Signs of a Struggle [Import]

Mattafix | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 7, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI
• ASIN: B000BOG1WQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #389,141 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Unless you've been living in a bubble, chances are you'll be familiar with the Mattafix single and Top 20 hit, 'Big City Life', a gorgeous slice of uplifting pop that was one of the soundtracks to the summer in 2005.The album's many highlights include the Lovers Rock anthem and opening track, 'Gangster Blues', featuring Robbie Shakespeare of the legendary Sly & Robbie on bass and the beautifully euphoric 'Passer By', guaranteed to lighten the darkest of moods. 'To and Fro' is a quirky, upbeat number but whose dark lyrics tell a tale of betrayal, featuring ex Sugarbabe Siobhan Donaghy on backing vocals, while the highly emotive 'Everyone Around You' has beats, strings and Marlon's instrument of choice, the steel pans all in the mix. EMI. 2005. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB !!!!!!, January 19, 2006

By 

Delon (Manhattan, NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Signs of a Struggle (Audio CD)

There's not even one bad track on this endlessly enjoyable, imaginative superb debut! Reggae, hip&hop, calypso, jazz, trip-hop, house, blues, funk, deep bass flawlessly blend into each other and create this beautiful unique sound that is Mattafix. From the very strong opening track Gangsta Blues to the last notes of the final track it's one jaw-dropping moment after another. I seriously wanted to find some flaws with the album but that wasn't possible. Singer Marlon Roudette's melancholic falsetto brings beautiful moody depths to the songs. You'll be instantly hooked to this gloriously melodic album and so will your friends!

As i said there's no bad track on this album. My favs are (aside from the obvious trio of Gangsta Blues, Big City Life and Passerby) To and Fro, I to You, 11:30 and the sublimely hypnotic 555.

This is the band i've been waiting for since Massive Attack!!!(they might remind you of MA meets Cornershop meets Sly&Robbie meets Tricky) Finally here!!! A shame though that the Virgin on Union Square doesn't carry this! What gives?!?!?

BTW, Mattafix is from St.Vincent(West Indies) slang "matter fixed" meaning "no problem".

YOU'D BE AN UBER-FOOL IS YOU MISS THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why this is not playing in America, I'll never know, February 13, 2006

By 

Fly Guy (Eastern Shore, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Signs of a Struggle (Audio CD)

I listened to this album from a friend of mine who spent six months stationed in Germany. He picked up on this band while in dance clubs and grabbed their CD. He lent it to me and I've not taken it out since.

I typically don't listen to music like this; I'm more of an Audioslave/Disturbed/insert heavy metal/rock band name sort of guy, but this music is just flat out catchy and very easy to digest.

I figure the reason why it's not playing on regular radio is because the record companies in the U .S. have pretty much bought up all the commercial FM stations to play their garbage (Mariah Carey wins three Grammys? What??). Look for Mattafix on XM or Sirius, because I'm sure it's there. It's the fashizzle, or whatever the young hipsters are saying these days.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just miles above all the popular trash you usually are subjected to..., October 4, 2007

By 

N. Stillman (Wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Signs of a Struggle (Audio CD)

If you're from the U.S., chances are, unless you've visited Europe in the last couple years, you've never heard of Mattafix. I was lucky enough to see and hear them non-stop on the video channels while we were in Switzerland for a few weeks in 2006, where I heard the two songs, Big City Life and To and Fro. I was instantly captured by their sound. They've been on my list for all this time, and i just got this CD. It's great that you can get the import CD from Amazon, but luckily, as I live in New Zealand now, it was easy to get them at a really reasonable price from Real Groovy here. I'm listening to it now, and people who aren't hearing this group are missing out. They have a unique funky sound. Highly enjoyable to listen to and the lyrics aren't senseless dreck. Get it and it will be on permanent rotation in your stereo or in your car.