Customer Reviews

This Day

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Oh man - if you haven't heard these guys ... get all of their CD's - Among Them is their second disc - All Time was the first - you have to order it from homegrown music or the JBB website - anyways - if you like the real roots - these are the guys for you - crucial horns - REAL DRUM AND BASS - no digital mess here - just good ol' Wicked Roots praising the Most High y'know

So many nice things have been written about the album, "THIS DAY," here at AMAZON web-site and in many publications as well that I don't know why I need to write about the already heavily praised album. I guess I want to get my two cents in as well. Here goes...

In magazine ads for JOHN BROWN'S BODY'S 3rd release, "THIS DAY," the advertiser has compared this powerful set of songs to music by THE WAILERS. Whether they are referring to BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS or just THE WAILERS, I'm not sure, but in any case the comparison is unfair. It is unjust because the comparison fails to describe or acknowledge who the band really is.

Originally called, Tribulation, JOHN BROWN'S BODY (JBB) is a 7 piece American band that plays very accessible roots, rock, reggae with hard-bubbling rhythms, intense horns, and conscious lyrics. They originate from Boston, MA. And, though its difficult to imagine one of the world's best roots-style reggae bands coming from such an unlikely place, one listen to "THIS DAY" and you'll be convinced that JBB is the real thing, baby. JBB's style cannot be compared to one particular roots band. Much in the same way the 80's band, THE STRAY CATS can't be compared to a specific 50's rock or rock-a-billy band. Both bands, (within a particular genre), have created a sound that can be instantly recognized as their own.

I presume the band takes its name from the old folk song about an abolitionist whose attempt to free slaves, helped to bring about the American Civil War in the 19th century. Probably because of the positive ideals of this man, other bands have adopted the name JOHN BROWN'S BODY as well. I.e., This band shares its name with a lesser-known bluegrass-style band out of Columbia, Missouri.

On "THIS DAY" vocalist, Kevin Kinsella tackles a variety of topics including a questioning of faith, ("LAND FAR AWAY"), spiritual self-worth, ("ISLE OF SPRING") and love between 2 people of different generations, ("CAN'T LET HER GO"). Kinsella's lyrics rarely stoop to dusty Rastafarianism clichés; instead he focuses on the healing power of music, genuine hymns to life and songs about the best in human nature.

"THIS DAY" has the 7 piece band, (vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and horns), keeping the listener's interest by way of musical versatility. For instance, on the song, "RIP THE CURTAIN," the music is lead by the mellow sound of an organ with a spiritual message that maintains a distinctly relaxed feel throughout. While JBB is competent at playing a laid-back rhythm they are equally talented at kicking out the jams too. The old-school style ska tune "POOR MANS PRAYER" is an upbeat tune with an inspired message. The listener is assured that evil people will get what they deserve when they die. Vocalist, Kinsella sings in an all-knowing tone, "They that mock the poor, they shall get no share, of the kingdom coming forever." Oi! This catchy song is followed by its dub counter-part, "POOR MAN'S DUB."

This band has not compromised the music's integrity by employing dancehall beats, guest DJs or rappers, or by playing songs made famous by other artists. In addition, the band does not resort to using blaring guitar solos. If there is a solo in a song it is likely to be from a trumpet player (as on "MANY NAMES"), rather then from a distorted lead guitar noodling around on a crusty minor pentatonic scale.

An awesome album with thoughtful lyrics, crisp horn lines, catchy compositions and a retro-style that sounds modern without ever compromising or stifling the assertive nature of the music. Recommended.

Respect! -Mark "Homebody" Groesbeck

Being a fan of tradtional roots reggae is hard since that most of the music played these days is digital and computerized. With JBB its not the case. Listening to this reminds me of something that would comeout of the Black Ark studio in the 70's.My favorite thing about JBB besides the consisant strong lyrics is the horn section. Every song is solid and there even a few dubs. "This Day" is one of those CD's that you dont have to listen to a couple of times to like, after the first songs your hooked.

John Brown's Body delivers conscious reggae with serious roots, as ifits deep bass core is dread-center in the Jamaica of the late 60s and early 70s but its rhythms incorporate everything from ska to dancehall to steppers and on. Plus the horns; I just love the horns. Think Burning Spear by way of early UB40. And forget the "Jafakin'" sneers. In my travels, I have asked the youth I meet to tell me the one CD they would like me to send them from America (and I do). Without exception, from China to Fiji to Belize to Bhutan to Kenya, the answer has been Bob Marley. Reggae is everywhere. For all I know, a thousand years from now religion may look like multicultural grounations. Believe it. John Brown's Body is an apostle worth listening to. They are white, tight and righteous.

JBB's hypnotic style of roots reggae will have you bopping your head right from the first track. This is definitely music with a message. I was so moved by this CD, that I bought a few more copies to pass on to my friends. Check it out!

This is a must-have for any reggae fan. I actually got this CD not knowing a thing about John Brown's Body, and I was very impressed and pleasantly surprised. Foolish pride and Isle of Springs are the highlights on this cd, while the Poor Man's Prayer Dub is an excellent dub that's sure to please any King Tubby fan. JBB is reggae, but they also throw in trumpets to give it a ska feel. I definitely recommend this to any reggae fanatic...If you love the Maytals, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh or any of the other old-school greats, you'll enjoy this.

Simply pure. If you are a roots fan, you must expose yourself to the soul and sound of this band. And if they ever come as close as 180 miles from your doorstep, get in the car and see 'em live. I've seen them twice at the The Middle East in Cambridge, MA and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Anxiously waiting for more!
See Hillside Airstrip by 10 FT Ganja Plant as well. JBB appears along with other friends. More continuous, phat vibes squeezed into that one. Why wait? Throw that one into your cart as well.

The only memorable thing about this album is its utter dullness in the otherwise creative, spirited and esteemed genre of Reggae music.