Customer Reviews

Independant Intavenshan: Island Anthology

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This compilation flows as few compilations do. Island holds some of the credit for that, but the main credit should go to the originators of this sometimes-volatile, always enlightening music - LKJ and Dennis Bovell. LKJ wrote the words - declamatory but humanistic, with a deep regard for Jamaican self-determination - and Bovell made sure the voice and the lyrics were complimented and enhanced by supple and often sophisticated riddim tracks. Since all of LKJ's Island material is on here, the dubs of the original tracks flow "stream-of-consciously"; the album tracks usually were deconstructed by Bovell after the first few verses, making the dubs re-iterations and continuations of the themes. For the casual and the heavy reggae listener, the fact that these performances have only minute relation to Rastafarianism makes this set very refreshing and unique. (See also Yabby You's "Jesus Dread" on Blood & Fire records for a further example of great non-Rasta reggae and dub.)

This two disc collection contains every track from all four of LKJ's Island albums exactly as they appeared on the original LP's with two exceptions: "Di Black Petty Booswah" from the "Bass Culture" LP and "Di Eagle An' Di Bear" from "Making History" appear in 12 inch extended versions. One reviewer from Brazil erroneously wrote that the collection is brought down by no less than 15 remixes that are "not the artists music but remixes produced by the label." Nonsense! What Island Records chose to do with this collection was to insert the tracks from LKJ's masterpiece "LKJ In Dub" (his 3rd Island album) immediately after the corresponding vocal tracks from the two previous albums ("Forces Of Victory" and "Bass Culture") and I find that the discs flow beautifully in this manner. They are NOT remixes but the original tracks from "LKJ In Dub." One can easily re-sequence the albums with their cd player's remote control if one wishes to hear the albums in their original running order (thereby restoring "LKJ In Dub" as a separate album) but I would recommend listening to the running order as it appears here the first time through, as the dubs are really fascinating to hear immediately after their vocal counterparts. Of course, hearing "LKJ In Dub" straight through is also a great listening experience, which is why I burned a cd-r of those tunes for blasting in the car. And how else are you going to get LKJ's long out-of-print final Island album "Making History" on cd without paying a fortune, if not by buying this anthology? Buy it, crank it and enjoy!

I've dug LKJ for 15 years and this album nicely summarizes why. Powerful storytelling backed by an unstoppable reggae/jazzy sound. These are songs that only grow better with age--perhaps the definition of a classic. While I tend to agree with another reviewer who said that those listeners who don't especially appreciate version may find some of the dub cuts a bit redundant (maybe these folks are not smoking enough), for my money having the dub tracks alongside the A-sides simply creates a broader, deeper understanding of the poet and his poetry. Truly an album where the lyrics and melodies buttress one another in ways that never detract from the elegance and conviction of the songwriter.

It really doesn't get any better than this.

While the dub style originated and was perfected in Jamaica with Augustus Pablo and King Tubby, it's hard to argue that Linton Kwesi Johnson and Dennis Bovell and John Kpaiye hit a peak with LKJ in Dub. This CD gives each vocal song next to its dub version. This material continues to amaze, musically and lyrically. In an odd way, if Thelonious Sphere Monk wrote vocals and did them to his best songs, they would be like this. Linton is a Woody Guthrie.

Ya like dis mahn b reel koooool.
Alot of artists try waayyy hard to look cool on their album covers. And most come off as pretentious and egrotistic. And alot turn out to look silly instead of cool. Rock idols, rap kings, country stars; you know what we're talkin bout. The 80's had a ton of "look how cool I am" covers. All laughable.

Now look at this dude. He's got THE 'IT' look when it comes to kool - cool. He's not even tryin. The facial expression of a dejected, exasperated bored independant guy is perfect. The casual yet exact lie of his collars - just right. And that super cool (super fly 1998 era) hat is the finishing touch. Kool McCool........ . . Oh you want to know about the music. We don't know! Read the other reviews.

U2 did it right on their 'Joshua tree' album. And Coletrane hit it bullseye on 'A Love Supreme'.

This is one cd set that I play at least once a day. Every song is great! I've been a long-time reggae fan but only had one LKJ album, LKJ In Dub. This album gives me it all, showing the growth of LKJ's poetry over time. All the tracks on this collection are great though I especially like It Noh Funny, Sonny' Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem), Di Eagle and Di Bear, Lorraine, and Wat About Di Workin' Claas? For my money, a reggae album without the dubs isn't worth it.

I've been a fan of LKJ for years, this is an awesome compilation. It's out of print now, so I bought a used copy.

i heard Kwesi when i was alot younger and i been trying to find it for sometime now,but anyway Kwesi way of making you feel the music is mind blowing and you really feel it in this cd. his beats and voice is very trancey. the beats are really feel good beats and his voice is telling a good story and it is a must buy

Linton K Johnson is great. I love his music and believe he is one of the greatest reggae artists. So, I was very pleased when I found this compilation at Amazon because I did not have any LKJ albums on CD. I thought a 2 cd's compilation would give me the very best of LKJ. And in fact, it did. But, and that is the problem, it also gave me a lot of remixes or dubs, it really does not matter how you call it, that are not the artists music but remixes produced by the label. If you like remixes go for it. But if you don't, then forget about it. The 2 cds have more than 15 remixes out of 35 songs ! It is one original song, one remix: it is so boring ! The remixes have no lyrics only a few phrases with delay effects or something, you know, the stuff they do with remixes. Buy LKJ but do not buy this issue.In my opinion it was very unfair from the label to issue such an album. I got something very different than what I expected. I understand now why the artist himself severed his relationship with Island. Thanks, Sérgio.

MY FAVORITE IS LORRAINE BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME OF MY LADY WHEN I'M ALL ALONE AND ITS RAINING. IT MAKES ME THINK OF HER VERY MUCH. THAT'S WHY I LOVE IT. IT GETS ME ALL EMOTIONAL.