Eu Nao was not Basement Jaxx’s first experiment with Latin sounds, yet remains their signature Latin House tune – it remains addictively catchy with an alluring vocal that both upholds and discourages simultaneously. Deep Jackin displays them finding their own style; featuring elements of both modern New York house music combined with raw reggae drumming.
Discography
By infusing rough, rustic churchy vibes from ska era into an intoxicating rock stew, this album takes them one step further: It’s impossible not to move to. Perfect dread harmonies combine with Lee Perry’s extraordinary complexity and soft-edge density for an unparalleled listening experience – this truly remarkable masterpiece!
Herman Chin Loy and Augustus Pablo experimented with an Eastern sound in the 70s. Utilizing modal scales, pentatonic harmonics, and chorales with consecutive fourths and fifths (commonly referred to as the ‘Eastern’ sound), their music blended Jamaican reggae with African and Chinese influences; creating a distinct sound which blended together Jamaican reggae with African and Chinese elements – this pioneering dub LP recorded at Lee and Tubby Studios is still powerful listening today.
Reggae music shares many similarities with African music in its vocal styles. Both rely heavily on call and response vocals to convey their message, while both genres use organs or pianos, as well as horns. Reggae often includes social criticism or religion within its song lyrics just like African music does.
Basement Jaxx released Fly Life again as a single in 1997, becoming their inaugural UK chart hit. However, the track had little in common with their later commercial successes like Lucky Star as it displayed much greater restraint compared to its maximalist house approach.
Reggae music has the ability to appeal to a wider audience easily, and this album serves as an outstanding example. A combination of lyricism and philosophy that explores romantic turmoil manages to both heart-breaking and uplift simultaneously; gradually sharpening lyrically but never losing softness of early ‘Clone Wars’ tapes made this an emotional ride that resonated deeply. Folu Storms plays an integral part as host of fictional Palmwine radio station – adding intimacy through her use of skits on relatable themes that resonate throughout. It was one of Jamaican culture’s most powerful effects!
Reviews
Spax’s instrumental dub album is a massive, resonant and mostly instrumental affair that uses its expansiveness to truly rock its listeners. Boasting several loping and far out treatments of Barrington Levy’s sweet dancehall style, this record marks an exceptional crossing between dub and dancehall music. The percussion is wide open and massive; expect lots of knob twiddling along with sounds that phase, twist and disappear as though ghost-like. He has become well-renowned as an album producer who produces fantastic dub albums such as this.
Classic yet not necessarily commercially successful songs which capture the essential truths of life and experience from our shared human condition. This music is known as universal as it appeals to everyone regardless of belief, culture or background. A great set from an artist ahead of his time; The Drifters provide beautiful backing vocals.
Freddie McGregor was one of Studio One’s key figures since the 1960s, recording both solo material as an artist and as part of The Clarendonians group. A brilliant singer known for his melodic abilities and warm vocals. This LP from 1980 is considered a timeless classic and contains some of Jamaica’s favorite tracks produced by Coxsone Dodd who produced infectious, catchy tracks with warm vocals for an irresistibly alluring sound.
Sugar Minott was an innovator in Jamaica’s dancehall scene, blending modern production aesthetics with traditional roots reggae styles. This 1986 LP showcases his other side: one less dependent on effects than before but focused on creating solid rhythms which could be broken up and used for various styles and moods. He created many memorable rhythms such as his iconic “Sleng Teng” rhythm as well as some wonderful collaborations with Burning Spear and Ken Boothe that remain essential dancehall music today.
Loopmasters’ third volume of Reggae and Dancehall Acapellas features top Jamaican artists showcasing their talent with intros, verses, choruses and backing vocals by Taranthiller, Venam Def Jam and others – perfect for anyone wanting to add authentic Jamaican vibes into their productions.
Recommendations
After 2 acclaimed first editions, Stix Records presents this third disc in their ‘Disco Reggae’ compilation series. With 9 tracks featuring productions from their home label – now sold out as vinyl – as well as exclusive versions by artists like Taggy Matcher, Mato or Rosemary Martins taking classic soul, r’n’b, pop songs in reggae style to guarantee massive bashment! A must have for all dancehall fans!
CDs purchased here are brand new and sealed in plastic sleeves for safe transport.