Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Komposti Sound: The Thinking Man's Hi Fi
Wilmington, Delaware is a gritty, harsh urban sprawl flanked by imposing bank
headquarters and corporate offices but with a large Jamaican population
(and numerous Jamaican restaurants). If you're in Wilmington, maybe either on 4th street or North Market, you might just hear me creeping up the block in black toyota, courteously alerting all and sundry I am driving through with righteous music pouring from the car windows. More often than not, you might be hearing a mix from Finland's Komposti Sound. I'm no stranger to street 'forwards' I get at intersections. These range from guys chasing me down to make sure I see them do a dance, cheers and smiles, to children instantly bursting into frenzied rhythmic movements, even a few twerks from some round the way girls. The response is overwhelmingly positive as pure dubplate honey drips a trail through the city. But, I wonder if anyone hears the word Finland, in this the one time home of Bob Marley, and what that could possibly mean to someone here.
I have always had a deep admiration for Finnish culture, their epics and sagas, their exquisite crafts and woodwork (a handmade puukko knife has been a favorite of mine for many years, and I am obsessed with carving their kuksa cups)
So besides adept metallurgy, woodcraft, and a deep, rich history of literature and culture that reveals esoteric and shamanic mysteries, it seems they have decided to perfect the art of the dubplate as well. Part of this blog is a documentation of an audio junkie's search for the perfect beat, song, riddim, arrangement, and when it comes to dubplates, Finland has it locked down. With so many soundsystems going in the same direction, with the same riddims and topics, Komposti hits you like an arctic blast, wakes you up and demands your attention like a cold wind you can not ignore.
Now I am extremely partial to Peter Hunnigale's voice and style, and Komposti utilizes his God-given talents to perfection, and the opening sequence on Empty di Magazine of Hunnigale, Marcia Griffiths, Johnny Osbourne etc. is just unparalleled. It sets the bar with a majestic, haunting throwback feeling that is still confidant, fresh and new. The Sadiki dubplates are superior but really the entire offering is argument for one-track mixtapes. Individuated tracks seem like a selector lacks confidence that he is all killer and no filler. There should be nothing to skip, I think I made this same argument with Mykal Shotta. But as a connoisseur of dubplate mixes, (favorites from the past being Chinese Laundry, Shashamane, etc.) this is one of the most satisfying examples I can recall. The Finnish "Gout de terroir" in these songs, to mix a metaphor of wines, underlies meticulous craftsmen and perfectionists unswervingly devoted to a music and culture that they respect to the core. Dubs as sharp as knives:
Empty Di Magazine
I have always had a deep admiration for Finnish culture, their epics and sagas, their exquisite crafts and woodwork (a handmade puukko knife has been a favorite of mine for many years, and I am obsessed with carving their kuksa cups)
Now I am extremely partial to Peter Hunnigale's voice and style, and Komposti utilizes his God-given talents to perfection, and the opening sequence on Empty di Magazine of Hunnigale, Marcia Griffiths, Johnny Osbourne etc. is just unparalleled. It sets the bar with a majestic, haunting throwback feeling that is still confidant, fresh and new. The Sadiki dubplates are superior but really the entire offering is argument for one-track mixtapes. Individuated tracks seem like a selector lacks confidence that he is all killer and no filler. There should be nothing to skip, I think I made this same argument with Mykal Shotta. But as a connoisseur of dubplate mixes, (favorites from the past being Chinese Laundry, Shashamane, etc.) this is one of the most satisfying examples I can recall. The Finnish "Gout de terroir" in these songs, to mix a metaphor of wines, underlies meticulous craftsmen and perfectionists unswervingly devoted to a music and culture that they respect to the core. Dubs as sharp as knives:
Empty Di Magazine
Friday, May 24, 2013
VINTAGE CONGO RUMBA! Mario, from Jonal & Malage de Lugendo!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Rodigan verses Barry G. Radio Clash 1985 part 1
it can be a bit of a problem finding these files in a good, quality format to download. this is one definitely a milestone in reggae history as well as for my own personal listening. I grew up on ska, rocksteady and roots reggae and sort of resisted most reggae produced after 1984. The digital age had some scorchers, and I loved the sleng teng etc, but my heart was still with mostly 70's roots and dubs. Having listened to it at least a decade and half after it originally aired, it really ushered in a new era of reggae. The heavy manners of conscious reggae, where dreads rivaled and competed over piety, subtly shifted first with the death of Selassie in 1975. Marley's death in 1981, and the foreign evils and drug wars all conspired against the truth and rights music. The emergence of slackness, with acts like General Echo, signaled a new era of party and punani tunes that continue today.
Rodigan and Barry G. "the Boogey Man" exemplify the selector as alchemist. I have noticed a phenomena from many dj's and soundsystems, whereby a tune that is mediocre or fails to impress is transmuted in a display of pure sonic sorcery. It is as if the enthusiasm of the selector, and the skill to pull that tune, at that moment, with that sound effect and introduction that creates a perfect storm for the ears. The sparring back and forth in this soundclash, the playful verbal trash-talking, the jingles and skits...Its just perfect... Musical luddites are always talking of the lost golden age, usually to them the Rockers era of the 70's, but the music is like life: constantly reinventing itself to technology, social realities and the spirit of the times. The music presented in this 1985 clash is just as fresh, and exciting as it was then. The early Maxi Priest tunes (the horns of the Caution band are crucial) that are as fresh as spring, the rough mixed classics by Gregory Isaacs and Cocoa tea. dubplates by pompidou and echo minott...punctuated by little vocal messages from Frankie Paul. sting mi a sting
side note: Barry G. (RIP) took over the controls of of JBC radio from Mikey Dread (RIP) and the change really did signify a changing of the guard from the old school Rockers era crew to the new breed of soundsystem and clash. The story goes that Mikey Dread was not allowed to speak on air, but could broadcast jingles (famously sampled in so many mixes) and the wikepedia page says he quit in protest over disagreements with management. I spoke with Mikey Dread on quite a few occasions, and one time this clash was playing in the background. His version of the story was that Barry G. took over his position at JBC when Mikey Dread went on a weekend trip. Basically he said that when he arrived back to work, he was out of a job and Barry G. was dug in at the control towers. We mention this just as historical note, there was a bit of bad blood and grudge it seems (though not from Mikey Dread himself but relatives privy to the conversation) and never heard Mikey Dread say anything negative against any man even in relating some shady business deals. We certainly do not intend any disrespect to either of these gentlemen, and they are heroes.
it can be a bit of a problem finding these files in a good, quality format to download. this is one definitely a milestone in reggae history as well as for my own personal listening. I grew up on ska, rocksteady and roots reggae and sort of resisted most reggae produced after 1984. The digital age had some scorchers, and I loved the sleng teng etc, but my heart was still with mostly 70's roots and dubs. Having listened to it at least a decade and half after it originally aired, it really ushered in a new era of reggae. The heavy manners of conscious reggae, where dreads rivaled and competed over piety, subtly shifted first with the death of Selassie in 1975. Marley's death in 1981, and the foreign evils and drug wars all conspired against the truth and rights music. The emergence of slackness, with acts like General Echo, signaled a new era of party and punani tunes that continue today.
Rodigan and Barry G. "the Boogey Man" exemplify the selector as alchemist. I have noticed a phenomena from many dj's and soundsystems, whereby a tune that is mediocre or fails to impress is transmuted in a display of pure sonic sorcery. It is as if the enthusiasm of the selector, and the skill to pull that tune, at that moment, with that sound effect and introduction that creates a perfect storm for the ears. The sparring back and forth in this soundclash, the playful verbal trash-talking, the jingles and skits...Its just perfect... Musical luddites are always talking of the lost golden age, usually to them the Rockers era of the 70's, but the music is like life: constantly reinventing itself to technology, social realities and the spirit of the times. The music presented in this 1985 clash is just as fresh, and exciting as it was then. The early Maxi Priest tunes (the horns of the Caution band are crucial) that are as fresh as spring, the rough mixed classics by Gregory Isaacs and Cocoa tea. dubplates by pompidou and echo minott...punctuated by little vocal messages from Frankie Paul. sting mi a sting
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
High Stylus
Check our main site for articles, mixes and records for sale. A lot of stuff will be up soon, new articles, fresh vinyl, exclusive mixes.
Mykal Shotta Favourite Luvers
Mykal Shotta: The Kid with the Golden Hand
I can't say enough positive things about this selector straight outta Germany. He is the lover's rock mix tape specialist, drawing for tunes that make you remember why you love reggae so much. His mixes blend golden age songs with fresh, harmony driven lover's tunes that should quiet down all the jaded old heads who continually grumble that reggae is dead. From Peckings to Studio One with some innovative mash-ups (not usually a fan of this but he makes it work) to original versions of killer tunes by Nat King Cole. Mykal Shotta's mixes are cinematic, epic and are complex enough and fresh enough for many repeated rinses. So we thank this DJ for many, many enjoyable hours of top notch selection. Enough labba labba! run the mix:
Favourite Luvers
gwan Mykal Shotta!
I can't say enough positive things about this selector straight outta Germany. He is the lover's rock mix tape specialist, drawing for tunes that make you remember why you love reggae so much. His mixes blend golden age songs with fresh, harmony driven lover's tunes that should quiet down all the jaded old heads who continually grumble that reggae is dead. From Peckings to Studio One with some innovative mash-ups (not usually a fan of this but he makes it work) to original versions of killer tunes by Nat King Cole. Mykal Shotta's mixes are cinematic, epic and are complex enough and fresh enough for many repeated rinses. So we thank this DJ for many, many enjoyable hours of top notch selection. Enough labba labba! run the mix:
Favourite Luvers
Mini Digi Mix by Riddim Wise
This aptly named selector (Riddim Wise) dishes up some amazing vinyl treats. I have this mix on my lickle mp3 device in the car for about two years now and listening to it off and on. It still holds up as such a solid digital reggae mix, deftly mixed, all killer no filler! this selector got a deep collection, skills and we thank them for putting this up (back in 2011). x amount of respect
Mini Digi Mix
Mini Digi Mix
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Saafara Herbal Teas discount code
We are pleased to inform that the Saafara Herbal Tea website is up and to celebrate we are giving the 15 percent off coupon code FLAVORS for a limited time. Taste the flavors of West Africa and experience the ancient wisdom of their ethnobotanical knowledge. Their Sehhaw is the best, and the proceeds go to humanitarian projects and the herbs are harvested with fair trade ethics. This is a Mouride company and funds go right back to hard working talibe and to their aid projects.
www.saafara.com
www.saafara.com
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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