Above the Bones (Dig)

Mishka | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 17, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: J.K. Livin Records
• ASIN: B001PCJG3Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,112 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2009 release, the third album from the 'organic' singer/songwriter who mixes the relaxed style of Jack Johnson with a deep Reggae groove. Mishka's varied musical interests are evident on Above the Bones but his vocals may be the most captivating element of the album. His striking tenor is mellow and intense with a bluesy quality that gives every word an aching intensity. It's a timeless voice, the familiar sound of a friend you've always known but never met. 'Higher Heights' opens the album with a roots Reggae vibe. It's a song of empowerment and encouragement to people who want to see more love and unity in the world, an invitation to let our better nature shine and heal the troubled world we live in. Other stand out tracks include 'Coastline Journey' with laid back conga lines and surfer style guitar licks; 'Mountains Meet the Sea', a tender Rock ballad and 'Train Again', a tune that brings to mind the early Wailers with its funky Clavinet and rock guitar leads. With an album that fully realizes his multifaceted musical vision, Mishka is the first artist signed to Matthew McConaughey's j.k. livin label.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mishka's "Above The Bones" - Great Relaxing Reggae Beach Album, Just In Time For Summer, April 28, 2009

By 

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)   

This review is from: Above the Bones (Dig) (Audio CD)

Above the Bones is Mishka's third album but the first one that I have purchased. This is a laid-back musically diverse release that will appeal to those who need to kick back, think of the beach and relax. Mishka is a Rastafarian and infuses plenty of his religion into the music. Even if you're not Rasta and are just looking for good music, it's hard not to enjoy this album. The music itself is a blend of Reggae, Rock, Roots, Blues and other mellow styles.

They compare Mishka's music to Jack Johnson, and on a few tracks that's true. Mishka definitely has a relaxing style that is a great stress reliever. It helps to block out everything around you and dream about hanging out at the beach. The third track, "Above the Bones," is a good example of this. It's a breezy song with a clean guitar foundation. And the last track, "Guy With A Guitar," is a simple ballad sung to the sound of a guitar that definitely bring Jack Johnson to mind.

Still, Mishka's Rasta roots and personal style set him apart from JJ. "Train Again" starts with the standard baseline transition into a drum-beat intro that is reminiscent of Bob Marley. There is a rap on this song, but the liner notes don't say who performs it. And "My Love Goes With You" is an awesome mellow track with beautiful singing and is probably my favorite song on this album.

Mishka's music also has a dose of political activism to it, which is typical of Rasta music. It's toned down enough that those who lean in other political directions shouldn't be too put off by it. But nevertheless, this is not all the light happy-go-lucky fare produced by Jack Johnson.

"Higher Heights" and "3rd Eye Blind" are both political commentaries with strong Reggae rhythms and beats. "3rd Eye Blind" has one of the catchier hooks on this album, which may prompt even those who don't agree with Mishka's politics to forgive and forget and just enjoy the song for what it is.

Daryl Thomas, the lead guitarist in Mishka's band, is credited as the producer on this record along with Matthew McConaughey. Aparently this record is the first released under a new record company that McConaughey started. It's more than a little surreal to see him in pictures in the liner notes hanging out with the band.

CONCLUSION

This is a great time for this record to be released. The sounds that are collected on this record are perfect for the summer and make it easy to relax. I would expect at least one or two of these songs to get major air-play this summer. This is definitely worth exploring for those who love Reggae, mellow guitar music or both.

Enjoy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Takes you away, March 21, 2009

By 

Rachel (Fredericksburg, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Above the Bones (Dig) (Audio CD)

This cd takes me somewhere else when I need to get away from this crazy world we live in. It is really hard to be upset or have hate in your heart when listenting Mishka and what he has to say. The lyrics are well written and the music is so peaceful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mishka - Above the bones, March 29, 2009

By 

Pedro Jose Eguren (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Above the Bones (Dig) (Audio CD)

Excellent album. It transports you to a beach, the ocean, and in a very spiritual way.