There can be little doubt what his Mikeyness is talking about here. Backed by fab cartoon sound effects, a tight roots dancehall groove, and lush, blissful female harmony vocals, the gr8 Mikey Dread kicks some herbal wisdom for four minutes and twenty seconds. Well, actually it’s 3:22 but one does lose track of time, doesn’t one? An impeccably produced track with a lot of joy and humor. Smoke this mp3.

Mikey Dread
“Pound a Weed” (mp3)
from “Life is a Stage”
(Dread at the Controls)

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Methinks the eve of xmas eve calls for a de-stressing, most chillaxing reggae dancehall track. Thankfully, the gr8 Barrington Levy is offering up his hit “Collie Weed” for our enjoyment. A simple and direct song, with a simple and direct message. Pick up “Original Ragga Muffin Part One” for more from this top Jamaican star. Happy holidays =)

Barrington Levy
“Collie Weed” (mp3)
from “Original Ragga Muffin Part One”
(Azra Music Publishing)

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One of the gr8est and longest running live reggae acts, Steel Pulse has a sound to match their name. This very unexpected treat comes from “Dub Like An Antelope – Legends of Reggae Celebrate Phish,” and yes, you read that correctly. Toots and the Maytals, Yellowman and other reggae superstars lend their talents to this collection of covers – of songs originally performed by that most revered of jam bands. Huh? No, really Dorothy, and what’s more, it’s good. Pay a visit to the Phish “Farmhouse” with Handsworth’s finest.

Steel Pulse
“Farmhouse” (mp3)
from “Dub Like An Antelope – Legends of Reggae Celebrate Phish”
(Red Hillz Music)

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This instrumental track from The Uptones “Live!! 924 Gilman” CD is a hi-energy ska punk jazz opus. The album influenced a lot of great bands that followed, and it’s a joy to listen to. This was my Sunday morning dance in the kitchen wake up record for a year! Superfan sez pick it up.

The Uptones
“East of a Western Bay” (mp3)
from “The Uptones Live!!”
(Fun Fun Fun Recordings)
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What could be better than a classic major key rocksteady pattern, with generous helpings of voodoo trombones, and tasty contemporized ska lyrics? Nothing! The answer is nothing! This is the mutherf@cking sh!t. Now you know how I feel about it. Download and enjoy. Outstanding music, or out standing in rain? The choice is yours. Voodoo Trombone Quartet in full power.

The Voodoo Trombone Quartet
“(Hey You) The Rocksteady Crew” (mp3)
from “The Voodoo Trombone Quartet …Again”
(Freshly Squeezed Music)

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Marijuana has been legal for medicinal purposes here in the state of California since the passing in 1996 of Prop 215, and pot dispensaries and clubs have popped up everywhere in its wake as growers further perfect myriad finely cultivated strains of pungent buds. This is therefor, a good place to live if you have such needs, and as it happens, downtown Oakland near my place of residence is the capital of the pot club world! Along with a number of these specialty pharmacies, there’s even a new college offering “Quality Training for the Cannabis Industry” which takes its name from the neighborhood’s unofficial moniker – Oaksterdam University. “Medicine Man,” a classic reggae rocker by UK’s I-Plant, could be the school’s anthem. So put this mp3 in your pipe and smoke it, all you 420 scholars. Quality product from I-GROW RECORDS.

I-Plant
“Medicine Man” (mp3)
from “Medicine Man / Hard Road to Travel”
(I-GROW RECORDS)

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It seems Lee “Scratch” Perry’s musical evolution will never stop. Jamaican music innovator number one, Perry has from the early 60’s to the present been a core author of the operating systems for ska, reggae, and dub, spawning myriad sub-genres and altering the perceptions and priorities of generations of fans and musicians world wide. Quite a resume. Now on, like, his ten thousandth LP or something, “madman scratchy” has a new release on the lovely Narnack Records label. This track, a wild riff on Perry’s already wild “Having A Party” which I posted earlier, is closer to a dubby downtempo or house vibe than the Reggae based work he’s most famous for. But the unique voice and mind bending take on life are instantly recognizable as no one else’s. Here’s holiday music of a kind I promise you, you have never heard before. Santa Claus is coming, so catch Scratchy on his short US tour they just announced, and be good!

Lee “Scratch” Perry
“Repentance”
Narnack Records

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Dj Subverse brought this to my attention last week, and it has worked its colors into my gray matter. A hyper contemporary soundscape featuring a beguiling mix of eastern and western sounds and melodies all tossed about in dub stylee. This mp3 packs a lot of music into two minutes and fifty seconds! Seductive and creepy, soothing and disturbing all at once. Is this what it is like to be haunted? Lovely work.

Rainbow Arabia
“Haunted Hall” (mp3)
from “Kabukimono”
(Manimal Vinyl Records)

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Why, it seems everyone and their cousin has a reggae band these days. Coming from the jazzy swingy new skool funky side is a band from Wellington City, New zealand called The Black Seeds. Boasting monster horn players, sophisticated arrangements and a scary solid rhythm section, they are not a simple reggae knock off, as they have been proving to a growing international following. “Slingshot” is their latest and gr8est, a powerful single with lyrics that work a karmic angle somewhat reminiscent of Peter Tosh’s “Downpressor Man” or The Heptones’ “Hypocrite.” Nice one.

The Black Seeds
“Slingshot” (mp3)
from “Solid Ground”
(Easy Star Records)

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From an eclectic comp on the Fractal Entertainment label, comes this brilliant cut by Cutty Ranks.  “Hardcore Riddim” lives up to its name with this massive promo track. Top artists from Jamaica including Luciano, Bushman, Gyptian, Courtney Melody, Jah Mason, and Ras Shiloh are also featured on this collection so check it out for a good slice of some of cutting edge modern Reggae. Right on lyrics on this one.

Cutty Ranks
“No Heart” (mp3)
from “Hardcore Riddim”
(Fractal Entertainment)

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While Sleepy Wonder is a diversely talented singer, songwriter, DJ and popular live performer, this track “Bounce” is strictly dancehall. Playing from his core strength as a seamless, entertaining rapid fire MC, this could easily be the Sleepy Wonder theme song. Positive and fun, it also cuts with a genuine street edge and st8 of the art dancehall production. A perfect blend, add it up it’s gr8. Bounce wit me.

Sleepy Wonder
“Bounce” (mp3)
from “Injustice”
(No Choice Music Group)

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Here’s a gr8 swingin’ track from the king of Jamaican jazz guitar, the one and only Ernest Ranglin, ladies and gentlemen. Kick back and enjoy the ultra cool reggae jazz of this master player with his top flight band, and their lovely rendition of “My Boy Lollipop.” When Millie Small’s version of this song was released in 1964, it became the first worldwide ska hit record, throwing open the doors to overseas markets for all the great Jamaican music that would follow. It is no surprise then that the song is often covered by Jamaican artists, and ska bands everywhere, and many fine versions have been recorded. This one, featuring the shimmering vocals of the lovely and talented young Alana Davis, has quickly become one of my favorites.

Ernie Ranglin
“My Boy Lollipop (feat. Alana Davis)” (mp3)
from “Order of Distinction”
(Milk River Music)

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It is impossible for a song to live up to its title better than this one does. What an impeccable track. I can’t get it off of repeat! I do this sometimes, just leave a song on for an hour, all day even. It changes the room, like a coat of paint, more effective and safer than any drug, the sophisticated choice for a mood altering experience. I love music, I love music, and all it takes for me to remember how acutely, is a gr8 new song discovery to drink up. Liquid Stranger has provided me the perfect elixir for this fine Cali Friday. Enjoy, and have a lovely weekend. Soundbwoi Killaaaa!

Liquid Stranger
“Soundboy Killa” (mp3)
from “The Intergalactic Slapstick”
(Interchill Records)

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This interpretation of the Wailers’ anthem “Get Up, Stand Up,” is a tight, clean recording of a contemporary afrobeat ensemble in full swing. When Fela Kuti and his veritable army of Nigerian musicians blended James Brown style funk and African rhythms to create their instantly identifiable sound, I wonder if they had any notion of how many musicians they would eventually inspire. Today there are afrobeat bands popping up all around the globe, each bringing its own twist to this triumphant and joyously defiant music. This track is gr8, the instrumental work is top notch, even as the raw intent behind both the composition and style are preserved.

Kaleta, Zozo Afrobeat
“Get Up” (mp3)
from “The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revolution”
(Rough Guides/World Music Network)

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I dub out on Sundays often. Well I dub out whenever possible, but Sunday’s Dubday, Charley Brown, especially. The Dub Nomads come from the jazzy modern side of dub here on “Dub One Out” from their “Brooklyn Sessions” album. Warm, lazy chord voicings on softly distorted analog keyboard sounds slither behind a lead muted horn that wails out with the requisite seething and expanding tape delay that we love in our dubby dub dub. Sublime, soothing, and musically deep, like any self respecting track in this lovely genre should be.

Dub Nomads
“Dub One Out” (mp3)
from “Brooklyn Sessions”
(Concent Productions, Inc.)

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If Luciano says “put it on,” we gonna put it on. Reggae old school vibes and dub massive production make up my selection for you music lovers for this fine Friday.  This reminds of Aswad, Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse, and also has a nice original vibe. Soulful vocals, solid riddim tracks, yes I’m loving it. Have a gr8 weekend! I’m out.

Luciano
“Put It On” (mp3)
from “La Ba La Ba”
(High Fence Records)

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Dramatic headline, yes, but I had to get your attention. For the record, K’Naan is the real deal. The exploding buzz around this young Somalian expatriate is entirely justified by the quality of his output. His music is fearlessly original and widely accessible, with lyrics that are nothing less than profound. You’d never guess that English is K’Naan’s second language, but indeed, he mastered it by studying and emulating the hip-hop and rock artists that he loved as a kid. Check his media rich website, and illuminating wikipedia article for some background. This mp3 is gr8, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. This is a major, major talent, and he’s going to be a big star. For all the right reasons.

K’Naan
“I Was Stabbed By Satan” (mp3)
from “The Dusty Foot Philosopher”
(Interdependent Media)

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Update, Sep. 23 – Wouldn’t you know it! K’Naan and J. Period have made a tribute to Bob Dylan, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. Read about it on Henry Adaso’s about.com blog. Makes sense. Gotta hear that one too.

Dublin, Ireland’s Prince Kong delivers a dancehall smasher with some tight verses and inspired dub style madness. Touching on various stages of UK underground club music evolution, this emerges as an original statement – relevant, compelling and raw. And in the best tradition of reggae’s myriad sub-genres, you can move your feet to it, as well as your mind. GO deh!

Prince Kong
“Outside (feat. Tommy Trouble & Eccleton Jarrett)” (mp3)
from “Proper Horror Show”
(Middle Management Recordings)

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This track is a GR8 collision of various dub and electronica styles.  An exciting composition built from anything DJ Slip wanted plus the kitchen sink. Raiders of the Lost Dubplates, indeed. As contemporary as next week, and too slippery to classify.

DJ Slip
“Phoenix” (mp3)
from “Raiders of the Lost Dubplates Vol.1″
(Vinyl Syndicate)

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“Nowadays ya need eyez in the back of your head,” observes Collie Buddz. I usually h8 the auto-tuner effect on vocals, but like anything else, it can be used artfully and that is the case here. Icy cool song with an urban angst-y slickness and bluesy dancehall vibes. I dig it.

Collie Buddz
“Eyez” (mp3)
from “IRT Ryddimz & Shortman Movements Present… The New Era EP”
(IRT Media Group, LLC)

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If you love dancehall reggae, you’ll love this scorcher from Beenie Man. A sublime bass line, crisp techno drum patterns, and rootsy acoustic piano skank provide a tuff skeleton, over which Beenie Man chats in his patented high energy style. Some major sound system rockin’ stuff, but it sounds GR8 in ear buds too. I posted Bennie Man’s brilliant “Jamaican Style“ earlier so don’t sleep pon it! Everybody bawl..

Beenie Man
“Zion” (mp3)
from “Way Out”
(RReMark)

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Rockin’ in a classic Jamaican dancehall style, The Splif Click drops a gr8 combo of humor and light, plus message and depth over a spare and precise backing track. A joyous track that any dancehall fan will adore.

The Splif Click
“Like a Soldier” (mp3)
from “Like a Soldier”
(Powacut Productions)

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England’s greatest and longest running reggae dub band teams up with a top contemporary electronica dub crew, and the results are spectacular. Aswad, mixed up right for the club by Danny Briottet (Renegade Soundwave) and Tim Bran (Dreadzone, Subsonar) known collectively as the Rhythm Riders. Lovely work that showcases the talents of both camps, in a seamless and chill flow.

Aswad
“This Sound” (mp3)
from “Aswad vs. The Rhythm Riders”
(Liaison Music)

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Busting a riddim in the style of the Skatalites, with a dab of the Specials, and heaping helpings of ska love, UK’s Freetown delivers everything you would want from a track entitled “Skaffic Jam.” One-chord hypnotic upbeat patrol? Check! Wikkid and wiley horn solos with smokin’ jazz chops? Check! Toasting vocals chiming in with all the “shika-shikas” and “get-em-ups?” But yes! Why, it’s enough to make a SuperFan skank up the walls. Best selection for drive time today!

Freetown
“Skaffic Jam” (mp3)
from “Painless”
(Beatville Records)

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Dubbing out heavily in Leeds, UK we find the East Park Reggae Collective. Doing reggae old school style – that is, the kind where people play instruments instead of laptops primarily, EPRC stakes a claim to the brilliant English twist on Jamaican music pioneered by bands like Aswad, The Specials, UB40 and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band. This track is GR8. All the players are hot but a special shout out to the guitar player – that is some fine pickin!

East Park Reggae Collective
“Bomber Jacket” (mp3)
from “The Frontline”
(Caprimusic / GLP)

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Beenie Man is a name nearly synonymous with Jamaican Dancehall music, and this song is a joyous tribute to the style. Infectious electronic tracks back a trademark lyrical flow which Beenie Man started developing when he first entered the music business at the age of 10. Lovers of Reggae, Dancehall and Lovers Rock all know this voice, and if you’re new to this music, then this mp3 is the perfect intro. Enjoy!

Beenie Man
“Jamaican Style” (mp3)
from “Chinkuzi Riddim Riddin #2″
(South Rakkas Entertainment)

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I love the way Jamaican and American popular musics have informed and influenced each other over the decades. Going back to the early 1960s when ska bands built on stateside soul and R&B sounds, and fast-forward to hip-hop and dancehall styles trading ideas and themes at a dizzying pace.  Heavyweight Dub Champion is hip-hop, and dancehall, and electronic dance, and reggae, they are all of that, and yes they bring their own original flavor to the mix as well. This track really cooks.

Heavyweight Dub Champion
“Dawn (feat. Dr. Isreal)” (mp3)
from “Rise of the Champion Nation”
(Champion Nation Recordings)

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Starting my morning with this sweet instrumental modern jazz dub. Intelligent and reflective, the sort of music that seems to carry a message sans words.

The Nomad
“Alright” (mp3)
from “Quinessence”
(LOOP)

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Epic downtempo dub with brilliant poetry and lyrics. Truly innovative.

Beat Pharmacy
“Rooftops” (mp3)
from “Wikkid Times”
(Deep Space Media)

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A str8 up dancehall rocker from the brilliant and lovely Nadine Sutherland. Signed by Bob Marley himself to Tuff Gong records when she was a teenager, Sutherland has throughout her career blasted through stereotypes with her fresh delivery, sincere approach and real class.  Big Tingz is her latest single and it lives right up to its name! Spin this when ya needs ta move a lickle.

Nadine Sutherland
“Big Tingz” (mp3)
from “Big Tingz”
(Eight76 Records)

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K, if you know me a little ya know I MUST have my dub. Toronto’s Dubmatix have become a favorite of yours truly, because they have the old school dubby-dub moves down and pay tribute, but also, in the adventurous spirit of Lee Perry and King Tubby, they move the music forward with new ideas and tasty new production tricks. This one is massive and sweet.

Dubmatix
“Killing Dub” (mp3)
from “Dread & Gold – Dub from the Smoke Factory”
(7 Arts Entertainment)

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A great track from Mali’s Issa Bagayogo. Supremely funky.

Issa Bagayogo
“Sebero” (mp3)
from “Mali Koura”
(Six Degrees Travel Series)

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An ominous huge bass drone at the bottom and a shimmering hi-end provide the backdrop for this righteous observation of the dark side of human nature.

Dub Gabriel
“Chasing the Paper (feat. Jah Dan)” (mp3)
from “Anarchy & Alchemy”
(Destroy All Concepts)

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Deeply meditative dub. I fell into a spontaneous half-nap to this one yesterday, it was a trip and a half. Eyesight Project bringin’ the riddim and vision.

Eyesight Project
“Eyesight” (mp3)
from “Eyesight Project”
(Modus Vivendi)

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Well known to those who know, mysterious to those who don’t, the greatest dub artist in the world also happens to be the man who invented the style. Dub evolved from various happy accidents in the studios of Jamaica, but it took a madman of Scratchy’s particular imagination to water the seeds of dub and grow them into an international forest. Clearly from outer space, he visits earth in this track to attend a little party. Come on in, drink ya drink.

Lee “Scratch” Perry
“Having a Party” (mp3)
from “Scratch Came, Scratch Saw, Scratch Conquered”
(Megawave)

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A very faithful rendition of the Bob Marley and the Wailers classic hit. With a bit of modernized production for maximum dance floor rockin’, plus a few dub spices thrown in to good effect, this still loses nothing of the magic of the orginal.

The Itals
“Could You Be Loved” (mp3)
from “Easy To Catch”
(Rhythm Safari Pty Ltd)

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Ah, the old drink you off my mind theory. Never works. Leads to plenty of unfortunate late night phone calls and the occasional good song though! This is from modern reggae great Tyrone Taylor’s posthumous record of unreleased material.Vocally he sounds a lot like the great Peter Tosh, but more pop actually.

Tyrone Taylor
“Funny Hangover” (mp3)
from “Lost Sessions of the Reggae Legend”
(Milk River Music)

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Dennis Brown’s inspired take on the George Benson hit “On Broadway” takes the song into a more dreamy positive direction, utopian if you will, crafting a delightful answer to the more heavy message of the original. Brilliant.

Dennis Brown
“Mount Zion (On Broadway)” (mp3)
from “Reggae Stars”
(President Records)

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In a cool lovers rock style reminiscent of Desmond Dekker’s classic “It Mek,” this swoon-worthy old track was recently re-released on a 3 CD collection of British reggae releases from the late ‘60 – early ’70’s. Pick it up.

King Reggie
“Cool Girl” (mp3)
from “The Best Of Sioux Vol. 1″
(President Records)

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Young Ukrainian rockers Mad Heads XL have it all on their new CD. Songwriting and arranging skills, hooks coming out the derriere and kick ass straight up power pop production. I confess I don’t understand a word of it. But so what! Music is the universal language and I’m down with this. Clearly influenced by a lot of 70s and 80s western groups from the Police to the Cars, as well as two-tone and third wave ska, this nonetheless stands on its own as killer original work. I have to add, that the fact that commercial radio would never play this is proof (as if proof were needed) that corporate radio sucks elephant balls.

Mad Heads XL
“Probky (Traffic Jams)” (mp3)
from “Forever”
(Comp Music Ltd)

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I have a special place in my heart for the The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies’ particular blend of swing, reggae and west coast sunny attitude. They’ve made some really fun records and they also have a great live show – if you get the chance don’t miss ‘em. Their story, from early controversy around their name to their radio hit “Zoot Suit Riot” and beyond is hilarious and worth a read. I love this song. Great lyrics, the combo is tight, and the horns sound awesome.

The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
“Blood Orange Sun” (mp3)
from “Susquehanna”
(Space Age Bachelor Pad)

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This song really floats my boat. Kinda almost jam band-y slacker zen self-help advice. I mean that in a good way! Acoustic reggae-ish bouncy funky rock, and there’s even a hint of that Jerry Garcia guitar effect for you footbagging hitch-hikers. Enjoy the ride and don’t get too hung up on the little stuff.

Mile Marker 7
“Here We Go” (mp3)
from “Quickstar Productions Presents : Chill Out Atlantic Edition volume 4″
(Quickstar Productions)

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Heavyweight Dub Champion is not a posse that minces words or holds back what they think and observe. And featured guest KRS-ONE didn’t mince his words when he said “Heavyweight Dub Champion restores all hope.” Big words, til you listen to the album. This is a record everyone should hear.

Heavyweight Dub Champion
“Destroy the Industry” (mp3)
from “Rise of the Champion Nation”
(Champion Nation Recordings)

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Reggae and jazz fans must check out this exquisite reading of Satta Massaganna – the Jamaican classic made famous by The Abyssinians. This instrumental version, with virtuouso lead guitar and piano featured prominently, is completely true to the original in rhythm and vibes. Magnificent work.

Ernie Ranglin
“Satta Massaganna (feat.Monty Alexander)” (mp3)
from “Order of Distinction”
(Milk River Music)

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How much do I love this record cover? How much do I love this record? Old school ska sounds of Brixton come through loud and clear on this tasty instrumental. The Ministry Of Ska, taking care of important business.

Ministry Of Ska
“Skaty” (mp3)
from “Rarin to Go”
(Future Legend Records)

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Truth and soul from Africano, off a nice comp on High Fence Records.

Africano
“Poor People Burden” (mp3)
from “High Fence”
(High Fence Records)

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It’s hard to fathom that reggae was a new form of music in the late 60’s and early 70’s. It has since taken root in pretty much every country in the world, even remote outposts like Carpinteria, CA. Tucked on the Pacific coast, 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, a group of rocker headz practices their craft – writing, recording and performing reggae music with love and dedication. There’s an ocean, nightclubs, studios, and plenty of ganja. So why not? Here’s a slice of their world view.

The Upbeat
“Sitting On The Hill” (mp3)
from “Backyard Knowledge”
(Chupee Records)

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Does Superfan love dub? Guilty as charged. Mikey Dread is one of the best. This music cures cancer.

Mikey Dread
“Theme from Solidarity” (mp3)
from “Dub Merchants”
(Dread at the Controls)

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Classic reggae in the lovers rock stylee. I love openness of the groove, like fresh air on a cool summer night.

Johnny Osbourne
“Night Fall” (mp3)
from “Can’t Stop Us Now”
(Easy Star Records)

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Yes, that’s right the great Bob Marley and the Wailers hit, remixed specially for your next party! What a GR8 why to keep Bob’s music alive!

Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Soul Shakedown Party” (mp3)
from “Roots, Rock, Remixed”
(rockr / Quango / Tuff Gong)

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