Shok Wave is Kulcha Shok Muzik's weekly blog put together by Lance-O. It's all the weeks latest finds in Caribbean music or anything close to it and then some. Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Ska, Reggae Rock, and this week surf music. Lance-O is very connected in the surf industry and does a lot in that sect so it only makes sense.
New Reggae Releases
Bobby Tenna - Love Songs
Our first release comes from Bobby Tenna. A Jamaican singer that has been on the scene for some time and has a good voice. His latest 'Love Songs' is one of the few that has all the right ingredients.
Gershi (Third World) - Inflekshen
Former Third World member, soloist, band member, singer, songwriter and all around talent Gershi puts it all into his new solo cd 'Inflekshen.' Think Third World meets a more R & B/pop side of reggae. 'My Time So Sublime' really speaks for Gershi while 'Iriematic Music' speaks of his music at heart. 'Bamba Yeho' shows Gershi's strength and part of that strength comes from 'U R The I.' Gershi may show his talented 'Inflekshen' and we can say this album is a good reflection of his life as well as he leaves you with 'Spread Love & Light.'
Conkarah - As You Are
Conkarah is fully taking advantage of his break in the business after he covered Adele's 'Hello.' Its nice to see his talent being recognized. His latest original single is 'As You Are,' and looks to be a release of the acoustic version. So this is the full version. A sexy love song that has me playing it over & over again with no satiation.
New Dancehall Releases
Double Up Riddim
The Double Up riddim has created a nice melody and it marks the return of Elephant Man for two reasons: Ele has a new party anthem on it 'Dance & Move' and he can travel again as he's already on several shows scheduled to perform. I also like Jah Mason's 'Farmer Man' on the Double Up riddim.
New Soca Releases
Maddzart - Designated Drinker
Out of St Vincent & for Vincy Carnival comes Maddzart, who is a madman, has his latest tune mashing up fetes, limes, and carnival festivities worldwide with 'Designated Drinker.' Not my favorite topic since I'm a bad drinker & I know what it does to me, it's BIG among those that love this music. The song BAD doh.
Sugar Baby Riddim
A fusion of sound born out of Vincy Ragga and French Caribbean Zouk comes the Sugar Baby Riddim. Sugar and its influence in the Caribbean historically has caused a fusion of cultures that gave us new musical genres, genres that allow anyone to deliver and communicate stories of humor, love, satire or social commentary. Reka Gaymes 'It Lit' is the top track on the riddim. Skinny Fabulous' is decent.
MaddSkull - Doh Worry
A more popular/trendy way to get your song played can obviously be by the topic. Several I've seen in the last few years have been on the rise and one of those is about mothers. With the celebrated holiday approaching, I think we will see more. Some are true to heart and felt while others are wagonists trying to capitali$e. Last years second runner up in the Vincy Mass & Soca Monarch competition, MaddSkull, shows he's got talent. His new song is 'Doh Worry,' because you know mommy always worry. A nice mother's tune with a heartfelt sentiment.
New Surf Releases
Cutback Surf Band - Surfer's Journey
This will be our first review of the original style of Surf music for Shok Wave. Since we entertain surfers it only makes sense. One of my favorite surf bands is the Cutback Surf Band. Their new cd is called 'Surfer's Journey.' It's a great traditional styled surf music which is based around that surf guitar sound. It's actually two guitars and big drums make it. This 'Journey' is no exception. On occasion there is a bit more rockin of a tune like on '151 Rum Swizzle' or 'Atlantico.' The tradition lives strongest on 'Surf Fever' and 'Tubo Mexicana.' All the songs are instrumentals and have surf related titles. While listening to 'Spanish House,' I wondered if anyone had ever combined the surf sound with reggae. Then in the midst of the next song's bridge it breaks down into reggae. The sound I wanted was there, surf meets reggae and 'The Aloha Stomp' was born.
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