hearing it on a reggae riddim. This track appears on the RAS Records Christmas Album and it's one that I can listen to repeatedly during the season. Freddie has got such a sweet voice that the song just sounds very genuine and not something that was thrown together to get RAS's cash registers ringing.

Dillinger, The Brentford Harmonics and Coxsone Dodd take the next track called "Hi Fashion Christmas." This one is on the crucial Reggae Christmas From Studio One CD on the Heartbeat label. The songs is actually a medley of Christmas favorites performed by the Harmonics while Dillinger does his thing riding the riddim. Another favorite of mine!

I couldn't let this mix go with only one Jacob Miller track from "Natty Christmas" so up next is "Deck The Halls." But instead of "boughs of holly" Jacob is wishing for "lots of collie," which isn't necessarily bad if you dig that sorta thing!

From the album called "Yard Style Christmas" is another fun one by DJ Trinity. This one is called "All I Want For Christmas," and like Jacob he's gone beyond the traditional. Instead of his "two front teeth" our man Trinity is asking for a lover and some money to name a couple. This is a nice one and I think you'll like it!

The eighth track in our final chapter is from the Ethiopians and it's called "Ding Dong Bell," A superb rocksteady track that not only works well at this time of the year but remains pretty listenable year-round. In my opinion this is one of the best Jamaican Christmas tunes ever recorded because it gives you a distinctively Jamaican feel while relaying a worldwide sentiment that everyone can identify with.

Finally we've reached the end... the ninth track in this mix and the 25th in total if you but all three mixes back together is courtesy of Rico Rodriquez and His Boys taken from a 7" on the Fab label out of England. A nice mellow way to finish it all up.

Now that you've read all that below is the link...but before you go I want to wish everyone who's been following along over the last 3 weeks a Merry Christmas and more importantly a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Be cool everyone see you again sometime.

Download Jamaican Christmas Mix Part 3

I'll be posting the complete unchopped mix the week of Christmas for those who might have happened across the mix late and at the last minute don't have time to download the individual chapters before packing the family up in the one horse open sleigh... or probably more accurately piling into the car and getting ready to do battle for last minute gifts at the local mall. Oh before I forget... the Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Christmas Mix makes a great Christmas gift for all those on your list! Grandma will love it!!

Jamaican Christmas Mix - Part 2

After much consideration I've decided to put a rush on the Jamaican Christmas Mix. Originally I was going to space it out so that the last part would be available right before Christmas Day but I discovered by chance that the mix goes great while doing online shopping and probably while going through the tedious chore of wrapping those purchases when they arrive in the 6-8 business day period that said online merchant specified. If I hold back until Christmas day a lot of those who downloaded the mix will not have time to enjoy it so here is the second part! Part 3 will be up next Monday!

Starting off part 2 are the Aggrovators with the dub version of Johnny Clarke's "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," a wicked track simply called "Santa Dub" from the Trojan Christmas boxset.

Now, the next track follows in a similar vein as "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland," songs that don't necessarily mention Christmas outright but have become lumped in with the traditional Holiday tunes; songs about winter itself. This one is by the late Rastafarian Elder, turned solo artist/dub poet in the mid 90's, Ras Pidow and appeared on his album Modern Antique. The song is called "Winter Storm" and recounts how he left Jamaica when he was in his 60's and witnessed his first snow fall, something he had only read about. It's really a great song and to experience this weather occurrence, that many of us may be all too familiar with, through his eyes really gives it a unique perspective. The riddim should also be familiar to those who know Bob Marley.

Speaking of Bob Marley, the next track is "White Christmas" courtesy of The Wailers (Bob, Bunny & Peter) from the CD called Christmas Greetings From Studio One. Done more in the doo-wop style of the Drifters 1954 rendition than the traditional Bing Crosby version I think you'll dig it!

The fourth track is a little upbeat number called "Christmas Feeling Ska" from Toots & The Maytals and like the previous Wailers' song also borrowed from the Christmas Greetings From Studio One CD.

Alton Ellis is up next with "Merry Merry Christmas" a Christmas track from 1972 which is available on the aforementioned Trojan Christmas boxset.

Jacob Miller follows Alton with a wicked Christmas song called "On the Twelve Days Of Ismas" from his spectacular set called "Natty Christmas." Some serious messages inna lighthearted rockers style! If you own one reggae Christmas album this would be a good choice!

For the next track I need to send out a massive thank you to CaptainOT over at A Christmas Yuleblog who hooked me up with this tune. DJ Trinity's "Video Christmas" which originally appeared as a 7" on the Thunder Bolt label some time in the 80's. Thanks again Capt'n!!!

The final track in this part of the mix is from Eek A Mouse and originally appeared on the 1988 RAS Records A Reggae Christmas album. The song is "The Night Before Christmas" and is Hylton's take on the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" which was originally published in 1823 and later became known as "The Night Before Christmas." It's a little wacky but what would you expect anything less from Eek A Mouse, especially during this period in his career.

Enjoy!!

Download Jamaican Christmas Mix Part 2

Wha' No Comments?

Jamaican Christmas Mix - Part 1

Whew! After a couple weeks of work I've finally completed the Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Christmas Mix! 25 tracks in all and a running time of close to an hour and a half I think it'll provide a nice sampling of decent Jamaican Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit! I stand by what I said last year that Holiday music from JA tends to be on the cheesy side but I tried my best to avoid going there with this offering. So without further ado, here we go... Part 1 of the Distinctly Jamaican Sounds Christmas Mix!

I've split the entire mix into 3 separate chunks of 8 songs (the last has got 9 as an added bonus!) and once assembled back together either on your Ipod or MP3 player, I haven't been able to figure out how to fit it on a CDR yet, it'll create a continuous Christmas mix inna JA Style

Starting off the mix is Carlene Davis with the wicked track "Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto)" from the CD Yard Style Christmas. Next is DJ originator King Stitt with a song called "Christmas Tree" from the essential Trojan Christmas boxset. Third up is Johnny Osbourne with "Christmas Stylee" from the Reggae Christmas From Studio One CD. The fourth song is a group of artists from Joe Gibbs' stable and the song "We Three Kings", which is one of only a couple traditional Christmas songs in the mix, from the CD called Reggae Christmas - Two In One. Gregory Isaacs follows that one with a sad track "Christmas Behind The Bars" from his non-Christmas album called Mek Me Prosper. Yellowman follows that one and no... it's not from his repulsive "A Very Yellow Christmas" album. This one is an awesome Junjo Lawes produced track called "Where Is Santa Claus?" and appeared as a Greensleeves 12" in 1985 credited to "Mr & Mrs. Yellowman." Eek A Mouse continues the mix with a Linval Thompson production called "Christmas A Come" taken from another Greensleeves 12" from 1981. Wrapping up the first part of the mix is another Junjo production courtesy of the man Cocoa Tea and taken from his album Rocking Dolly. The song is called "Christmas Is Coming" on one of my all-time favorite riddims! So grab a cup of egg nog and give it a listen!

Download Jamaican Christmas Mix Part 1

Please, please, please... leave a comment! I'm dying to know what you think thus far!

Christmas Is A Comin'... And So Is The Christmas Mix

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving here in the states the holiday season is creeping up on us quickly! For now I just wanted to share my intentions for the Christmas mix that I've had in the works for a week now... there is absolutely no way in the world that I'm going to try and recreate the Halloween effort by posting individual tracks on a daily basis. Instead I'm going to hack the mix into a few chunks and share them on a weekly basis. This way you'll get a few songs at a time to enjoy instead of individual tracks and once they're pieced together you'll have a complete Jamaican Christmas mix.

Happy Thanksgiving... stay tuned.

A Little Off Topic... Saturday Night Live Skit

http://videosift.com/video/Eddie-Murphy-Kill-The-White-People

Take a look at this Eddie Murphy skit which aired on Saturday Night Live circa 1982. I have mixed emotions about this one. On one hand I can appreciate parody and I do find this clip extremely funny but on the otherhand I find it pretty offensive. No, the kill the white people lyrics don't offend as much as the negative image of Rasta and reggae musicians it presented.

This is one of those Saturday Night Live skits that I remember seeing as a child and to see it 20+ years later was pretty wild. Unfortunately the song is so catchy I haven't been able to get it out of my head since I watched it this afternoon. :-)

What do you think?

Politricks 2006 Mix

Tomorrow is election day and here's the little mix of reggae tunes I compiled to put you in a voting kinda mood. I'll keep my political leanings and hearfelt belief that politicians are generally corrupt regardless of which party they represent to a minimum and just tell you what you're going to hear... First off, we're going to go a little more modern that I've been known to do with this blog and start the mix off with Buju Banton's song "Politics Time" from 1996. Next we've got a superb political song from Johnny Osbourne called "Politician" taken from his album called Warrior. Third we've got a relatively light-hearted take on voting from Clint Eastwood and General Saint and the song is called "Vote For Me" which appeared on their 1986 Greensleeves LP Stop That Train. Next is a great song from Leonard Dillon and The Ethiopians called "Misleaders" from the 1999 CD Tougher Than Stone. The fifth song is from the man Lovindeer. The song which originally appeared on his album Government Boops and talks about empty campaign promises in a light-hearted manner is called "Political Boops." Barry Brown follows that one up with a wicked tracks called "Politician" from his Best Of album. The second to last track is also called "Politician" from the Big Belly Man himself Admiral Bailey coming from a 12" on the Jammy's label, which I was finally able to track down after about 10 years of fruitless searching. I bought this various artists CD that contained the track and was sent the wrong damn CD and when I tried to return it for the proper album was informed that it was no longer available. Ending up the mix we've got Bob Marley & The Wailers with the song "Slogans" which often seems to be the only thing politicians are good at supplying.

I hope you like the mix. I hope you'll also see the correlation between these Jamaican political songs and all the corrupt slimeball politicians around the globe. We're all in the same boat!

If you're in the United States be sure to cast your ballot tomorrow! Hopefully you'll be able to elect a decent person who has got the public's best interest in mind and not someone who's only interested in lining their pockets or using their new position as a stepping stone for future nominations, further power, benefits and all the cyber or real sex with young interns and pages they can manage.

Politricks 2006 Mix Download

Coming Up... Election Day Politricks Mix

Next Tuesday November 7th is Midterm Election Day here in the United States, as many are probably well aware, so in honor of this day I've started piecing together a mix. Now it's not going to be as involved as the Halloween mix (I just can't seem to find too many Election Day sound effects albums) and no where near as long - It's looking to be about 30-35 minutes and will be available for download next week.

Now if you're a regular reader you know I've never used this blog to espouse my political views and assuredly you never will... I detest politics and I'm completely disinterested in anything political so don't worry, you're not seeing the makings of Reggaexx's new and improved Democracy In Action Blog! I've been so disgusted with the situations both down in Washington and with the inner-workings in my home state of Maryland that I've turned off completely! But that is another story for another blog... since a lot of Jamaican music, especially reggae, deals with matters of political interest I thought this would be a perfect time to pull out a few songs to share with everyone. Of course the themes and issues explored within these songs are directly referencing concerns in Jamaican society but as is the case with most Jamaican music, there is a relevance and familiarity which transcends geographical boundaries.

So far the mix includes such diverse artists as Buju Banton, The Ethiopians, Admiral Bailey, Barry Brown, Johnny Osbourne, Lovindeer etc. and I think it'll put you in the mood to stand in line at the polls. Better yet, I hope it'll give you inspiration when you cast your ballot for which ever slimy, corrupt, hypocritical, thieving candidates you've perceived to be the lesser of the two evils. Check back next week!

Halloween Wrap-Up

Thanks to all who downloaded the Jamaican Halloween Spooktacular and who posted positive comments, I appreciate all the interest and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to share this music. Jamaican music, whether it is mento, ska, rocksteady or reggae, is a lot more diverse than people usually give it credit for and I hope I gave those with little exposure to the island's music a well-rounded sampling of the different subgenres while following the fun spooky theme!

Again, thanks for your interest and I'll be back soon with more music from the beloved island in the Caribbean, minus the Halloween theme, and I hope those who came along for this little adventure in October will stick around a while and give it a listen on a regular basis.

Blessings to all!
John AKA Reggaexx

Halloween Mix Part 21 - The Duppy Conqueror

The time of reckoning has come…don’t try to run, there is no escape! We have reached the end of the line my friends! Prepare to feast your ears on the final ghastly and grotesque chapter in this month long morbid spook show! A song that is so evil and macabre you’ll wonder how and if you’ll ever live to see the dawn! Yes, it’s been a gruesome month in the Crypt of Jamaican Sounds and it all ends right here on this spot… in bloodcurdling mindbending digital aural clarity!! The frantic screams you are about to hear will be your own!!!!

Okay… that’s enough – I had to get that Crypt Keeper spiel out of my system! I should have saved that huge introduction for after I announced the last track... hopefully no one will be disappointed. The final track is "Duppy Conqueror" by the Wailers, produced by "Scratch" Perry and released on his Upsetter label in 1970. Most people are probably familiar with this song so I won’t go into much detail but for those who are new to reggae or just stopping by to get a taste of Jamaica this Halloween, a duppy is a ghost. I happened across a great page on the The National Library of Jamaica's website that features nice little definitions/explanations of a few of the better-known supernatural Jamaican myths and folklore. That is where I borrowed the image of the duppy from. Originally it appeared in a book called "Jamaica Superstitions; or the Obeah Book" from 1894.

I'm quite happy with how the final track turned out... I added a snippet from Orson Welles, of all people, and his closing comments from his 1938 radio broadcast of War Of The Worlds. I've listened to that broadcast once every October for as long as I can remember and I'm a big fan so I figured I'd combine the two. Orson never sounded so tight on such a great riddim. Enjoy!

Part 21 Download

Comments on the complete mix are welcome and highly anticipated!

Halloween Mix Part 20 - Leo Graham's Voodooism

Leo Graham was originally a member of the harmony trio the Bleechers. The Bleechers cut a bunch of tracks for Lee Perry in the late 60’s and early 70’s and scored big with their hit song "Check Him Out" which happens to appear on numerous Scratch production compilations. "Check Him Out" served as a singing advertisement complete with directions, to a shop that Perry owned on Charles Street in Kingston. When the band split up Leo Graham remained with Perry at the Black Ark as a solo singer and continued to record with some minor success. Graham allegedly left the music business altogether at the dawn of the dancehall era in the early 80’s and hasn’t recorded since.

The next track in the Halloween Spooktacular is coming from the man Leo Graham and it's called "Voodooism" which was originally released as a 7" on the Black Art label in 1974. I’m sure you’ll agree that with the strong lyrics and the trademark Lee Perry sound this makes for an absolutely wicked track! I of course would kill to own any original Jamaican Upsetter vinyl but finances being what they are I’ve learned to just be satisfied when they’re eventually released on CD. This is the title track from a fantastic Scratch compilation on the Pressure Sounds label that I recommend highly!

Here it is… we’re only one away from the completed mix! To be honest with you I’m actually getting a little sad now that October is drawing to a close. Maybe I’ll just continue the Halloween mixes all year long and post a spooky song every day! I’m kidding!! This has been a lot of fun but it has also been as rough as holding down a second job. After Halloween I think I’m going to take some time off! See you tomorrow!

Part 20 Download

Halloween Mix Part 19 - It's No Hole... It's Your Grave!

I’ve never been a fan of watered down reggae. You know what I mean, that silky smooth, poppy, generic sounding crap that comes from big label productions? I often point my finger at these over-produced monstrosities as the main reason reggae doesn't get the respect it deserves from mainstream audiences. I also believe that a lot of the reggae released by non-Jamaican musicians sounds so stereotypically reggae that it scares away potential new fans and bores away seasoned listeners. Sadly, the majority of stuff that is released by bands in the United States meets either one or both of those criteria. I had just about given up hope of finding an American reggae band I could really like until this summer. At a used CD store I’ve been know to frequent I happened across a CD in the reggae section by a group called the Aggrolites, the album was appropriately titled "The Aggrolites." At first I was reluctant to give it a try when I saw that it was released by the American based Epitaph label but because there was nothing else worthwhile to sample I walked it over to the listening station, donned the headphones, popped it in the player and hit play being prepared to lunge for the eject button as soon as I heard that trademark horrid Americanized rhythm… but it never came! So to make a long story short, it was the only CD I bought that day! Okay now we’re gonna get back on topic with the Halloween music… and we will momentarily.

The Aggrolites are based in Southern California and the musicians all got their start playing in the punk, hardcore and ska scene. But don’t worry you wouldn’t know it… (not that there's anything wrong with these genres of music!) the sound is definitely authentic sounding late 60’s "skinhead" reggae and I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is a fan of that era. I read on the Epitaph website that the group’s name was a combination of Jamaican names; The Aggrovators and The Crystalites. I also learned that the band has played with Derrick Morgan and Prince Buster. Buster even remarked after their performance at 2003’s Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, "It reminded me of the old days, I can’t believe this young band from America could play my music just as good as the day it was recorded." That’s a hell of a compliment!

As you can imagine, after that tremendous build-up. the next song in the Halloween mix is courtesy of the Aggrolites. The song is called "Grave Digger" and the graveside dialogue at the top of the song (after Alfred Hitchcock’s introduction) was taken directly from the CD… I only embellished it with the background cemetery sounds, the actual digging which is heard in and out throughout the song and the little snippet about being buried alive from a classic 70's era horror record called "Sounds Of Terror." I think you’ll dig it… Muwuhahahahahahaha!

Part 19 Download

Halloween Mix Part 18 - Frankenstein

Frankenstein, the story of the mad scientist that brought life to an inanimate monster of his own design, is probably the most recognizable movie monster that the world has ever known. The monster which Boris Karloff originally played in the 1931 James Whale classic is so iconographic that 70 plus years later the flat head, stitches and neck bolts are etched in our collective minds and still remain a popular Halloween costume for children whose great grandparents are probably too young to remember the original movie and obviously still too small to be allowed to even watch it on video. I know from experience because my 3-year-old son has been obsessing with Frankenstein for over a month and half now… I guess I only have myself to blame because I drew that cartoonish crayon representation of the famous creepy guy in a haunted house coloring book. Now when we’re in the car I have to recount the story of Frankenstein at least once a day and in order to keep the gory details at a minimum and make the story appropriate for him I’ve concocted a short G-rated explanation that seems to satisfy his curiosity. Of course he also wanted to dress up as Frank for trick or treating but after my mom went through all the trouble to make him a scarecrow costume so that he could go out with his cousins and little sister as the four main characters in the Wizard Of Oz it’s out of the question. My daughter is going as the Lion and I’ve reassured my son that next year he can go as Frankenstein.

Coming up next is the third and final track from Lone Ranger… at least for this Halloween. The track is “Frankinstine” on the Operation Radication riddim and like “Annie Palmer” and “Barnabas Collins” come from his album “Barnabas In Collins Wood.” I dedicate this one to my son and all the little Frankenstein’s that’ll be out roaming for treats next Tuesday. You’re keeping a Halloween institution alive and your parents should be very proud! I know I am!

Part 18 Download

This one is back at Rapidshare... unfortunately it looks like Savefile has gone all crazy now!

And by request I've uploaded parts 16 & 17 on Rapidshare for those who didn't get a chance to catch them on Savefile before it went down...
Parts 16 & 17

Halloween Mix Part 17 - 10 Till 12... The Bewitching Hour

Keeping it short today because time is limited... Lee Perry and the Upsetters released the album Return of Django on Trojan Records in 1969. It is in my opinion, one of the best early reggae albums that I have in my collection. One good track after another and this track in particular "Ten Till Twelve" tends to go well with the Halloween theme.

I've added the ususal creepy noises and it does serve as a good introduction to this final week of spooky music... the countdown has begun! Only 4 more tracks to go my friends... be sure to collect them all! Again Rapidshare is being nutty so this track is also available from Savefile!

Part 17 Download