SHOK WAVE is your weekly new REGGAE music. SHOK WAVE finds music that is out there in the form of Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Ska, Dub, Reggae Rock & anything else musical with a Caribbean origin and in any language.
Here is what we found this week.......Enjoy!
KULCHA LATINO/WORLD
Manu Chao "Viva Tu"
A man who rarely releases new music, Manu Chao, a very worldly figure in music releases 'Viva Tu,' with his classic sounds in many languages of mainly Spanish, French, English & Portuguese. The first two songs have that classic sound as does one of our favorites. Great titles to the songs like 'Neighbors of the Sea' & 'The Color Of Time.' The title track 'Viva Tu' is a classic Latin styled song. The album takes a turn to a different level when two icons join on 'Heavens Bad Day' with Willie Nelson. It's in English with a bluesy vibe. What a tune. 'Tu Te Vas' featuring Laeti has that Manu talking style of a song. We do not know Laeti, the voice is amazing. Sometimes you got to go.'Coracao No Mar' is our song since our heart is in the sea, which is the translation on this song. 'Cuatro Calles' is a simple yet powerful song in an acoustic/stripped down style that works well. The second of 2 English songs 'Lonely Night' is a catchy melody & tune, that has a light reggae feel like Manu does. It has a nice feel talking about one of those nights you caan't sleep. A nice album for fans of Manu Chao or those looking for something different.
DUB
Max Romeo, Lee Perry & Xana Romeo 'Police & Thieves Dub'
A piece of reggae history has been released. The seminal track 'Police & Thieves by Max Romeo & produced by Lee Perry releases as a dub with Scratch at the controls who was at his best during this era of reggae. A timeless piece.
REGGAE
Anthony Locks 'Call On Love'
Anthony Locks may sound like a newcomer because the name is not that recognizable. The Locks has been around doing music since 2003. He has semi-steadily released new music. The last few years has been much more consistent. His tune has the best lyrics and he delivers it well. Remember, at any time you can 'Call On Love.' Anthony sings in the chorus 'All together let us rise above and the wickedness shall fade away.'
Pressure Busspipe 'Haunted'
A song based upon the fact that righteous music does not get the spotlight. So Pressure has this idea to take over the radio station. (this is captured in the music video for the song) Those who are not playing the music he calls are 'Haunted.' For the preservation of roots reggae play 'Haunted.'
REGGAE ROCK/POP
Seranation "Meant To Be"
A band from out of St Petersburg, Florida that grew up on Reggae Rise Up and has had the privilege of playing the biggest reggae festival in their hometown. Sugar Shack is a regional neighbor as well. So their backyard has been a breeding ground for their success. Another avenue has been the support of local brand Saltwater Hippie, who sponsor the band. They sponsored the bands video 'Getaway,' which looks really fun. In fact, their song 'Our Bar' is about Saltwater Hippies bar. So these guys are hometown heroes to say the least. Florida has been good to them. They say the third time is a charm. "Meant To Be" is their third album and feels like this should be the one to put them over the top. This band has done national tours, have great videos, look great, their sound is super catchy and have high end music videos. In fact, nearly half the album is done in these slick videos. The album starts with the knockout punch of 'Stick To Your Guns.' Not only a song, also we believe a motto for the band. They having been doing as they do since day one. It's like the 'Movies.' A band that always knows how to have a 'Good Time.' This tune and 'Best Of Me' have that catchy, poppy reggae sound they are infamous for making. J sings 'Nothing you do or nothing you say will ever get the 'Best Of Me,' I may not be up, still not down.' We love it, you have to hear it to really appreciate it.'Waves' is a third polished reggae tune that sings of getting caught up in someone elses "Waves,' which St Pete does not have much oof these unless it's a hurricane. We just witnessed thi in St Pete with hurricane Helene and our prayers and thoughts are with these Floridians as well as the rest that were affected. It's something 'SuperNaturall' and we know if they were 'Knocked Down' by it, they will keep standing up.
Joe Samba "LifeLine"
Joe Samba is very much a new artist, a good one at that. His work ethic is on point. It's simple to say just hard to keep it at his pace. Releasing an album every year since he started in 2019. Now it's 2024 and its time for "LifeLine." It keeps along his line of music too. It's acoustic soul, reggae riffs, punkified rock, a taste of ska and your classic American Reggae Rock. He's a man that certainly does not have 'Cold Feet.' He keeps very busy by touring and recording music now for LAW Records. You see when it's done from the heart the people feel it. It is best described in the song put a 'Little Love' in it. The secret to capturing crowds because you can not fake it. It is Samaba's way to 'Communicate.' At this stage, this is 'Meant To Be.' Well if you want that funky reggae party, with an opening hip hop record scratch into that punk vibe that you need to go to 'Surfside' Live and sounds like something you would have found in a Long Beach bar when Bradley & the boys were starting out. There is nothing like 'Home,' especially going home from being on the road and away from the family. Now that the music has ended for now, you have witnessed the "LifeLine" of Joe Samba, well worth the ride.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Maajeesty 'Jiggy With It'
Papa San 'Who Love Like This'
Palmerita Coco Blue 'I Wanna Go Home'
Lutan Fyah 'She Loves Reggae'
Popcaan 'Show Me'
Junior Cat 'Rude Bwoy Sumthin'
Yves 'Duke' Durcey 'ReLovution'
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