Sweet Jamaica - A 2010 Roots & Culture Mix

With 2011 almost two months on its way, the roots & culture releases from 2010 were still waiting to get the BMC treatment to end up with at least one modern roots mix of the year. Due to various reasons (no bad things!) I rarely have time left lately to start mixing and / or check tunes, so I'm behind my schedule of previous years. Ah so it go, and so it will probably stay, but the music still nice, whether you hear it in 2010 or 2011, right? So, here's a selection of roots & culture tunes from JA and other parts of the world inna JA style (rootsy, mainly JA vocalists, JA tradition). Mix called Sweet Jamaica and includes no less than three tunes with that title from the past year. Spring is in the air, what is reflected in the start of this mix: happy feel good stylee! The mix has a Bunny Lee segment for the old-style lovers too; both Maximum Sound and John John updated 70s Bunny Lee riddims with new vocals from a variety of artists. Check it out. For the vinyl collectors, some of these did see release on vinyl (yes, the format is still alive and kicking!), those that did have a ' * ' behind the title of the riddim. Nuff said, mix in the usual BMC style (no full tunes, added sound effects etc.), get it while you can!

Drop a comment if you enjoyed the mix. It takes time and effort to make it, so some sort of 'thank you' is appreciated when you do take and rate it.
Sweet Jamaica - A 2010 Roots & Culture Mix - JA style
01) Mr. Vegas Featuring Shaggy & Josey Wales - Sweet Jamaica (Clifford Ray) *
Go Fi Her Riddim - Penthouse
02) Romain Virgo - Wha Dis Pon Me
03) Daville - Man Like Me You Want
04) Lutan Fyah - Woman A Stress Me
05) LUST - Go Fi Her
9 To 5 Riddim - Breadback
06) Lutan Fyah - Jamaican Girl
07) Warrior King - Experience Teaches Wisdom
08) Lukie D - Share Him
Everlasting Riddim - Pow Pow
09) Natural Black - Just Be There
10) Bescenta - Health Strength
11) Gentleman - Everlasting Love
12) Luciano - Memories (Super 100 - Hit Riddim)
13) Spragga Benz - Shotta Culture (Boomtunes)
The 'Bunny Lee' segment
Dunza 2010 riddim - Maximum Sound *
14) Yami Bolo - Ethnic Cleansing
15) Dean Fraser - Dunza Sax
16) Sizzla - African Liberation
17) Lutan Fyah - Sanctify Yourself
18) Aggrovators - Dunza 2010
Zion Gate riddim - John John *
19) Alborosie - Rudie Don't Fear
20) Sanchez - Mad Love For You
21) Sizzla - Music In My Soul
22) Tarrus Riley - Sweet Jamaica a.k.a. Spen Shell Fly
Rebellion 2010 - Maximum Sound *
23) Johnny Clarke & Fantan Mojah - Rebel With A Cause
24) Chezidek & U-Roy - Teach Dem
25) Tarrus Riley - Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion
26) Busy Signal & Million Stylez - As Mi Forward (Necessary Mayhem - Jam 1 riddim) *
Shoulder Move riddim - Lenky
27) Buju Banton - Hard Times
28) Buju Banton - Not Goin Crazy
Songs aka Jah Jah Give Us Life Riddim - Joe Fraser
29) Glen Washington - Good Old Day
30) George Nooks - It's Crazy
31) Big Youth - Traffic Jam
32) Lloyd Brown - Live The Life You Love
33) Turbulence ft. Kananga - Don't Let Them Fool You (Rogland - No Hypocrite riddim)
Major riddim - Don Corleon
34) Tarrus Riley - Wildfire
35) Ce'Cile - Take My Heart
36) Lutan Fyah - Come Over
37) Jah Cure - Respect
Water Pumping riddim - John John
38) Genteleman - Good Old Days
39) Sanchez - Trust In Me
Party Time riddim - Irie Ites *
40) Natty King & Spectacular - Sweet Jamaica
41) Glen Washington - Jah Love Holding Firm
Good Ova Evil Riddim - Sankofa
42) Jah Cure - Don't Let Them Cry
43) Sizzla - Herb
Boops riddim - Juke Boxx *
44) Busy Signal - Government Gone Luuuu
45) Busy Signal - Dat Mi Love
46) Assassin - Nowadays Boopsie
47) Tarrus Riley - Children A Pree We
48) Timeka Marshall - Sweet Vibes
City Life riddim - 2 Hard Music
49) Denyque - Supergirl
50) Queen Ifrica - Times L:ike These
You Don't Need Me riddim - Joe Fraser
51) Courtney John - Love Is
52) Glen Washington - Match Made In Heaven
53) Fantan Mojah - The Majesty Don't Please (Weedy G - Jaguar riddim) *
54) Pressure - Shield and Guide (Xterminator)
* released on 45s
Listen (click play):


Drop me a comment if you appreciate the works!
Thanks and enjoy,
BMC

Roots Riddims 2010 - a broad selection of tunes

In a few hours the year will be over and 2011 will be there. The new roots / conscious side of reggae didn't get much of my attention this year, simply couldn't find the time to start mixing and, even before that, listening. As usual the year was filled with criticism on the 'state of modern reggae', though often not fully backed up by insight knowledge on what actually has been released. I too hope to see improvement in musical compositions (more bass, more quality control, more musically challenging riddims; same hopes I had last year I realize now that I write 'm down), but at the same time heard numerous tracks these last couple of weeks when catching up on the year that I enjoyed a lot and made me move my feet! Jamaica still got lots of vocal talents that, with a right flow and lyrics, can also lift a weaker riddim up to a nice tune all the same. Did 2010 bring tunes among the best I've heard? No. Does that have to be the case? No! I just want to enjoy music, it doesn't really matter if I've heard better in the past, if it pleases me at that moment it's good enough for me. Usually I make up lists each year of the best tunes and all, but since I only just started checking most of the 2010 output out I decided to not do that, but just list a whole heap of riddims (with a link to a youtube clip of one of the tunes on it) and some loose tunes that I found 'potentially interesting' on first listen for a variety of reasons (riddim, vocal, flow and vocal melody, lyrics or combinations of these) and in varying degrees. When I heard 'm and thought "ok, with the right vocal this could possibly work, let's check out a next cut on it", then I put it on the list. So as said, not all memorable and such, but I really had enough of that discussion, I've heard things I like and that's all that counts, for the rest: listen and decide for yourself. My wishes for the new year musically (reggaewise that is) have been mentioned, so that leaves me wishing all visitors of BMC's Reggae Blog a great and musical 2011. Respect!

This is the list of riddims and tunes, in alphabetical order (I have my preference, but keep it to myself this time), check it out, maybe there's a few riddims and tunes to your liking. Even if it's only one, well, then enjoy that one cause better one than none, right? Riddims range from very soft lovers style to more slow roots to heavier vibes. Enjoy!

One last note, I picked riddims and / or tunes with Jamaican involvement. That can mean a JA production, but also other productions with mainly Jamaican vocalist, I didn't limit myself to productions from the island alone.

Roots Riddims and Tunes (JA or with one or more JA artists) 2010:

Best Trick riddim - Weedy G
Lutan Fyah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=604ek05uMjo

Big Stage Riddim - Penthouse
Romain Virgo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGS0OFiGrvE

Billie Jean Riddim - Irie Ites
Sizzla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qqGG5-XztA

Boops Riddim - Juke Boxx
Tarrus Riley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCl8HgstTiM

Bread Fruit Riddim - Flyroots
Mix (Luciano!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPDhOh4fMAY

City Life Riddim - 2 Hard Music
Queen Ifrica: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjNWOdWMiAU

Coming In From The Cold - John John
Gyptian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbthRpSNxe8

Dunza 2010 riddim - Maximum Sound
Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX0LYrJ608o

Entitlement Riddim - Leaf Life
Turbulence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_dZ6tLvDcc

Eternity Riddim - Techniques
Beres Hammond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu4QBtEevG8

Everlasting Riddim - Pow Pow
Natural Black: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WruHEjZF63c

Feelings Riddim - Don Corleon
Tarrus Riley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIPC4_eakhA

Ghetto Steam Riddim - Cut Stone Records
Chezidek: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNfetpx7tpI

Give Thanks Riddim - Cash Flow
Tarrus Riley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmDgD3i1I0

Go Fi Her Riddim - Penthouse
Romain Virgo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTxsMT6ghdg

Good Ova Evil Riddim - Sankofa
Sizzla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv7PKJ2Z6F4

High Horse Riddim - Dejavu Lifestyle Music
Fantan Mojah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4MXqTT9JVY

Hit Riddim - Super 100 Entertainment
Luciano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcQDqspTwzo

Home Sweet Home Riddim - Swallowbird Production
Luciano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Gl5lwA0Bc

Hustlin' Riddim - Bost & Bim
Peetah Morgan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e4m-nyJO7w

Jaguar Riddim - Weedy G
Fantan Mojah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU6nGyBTY60

Jam 1 Riddim - Necessary Mayhem
Busy Signal & Million Stylez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_wvuhxWNoM

Love & Life Riddim - Heart To Art Music
Capleton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiQ91bx_v_I

Major Riddim - Don Corleon
Tarrus Riley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJMzm4QPI6o

Minor Riddim - Don Corleon
Lutan Fyah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARAEZi3XLTg

Mirror Riddim - Goldcup
Bushman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad5qKZebA54

Nah Bow Down Riddim - Reality Chant
Natty King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFHhmgKINk

Nine To Five Riddim - Breadback
Lutan Fyah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXw8aaYoe_I

No Hypocrite Riddim - Rogland
Turbulence & Kananga: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrELwWW-cY

Party Time - Irie Ites
Glen Washington: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_9lLHJ37sA

Rebellion Riddim - Maximum Sounds
Tarrus Riley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C083oF8HFLk

Roll Out Riddim - Irievibrations Records
Konshens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jGEd3Ex044

Screw Dem Riddim - African Beat
Million Stylez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7luyOaLZSp8

Serve & Protect Riddim - Penthouse [may have been late 2009]
Romain Virgo & Etana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd5Ub5cmLYM

Shoulder Move Riddim - Lenky
Buju Banton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S99yg9K-XPs

Snowflake Riddim - Snowcone
Lutan Fyah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N65bVcMMFl0

Songs aka Jah Jah Give Us Life Riddim - Joe Frasier
Big Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JPoHXcm69k

Soul Riddim - Oneness
Luciano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsO4VKGQMeQ

Stagalag Riddim - Juke Boxx
I Octane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7QT2f7hTUU

Take A Lick - Irie Ites
Lutan Fyah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHMlESnaQ1g

The Light Riddim - Courtney Johnson
Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHf3aNxDX7Q

Tranquilizer Riddim - Free Willy
Gyptian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-ac_TftU1k

Water Pumping Riddim - John John
Sanchez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3YVtM0-cg

You Don't Need Me Riddim - Joe Frasier
Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiAaDirH4XA

Zion Gate Riddim - John John
Alborosie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQkFN7oEuwg

50 Pound Riddim - Loud Disturbance
Admiral Tibet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPOwOIBaDk



Loose tracks:

Kymani Marley - New Heights (Don Corleon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8TiUsgnWuQ

Mr. Vegas - Sweet Jamaica (Vibes Mix) feat. Shaggy & Josey Wales (Clifford Ray Music)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiy_n8BbH-Q

Pressure - Shield and Guide (Xterminator)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz9LJbAGmXw

Peetah Morgan Ft Fiji - Rock & Come In (Don Corleon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDiRv4S-x40

Spragga Benz - Shotta Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sTEmq5N55s

Spragga Benz - No Way No How ft. Marcia Griffiths
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwlot0x_V9M

Tarrus Riley - My Mother (Cannon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ0inGtpLtU

Tarrus Riley - Nyahbinghi Pickney (Bombrush)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIRopgZ43tc



Happy New Year all!

BMC

So Di Ting Set - BMC's overview of Dancehall in 2010 - Part I

With 2010 rapidly coming to an end, I realized I heard a lot of dancehall this year, ranging from aweful (plenty of that coming out sadly) to very good, but as someone who's not your latest hot dancehall selector I usually kinda get overflooded with all the riddims and singles released in high tempo (quality control anyone?) and loose track of what I rated and enjoyed. With that in mind I decided to, as I did in 2008, mix some of the riddims and tracks I rate together in mix-CD style to hear that 2010 dancehall I enjoy without having to skip or sit through tracks. With that I don't follow the trends of what's the hottest, latest or most hyped tracks, I just included tunes I like for various reasons (some hits, some not). There's riddims and tunes I simply highly rate but also some that might not be the best riddim-wise, but have wicked vocal flows and / or are funny tracks lyrically. I wont go into Which tune falls in which category, that you can decide for yourself. I will say that just by selecting the tunes I found that in my opinion Vybz Kartel and Mavado had the best of dancehall this year (again), Kartel mainly for his funny lyrics and great flow and vocal-lines and Mavado for overall quality over quantity. My opinion still, feel free to disagree. As you notice I also do not pick sides like Gaza, Gully, Alliance or so, just music me deal with!

The mix isn't your typical dancehall mix either. No hyped up screaming or loud sirens all over the place. There's plenty of soundsamples in here, don't get me wrong, even a siren or two, but I tried to make the music make the mix, not the effects. Has numerous 'older' tunes in dancehall standards (from all over the year) too, so probably not of interest to the up-to-date dancehall fan. Still, I'm sure there'll be others in it like me, so uploaded it anyway. Must admit there's plenty of autotune in the mix as well. I dislike the effect and find it totally unnecessary (can't sing? then don't try!), but kinda got used to it over the years since it's present in more tunes than there are tunes without it. Ah so it go, can't say I didn't warn you! :-)

This is part I of my overview of dancehall in 2010. Part II soon come. Enjoy and drop me a comment when you've enjoyed the effort.

Tracks in order of appearance (WARNING: NOT FOR THE ROOTS-ONLY HEADS):

So Di Ting Set - BMC's overview of Dancehall in 2010 - Part I

Badda Don riddim
1) Mavado - Jah Is Coming Soon
2) Bugle - So Dem Born
3) Beenie Man - Big Woman Ting
4) Gyptian - Watch Gyal

Mad Collab riddim
5) Vybz Kartel - Clarks (feat. Popcaan, Gaza Slim)
6) Bounty Killer - How We Do It (feat. Elephant Man)
7) Mavado - Straight (feat. Chase Cross, Flexxx, Kibaki)
8) Bugle - Poor People Classic Anthem (feat. Agent Sasco & Bounty Killer)

9) Vybz Kartel - Clarks Again
10) Vybz Kartel - Jeans & Fitted (feat. Russian)
11) Trevor Off-Key ft. Chedda - Fake Jeans Admit It

Roof Top riddim
12) Mavado - House Top
13) Beenie Man - Under Curfew

Catalog riddim
14) Agent Sasco - Dem Sick
15) Terror Fabulous - Catalog
16) Aidonia - We A Tek It Off
17) Capleton - StageShow
18) Chino - No Gyal
19) Spragga Benz - We Nuh Wear
20) Elephant Man - Worry Dem

21) Tony Matterhorn - Again and Again (feat. Serani)
22) Busy Signal - Nuh Fraid

Baheba riddim
23) Voicemail - Baheba
24) Mr Vegas - Guide Me
25) Vybz Kartel - Party Night

26) Stein - Cane Row
27) Leftside - Ping! Ping! (Emergency)

Duss riddim
28) Vybz Kartel - Can't Satisfy
29) Vybz Kartel - Leadeth Me (feat. Jah Vinci)

Flash Forward riddim
30) Sizzla - Remember Jah
31) Capleton - Nuh Kill Out No Artist

Cosa Nostra riddim
32) Shabba Ranks - Nuh Follow
33) Million Stylez - So Di Ting Set
34) Spragga Benz - See It Yah
35) Mr Lexx - Dem A Pree
36) Agent Sasco - Me A Go Fi Mine

37) Mavado - Change Right Now

Gangster City riddim
38) Vybz Kartel - Thank You Jah
39) Jah Vinci - Oh Jah Jah
40) Popcaan - Gangster City

41) Mavado - The Messiah

Trailer Reloaded riddim
42) Konshens - Dem Ah Talk
43) Tiana - Can't Talk

Stage Mix riddim
44) Beenie Man - Pree We Fah
45) Mavado - Can't Believe
46) Mad Cobra - Draw Me Out

007 riddim
47) Gyptian - Come Ina Me Room
48) Shabba Ranks - Woman Needs

49) Vybz Kartel - Cake Soap
50) Kiprich - Caah Get Brown
51) Vybz Kartel - Fuck Pon Him
52) Vybz Kartel - Dancehall Hero

Sex Appeal riddim
53) Mavado - Hold Me
54) Aidonia - Cyaan Done
55) Bounty Killer - Get Gyal Everyday

56) Busy Signal - Yes Dawg

Hold Yuh riddim
57) Gyptian - Hold Yuh
58) Lady Saw - Me Hold You
59) Da'ville - Blowing Up My Phone

Total playing time: 79:38 min

Click play to listen (128kbps quality):



Enjoy and drop me a comment when you rate the effort, would be nice to hear / read.

BMC

BMC presents Tarrus Riley & Friends - a showcase

Ask me the question what my favourite modern reggae artist at this moment is and I wont need much time to think about an answer: Tarrus Riley. With three albums (Challenges, Parables and Contagious) and numerous singles out he has shown to be an excellent recording artist on both roots and dancehall riddims (ok, gotta admit, I'm don't rate his debut-album Challenges that high). Lyrically great and special in comparison to quite some of his colleagues (whether it's cultural or lovers themes), wicked vocal-lines and flow and great voice. He reminds me a bit of a modern version of the late great Alton Ellis. Big singer. Next to that, he also has an excellent live show, touring the world with the Black Soil band featuring Dean Fraser, one of the better backing bands out there. To show my appreciation for the man's work I made a mix, which soon became a double-episode clocking in close to 80 mins, with my favourite Tarrus tracks, sometimes in combination with one or at most two other tracks on the same riddim to keep the focus on the repertoire of mister Tarrus Riley. Mix is in the usual BMC style; no full tracks, one continuous mix with added soundsamples: promotional style! See below for the tracklist and sources of each tune and check the cover-art I again made for this one.

Support the man Tarrus Riley by buying his albums, singles (when the tracks do appear for sale, which isn't always the case these days) and visit his show. All well worth it!

For a little teaser of the mix, check the message below this one and press 'play'.

Tracks:

1) Tarrus Riley - System Set (Parables album track)
2) Tarrus Riley - Wildfire (Don Corleon - Major & Minor riddim)
3) Jah Cure - Respect (Don Corleon - Major & Minor riddim)
4) Lutan Fyah - Come Over (Don Corleon - Major & Minor riddim)
5) Tarrus Riley - Love's Contagious (Contagious album track - Coming In From The Cold riddim)
6) Gyptian - Life Hard (John John - Coming In From The Cold riddim)
7) Tarrus Riley - Parables (Parables album track)
8) Tarrus Riley - Nobody Knows (Don Corleon - Feelings riddim)
9) Pressure - Coming Right Back (Don Corleon - Feelings riddim)
10) Denyque - That Place (Don Corleon - Feelings riddim)
11) Tarrus Riley - Living The Life Of A Gun (custom extended mix) (Cannon)
12) Tarrus Riley - Good To Be There ft. Chalice (Cannon)
13) Tarrus Riley - Life Precious Gift (Joe Frasier - Chi Chi Bud riddim)
14) Terry Linen - No Time To Linger (Joe Frasier - Chi Chi Bud riddim)
15) Tarrus Riley - Dangerous Diseases ft. Michigan (Cannon)
16) Tarrus Riley - Protect Your Neck (Fat Eyes - Midnight Hour riddim)
17) Tarrus Riley - Spen Shell Fly aka Sweet Jamaica (John John - Zion Gate riddim)
18) Sizzla - Music In My Soul (John John - Zion Gate riddim)
19) Tarrus Riley - Lion Paw (Parables)
20) Tarrus Riley - Marcus Teaching aka Love Created I (Cannon - Jah Live riddim)
21) Duane Stephenson - August Town (Cannon - Jah Live riddim)
22) Tarrus Riley - Superman (Contagious album track)
23) Tarrus Riley - Young Heart Reminiscing (extended) (Peckings)
24) Tarrus Riley - Getty Getty No Want Ee (Don Corleon - Changes riddim)
25) Alaine - Without You (Don Corleon - Changes riddim)
26) Tarrus Riley - Start A New (Contagious album track - Nylon riddim)
27) Etana - Chatty Mouth aka Loose Talking (Jukeboxx - Nylon riddim)
28) Tarrus Riley - She's Royal (Parables album track - She's Royal riddim)
29) Lloyd Brown - Show Me That You Love Me (Joe Frasier - She's Royal riddim)
30) Tarrus Riley - Why So Much Wickedness (Contagious album track)
31) Tarrus Riley - Micro Chip (Parables album track)
32) Tarrus Riley - Good Girl Gone Bad ft. Konshens (Contagious album track)
33) Tarrus Riley - Who's Responsible (2 Hard Music - City Life riddim)
34) Elephant Man - Let Me Be The Man (2 Hard Music - City Life riddim)
35) Tarrus Riley - Low Di Trees ft. Aidonia (Russian)
36) Tarrus Riley - Mi Homeland (Jukeboxx - Stagalag riddim)
37) Assassin - Bam Bam (Jukeboxx - Stagalag riddim)
38) Romain Virgo - Ghetto (Jukeboxx - Stagalag riddim)
39) Tarrus Riley - Far Away (Don Corleon - Love Potion riddim)
40) Tarrus RIley - Beware (Parables album track)
41) Tarrus Riley - I Sight (Contagious album track)
42) Tarrus Riley - Forever More ft. & Alaine (Don Corleon)
43) Tarrus Riley - Back Biter (Don Corleon - Far Away riddim)
44) Pressure - Hear My Cry (Don Corleon - Far Away riddim)
45) Tarrus Riley - Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion (Maximum Sound - Rebellion 2010)
46) Johnny Clarke & Fantan Mojah - Rebel With A Cause (Maximum Sound - Rebellion 2010)
47) Tarrus Riley - Children A Pree Wi (Jukeboxx - Boops riddim)
48) Busy Signal - Government Gone Luu (Jukeboxx - Boops riddim)
49) Tarrus Riley - Pull Up Selector ft. Jimmy Riley (Taxi - Tune In riddim)
50) Tarrus Riley - It Will Come (Contagious album track)

Click play:



Bless,

BMC