Real Authentic Reggae Vol. 2

Chaka Demus & Pliers – When King Tubby Used To Play 

 Being that I do research on Authenticity and view it as contextual and fluid, I’m always skeptical of anything that includes the concept in the title, but this IS a solid collection compiled by British DJ David Rodigan. One of the many new and older classics on here is this track from Chaka Demus and Pliers, riding the riddim to Phyllis Dillion’s “Perfidia” one of my all time favorite tunes…

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Hypnotic
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Sankofa

This is a record that I’ve literally been waiting for 2 years to be released.  The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is currently based out of Chicago and now features 8 sons, (that’s right, 8 sons…and that’s out of 15 total children!), of jazz musician Phil Cohran (former Sun-Ra Arkestra member) on assorted horns, with honorary family member Chris Anderson on the skins.  Their sound is a mix of soulful, stirring, spiritual jazz, funk & Hip-Hop, though I mean “Hip-Hop” here in a purely philosophical way, not the way we generally think of Hip-Hop/Rap music. They self-released a stunning 10” record back in 2007 that now routinely garners $100+ on Ebay and have been performing all over the world in the ensuing years, with Damon Albarn, Tony Allen & Mos Def.  This record is the culmination of that work, released on Albarn’s Honest Jon’s record label and featuring guest work from three exceptional drummers, The Heliocentric’s Malcolm Catto, Jamiroquai’s Sola Akingbola and perhaps the greatest living drummer today, a true master, Tony Allen, former drummer for Fela in Africa 70.  (more…)

Tim Maia's 1973 Self-titled Album

Tim Maia – Compadre
Tim Maia – Over Again
Tim Maia – Gostavo Tanto De Voce

Just in case you don’t know, Tim Maia is one of the founding fathers of the Brazilian Soul movement. His 1970s output is highly prized because of its soulfulness, in terms of his own vocalizing, always big and strong with at times a wild falsetto in the early days, and the music, which stood in stark contrast to the Tropicália produced by Caetano Veloso and others, because of it’s solitary emphasis on US styled soul and funk. This record was his fourth for Polydor, all of which simply carry his name without an album title.

I’d heard tracks from the prior releases before tracking them down, but hadn’t heard anything from this one. When I first got it I was disappointed, the sound isn’t as sharp as prior releases, it’s a bit smoother and generally more laid back. Over time however, this record has become perhaps my favorite (the 1971 album is a close second) precisely because of those reasons, the groove is oh so mellow throughout and the use of acoustic guitar on many tracks brings a new flavor to a still very expansive funky palette. (more…)

Jóvenes y Sexys – Amor Platonico

{Update: While it doesn’t seem that Jovenes y Sexys has released a full-length record yet, they have released an EP, which you can download for free from their record label Poni Republic}

I can’t fully express how completely, obsessively enamored I am right now with this Venezuelan group.  Just a perfect indie, acoustic electro pop song, found on the Rudo y Cursi soundtrack.  I’m hoping to hear more from them soon.

Just so you can see how they completely transformed this song, check the original…