Shok Wave is a weekly reggae music review of all things reggae including it's brother Dancehall, it's cousins Ska & Reggae Rock as well 2nd cousins Soca & Calypso. It's summertime so family members always show up unexpectedly like the 5th cousin you didn't know you had in Russian Reggae or some uncle doing Argentinian Reggae or someone/music style you didn't know existed. Shok Wave is a weekly blog courtesy of Kulcha Shok from the laptop of Lance-O.
NEW REGGAE RELEASES
Reggae Jahcoustix - 'Seriously Positive'
Germany is a hotbed for Reggae music. Jahcoustix is a proud product and his new album 'Seriously Positive' is one to be proud of. A 'Seriously' smooth and easy listening album that is very solid from start to finish. 'Soul Steady' may be the BIG tune yet there isn't a bad song on the cd. Another strong point is 'Clear' and as the song says 'solid as a rock' and this will make 'Old Tongue' talk. There are a few bonus dub tracks.
Still Cool - 'Still Cool'
When I first heard this album from Still Cool "Still Cool,' I assumed it was an old release I stumbled across. Essentially it is and was produced in the 1970's from Earl 'Zero' Fletcher. A few of the songs have released as singles. The majority of the album has never seen a turntable much less a laptop. So this is a pleasant surprise that it's a new release for this harmony styled vocal group that was a 12 Tribes band. Officially, it's a new release and it sounds great. The ten album tracks are on the CD have longer versions, than the vinyl. It’s insane that an album like this has been shelved for about 40 years. The messages are very Jamaican yet Universal which is an achievement in itself. Two great examples are 'Crab I A Barrel' & 'To Be Poor Is a Crime.' It somewhat applies to 'Captive Mind' as this is 'Sweeter Music.'
Rootz Underground - 'Fret Not Thyself'
An early discovery of mine thru my TV program 'Island Hoppers' was the great band Rootz Underground. Their latest single/video is called 'Fret Not Thyself.' A great reggae track that has a great guitar lick more reminiscent of Compas than Reggae. It works great, it's simple and catchy and that makes it even better. The wine has seasoned savor the flavor of this 15 year old band.
Catch a Fyah - 'Keep on Falling'
Here's a brand new discovery, Catch A Fyah not the one from New Zealand Katchafire, the one from Italy. They sound like they're speaking another language (maybe because their Italian) in their unique delivery of 'Keep On Falling.' It's also that delivery that really keeps catching my ear on this song. You have to listen, I mean really listen to hear them say 'Keep On Falling.'
Tshai - Shine Eye Girl Riddim
In 1983 Black Uhuru released their famous 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.' It included Michael Rose's 'Shine Eye Gal' and now 33 years later the answer has released with Tshai 'Shine Eye Boy' and also on the riddim is Half Pint's 'Promise Is A Comfort.'
NEW SOCA RELEASES
Rupee - 'Counting my Blessings'
Our Soca release, comes from our Bajan friend who's been making a slow and moderate return around Crop Over for the last two years, Rupee. He's done so by putting out a few songs for the season with some success. This year is no exception. Often we see people smiling, laughing, dancing, having fun...having the time of their lives....yet what we often don’t realize is everything that lead up to those moments of joy and happiness. For many of us out there those smiles, those hands in the air, that celebration through singing...dancing...a little pump, a wuk up or whine..lol..is a result of overcoming life changing obstacles, hurdles or struggles. If you are one of those people or if you know somebody like this, you know what it means to Count Your Blessings...in any which way you feel.
NEW SKA RELEASES
Frits - 'The Greatest Frits'
This such a good find that I have to mention it even though it's not brand new, it did release this year so it's not old by certain standards. It's The Frits out of Germany. Probably the closest thing I've ever heard to The Specials. The new album is 'The Greatest Frits' and it's their greatest hits. If it's 'Not Enough For You' than the track of just about the same name is the closest thing I've ever hear to the English Beat and being original.
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