CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Horace Andy - Midnight Rocker

(2022 On-U Sound)

Horace Andy - Midnight Rocker (2022 On-U Sound)

This is the latest, of several recent, major releases from On-U Sound, the legendary Jamaican vocalist makes his LP debut for the label and for producer, Adrian Sherwood. The result, a spectacular collection of new and recreated tunes that bring the unique voice from reggae hits at Studio One, Bunny "Striker" Lee's and highly acclaimed collaborative efforts with Massive Attack, into the 21st Century and beyond.

I've been a fan of Sherwood's production since I was a teen, On-U Sound being my first exposure to Reggae legends like Lee "Scratch" Perry, Prince Far I, Mikey Dread and Bim Sherman, as well as effectively acting as a gateway into dub (concurrently with a few of the ROIR tapes that came out at the time). On-U releases constitute a substantial amount of the material covered by CULTCHA Clash Outer-National, but as of late, his production has been particularly impeccable.

The dedication to the craft, precision of detail in sound and skill level of the musicians involved is evident with 2019's Heavy Rain, from Lee "Scratch" Perry (his first album to reach #1 on Billboard's Reggae Album Sales Chart). The same is true of this one, every track is top quality.

Set off by an update of Horace's 1979 Tapper Zukie produced "This Must Be Hell," the original of which rode on a version of the Take Five riddim, Sherwood's sparse adaptation acts as a perfect platform for Andy's silky smooth delivery of lyrics which are as relevant today as the day that they were written.

"Easy Money" evokes the sentiment of Andy's mid-seventies hit, "Money, Money," on which he declared it to be the "root of all evil." This time advising the listener as to the dangers of preoccupation with material gain, the refrain, "Fading just like yesterday" sends the message home. As an added bonus, the melodica on this track is from long-time On-U collaborator Doctor Pablo.

"Safe From Harm" is reworked here, not straying too far from the format of Massive Attack's version. The instrumentation is crisp and orchestrated with great sophistication, complimenting the fresh vocal delivery.

A vintage On-U Sound rhythm, previously used for Dub Syndicate's "Overloader" and "Hands And Hearts" by Congo Ashanti Roy, is resurrected for "Watch Over Them," a righteous tune which was co-written by Daniele Gaudi.

Gaudi's crucial contributions to the LP are noticeable on nearly every tune in the form of a vast variety of keys, as well as backing vocals on the socially / class conscious "Materialist," which Andy originally sang for Niney The Observer in 1977.

Andy engages in wise introspection with "Today Is Right Here," and "Try Love" is moving, gliding on the late George Oban's bass-line.

Next is a reworking of the 1976 single, "Rock To Sleep," a taste of smooth Lovers Rock with subtle string work from Ivan "Celloman" Hussey.

"Careful" finds Andy, once again, imparting proverbial knowledge to the young generation over an affected rhythm track.

The final cut, "Mr. Bassie," was featured on the compilation, Pay It All Back 7. A musical reworking of Andy's hit, "Skylarking," closes the album on a strong note.

All around an incredible work. I had hoped to hear an autobiographical tune as Sherwood has evoked from other greats like Perry, Prince Far I and Mikey Dread... perhaps on a future 10" Disco-Plate? A little wishful thinking can't hurt.

A final note, while on the topic of On-U Sound, the latest compilation, Pay It All Back Volume 8, is available for pre-order at the following link:

https://payitallback.bandcamp.com/album/pay-it-all-back-vol-8