Original Jamaican Funk And Soul 45's

I've been neglecting my inner rasta. My inner rasta is generally cool with that, my inner rasta is actually always cool, but with the rainy, sunless winter we're having at the moment I felt a bit of discomfort in my inner rasta. My inner rasta needed a little attention.

Holy shit! Funk, Soul and Jamaica. On 1 CD! It's the perfect cure for every rasta with a winter depression. First, the time frame: 1973 to 1978. Next, let me assure you: there's truth in "Jamaican Funk And Soul", it's a blend of the three in that for full appreciation of this CD it's essential that you like reggae too. Third: there are a few links with Lee Perry, so some of the tunes sound outrageously wicked. Fourth: it's a mix of famous and obscure artists, my guess is there's some pretty rare material on this CD.

You know if you want to check this out. This "you" who knows (s)he needs to check this out may also be interested in owning this compilation. First: it's a Soul Jazz release and the documentation isn't excessive but there's a little to be found in the booklet on most songs. Second: there's a picture of every original 45. Ow, I've found something to complain here. These 45's came apparantly in white paper sleeves with a hole for the disk label. How fascinating is that, ladies and gentlemen? 10 pictures of white (+ 2 yellow) 7'' sleeves! And you can see the labels too!

Anyway, my inner rasta is happy again. The weather's still disappointing but it doesn't bother me so much anymore, there's a little ray of sunshine coming out of my speakers. If that sounds pathetic, you're right but check out the CD sleeve: that's me with my inner rasta. And it's not even my car...
Soul Jazz, 2007

Original Jamaican Funk And Soul 45's

Scout Niblett - This Fool Can Die Now

This album is so beautiful, it makes me cry. Not really, of course, ha ha (*LOL!*), because I don't cry. My eyes are just a bit sensitive but that's strictly medical. But this album is so beautiful, it almost makes me cry. I don't know what else to think of it.

There's her voice. The voice is important. She can sing in a piercing high but also sing with a lower, more fragile voice. If you can find fault with her voice, it's possible, then you might change your opinion after you've heard the few duets with Bonnie 'prince' Billy. Likewise with the music, pin her down and she'll pop-up somewhere else in a different appearance. Drums and/ or violins and/ or guitar and/ or piano, in single instrument backing or rock band style, not always according to convention. Serious, dark, tender but all on a sudden there's an incredibly funny and absurd song. And the album continues to be beautiful.

From what I've heard about Scout Niblett and found on the internet, she's an interesting personality. 'This Fool Can Die Now' is her 5th album and a first-hand witness told me her live shows are worth seeing. Check out her Wikipedia entry and her website if you're curious.

Toopure, 2007

Scout Niblett - This Fool Can Die Now