Customer Reviews

Roots Controller

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

 

 

When I purchased the CD, it was in the context of its release on Peter Gabriel's Real World Record label. As such, I didn't necessarily buy it with any knowledge of the artist or the "type" of reggae that Misty in Roots performed. While other more mainstream Real World releases (such as the recent Blind Boys of Alabama CD) have not necessarily grabbed me immediately, this album started off great and kept getting better.

According to the album's liner notes, the group Misty in Roots has been around since the 70s, when they formed as a London-based collaboration between artists who grew up in St. Kitts and Grenada. Their sound on this album sounds like the kind of music kicked out by Bob Marley, and similar artists (I had thought, perhaps, they'd be more "modern," and influenced by hip hop). Instead, the album features smoothed out reggae rhythms of staccato percussion with horn and guitar overlays. Some clever sounds kick-in here and there: the James Bond theme surfaces in "Cover Up." The vocals are consistently strong, and silky smooth and honey warm. "Almighty" and "Dance Hall Babylon" are striking as two stand out tracks. The first, praising Jah, with a bouncing chorus line, and a great guitar and percussion combination accentuated with horns. "Dance Hall Babylon" is incredibly smooth, with the kind of sonically laid back beat and echoey vocal lines and choruses which just encourage a kick back, slow dancing vibe.

The two live tracks are a special treat, showing a different side Misty. Whereas most of the album tracks showcase excellent studio work, the live tracks show a playful band who clearly know how to work a song and the audience. Overall, this is really strong, fun album. Although I wouldn't want to draw comparisons, fans of UB40 may find this to be a sympatico release. And hardcore fans of old style reggae would truly find this to be an amazing addition to their collection.

Before reggae was a music format for frat boys to have in the background while they smoked whatever and drank, it was an active social, cultural, and political forum that allowed the voices of the unheard to get air time. After peaking in the late 70's these guys disappeared. Thankfully, they've come out of the vault again and are as socially conscious and aware as always - a good type of music to have in our present-day tribulations.

Just a quick review. I love reggae, and it's so hard to find a good album these days. Most of the time you get maybe one or two good songs on an album, and the rest are garbage. This is the true "roots" type of reggae that seems to be so hard to find with today's main stream bands. I had never heard of this band and was lucky enough to preview at a "Border's" book store. It's what I have been searching for for a long time. Great album--I highly recommend it.

I love this CD. I don't dance and this CD has me wanting to move. I have been searching for a type of reggae that I like, I found it. Not one bad track. If you think you like Lee Perry and Bob Marley, this is different. You will hear "roots music" in a bold style.TURN IT UP like it's supposed to be played.