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Spring
Time
(Semi Sounds, 2004) How can you discuss melodica-driven dub music without mentioning Augustus Pablo? He and the melodica are synonymous in the reggae realm, so when you hear the hybrid instrument wafting from Lightman's debut album Spring Time, you're likely to think of Pablo. And you likely won't be disappointed if you do, as Spring Time compares quite favorably to the late melodica master's best work. Lightman hails from, of all places, Finland, but he remains amazingly loyal to the vintage '70s rootsy sound of Pablo and other dub masters of that era. Even if you're not a big dub fan and find Pablo's work occasionally Sominex-ing (myself included), you should nonetheless find Lightman's work spirited and varied, breathing fresh air into the sometimes stagnant dub genre. Spring Time gathers instrumentals recorded between 1998 and 2003, and it's apparent that a lot of time and care has gone into this project. While the melodica is the main weapon of choice here, other instruments share the spotlight here and there. The opening track, "Meanwhile in the City," for example, begins with a wicked organ solo that immediately grabs you. This organ propels some of the funkier tracks like "City," "Plastic Ragga," and "Raining," while others, like "Documentation" and the title cut, do fine with the melodica. "Countryside," meanwhile features the unique chiming sound of the glockenspiel, while on "Give a Version," Lightman experiments successfully with the marimba, an African xylophone. Sure, if you’re not a big dub listener, 16 instrumentals in a row might make your brain freeze up -- particularly on later, more lethargic tunes like "Free" and "Good Morning" -- but overall Spring Time is a striking throwback with a touch of modern experimentation. |
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