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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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'Round the Dial: Boogie on, reggae legend
Wednesday 06 December @ 16:06:55 |
  by TOM HALLETT
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “You can’t ignore what some bands have done ... I know our record will be in a bin next to Lionel Richie- but so are John Coltrane’s, KRS-1’s, Boogie Down Productions’, and Public Enemy’s.” – Zack de la Rocha
SONG OF THE WEEK: “Holy Moses” – The Drams
Heya, folks—now that winter is officially settling in (don’t worry—Hell will soon freeze over and we’ll all be roasting marshmallows over the up-in-smoke careers of “K-Fed” and Bill O’ Reilly), there’s no better time to shelter yourself with some tasty new tunes and some tried-and-true old faves. Hence, another column strictly dedicated to gettin’ out the music ...
Desmond Dekker
... In Memoriam 1941–2006
2006
Secret Records Limited
The title of this loving homage to the career of the recently passed King Of Ska pretty much says it all here. This excellent collection includes some of the Kingston, Jamaica roots hero’s earliest efforts (“007 (Shanty Town)”) right on through to some of his seminal later work.
Though the aforementioned “007” was (at the time) a shocking, piercing volley of musical rebellion that was heard not only in the war-torn streets he sang of, but across the world, Dekker always preferred to be dubbed a “reporter” rather than an activist concerning the subjects he covered.
While it’s true that the rude boy movement, ’70s reggae and the more militant musical movements of some of the more popular variations on the style (Bob Marley’s love/freedom/Jah style, etc.) were all inspired by Dekker’s work, his songs, production style and personal beliefs set him apart from all who would follow.
The truth is, Dekker’s story is a gigantic piece of the history of ska/reggae/rude boy music and should be required reading (and listening) for the curious and anyone who may be operating under the assumption that the form is set in one style, system of beliefs or historical context.
If this collection proves anything, it’s that Dekker really was like a musical world reporter—his songs range from first-person experiences and observations to joyful celebrations to dire warnings, and all leave the listener with a nearly unquenchable desire to hear more, learn more, absorb more. Highly recommended. Check it out yourself at secretrecordslimited.com.
Randy Weeks
Sugarfinger
2006
Sony
It’s a shame lauded singer/songwriter/musician Randy Weeks isn’t known more for his own from-the-gut, laid-back gems of musical wisdom than he is for penning alt-country queen Lucinda Williams’ “Can’t Let Go” (from her amazing Car Wheels On A Gravel Roa album), but the truth is he’s quickly stepping out of the shadow of some of his more familiar contemporaries and catching the ears (and typing fingers) of critics and blog-nuts across the world.
Sugarfinger, which Weeks lovingly crafted with a crack backing band (Tony Gilkyson on guitars and backing vocals, killer drummer/songwriter Mike Stinson, Josh Grange on bass and keyboard whiz Danny McGough—not to mention special guests like Don Heffington and Lisa Germano), is a soul-satisfying, craftily-produced collection of backporch ruminations, love-sick balladry and barroom shufflin’.
Kicking off with the dreamy “Looking For A Good Time,” one is immediately struck by Weeks’ vocal resemblances to such aces as Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Musically, most of the material here is a gentle blend of countrified pickin’, pluckin’ an’ slappin’, while lyrically Weeks is, hands down, a genuine master.
The overall feel of the album (and maybe Randy’s whole career up to this point) is probably best encapsulated by the track “Transistor Radio,” a melancholy slice of true Americana that shudders, shimmies and roils like a barely contained ball of inner torment just waiting to explode on that darkest of dark nights.
It doesn’t hurt that the cover of the album shows an actual old-fashioned transistor radio, or that most of these songs sound (or at least feel) like they could come comfortably crackling right out of a ‘60s-era AM radio, but the lyrics to the track hit home with such exhausted force that you immediately know they could’ve been written last month, or last week, or last night: “Maybe I’m the one / Needs a talkin’ to / Might even listen now / If I heard the truth / Every single word / That you never spoke / Is ringin’ in my ears / It’s ringin’ in my bones ... I can hear it on the transistor radio ... but did you know my name? Did you know my name? Did you know my name?”
A warm, inviting collection of polished little musical gems that’s just as fulla honey as its title implies and just waiting for the right ears (and hearts) to take in, appreciate and identify with. Hell, if Lucinda Williams herself calls him America’s best songwriter, he might just be worth a listen, eh? But don’t take our word for it—go to randyweeks.com and hear it for yourself.
Kubla Khan
Lower Town
2006
Self-Released
An energetic, up-tempo, honest effort from an up-and-coming local outfit, this seven-song sampler contains loads of radio-friendly pop, tidbits of roadhouse-style, jukebox jump and a soul-satisfying slathering of ska-inflected strut. The tracks range from the instantly catchy (album opener “Memory”) to the ambient (“What Did I Do”) to the out-and-out rocker (“Strange New Town”), all heavy on the bottom end and ripe for local stage rippin’. Keep an eye out for these cats—they’ve got what it takes to rise above the average and with a fresh, starry-eyed sound like this, it won’t be long before their appearances in Lower Town will get fewer and further between. Head to kubla-khan.com for more info.
I’m outtie for this week, gang. Big ups to all of the fans, employees and musicians who took the time and care to play the Turf benefit for Stefan Olson’s son Zeke a few days back. Tune in again, same day, same page, for more reviews and a local treat or two. ‘Til then—make yer own damn news.
If you have local music news/gigs/events/CDs you’d like to see mentioned in this space, or you’d just like to drop a line, send replies to: Tmygunn77764@yahoo.com. ||
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