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Strictly Reggae Volume 2 (JamDown, 2000) I'm not a dancehall producer, but I can't imagine at what point in the creative process it would seem a good idea to adapt the music from DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night" into a dancehall riddim. This is the question that should be posed to producer Paul Kastick, who subjects us unfortunate listeners to not one but THREE bouncy tracks riding that treacly rhythm. "Can't Hide From Love" "Farewell," and the obligatory cover "Rythem of the Night" (Hooked on Phonics, anyone?) end up as overly sweet, ear-aching (not to mention head-aching and back-aching; my ass isn't feeling so hot either) tests of endurance that sound more like soca than dancehall. It's a testament to the strength of the other songs on Strictly Reggae Volume 2 that it can overcome (relatively speaking) such a horrendous trio. Freddie McGregor's lovers rock tune "Close to You" (not a remake of the Maxi Priest hit) helps, although it sounds way out of place on this dancehall-dominated set. The electric Richard Browne-produced riddim carrying T.O.K.'s posse cut "Don’t Stray," Mr. Easy's ganja anthem "Everyday," and Hawkeye's "Dem Muma" leads into the heart of the album. Jack-A-Diamond's "Everybody Sitt'n," General B's "Top of the World" (despite what sounds like a nasal condition he should get checked out), and Madd Anju's old school "Ketch Dem" round things out much more nicely than they begin. Still, the damage has been done. What's the next hot riddim, perhaps "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go?" |
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