Cool Runner (World Beatnik, 1998)

Oh my, where do I start?  First of all, the name Watusi -- unfortunately unavoidable, as it is named after band member Jimi Watusi -- conjures up images of '60s mop heads hammering their arms up and down in a bastardized version of the twist, not a reggae band.  Second, this 9-man squad is not a reggae band per se so much as it is a conglomeration of styles -- reggae, soca and other Caribbean music, African music, rock 'n roll, pop, and Hawaiian music -- reflecting the multi-cultural personnel (American, African, Caribbean, Hawaiian).  Reggae, however, is still the main focus of Watusi's style . . . unfortunately.  I truly believe they would be better suited if they focus on another sound; say, soca, calypso, or zouk, each of which they explore on Cool Runner.  For instance, the best song on this album is "Majambo," which has an Afro-Hispanic calypso edge.  The band's attempts at reggae, though, just aren't tight enough.  The music is too diluted by the other sounds, while the energized, unabashedly happy-go-lucky style and the lead singer's soul-less, less than edgy vocals make for a saccharine mix inappropriate for quality reggae.  This is reggae for people who don't like reggae and would prefer to hear "Hot Hot Hot" over "Satta Massagana."  Regardless of what type of music Watusi plays, however, drivel like "Children of the Rainbow" should have no place in anyone's ears.