BMC's 2016 End of the Year list – albums top 20 (all styles – new recordings only)

List time again! Always enjoy looking back over the year and see what I enjoyed most (focussing on new releases, not reissues). As in 2015, also in 2016 I bought much more other styles than reggae. Only albums I actually bought on CD or LP are included. The picture and list shows my top 20 albums for the year 2016.

1. Anderson .Paak - Malibu

2. Frightnrs - Nothing More To Say

3. Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker

4. Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate

5. BJ the Chicago Kid - In My Mind

6. Frank Ocean - Blonde

7. Skepta - Konnichiwa

8. Beyoncé - Lemonade

9. Shabaka & The Ancestors - Wisdom of Elders

10. Nick Waterhouse - Never Twice

11. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition

12. Gregory Porter - Take Me To The Alley

13. Max Romeo - Horror Zone

14. NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) - Yes Lawd!

15. Skarra Mucci - Dancehall President

16. A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here….Thank You 4 Your Service

17. Viceroys meets Lone Ark - Memories: Iroko Showcase Vol. 2

18. Kandace Springs - Soul Eyes

19. Car Seat Headrest - Teens Of Denial

20. Stephen Marley - Revelation Pt. 2: The Fruit Of Life

As for further reggae releases, two compilations really stood out, namely:

Various Artists - Smile Jamaica (Silly Walks Discotheque)

Various Artists - We Remember Dennis Brown (VP)

And reggaewise, the absolute best thing that happened on the reissue side of things in 2016 was the release of:

Bunny Wailer - Solomonic Singles 1: Tread Along 1969-1976 (Solomonic/Dub Store)

Bunny Wailer - Solomonic Singles 2: Rise & Shine 1977-1986 (Solomonic/Dub Store)

BMC's 2015 End of the Year list - all styles, new recordings only

That time of the year again, lists! Always enjoy looking back on the year and see what I enjoyed most (focussing on new releases, not reissues). It's usually a reggae list with an additional few non-reggae albums. 2015 showed a major change in that: bought much more new non-reggae than reggae. So the list is an 'overall' list, with a few reggae titles in it. Only albums I actually bought on CD or LP are included. The picture shows my top 10 albums for the year 2015, the list goes further to 20 and 30. :-)

BMC's 2015 End of the Year list – top 20 (all styles – new recordings only, format I bought the album on in brackets)

Top 20:

1. Leon Bridges - Coming Home (LP)

2. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly (CD)

3. Saun & Starr - Look Closer (LP)

4. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell (LP)

5. Lianne La Havas - Blood (CD)

6. Son Little - Son Little (LP)

7. Pauw - Macrocosm Microcosm (LP)

8. Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos - Beware (LP)

9. Kamasi Washington - The Epic (3-CD)

10. Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (2-LP)

11. Micah Shemaiah - Original Dread (LP)

12. Adele - 25 (LP)

13. Pokey LaFarge - Something In The Water (LP)

14. Protoje - Ancient Future (2-LP)

15. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (LP)

16. Joss Stone - Water For Your Soul (2-LP)

17. BadBadNotGood & Ghostface Killah - Sour Soul (LP)

18. Martin Courtney – Many Moons (LP)

19. Vintage Trouble - 1 Hopeful Rd. (LP)

20. Selah Sue - Reason (2-LP)

Bubbling under:

A$ap Rocky - At.Long.Last.A$ap (CD)

D'Angelo and the Vanguard - Black Messiah (CD)

Noel Ellis meets Lone Ark - Zion (LP)

Bohicas, The - The Making Of (LP + 7")

Morgan Heritage - Strictly Roots (CD)

Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color (CD)

My Baby - Shamanaid (LP)

Vince Staples - Summertime '06 (Deluxe Edition) (2-CD)

Jah Cure - The Cure (LP)

Nneka - My Fairy Tales (LP)

Overall plenty of nice new music that I'll keep enjoying in 2016 and beyond. :-)

Happy new year all.

BMC 

BMC's TARRUS RILEY Discography

In my opinion, as said before, Tarrus Riley is among the best, if not the best, singers in the reggae business these days. Great voice, great flow, lyrically interesting, great live show, very friendly and open to his fans and a whole heap of wicked releases. As a vinyl buyer (yep, also in 2011 there's still people buying modern reggae on vinyl!) I always keep an eye out for new releases by the man. This and a question on a message boards about his output on vinyl made me look at the number of 45s I already own of Tarrus and made me wonder how many more there might be out there. This lead to me closer examining his entire catalogue to this day, what resulted in a long list of released tunes on singles, CD's and compilations, mp3's or collaborations on other artists' albums. So in the end this became probably the closest to a complete discography of Tarrus Riley's work online, compiled by yours truly, BMC.

As a vinyl man, I have divided the output in singles available on 45s and tunes available as mp3's or on CD's. The list is most likely not complete yet and this is where I'd love to get help from all Tarrus' fans worldwide. If you know of a tune or tunes not in this list yet, drop me a comment or mail me at bmc.blog@gmail.com and I will add it to the list to eventually end up with a complete output of Tarrus Riley's music!

The list below is the current situation on august 15th 2011. I hope to keep it up to date for time to come. If you wanna use the work I put into collecting all this data, please give credit where credit is due!

BMC's TARRUS RILEY discography - sorted on format, date and title

http://bettermustcome.blogspot.com

Vinyl 7"
Tarrus Riley & Jimmy Riley - Life Is No Bed of Roses (Heavy Beat - 1995) [credited to Taurus]
Tarrus Riley - Chop It Off (Love Promotions - 199x) [credited to Tarrus]
Tarrus Riley - Now A Days (Love Promotions - Night Nurse riddim - 2000) [credited to Tarrus]
Tarrus Riley - Babylon Running Loose (Love Promotion - 2004(?))
Tarrus Riley & Jimmy Riley - Stronger (Taxi - Bam Bam riddim - 2005) [b/w Bounty Killer & Bunny Ruggs - Down In The Ghetto]
Tarrus Riley - Whispers (Pot Of Gold - Shine riddim - 2006)
Tarrus Riley - Beware b/w Stay With You (Cannon - 2006)
Tarrus Riley - Back Biter (Don Corleon - Far Away riddim - 2007)
Tarrus Riley - Far Away (Don Corleon - Love Potion riddim - 2007)
Tarrus Riley - Life Precious Gift (Joe Frasier - Chi Chi Bud riddim - 2007)
Tarrus Riley - Protect Your Neck (Fat Eyes - Midnight Hour riddim - 2007)
Tarrus Riley - She Is Royal b/w Parables (Cannon - 2007)
Tarrus Riley & Dwayne Stephenson - Doesn't Hurt To Care (Reflection - Babylon riddim - 2007)
Tarrus Riley - Guessing Game (Road Dog - Binghi riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Jah Help Our Souls (Maximum Sound - The Session riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Larger Than Life (Ya Man Music - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Marcus Teaching (Cannon - Jah Live riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - One Two Order b/w Something Strong (Deadly Dragon Sound / VP - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Pick Up The Pieces b/w Lowe Mi Business [aka Ease Off] (Cannon - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Start A New (Juke Boxx - Nylon riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Stop Watching (Fat Eyes - General Penitentiary riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley & Bugle - Nothing Change aka Love Reigns (Sons of Spoon / Tad's - Chemistry riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley & Chalice - Good To Be There (Cannon - 2008)
Tarrus Riley & Jimmy Riley - Pull Up Selector (Taxi - Tune In riddim - 2008)
Tarrus Riley - Cold Kisses (Don Corleon - 2009)
Tarrus Riley - Getty Getty No Want Ee (Don Corleon - Changes - 2009)
Tarrus Riley - Young Heart Reminiscing (Peckings - 2009)
Tarrus Riley & Aidonia - Di Trees (Tad's - Go Go Club riddim - 2009) [b/w Gaza Kim & Lisa Hype - Bills]
Tarrus Riley & Alaine - Forever More (Don Corleon - 2009)
Tarrus Riley - Children A Pree Wi (Juke Boxx - Boops riddim - 2010) [b/w Assassin - Boopsie]
Tarrus Riley - Jah Nah Sleep (Don Corleon - Dread riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Living The Life Of A Gun (VP - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Mi Homeland (Juke Boxx - Stagalag riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Nobody Knows (Don Corleon - Feeling riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion (Maximum Sound - Rebellion riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Spen Shell Fly (John John - Zion Gate riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Wildfire (Don Corleon - Major riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley & Michigan - Dangerous Diseases (VP - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Groovy Little Thing (Rockers Island JPN / Koyashi - 2011) [b/w Stevie Face - Full Attention]
Tarrus Riley - Front Door (VP - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Shaka Zulu Pickney (Sound Quake - Nyabinghi riddim - 2011) [b/w Anonymous & Bay-C - Fire We Are Burn]
Tarrus Riley - Stress Silent Murder (Stars - Natty Dread A Weh She Want riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Warriors (La La) (Necessary Mayhem - Gorilla riddim - 2011) [b/w Franz Job - What's It Gonna Be]

Vinyl 12"
Tarrus Riley & Jimmy Riley - Life Is No Bed Of Roses (Charm - 1999) [credited to Taurus]
Tarrus Riley - Now A Days (Love Promotions - Night Nurse riddim - 2000) [credited to just Tarrus] [b/w Anthony B - Waan Back]
Tarrus Riley - Rebel c/w Captain Sinbad - World Wide Rebellion (Maximum Sound - Skateland Killer riddim - 2011) [b/w Dean Fraser - Skateland Sax]

Albums:
Tarrus Riley - Challenges (Ya Man Music - 2004)
1. Larger Than Life
2. Jah Will
3. It's Better This Way
4. All Is Vanity
5. Who Can Stand It
6. Don't Give Up
7. I'll Be Your Friend
8. The Other Half
9. Take Me Higher
10. Ego
11. Rasta At The Control
12. Barber Chair
13. Love Created I (Bonus - 2008 VP release)
14. Save The Children (Bonus - 2008 VP release)

Tarrus Riley - Parables (VP - 2006)
1. System Set
2. Haunt You
3. Beware
4. Micro Chip
5. One Two Order
6. Stay With You
7. She's Royal
8. Something Strong
9. Lion Paw
10. Parables
11. Africa Awaits
12. Pick Up The Pieces
13. Let Love Live (ft. Duane Stephenson)
14. Family (ft. Della Manley)
15. My Baby (Cyan Sleep)
16. She's Royal (De Royal Vibes Mix) [Japanese edition bonus track]
17. Lion Paw (Live) [Japanese edition bonus track]

Tarrus Riley - Contagious (VP - 2009)
1. Living The Life Of A Glin
2. I Sight
3. Love's Contagious
4. Human Nature
5. Soul Mate
6. Superman
7. Young Heart
8. Start A New
9. S-craving
10. Why So Much Wickedness?
11. Let Peace Reign (ft. Etana, Duane Stephenson)
12. Don't Judge
13. King Selassie H.I.M.
14. Stop Watch
15. Herbs Promotion (ft. Demarco & Vybz Kartel)
16. Good Girl Gone Bad (ft. Konshens)
17. Mankind
18. It Will Come

Tracks from one riddim albums, collaborations, mp3's and / or compilations (no vinyl release):
Tarrus Riley & Duane Stephenson - Exhale (VP - 2007)
Tarrus Riley & Queen Ifrica - Stay With You (Flames (?) - 2007)
Tarrus Riley & Sizzla - Who's Gonna Save Us (? - 2008)
Tarrus Riley & Demarco - Over And Over (StarKutt - 2009)
Tarrus Riley, Barbee, Lady G, Duane Stephenson & Macka Diamond - Paradise Redemption (? - 2009)
Tarrus Riley - Get Power From Pain (Cash Flow - Give Thanks riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Intimate Reservation (Rose Gold Ent - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - My Mother (Cannon - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Soldier Of Love [remix] (Bulby - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Talk Is Cheap (Russian / Head Concussion - Bomb Drop riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Who's Responsible (2 Hard Music - City Life riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley & Agent Sasco - Why You Do Me So (DJ Frass - My Life riddim - 2010)
Tarrus Riley & Dub Incorporation - No Doubt (Diversite - 2010)
Tarrus Riley - Armageddon Time (Romeich - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Away From Me (Bombrush - Spitfire riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Bless Me (Don Corleon - Broken Hearts riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Come Ova (Seanizzle - Sex On Di Beach riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Eye Water (Ghetto Youths International - Jah Army riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Good Thing Going (21st-Hapilos - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Karma (ZJ Chrome / CR203 - Cardiac Strings riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Love Scars (Bombrush Records - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Natural (Dutty Rock Music - Blaze Fia riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Never Leave I (Chimney - Island Vibes riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Peer Pressure (John John - Fuss & Fight riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Slow Down (Romeich - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Soul Grabber (Yard Vybz - Captain riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley - Summer Fling (Chimney - Summer Fling Riddim - 2011)
Tarrus Riley & Prince Koloni - Nature (? - 2011)
Tarrus Riley & Shaggy - Just Another Girl (Ranch Entertainment - 2011)
Tarrus Riley & Sleepy Hallowtips - Mad Scientist (Bombrush - 2011)
Tarrus Riley & Sophia Squire - Nature Calling [remix] (? - 2011)
Tarrus Riley & Third World - That's All We Have (VP - 2011)

DVD (not live stage shows with other artists):
Tarrus Riley - Words N' Melody (limited tour edition) (Cannon - 2010)

Looking for more info on:
Tarrus - Chop It Off (Love Promotions 7'') -- What year did this come out?

Any additions? Let me know and I'll add 'm (do check by the original title though, a track like Wildfire is sometimes also referred to as Protect The People or so, but its official title is Wildire and that's the title in the list).

Big up the man's work, great artist in the business. Let's hope for many more big tunes to come!

If you missed it in the past, don't forget to check out my mix showcasing Tarrus' work that can be found a bit further down on this blog. Search for Tarrus to get there fast, it's a wicked 80 minute journey!!!

Respect,
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

LIST: Modern Roots 45s 2009 - a Top 50 by BMC

NOTE:

THIS IS NOT A DOWNLOAD, BUT A LIST OF OFFICIAL RELEASES. DO NOT REQUEST UPLOADS OF THESE: IT WONT HAPPEN!

Another year behind us and another year that again lead to numerous discussion on the current output of JA. Especially the dancehall side of things gets a lot of criticism for the direction where it is going with the non-JA influences of r&b, rap and techno. I also do not favor the route it is taking, but am not too worried about it to start 'dancehall is dead' kinda talk. There apparentely is an audience for it, artists have sold out shows all over the world, so I guess we're looking at JA-dancehall 2009 stylee. Hopefully 2010 brings back more of the pounding bass in the riddims. Personally I do rate some of the current output in the genre though, specifically Busy Signal and Mavado, but not even close to enough for an end-of-year list. That's different for modern roots 45s (yep, still buy vinyl in these times!) from 2009. There has been plenty lovely stuff out there again, though most of my preferred riddims and tunes this year come from the EU & UK. JA had some nice rootsy riddim, but I feel it's less than in previous years and a smaller percentage I rated enough to buy. Not gonna go into a 'oh-see-what-became-of-reggae'-blah, cause there's simply still nuff nuff good stuff out there and with the worldwide output combined I could easily come up with a top 50 modern roots 45s list again, just like last year.

The order is kinda momentarily, if I was to make the same list tomorrow, it'd probably differ at points, but that aside. Here's 50 tunes making 2009 nice enough for me again. This is obviously a personal preferences, add to it with your recommended tunes for the year to make it all more complete.

My wish for the new year musically is mainly more bass(lines), more positivity and more quality control instead of releasing every trial of a riddim or voicing : higher standards. All the best for 2010 for all reggae-massive worldwide!

Titles as: "Artist - Title (Label - Riddim)".

BMC's Top 50 Modern Roots 45s 2009:

01) Fu-Steps - Wicked Men (Vibes Creator)
02) Courtney John - Lucky Man (Peckings)
03) Don Carlos & Million Stylez - World Crisis (Ink A Link)
04) Jah Faith - No Bother Grumble (Jan-Disc)
05) Tarrus Riley & Alaine - Forever More (Don Corleon)
06) Busy Signal - Uniform Bad Bwoy (Maximum Sound - Praise Jahovia)
07) Lyrical Benjie - Sit N Wonda (Roots Tribe)
08) Prezident Brown - Rasta Rock (African Beat - Bubbler)
09) Anthony Cruz - Woman 24-7 (Shan Shan)
10) Alaine - Without You (Don Corleon - Changes)
11) Million Stylez & Joey Fever - Young Gunz (Necessary Mayhem - Come Down)
12) Tarrus Riley - Young Heart Reminiscing (Peckings)
13) Mykal Rose - Hypocrites Warning (Heartical - Tonight)
14) Lutan Fyah - Nuh Talk (Juke Boxx - Indiscretion)
15) Turbulence - Lovely Days (Roots Survival - Ras In)
16) Lutan Fyah - No Tribulation (Pow Pow - Respond)
17) Luciano - Invasion (Maximum Sound - I Know My Herbs)
18) Peter Spence - Thanks And Praises (Lockdown - Sweet Jamaica)
19) Stevie Face - Proverbs 6 (No Doubt - Sweet)
20) YT, Million Stylez, Tenor Fly, Blackout JA & Mr Williamz - Dubplate (Necessary Mayhem - Rumours)
21) Jah Cure - Never Find (Don Corleon - Changes)
22) Luciano & Freddie McGregor - Night After Night (Big Ship - New Chapter)
23) Sizzla - Revolution (Irie Ites - Strange Things)
24) Peetah Heritage - Jesse James (Maximum Sound - Vineyard Town)
25) I-Eye - What A Day (Shengen Clan)
26) Admiral Tibet - Never Stop Trying (Luv Messenger - The Whip)
27) Petah Morgan feat Busy Signal - Unfair (No Doubt - Ghetto)
28) Anthony B & Chezidek - Better Hafi Come (Maximum Sound - Matches Lane)
29) AmP & Echo Ranks - Mr Warmonger (AMP)
30) Solo Banton - Talk To Me (Maffi)
31) I Wayne - What Will They Do (Fresh Ear - Relationship)
32) Queen Omega - Jah Dawta (Bombist - Soprano)
33) Lutan Fyah - Real Rasta (Jam' Strong - Stronga)
34) Lukie D - Send Dem Come (Maximum Sound - Praise Jahovia)
35) Etana - Badmind (No Doubt - Rock Steady)
36) Kenny Knots - Unbreakable (Roots Garden - People)
37) Tarrus Riley - Cold Kisses (Don Corleon)
38) Gappy & Nerious - Soul Rebel (Peckings - Soul Rebel)
39) Chezidek - War Monger (Irie Ites - Only Solution)
40) Prince Theo - Chant Dem Down (High Fly Music - Spread Dat Love)
41) Ziggi - Joker Smoker (Smoke In The Air) (Necessary Mayhem - Joker Smoker)
42) Million Stylez - Born In The System (Bassrunner - Prison Break)
43) Jah Mali - Serious Question (Roots Survival - Ras In)
44) Turbulence - Live Good And Prosper (Redbud - Prosper)
45) Ras McBean & Queen Omega - No Time To Waste (Greatest Friends - Music)
46) Joey Fever - Back With A Blast (Fast Forward - Love My)
47) Tamlins - Send Them Come (Shengen Clan)
48) Fantan Mojah - Chalice (Fire Ball - Rocksteady)
49) Queen Omega - Good Canabis (Special Delivery - Je T'Aime)
50) Lutan Fyah - Mr Outlaw (Blenders Finest - Oooh)

Bless,
BMC

Other styles: Modern Soul / R&B / Jazz(y) albums of the last 5 years

Besides reggae, there's plenty of other styles of music I listen to. Lots of soul, funk, some R&B, hip-hop, (punk)rock and jazz. As much as I love reggae, I couldn't listen to just that, there's so much more quality stuff out there. This time I decided to post some titles of modern records of the last 5 years or so I highly rate in soulful, funky and jazzy styles. If you rate these kinda albums, add some recommended titles you rate in a comment. Curious to see what people come up with, so much wicked music out there!

Cheers all!


Here's a top 15 of favourites (limited to one per artist, could have added more Sharon Jones for instance):

1) Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - Naturally
2) Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators - Keep Reachin' Up (see picture above)
3) Adele - 19
4) Ryan Shaw - This Is Ryan Shaw
5) Lady Linn and her Magnificent Seven - Here We Go Again
6) James Hunter - People Gonna Talk
7) Eli 'Paperboy' Reed & The True Loves - Roll With You
8) Leela James - A Change Is Gonna Come
9) Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It
10) Jesse Dee - Bittersweet Batch
11) Duffy - Rockferry
12) Giovanca - Subway Silence
13) Stephanie McKay - Tell It Like It Is
14) Amy Whinehouse - Back To Black
15) Sabrina Starke - Yellow Brick Road


Bubbling under:
The Budos Band - Budos Band II
Daniel Merriweather - Love & War
Wouter Hamel - Nobody's Tune

Heard good stories about the new Lee Fields album 'My World' too.


Just in case, do NOT request uploads of any of these, I will not upload 'm. They're all commercially available, so go to a store for samples and / or buying. Thanks.

LIST: Modern Roots 45s 2008 - a top 50 by BMC

We're at the end of the year again, so I figured why not make a list like previous years of the best modern roots 45s I bought this year (both JA, UK and EU productions). Yeah, you read it well, I'm still one of those that buys 45s of the modern tunes instead of settling for the mp3's. The order is kinda momentarily, if I was to make the same list tomorrow, it'd probably differ, but that aside. Here's 50 tunes I've been enjoying a lot this year and hoping for another 50 like these for 2009! This is my personal preferences, so instead of arguing an opinion (as this is just that), better add to it with your recommended tunes for the year. Titles as: "Artist - Title (Label - Riddim)".


Top 50 modern roots 45s 2008:

01) Million Stylez - Police In Helicopter (Necessary Mayhem - Police In Helicopter)
02) Pressure ft Beres Hammond - Putting Up Resistance (Don Corleon)
03) Doniki - Life Of The People (Gully Bank)
04) Lutan Fyah - Give Thanks For Life (Unik - Dem A Run Away)
05) Chezidek - Call Pon Dem (Massive B - Kingdom)
06) Fustep - Mr Greedy (Conscious Sounds)
07) Morgan Heritage - Nothing To Smile About (No Doubt - Rub A Dub)
08) Sugar Minott - Righteous Tradition (Heartical - Ministerio Del Dub)
09) Capleton - Clean Meditation (Shore Jam - Ruff Life)
10) Tarrus Riley ft Chalice - Good To Be There (Cannon)
11) Anthony B - Clam Down De Gun (Fire Ball - Jah Jah See Dem A Come)
12) Jah Mason - Man To Man (Macro Beats - Early Morning)
13) Richie Spice - Di Plane Land (No Doubt - Rub A Dub)
14) Beres Hammond - I Feel Good (Penthouse - I Feel Good)
15) Million Stylez - Oh Jah Jah (Rootdown - I Love)
16) Natty King - The Truth (House Of Riddim - Conquerer)
17) Pressure - Your Love (Don Corleon)
18) Alaine - Love Of A Life Time (Don Corleon - Secrets)
19) Chezidek - I Won't Change (Charlie's - Back To Mount Zion)
20) Echo Ranks - Long Time (Scoops)
21) Million Stylez - Love We Deal With (Sound Quake)
22) Queen Ifrica - Keep It To Yourself (Don Corleon - Secrets)
23) Ras McBean - Dem A Run Away (Unik - Dem A Run Away)
24) Alborosie ft Etana - Blessing (Forward)
25) Zareb - Ghetto Youths (Heartical - Ministerio Del Dub)
26) Turbulence - I'm Home Alone (Kings Of Kings - Live Wire)
27) Anthony Cruz ft Marlene Johnson - Africa (House Of Riddim - Conquerer)
28) Konshens - How It Feel (Birchill - Politics)
29) Marcia Griffiths & Busy Signal - Automatic Remix (Penthouse - Automatic)
30) Nikesha Lindo - Pack The Memories (Jah Ruby - Can I Change My Mind)
31) Chaka Demus & Pliers - When King Tubby's Used To Play (Pull Up My Selecta - Duke Street)
32) Chezidek - Higher (G String - Love Line)
33) Perfect & Chezidek - Journey (Irievibrations - Hit Drop)
34) Frankie Paul - Draw Out (Total Satisfaction - Draw Out)
35) Prezident Brown - Leaders (Oneness - General Key)
36) Cocoa Tea - Barack Obama (Roaring Lion)
37) Lutan Fyah & Anthony John - Roots Woman (Rial Agony - Bless Ya)
38) Sizzla - One Love (Road Dog - Star)
39) Mr Vegas - Mus Come A Road (A Team)
40) Etana - Love Myself (Cannon - Jah Live)
41) John Holt & Queen Ifrica - Queen Of The Ghetto (Penthouse)
42) Gyptian - This Love (Itation - Show Love)
43) Bunny Brown - A Good Woman (Big Stars - Call On Me)
44) Pressure - More Justice And Truth (Fire Ball - Jah Jah See Dem A Come)
45) Lukie D - How Long (Pull Up My Selecta - Duke Street)
46) Mr Williamz - Babylon In Helicopter (Necessary Mayhem - Police In Helicopter)
47) Robert Lee - Red Out Deh (Own Mission - Red Out Deh)
48) Richie Spice - Serious Girl (Juke Boxx - Nylon)
49) Lutan Fyah & Etana - Gun (Tads)
50) Estelle feat Sean Paul - Come Over Remix (Black Chiney)

Bless,
BMC

LIST: BMC's 2007 Modern Roots 45s top 50

Another one of my older lists I found back on my harddrive: best 45s of 2007. Top 50 with the info as I wrote it in those days, just for fun. Check it out:


My personal 2007 45s top 50

The year is coming to an end, time to look back a bit. There haven’t been many dancehall / bashy riddims that did it for me in 2007, but I didn’t follow it very closely either (list anyone?). Some artists made important steps there this year though imo, especially Movado and Busy Signal. On the rootsy side of things for me numerous 45s with interesting riddims and tunes have been released, ranging from just nice to killers. Here’s a selection I made of 50 more rootsy tracks that I rate highly and still play regularly; roughly in order, but don’t take that too serious cause tomorrow it may differ again. Just my personal preference, no official thing or so, feel free to disagree and / or dislike.

1. Natty King – Real Herbalist (House Of Riddim)
2. Glen Washington – In The Distance (A-Lone – Dirty Dozen)
3. Ray Darwin – People’s Choice (Tad’s – officially released late december 2006 though)
4. Alborosie & Sizzla – Meditation (Forward)
5. Capleton – Prophet Rides Again (Ink A Link)
6. Pressure – Be Free (Don Corleon)
7. Tami Chynn – Over And Over Again (Fresh Ear – Guardian Angel)
8. Luciano – Every Where I Go (Broken Stick – Let Them Talk)
9. Natty King – Dem A Fight (Pleasure Beat – Majestic)
10. Alpheus – Ultimate (A-Lone – Dirty Dozen)
11. Richie Spice – The World Is A Cycle (Fresh Ear – Guardian Angel)
12. Capleton – No Fold Hand (Shall I – Meditation)
13. Burro Banton – Friday Dress (SWS – Crazy Night)
14. Shaggy – Move Hype (Big Yard – 007)
15. Million Stylez – More Life (Supersonic – Devil’s Angel)
16. Chezidek – Bad Out Deh (Irie Ites – Down In Jamaica)
17. Alborosie – Kingston Town (Forward)
18. Perfect – 30 Pieces (Irievibrations)
19. Taurus Riley – She Is Royal (Cannon)
20. I Wayne – More Herb (Yellow Moon – Dst)
21. Lutan Fyah – Hypocrits (Oneness – Oneness)
22. Da’Ville – Africa Is Calling (Pure Music – Serengeti)
23. Etana – Roots (Freemind)
24. Lutan Fyah – Red-Red (Al.Ta.Fa.An – Senior)
25. Lymie Murray – Fire Will Be Burning (Bay Rock – Bay Rock)
26. Glen Washington – Jah Jah Delivered Me (A-Lone – Family)
27. Taurus Riley – Back Biter (Don Corleon – Far Away)
28. Morgan Heritage – Too Much Blood A Run (Free The Children – Africa)
29. Natural Black – Free Your Mind (Total Satisfaction – Melody Life)
30. Burro Banton – MC Peggy Part 2 (One Love – Maria)
31. Da’Ville – In My Arms (Renaissance – Legal)
32. Jah Cure – Sticky (Danger Zone – Jamdown)
33. Maxie Priest & Richie Stephens – My Girl Dis (Joe Frasier – Full Attention)
34. Turbulence – Youths (Kickin – Rewind)
35. Alborosie & U-Roy – Precious (Forward)
36. Alaine – Sincerely (Don Corleon – Love Potion)
37. Cocoa Tea – Poverty (Minor 7 Flat 5 – Bodo)
38. Lukie D – Step Away (Badda)
39. Richie Spice – A No Me Dat (No Doubt – Eighty Three)
40. Sizzla – Sow More Love (Irie Ites – Rocking Time)
41. Pressure – Love & Affection (Don Corleon)
42. Jah Cure – To Your Arms Of Love (VP – Guardian Angel)
43. Edge Michael – Delilah (House Of Riddim)
44. Lutan Fyah – Can’t Stop The Fire (Bassrunner – Glorious)
45. Luciano – Strive (Mafia & Fluxy)
46. Pinchers – Slaughterer (Penthouse – M16)
47. Morgan Heritage & Busy Signal – Run Dem (Juke Boxx)
48. Frankie Paul – Love Somebody (Stone Love – Rocksteady)
49. Morgan Heritage – Guards Up (Maximum Sound – Black Board)
50. Doniki – Gully Bank (Gully Bank)

I didn’t get the chance yet to get Fat Eyes’ Midnight Hour or Joe Frasier’s Chi Chi Bud riddims released on 45 last week, so those tunes were not taken into account.

All in all even though I bought significantly less 45s this year, 2007 brought enough good reggae again to keep me entertained, just needed a bit more selectivity. For 2008 I hope for more bass and positivity and less autotune!

LIST: 2005 45s top 30

Always enjoy seeing my older 'favourite' lists back. Here's one I found back from 2005, one I played live over some online-radio setting to a small group of listeners where we shared our views in a topic on the Blood & Fire forum. Lots of fun, good memories and nice to see I still rate all these 30 tracks. This was from before my podcasting era, so most of these never made it into a mix (yet!).

Here we go, ordered as label - riddim - artists - title:

01) Seven Stars - KT - Turbulence - We Can Make It
02) No Riddim - Minor 7 Flat 5 - Josie Mel & Lutan Fyah - Rasta Still De 'Bout
03) Jah Glory - Lionvibes - Fantan Mojah & Mr Flash - Rastafari Is The Ruler
04) No Slavery - Afrikan Bump - Mikal Rose - Lightning & Thunda
05) Poor People - Maximum Sound - Jah Cure & Anthony B - Poorman's Cry Part 2
06) Ya Ho - Maximum Sound - Richie Spice - Free
07) Salvation - Insight - Turbulence - Mass Distruction
08) Hitman - Acient Mystic - Alpha Rowen - Murder
09) Seasons - Don Corleon - Natural Black - Far From Reality
10) Wise Up - Sun Shine - Anthony B - Lock It Dung
11) Jah Jah See Them A Come - Kickin - Morgan Heritage - Wall Of Babylon
12) Calcium - 1st Foundation - Richie Spice - Gone A Stray
13) No Riddim - Triple T - Turbulence - Show More Love
14) Slaving - Heartical - Michael Rose - Babylon Fight
15) London Rock - Black Scorpio - Luciano - Rise With Jah
16) Telephone Ting - Big Yard - Kiprich - Telephone Ting
17) Psychology - Rising Sun - Jah Mali - Blood Speaks
18) Giddimani - Intouch Music - Chezidek - Gone
19) World A Music - Bad 2000 - Richie Spice - All For A Cause
20) Istanbul - Purple Skunk - Jah Cure - What Will It Take
21) Real Time - Grillaras - Capleton - Open Your Eyes
22) Truth & Rights - Massive B - Richie Spice - Youths A So Cold
23) No Riddim - PG - Natural Black - Nice It Nice
24) Hard Drugs - Delperies - Buju Banton & Anthony Cruz - Too Bloody
25) Rose Moet - Pure Music - Sizzla - Unity Is Strength
26) Those Guys - Insight - Turbulence - Live In Love
27) Zion - Irie Ites - Lorenzo - You Always Deliver
28) Dis Ya Time - Special Delivery - Natty King - For My People
29) Lonely - Calibud - Jah Cure - Hit Me With Music
30) Spiritual War - Frenz - Gyptian - Serious Times

Big tunes!!!