Life Elements Vision (L.E.V., 2001)

Since the mid- to late '90s, the American reggae scene has brightened significantly as a host of home-grown acts with a throwback roots sound -- from John Brown's Body to Groundation to Brent Berry, Johnny Dread, and Soldiers of Jah Army -- have sprung up across the country.  Add to that list the Cannons, a California-based band with a vibrant sound that resembles the crisp, live-instrument roots of John Brown's Body, but with a more popular, youthful appeal, incorporating elements of dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, and pop.  On Life Elements Vision, however -- the group's second album, after Thanks and Praise -- much of this crossover sound (which strikes me as similar to the reggae emanating from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands) is limited to two tracks, "The Tides" and "Messengers."  These tunes aren't bad -- in fact, they're rather catchy -- but they break up and prove incongruous with what is otherwise a straight reggae album (roots with dancehall and lovers rock flourishes).  This slight discord aside, the remaining material on L.E.V. is compelling enough that even the most traditionalistic of reggae fans shouldn't mind the few R&B and rap side bars.  Main band members Dylan Hyde, Gabriel Lackner, and Ken Greenberg and their supporting cast craft delicious melodies and fluid music, topped off by magnetic vocal performances and slick production, making this album a true undiscovered gem.  The highlights for me are the funky roots of "John Crow" and the classic lovers vibe of "Good Lovin'," along with "Natural Queen," "Pressure," and "At It Again," although really all of the tracks are strong (the two aforementioned aside).  A point that might need to be made is that, as with many of the new wave of American acts, the main members of the Cannons are Caucasian.  This, of course, is evident from the album cover -- one wonders if this may be why JBB and Groundation don't feature pics of themselves on their covers?  I'd hope not, but such is the reality of life along the color line.  I bring this up because there is likely a perception (spoken or otherwise) among some fans of the genre that "blue-eyed reggae" can't be authentic.  While yes, I've heard my share of crap, the cream generally rises to the top, regardless of race.  The Cannons may not sound like they're "straight outta Kingston," but their vibe is likeable, believable, and wicked.  Lead singer Hyde puts on a credible patois (not necessarily an easy -- but easily a necessary -- task) when crooning and chatting, and the song lyrics remain true to the socio-political and Rastafarian inclinations of traditional roots reggae.  Sounds authentic enough to me.