Showing posts with label Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Records. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Music Review: The Process "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" DAB (David Asher Band) "War Profiteers" Dabtronic "I Blinked" ft. Janique James & Mark Stewart

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Music Review:

The Process - Weapons Of Mass Percussion (2024 Remaster)

DAB (David Asher Band) - War Profiteers 

(2024 Bandcamp)

Dabtronic ft. Janique James & Mark Stewart - I Blinked

(2024 Bandcamp)


Selecta J-Cut

This one is long overdue, it's been a rather hectic year and I had put writing on the back burner (apologies, David) and things kind of snowballed out of control so I failed to get back to it until now. I figured that I could cover all three David Asher related releases in a year end wrap-up (better late than never, right?)

David had reached out to me several years ago to review his band, The Process's album from 2016, titled Who Is This Mad Band? which was right up my alley and led me to start the CULTCHA Clash Outer National "digital zine." The follow-up dub version of the album, Dub World was subsequently reviewed. David also joined me for the first official Duburbia Podcast (see link below). We have since had a long distance friendship rooted in a mutual fandom of producer Adrian Sherwood (who Asher has worked with on several projects) and the On-U Sound label. (If you haven't already, check out the On-U Sound Sunday Roast hosted monthly by David)


The Process - Weapons Of Mass Percussion Remaster


Beginning with the remaster of Weapons Of Mass Percussion, which was originally released in 2006. Conceptually, the album deals with the politics of the time (post 9/11), including sound bites and samples of the media, manufacturing consent for the disastrous wars that came as a result of the attacks on that day. Musically, the sound is reminiscent of the futurist funk-dub of Tackhead and at times not too dissimilar from On-U Sound mainstays, Dub Syndicate, at other times dabbling in the electronic territory of drum & bass, such as in the title track. Overall, it's a heavy, dubbed-out, reggae rocker with traces Asher's distinct vocal stylings, peppered with George Bush or other talking heads from the media. It compels the listener to open their eyes and think outside of the establishment's narrative.  

The album may have been recorded nearly 20 years ago, but the subject matter is still relevant, and the re-master sounds superb! Check it out at Bandcamp: https://theprocess77.bandcamp.com/album/weapons-of-mass-percussion-2024-remaster





DAB David Asher Band - War Profiteers

War Profiteers by DAB David Asher Band is a single that was released digitally in May, 2024, the follow-up to DAB's 2021 debut LP DAB David Asher Band and 2023's Jah Shield. Straight forward modern reggae that does not shy away from social consciousness, shining light on the wicked, this is truly righteous music. 
It seems as if DAB's sound gets a little bit stronger on each release, looking forward to the next LP!
 I Blinked by Dabtronic featuring Janique James and Mark Stewart is the most current of the three, released in November of 2024. This project explores, as the name would imply, the electronic side of Mr. Asher.  
Hailing from Birmingham, Janique James vocals are sultry and mysterious, juxtaposed with the late Mark Stewart's stylings, captured here on what must be one of his last recordings before his death in 2023.
There are 8 mixes including dub and instrumental versions as well as the original Dabtronic mix, as well as mixes by UFOA and Alien-Levi and On-U Sound - my personal favorite, no surprise there. The Sherwood mix is more sparse and arranged a little differently, but all of the versions are enjoyable.
The release is digital as well as limited edition vinyl and cd, 100 of each are available so get them while you can. Available from Bandcamp: https://dabtronic.bandcamp.com/album/i-blinked


Check out the Duburbia Podcast with David Asher below!










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Thursday, November 9, 2023

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: African Head Charge - TripTo Bolgatanga (On-U Sound)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

African Head Charge - Trip To Bolgatanga 

(2023 On-U Sound Records)

Selecta J-Cut


African Head Charge - Trip To Bolgatanga (2023 On-U Sound Records)



The first studio album from the group since 2011's Voodoo Of The Godsent (On-U Sound Records),  Trip To Bolgatanga finds Bonjo Iyahbinghi Noah, the central figure of African Head Charge since it’s formation in 1981, further expanding the boundaries of ambient, psychedelic dub with African rhythms.

This time around, tempos are up. Not that the group ever confined itself to down tempo rhythms before, quite the contrary, as would become evident with one listen to My Life In A Hole In The Ground, their debut LP that was released by On-U Sound in 1981. The group has had a following amongst garage / house music aficionados for decades, and on this release, a very modern, electronic sound is embraced. Simultaneously, the roots elements of African drums and chants are not left behind, and the popularity of Afro-Beat is fully taken advantage of with the inclusion of African singers & players of instruments, like King Ayisoba, Ghanaian vocalist and kologo (traditional two-stringed guitar like instrument) player on two tracks.  

A Bad Attitude is the first tune and features King Ayisoba as well as vocal snippets from Noah, a P.M.A. P.S.A. done the On-U Sound A.H.C. way. This one sets the energy for the album and would surely get the dance floor jumping.




Accra Electronica is another uptempo cut with a familiar bass line and clarinet by Paul Booth. It's a high energy club banger with intense percussion.

The following track, Push Me Pull You brings the BPM down to a more expected dub tempo. The mystical sounding chants that A.H.C. are known for with gliding sub bass, and more horn contributions from Booth that sound organic in contrast. The smashing snares echo like noise from another dimension. This one will be massive played on a proper sound system.





I Chant Too has what reminds me of an The Art Of Noise vibe and is another slower tune that showcases Noah's drumming skills.

Asalatua kicks the tempo back up to a house groove and features additional percussion by Emmanuel Okine (Aka Iu) and Mensah Akaa. The call and response type of chant is captivating. 





Side B starts with Passing Clouds, a rather ethereal one which features an arrangement from Ital Horns (David Fullwood & Richard Doswell). Akanuoe Angela from Bolgatanga guests on percussion and backing vocals.

I'm A Winner is another positive reinforcement in the form of an interlude with a bit of a dancehall vibe with wicked synths. 

The title track is  A Trip To Bolgatanga, a hypnotic groove with percussive triplets that give it a clunky feel which Doug Wimbish's bass rides along fluidly. Paul Booth's fantastic horn arrangement eases the tune out at the end.

Never Regret A Day is another track with positive affirmations chanted over a bouncy track with a funky flute.

The final tune on the album is Microdosing, which further excavates into and creates the vision of a psychedelic Africa pursued by Noah and company for many years, now.




As anyone who follows CULTCHA Clash Outer National knows, we are proponents and advocators for anything On-U Sound related or Adrian Sherwood produced, this one is no exception other than the fact that On-U records are always exceptional, to me. Buy it!  

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Saturday, October 7, 2023

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: Public Image Limited - End Of The World (PiL Official)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Public Image Ltd. - End Of The World 

(2023 PiL Official)

Selecta J-Cut

Public Image Ltd. - End Of The World (PiL Official)


I had pre-ordered this album from MerchBar and waited for it's arrival for nearly a month after the release date before cancelling and ordering it from Discogs, so this time it's not all my fault that the review isn't posted in a timely manner...

Available from P.I.L.Official: https://www.pilofficial.com/#/

P.I.L. are a band that I will always buy a new album from, John Lydon has been sort of a hero of mine since I was 12 years old, when I got a copy of Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols. The debut Public Image Ltd. album, First Issue, is the record in my collection that I have owned for the longest (hung on to the same copy since 1984). They fall into my top 10 bands list, without a doubt, and even the albums that aren't spectacular are at least "pretty good," to me.

This one is no exception. Pressed on double vinyl at 45 RPM for superior sound quality, the packaging is exceptional, including several variations of colored vinyl, a gatefold jacket, and artwork by Mr. Lydon, whose immediately identifiable lyrics and vocal delivery has been at the group’s forefront since its inception. The band consists of Bruce Smith on drums, who is also a founding member of another of my favorites, The Pop Group. Lu Edmonds, previously of The Damned, The Mekons, Shriekback and numerous other groups, is on guitar. Scott Firth plays bass, rounding out the groups diverse sound with a background in jazz and funk.

The albums opener, Penge is poignant in its bleak imagery and martial instrumentation. It sets the album off on a strong note and prepares the listener for the rough terrain that lies ahead.




End Of The World, the following track, is futuristic and nihilistic. Lu’s guitar sounds otherworldly, the group, in its current carnation, undoubtedly work well together. 

Car Chase is one of my picks from the album. Exciting musically, dance-provoking and bass heavy without pretension, raw and purely energetic.




Being Stupid Again sets off side 2 of record one. Johnny will always say what’s on his mind and I always feel like what he says is from the heart, I always respect him (even when he puts on a silly red hat), but I’m not really into the vocals on this one… It seems to be some kind a reaction to “woke-ism” or cancel culture, or something. Ultimately, it sounds a bit like the rantings of an old man who’s watched too much Fox “News.” The track is hot, though! I would love to see what Dennis Bovell or Adrian Sherwood would make of the master tapes of this one, a dub version to make it a little bit less "Get off my lawn!" would be Fire!

Walls has the vintage P.I.L. Second Edition feel, instrumentally, with a little bit more of a melodic side of Lydon showing through.

Pretty Awful sounds a bit like eighties pop, it’s grown on me a bit after a few plays. That one sums up the first record of the set, So far it’s not my favorite P.I.L. Album, but I don’t regret the purchase.

Strange opens up record two. This one is really interesting, as are most of the tunes on side 3. Not too far off from some of what the group has done in the past but well written and produced. 

Dirty Murky Delight if fun, quirky and goofy, a swinging jazz number with Lydon doing a lounge scat kind of thing.

 The Do That is another fun one with a bouncy rhythm and a stream of consciousness kind of lyrical flow that is a little reminiscent of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s vocal rants.

LFCF (Liars, Fakes, Cheats & Frauds) is obviously aimed at Johnny’s former Sex Pistols mates over the beef from the recent Disney production about the band. Not quite the screed that Low Life came off as in 1978, but the bluesy backing track goes pretty hard.

North West Passage shows Lydon and company at their peak, undeniably P.I.L. While not trying to recreate anything from the past. Lyrics as introspective and honest as ever and a grinding, mid-tempo groove pushes on tirelessly.





Hawaii is the song that John wrote for his late wife, Nora, as he cared for her at the end of her life. The song was the groups entry to this year's Eurovision song contest. Maybe I'm just partial to the band, but I find this song to be beautiful and a fitting closure for the End Of The World. 





On a final note, I would like to come back to the silly red hat... The P.I.L. website features a segment from Fox of their resident twat, Greg Gutfeld, comparing the defeated ex-president to the rest of the candidates that the GOP has to offer in terms of Johnny Rotten to the rest of The Sex Pistols, implying that Johnny was the main character, so to speak. I've also heard Johnny himself compare the media's treatment of the pathologically lying con-man, defeated ex-president to the treatment that he received from the press when the Pistols were in their heyday. The difference that I can't help but notice is that John Lydon / Rotten has always exercised honesty and integrity in his words and actions... the shock value may be similar, but that is where the similarities end, in my opinion. 







https://cultchaclash.blogspot.com/




 
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Saturday, August 12, 2023

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: Easy Star All-Stars - Ziggy Stardub (Easy Star Records)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Easy Star All-Stars - Ziggy Stardub

(2023 Easy Star Records)

Selecta J-Cut


This marks my return to the world of writing after a brief hiatus starting last winter. In the usual fashion of C.C.O.N., this one is late (release date was April 21, 2023), but I felt it necessary to cover this one as it pays homage to an album that has been massively influential to me, as well as countless artists and listeners, alike.

Easy Star All-Stars have a reputation for their clever Reggae re-workings of iconic pop, rock and soul albums that have included renditions of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon (2003's Dub Side of the Moon), Michael Jackson's Thriller (2012's Easy Star's Thrilla) and The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (2009's Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band). 

Covering entire albums in an alternate genre certainly has its inherent novelty value, but there is nothing gimmicky about their dub, dancehall or drum 'n' bass interpretations of these classics.





The song sequence is the same as on the 1972 original on this one. The opening track, "Five Years" finds one of British Reggae's biggest names, Steel Pulse, joining the crew to reconstruct the Brixton born Bowie's apocalyptic ballad in a rub a dub style. 

It is followed by "Soul Love" featuring Mortimer. The tunes, so far into the album, don't stray too far from the original versions in lyrical content or song structure, with perhaps a little bit more boom in the low end. Other than the genre difference, these few don't deviate much from those of The Spiders From Mars.




Naomi Cowan offers a fresh voice to "Moonage Daydream" which rides upon the well known dancehall riddim, Cuss Cuss.

Another British Reggae act, Maxi Priest, contribute to this funky reanimation of "Star Man" which is sure to get a dance floor packed. 

"It Ain't Easy" features Samory I covering vocal duties over a steppers rhythm with blazing horns, closing out side one of the LP.

Side two is set off by "Lady Stardust," featuring Sundub (whose Spirits Eat Music was released by Easy Star Records earlier this year), which is reworked into a lovers rock sizzler.

Roots reggae veteran, Carlton Livingston, adds his vocals to the skanking version of "Star."




California's ska-punk legends, Fishbone, and JohnnyGo Figure transform "Hang On To Yourself" into a dancehall rock hybrid, incorporating the timeless riddim, Sleng Teng. That particular riddim was built around a pre-programmed Casio keyboard part, the story is that the programmer based the program off of a popular rock song... which was alleged to be "Hang On To Yourself" (some also thought it was "Anarchy In The U.K." by The Sex Pistols)... according to an interview with the programmer, neither of those are actually the inspiration for the beat, although the similarities are uncanny. Anyway, not sure if that was intentional on the part of the All-Stars, but I bet that it was. This is my top choice selection off of the album, would love to have a 7" pressing of it!

From east London, The Skints get in on the action, combining the Answer riddim to "Ziggy Stardust," serving great justice to the original title track.

Southern California's The Expanders join the gang for an energetic take of "Suffragette City" in a reggae rockers style.

The final cut is "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," on which Macy Gray was enlisted for vocal duties. She's a surprise, recognizable guest that fits perfectly into those platform boots. Like most of the tracks on the album, this one doesn't depart much from the original tune but is a fresh take on an old favorite. It's powerful crescendo signals the end to this nostalgic and magical tale.





As a whole, if this one lacks in originality, then it makes up for it with quality of musicianship and adventurousness. It has extra sentimental value to me due to the impact that Ziggy Stardust, and most of Bowie's material from the seventies, had upon my young mind. It was the early eighties that these albums came to my attention (often found in discount bins or low-cost second hand racks at that time) and set me on a path that would lead me in multiple musical directions and eventually back... it seems like I'm not the only one.





Jon "Selecta J-Cut" Soldanels aka "Johnny Rebel" (photo from circa 1984)


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Sunday, October 9, 2022

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review: Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers (2022 On-U Sound)

 

CULTCHA Clash Outer National Record Review:

Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers

(2022 On-U Sound)




This is the companion album of Andy's Midnight Rocker LP, which came out earlier this year on On-U Sound. It's not a strictly dub project, although there are, undoubtably, elements of it encountered throughout. 

It was expected that there would be a remix version of Midnight Rocker, similar to the way that Lee "Scratch" Perry's masterpieces, Rainford and Heavy Rain, were released by the same label in 2019. The twist with On-U Sound versions is that you come to expect the unexpected...




The tunes from Midnight Rocker are reworked impeccably by Adrian Sherwood and company. Beginning with "Come After Midnight," a dubbed out version of "Try Love" that leads into "Midnight Scorcher," a retake on "Safe From Harm" featuring toasting from Daddy Freddy.

Sherwood flexes his dubbing abilities on "Away With The Gun And Knife," stripping "Watch Over Them" to it's core, slathering the drum and bass with otherworldly effects. 

"Easy Money" is treated with Daddy Freddy's conscious lyricism for "Dirty Money Business," and "Rock To Sleep" is brought back as "Sleepy's Night Cap" with soothing cello work performed by Ivan "Celloman" Hussey that compliments Gaudi's melodic contributions.





"Feverish" is one for the sound clashes, an On-U Sound dub plate, you might say. Strictly for the hardcore!



"Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" rides a bubbling dancehall riddim that accentuates the work of The Mighty Ital Horns, who contribute to several tracks on the LP.




Veteran deejay Lone Ranger makes an appearance on "Dub Guidance," a reworking of The Heptones classic, "Guiding Star."

"Mr. Bassie," an alteration of Andy's old-school hit, "Skylarking," is remixed with chatting by Daddy Freddy.




The brilliant album closes out with "Hell And Back," the version of "This Must Be Hell." The rhythm, derived from Take Five, has an ethereal feel to it, with melodica by Cyrus Richard.

This is one that shouldn't be missed. On-U Sound fans already know.





Infinite Felines is CULTCHA Clash Outer National's Animal Activism Project, we care for over 40 feral and domestic cats at our home, we'll be sharing our activities on our new blog, check it out!


https://infinitefelines.blogspot.com/


https://gofund.me/7d787879


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Saturday, July 23, 2022

CULTCHA Clash Outer National 2022 Mid Year Vinyl Round-Up

 CULTCHA Clash Outer National 

2022 Mid-Year Vinyl Round-Up

Written by Selecta J-Cut







Once again, in usual C.C.O.N. fashion, I'm a little late on a few of these titles. However, some of the vinyl pressings are also late, relative to the release dates.

G36 vs JK Flesh - Disintegration Dubs (Pressure)



To begin with, Disintegration Dubs, the full album release split between JK Flesh and G36, which was released digitally on Pressure last year. The wax is out now, mine just arrived the other day. 

The double record set comes superbly packaged with artwork on the inner sleeves, as well as track listing and credits that clarify some of the mystery behind G36, who had previously been described as a Japanese Anarchist collective. Kevin Martin (The Bug), come to find out, is 1/2 of G36 and is credited with the first track on each side. 

Martin's contributions here, such as "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" and "Body Crusher" are synth heavy, evolved steppers tracks, which may invoke images of marching stormtroopers or mass destruction, depending upon the listener.

The second track on each side is credited to G36's Gorgonn, who's "Sulfer" sounds like a slow motion dancehall riddim with flanged claps propelling the sound. "Ghengis" is percussive, reminiscent of 23 Skidoo's more ambient work, to me.

JK Flesh is credited with the third song on each side and he brings more of the hypnotic groove to the album. Atmospheric, industrial soundscapes, are the vibe... some not too dissimilar to something from Cabaret Voltaire's Johnny Yesno soundtrack, not to say that there is anything at all "retro" about this work.

Recorded in Berlin, where G36 is now based, the minimalist techno element is ever present in all of Disintegration Dubs. However, this bass-bin rocker is also heavily infused with abstract dub elements that make it not only club friendly but a captivating listen, beginning to end. Released on Pressure, The Bug's label, and available from Bleep or Bandcamp... this one comes highly recommended.

 

Various Artists - Pay It All Back Vol. 8 (On-U Sound)




Pay It All Back Vol. 8 is the latest in the long-running series of samplers which spotlight On-U Sound's current crop of artists and projects. 

Set off with "You'll Own Nothing" by Mad 45 - an American toaster who has obviously been influenced by the likes of On-U veterans Gary Clail and Andy Fairley - with an ominous forecast for late-stage capitalism over a sparse dub-step-ish track.




"Many Names Of God" is a metaphysical journey across the universe with Lee "Scratch" Perry featuring LSK. The chorus comes off a bit like one of those "Coexist" bumper stickers, jetting across the universe on a supernova. Rhythmically, this one moves - the energy reminds me of a previous P.I.A.B. entry, "What A Wonderful Day" by African Head Charge.

The mighty Tackhead return with two contributions, "Rulers & Foolers" and "I Don't Wanna Work A Fake Job" (this one particularly speaks to me!) - heavy alternative-electro-funk jams with Mad 45's slightly white and nerdy rapping style reminiscent of Bay Area leftists, Consolidated. 

African Head Charge return with the tribal, club energy of "Asalatua" and Creation Rebel appear with an awesome new tune, "Stonebridge Warrior." 

Horace Andy's "Watch Over Them," from his Midnight Rocker LP, is here, as well as "This Road" from Denise Sherwood's album by the same title.

Jeb Loy Nichols brings his Country-Reggae style with "What Does A Man Do All Day?" There are two previously unreleased Andy Fairley tunes that do not disappoint, "Your Best Tune" and "Deranged Man." LSK makes an appearance with "Money Masters," a fine display of his smooth, conscious lyrical flow. The Ital Horns cut, "Metropolis" is a fairly conventional instrumental cut (with subtle vocal samples) that sounds fresh and vibrant.

Sherwood & Pinch contribute two tracks, the comical "Excessive Drinking" and the hardcore, "We No Normal" with vocals from Daddy Freddy.




As the series has been for nearly forty years, P.I.A.B. 8 is a excellent example of the variety of artists and groups that record under On-U Sound for the great producer, Adrian Sherwood.


Various Artists - Dub No Frontiers (On-U Sound / Real World Records)


Various Artists - Dub No Frontiers (2022 On-U Sound / Real World Records)

The long-awaited compilation, Dub No Frontiers, that features non-English language, female vocalists performing on Reggae / Dub rhythms, produced by Adrian Sherwood, is finally almost here!  

It's been many years in the making, I've looked forward to it's release with much anticipation, release date is September 30 and it's available at Bandcamp.

Check out the video for Rita Morar "Meri Awaaz Suno (Hear My Voice)" here.





Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers (On-U Sound)


Horace Andy - Midnight Scorchers (On-U Sound)

The follow up to Horace Andy's On-U Sound debut, Midnight Rocker, is due for release on September 16 and it will be called Midnight Scorchers. Pre-order it now at Bandcamp or Bleep.

Check out the video for his latest dub-plate, here.



Well, that wraps up the round-up, until next time, Peace.

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