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| Crisus Time: Extra Version (Frontline, 1994) *GUEST REVIEW* While not as well known as U Roy or Big Youth, I-Roy is firmly in their league. This fine compilation proves it. The disc includes the full album Crisus Time, produced by Bunny "Striker" Lee in 1976, as well as three tracks from each of Heart of a Lion (self-produced and remixed by Scientist1978) and Whap'n Bap'n (produced by Dennis Bovell 1980). The rhythms here are uniformly heavy (the bass on tracks like "Equality and Justice" is downright apocalyptic), but what makes this a great listen is I-Roy's toasting, which could be described as equal parts U-Roy, Prince Far I and Linton Kwesi Johnson, with themes alternating from cultural to humorous. If you need a good soundtrack for a plate of curry goat, a pint of Dragon Stout, and a spliff, look no further. Tragically, I-Roy died homeless and destitute in 1999. -Zionist |
| Track Listing 1. Heart of a Lion 2. Casmas Town 3. Tonight 4. Whap'n Bap'n 5. Union Call 6. London 7. Roots Man Time 8. African Tak 9. Crisus Time 10. Equality and Justice 11. Hypocrite Back Out 12. Musical Injection 13. Don't Touch I Man Locks 14. Satta-Amasa-Gana 15. African Herbsman 16. Love Your Neighbour 17. Send Us Little Power Oh Jah 18. Moving on Strong |
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Don’t Check Me With No
Lightweight Stuff (Blood & Fire, 1997)
*GUEST
REVIEW*
It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but
the Jamaican art of toasting over versions can work really well in some
instances. Roy Samuel Reid began toasting as I Roy in 1966 and recording in
1970. Don’t Check Me covers recordings from the period 1972 to 1975.
I
suppose a good toasting session requires an interesting version or dub, a DJ
with great timing and something interesting to warble on about. In general, this
album fulfils all of these requirements with versions from Bob
Marley, the Heptones, Roy Shirley, Ken Boothe, Junior
Murvin, and the Abyssinians. The ability of a
toaster to transform a bunch of easily overlooked tunes into something more
alive, interactive, and humorous always surprises me. Whilst toasting is really
something that should be experienced live, albums such as this are a strong
second best. Fans of toasters should also check out If DJ Was Your Trade.
- ragudave
| Track Listing 1. Sidewalk Killer 2. Hot Stuff 3. Buck and the Preacher 4. Ken Boothe Special 5. Black Talk 6. Look a Boom 7. Don't Get Weary Joe Frasier 8. Sound Education 9. Noisy Place 10. Fire Burn 11. Sufferer's Psalm 12. Superfly 13. Hospital Trolley 14. Double Warning 15. Holy Satta 16. Straight to the Heathen Head |
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