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CULTCHA Clash Outer National: Global-Community-Radio Broadcasting, Online Marketplace, Digital Zine & Subversive Propagandist Organization.
Combatting the mundanity and commodification of human existence with Art, Music, Comedy, Social-Criticism and the Promotion of Alternatives to Corporate Culture.
David Asher is an individual who puts his whole heart and soul into his music, and it shows. From his time fronting Detroit's premier reggae / rock band, The Process, to his more recent work with DAB, he's been putting out original music for over 30 years.
The first new single since 2021's self-titled DAB LP does not disappoint. From the start of the track one finds themselves immersed with infectious rhythms and positive vibrations.
David's vocal delivery is raw and soulful, lyrical content is righteous. According to Asher... "about the Creator's protection from jealous bad-minded people, vampires and back-biters." The instrumentation sounds fresh, reggae lovers will want to hear this.
Production is high quality, by Mr. Asher and Chris Lewis. the sound is full, rich and crystal clear. Played in a club, this one is sure to get some motion on the dance floor!
Get the digital release, including instrumental version, from Bandcamp.
Back with their first album in over forty years, On-U Sound's original house band, Creation Rebel is back with a vengeance.
With an album titled after former Prime Minister Theresa May's heavy-handed immigration policy, the band who originally formed to back the late Prince Far I on his European tour and went on, along with with Adrian Sherwood, to spark a punky reggae revolution in the U.K. with the developement of On-U Sound, is dread in every sense. Serious music for serious times.
Original members Crucial Tony (guitar), Charlie 'Eskimo' Fox (drums / vocals), and Mr. Magoo (percussion / vocals) come together (Keith 'Lizard' Logan, their original bassist has passed but is present in tribute, a print of his image adorns the insert) with bass player, Kenton 'Fish' Brown and keyboardist Cyrus Richards for the album. Of course, Sherwood is at the controls!
It was pressed on yellow vinyl and the A side is set off by Swiftly (The Right One) which, fittingly, features vintage vocals from Prince Far I as well as the conscious singing of Mr. Magoo. Production is crisp and the players are tight.
Stonebridge Warrior is a version, or instrumental, it's steppers type beat drives the track that treads the line between dub reggae and jazz. Quite sophisticated when juxtaposed with the groups early work.
Drummer, Eskimo Fox steps up to the mic for Under Pressure, singing, deejaying and generally nicing up the tune.
That's More Like It is a dub, the instrumentation is spacious, leaving plenty of room for Sherwood's mix-board wizardry and sound effects. The spaced-out psychedelia present in earlier work from the group, like Starship Africa, is captured on this track.
Jubilee Clock rounds out the first side on a strong note, another steppers type track with peaking bass, play it loud!
This Thinking Feeling sets off side B with pure fire, pairing posthumous Prince Far I lyrics with lyrical assassin, Daddy Freddy, who has collaborated on a few On-U releases, of late.
Another Mr. Magoo vocal track, Whatever It Takes is an uplifting one accentuated by Dean Fraser's saxaphone and trumpet by Okiel McIntyre.
The jazz infused Salutation Gardens Crown Hill Road is a dub with haunting keys and space age reverb and delay that the label has become known for.
Gaudi is the guest synth player for The People's Sound (Tribute To Daddy Vego), another heavy dub version with all of it's players in top form.
The final cut is Off The Spectrum, ending the LP in a fine style. From the tip-top to the last drop, this one is a winner.
Here's an interview from On-U Sound with the group discussing the new album.
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 AdrianSherwood 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 byIvan "Celloman" Husseythat 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!
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:
Highly recommended for fans of one of the most important (and mysterious) artists of the 20th century. This updated version (original pressing published 2001) traces Perry's activities in the new millennium, up to his untimely passing from physical form in 2021. He mystified fans and collaborators with his idiosyncratic mannerisms and esoteric, shamanistic approach to music making and to life as a whole. Whether one believes in magick or not, it's hard to deny that Lee "Scratch" Perry, if anyone, seems to be spiritually connected to some higher force that acts as his guide, according to Perry, telling him what to do next in his progressions.
Katz does an excellent job of conveying the methods to the madness of such a fascinating persona. Testimony from fellow producers and musicians, friends and (sometimes) foes, lovers and family, who experienced the Upsetter firsthand illustrate the imagination and inventiveness, excellence and excess, fame and fortune to frustration, isolation and sometimes belligerence that this complex and sometimes self-contradicting personality. The good, the bad and the ugly is all in here with stories, anecdotes and an excellent selection of discographical references spanning over six decades. 5 Stars!
I'm working on a full overview of the book with links and accompanying playlist on my website soon, stay posted - www.cultchaclash.com
Set for physical release on January 1, 2021, to get the new year started off right, is the self titled debut LP from D.A.B. (David Asher Band). Hailing from Detroit, MI, David is no new-comer to music making, having spent over 30 years leading reggae / rock band, The Process.
The group consists of David Ivory on guitar, William Petzold on bass, organ and backing vocals, Derick Davis on drums & percussion, and David Asher handling vocals, guitar, piano and various other roles, as well as various guests and contributors, including U.K.'s legendary dub-master and producer extraordinaire, Adrian Sherwood.
A version of Curtis Mayfield's "Keep On Moving" gets things started, followed by a Gregory Isaacs cover, "Give A Hand" featuring guest, Mike Cooper, on lap steel guitar. An awesome remake with a brief taste of David's raggamuffin lyrical flow.
"47 Shots (The Ballad Of Milton Hall)" tells an all-too-common story of unjust death at the hands of law enforcement. This particular story is about Milton Hall, a mentally ill man who was killed on July 1, 2012 in Saginaw, MI for stealing a cup of coffee, no federal charges were filed against the nine officers who fatally shot him 11 times, as is too frequently the case when it comes to police brutality. One thing that I love about reggae music is the social consciousness, and the artist's ability to tell dire tales of reality, strife and desperation, bringing attention to injustice while simultaneously emanating positive vibes and soothing the soul... the horn arrangement by Nicholas Peña greatly contribute to that juxtaposition on this tune.
Another cover, and a childhood favorite of mine, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," written by the great Bob Dylan, is the next track, in a rub-a-dub style.
"Keep A Little Faith" is a David Asher original and the first tune released on the D.A.B. ReverbNation page, an uplifting message to hold tight, especially during these trying times.
"Deputy Dawg and the Marshall" is an original, co-written by William Petzold, and another real-life tale of violence committed in the name of the law.
The most unique cut on the album, to me, is "There's A Fire," written by Asher. The down beat drives the tight, electronic feel of the rhythm and the percussion and horns are, well... fire! Heart-felt lyrics top it off quite nicely, too.
"Donkey Jawbone (On-U Sound Mix)" was originally recorded by The Process in 1992, re-recorded and brought to Ramsgate for the mix by Mr. Sherwood. The CD includes an instrumental version, too.
The final tune is a lovers rock duet with Mikki Sound, "Love Ballad (On-U Sound Mix)" covers the Skip Scarborough written r & b hit for the reggae lovers. There's also an instrumental version of this featured on the CD.
Overall, the album is a solid debut and David continues to be an inspiration to CULTCHA Clash Outer National (it was his request that I review the 2016 The Process album, Who Is That Mad Band?, which was the impetus of establishing the "digital zine" aspect of C.C.O.N.). It will be available on vinyl, CD and digitally, pre-order at Bandcamp.
David Asher was recently a guest on Duburbia Podcast with Selecta J-Cut discussing the making of the album as well as the history of The Process, check it out below.
This is the latest edition in the reboot of Vinyl Encounters of the...Rewind!(see original video episodes Here), my blog about music, records and the artists who make them. This time I will break down my 2019 Senator Bernie Sanders endorsement mix, Themes Of Political Revolution II: Hindsight Is 2020. It's an all-vinyl mix except for soundbites of Sanders and other public figures, who's statements were worked into the mix where I found the message to be fitting or appropriate. (if you haven't already, check out Themes Of Political Revolution 1) Disclaimer: This is my personal endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders for President of the United States. It is not implied that any of the artists included in this mix share my endorsement, nor should it be construed that the ideas expressed here are all those of Senator Sanders or his campaign. I have merely put together a collection of songs that, to me, convey a message of Political, Economic, Environmental and/or Social Justice. Even though the campaign was unsuccessful at clenching the nomination from the DNC for the 2016 election, it was successful at bringing the talking points of the party considerably to the left. The mid-term elections went in the party's favor, especially where progressive candidates were running. So, hopefully 2020 will have a different outcome. As a DJ, i felt that a mix of songs with messages congruent to his policies was the most effective means that I have of supporting the cause...
The opening speech is from the 2020 campaign announcement to a crowd in Brooklyn, N.Y. he had to stop the enthusiastic, young audience from chanting his name with "No....it is not Bernie, it is you, it is us, together..." The crowd was very receptive to his message to "transform this country, and finally create an economy and a government that works for all of us, not just the one percent..."
The campaign announcement recaps many of the policies from Sanders' 2016 campaign, this time pushing universal healthcare even further with a Medicare For All proposal.
From 1976's Ital Corner LP is "Bloody Dunza" by Prince Jazzbo, another dread warning about the root of evil.
The soundbites are Sanders speaking of the oppressive right-wing government of Israel, which the U.S. gives billions in military aid to annually, and it's racism and mistreatment of the Palestinian people.
Following that is an Arabic / Japanese version of "War" by Neyssatou & Likkle Mai from the 2019 Pay It All Back 7 compilation, as well as from the forthcoming album, Dub No Frontiers.
Here, joker-smoker, Tommy Chong gives an endorsement of the Sanders campaign's policies of humane immigration, a living wage, equality for all and of course, the legalization of our favorite medicinal plant...
"Wall Street, insurance companies, drug companies, the military industrial complex, the prison industrial complex, the fossil fuel industry and a corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaires to buy elections" are some of the targets of the campaign, and those groups are certainly no fans of Senator Sanders.
"Now it is true, I did not have a father who gave me millions of dollars to build luxury skyscrapers, casinos and country clubs..." Sanders says of his upbringing.
"Climate change is not a hoax," Sanders states, "but it is an existential threat to our country and the entire planet..." The Green New Deal for confronting the climate crisis is yet another example of his progressive policy proposals.
"Piece Of The Earth" comes from Longtime, the 1996 LP by Little Roy.
"Get Ur Freak On (Instrumental)" was repurposed here from Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot and Timbaland's 2000 hit, Get Ur Freak On. Sanders points out the embarrassing rate of incarceration in the U.S., blaming the prison-industrial-complex and the war on drugs, meaningful criminal justice reform will be a priority for the administration.
"This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism, it would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment..." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Freedom Fighter" is from the 1979 Cry Tuff released Freedom Fighter 7" single byJah Brown, recorded here from the 2011 reissue.
The following tune is by dub poet extraordinaire, Linton Kwesi Johnson, from his 1984 album, Making History, "Wat About Di Workin' Claas?"
"Justice" from The Terrorists, was released in 1980 by Max's Kansas City Records on the 7" single, Justice / Riis Park. Although the song is actually about justice for a broken heart, only a short clip was used for the context of the mix.
The final tune of the mix is "Go! (Club Mix)" by Tones On Tailfrom their 1984 single on Beggars Banquet, Lions / Go!, not a political tune but the energy seemed right.
"We're going to win this election because we are putting together the strongest grassroots campaign in the history of American politics..." confirms Bernie, who promises rather than dividing people by their differences, this campaign will bring people together.
"...we are together, and together, we will transform this country."
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