Various
Ghana Soundz: Afro-Beat, Funk and Fusion in '70s Ghana Vol. 2 (Soundway/Fusion III)
You may remember the 2002 juggernaut that was the first installment in this shrine to Ghanian funk and Afro-beat, and the meticulous lengths that compiler Miles Cleret took to ensure the inclusion of only the best that '70s Ghana had to offer. Well, he's done it again, assembling an unsurpassed collection of lost and forgotten material that is sure to blow your mind. Rob is back with their Afro-disco burner "Boogie On," while Oscar Sulley's "Olufume" cannot be digested while standing still. Reaffirming the breadth of quality African music that the world has yet to discover, the second Ghana Soundz continues moving on a higher plane that it created for itself with Vol. 1. Easily one of this year's best records. 10/10 (Scott C)
Isis
Panopticon (Ipecac)
It is impossible to chart this band's growth between albums. They're constantly searching out new sounds and songwriting techniques. This new one could be their most epic outing yet, shining all the way through as they hit their zenith. Matt Bayles' production is perfect as vocals ring more melodically, Slint-like time signatures snake around weaving arpeggios and song structures are left unmolested to create small moments within moments. With seven songs clocking in at an hour, Isis throw away the blueprint and become perfect sonic architects, building with dense instrumentation as opposed to just heaviosity (which they are very good at), which makes this epic record the ruler for which experimental rock will be measured for the next while. 9/10 (Johnson Cummins)
Shikasta
Weight of the Sun (Indiestructable/Universal)
One of Canada's most unsung bands, Shikasta really dazzle on this sophomore effort. Recorded live off the floor with overdubs kept to a minimum, it seems like this soul-rock affair couldn't be captured any other way. It's still all about the groove, but this time they're letting it waver and move instead of having the beat dictate, while choosing to hang up unlikely arrangements to keep you on your toes. Songs like "Fairweather," "Work It Out" and "Comin' Round" have all of the urgency of punk rawk, but Shikasta dig a lot deeper than just seething angst and get right down to some serious soul business. People get ready! 8.5/10 (Johnson Cummins)
Bleep
Datenbergbau (TeknoStan)
Whether they're upping the pop melodicism of IDM or infusing ethereal pop with the patter of little beats, this Toronto duo has gone a step further in marrying the sounds on their sophomore release. With the addition of two videos and a remix of "Euphoria," a song from their debut IMM 0008, these five new tracks hasten the swirl of Robyn Sellman's heavenly-choral vocals and Igor Olejar's thick atmospheric glaze and electronic foundation. Despite suffering a few dizzy spells, the songs stand out amidst the sweet din. 7.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
Husky Rescue
Country Falls (Catskills/Fusion III)
Joining Nordic mood music, nostalgic pop and the kind of melancholy twang that rolls off barren landscapes - in this case, snowy Finland - songwriter Marco Nyberg has produced a timeless debut record. Underneath a light gauze, the songs showcase lap steel, bass, drums and the voices of several different singers, most of them female, with touches of analogue synths, strings and flutes, evoking the surreal, genteel drama of the films that inspired them. With characteristics both intimate and epic, Husky Rescue would make a fine soundtrack for a boudoir, a lounge or an airplane's window seat. 8.5/10 (Lorraine Carpenter)
Various
South Pacific Islands (Putumayo)
The material on this comp comes from New Caledonia, New Zealand and New Guinea, and you might call it the new sound of paradise. No Hawaiian hulas or Tahitian chants here, though traditional cultural elements and echoes of local folk styles do inform these supremely mellow numbers. A satiny modern pop sheen graces each of these light, bubbly tunes built on foundations of chiming guitar and rich choral harmonies. As such, this stuff will resonate with fans of late-period Peter Gabriel, no question, and given that winter has fully arrived, it'll make any living room 10 degrees warmer. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
Juvenile
Greatest Hits (Cash Money/Universal)
Juvenile is one of those American hip hop originals who, despite all kinds of chit chat and blatant attacks on his ability to rap at all, managed to play a major role in spearheading the hip hop opening of the South. When Cash Money Records was selling albums out of the trunks of cars and getting rich, the New Orleans rapper known as Juvenile signed and became part of the Hot Boys with BG, Lil' Wayne and Turk, where he had wide success. But the industry's hallowed platinum seal of approval came with solo hits like "Ha" and "Back That Azz Up," and we all know that nobody can argue with the numbers. Love or hate him, Juve is still here, and the rap sheet to prove it is presented here. 7/10 (Scott C)
T.I.
Urban Legend (Warner)
If you want to know the deal with T.I., you should probably factor in the time he did behind bars earlier this year as a result of some minor probation violations. Urban Legend sadly tries to build on this experience, while T.I. has about as much fire as a Bic lighter. This synth-laden full-length is full of cameos and guests, but none of them actually feel like they should be there. Nelly, BG, Lil Jon, Jazze Pha, Daz Dillinger and Trick Daddy make for some nice hood ornaments on a hooptie wagon with no wheels whatsoever. Ironically, T.I. calls his duet with Lil' Kim "Get Ya Shit Together" - he should take some of his own advice. 6.5/10 (Scott C)
Beres Hammond
Love Has No Boundaries (VP)
In George Nooks's hit "Lovers Rock," he bemoans the recent spate of hardcore dancehall riddims and calls for an antidote: "Just give me a Beres or a Dennis Brown," he sings, "one of dem real sweet lovers rock." Real sweet lovers rock indeed. If you've never had the pleasure of hearing Beres Hammond, this album'll make you a convert. His voice shines on every track - "Good Old Dancehall Vibes" (featuring the one and only Big Youth) is terrific and "Thanks Fe Mi Pride and Joy" (with Buju) is one of my top tunes of 2004. Hammond is not just big people music, he's music for everyone. 9/10 (Erin MacLeod)
Turbulence
Triumphantly (Bogalusa/ Kingston)
When Turbulence spouted "man can't love jah jah and love Pizza Hut, that will never ever be, one can't praise jah jah and love KFC," he became my eternal hero - and this wit is the icing on top of his incredibly versatile voice. Unfortunately, Triumphantly isn't quite as, well, triumphant. Turbulence's got the chops, and it shows on "Jah Jah" (on the incredibly beautiful "She's Like a Roses" riddim), "Mr. Big Man" and, thankfully, the title track. But the overall album is either cheesily overproduced or simply too lo-fi. Then again, a little inconsistency is probably to be expected from a guy who released five albums last year. 7.5/10 (Erin MacLeod)
Various
Deep Throat Anthology, Parts I & II (Light in the Attic/Outside)
Alternately celebrated and demonized, 1972's Deep Throat pushed porn into the public eye like never before. The soundtrack, originally a give-away, was the least of anyone's concern at the time. Today, however, it can be independently assessed and recognized as… well, a cornball '70s novelty item, a mix of greasy lounge funk, silly sound bites and dizzy slapstick fanfare reminiscent of The Benny Hill Show. With its dirty bits mysteriously excised, the '74 sequel flopped, but its soundtrack is in fact the stronger half of this disc. Again, greasy lounge funk, but of a much higher grade. This'll sit comfortably next to your copy of Schoolgirl Report. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
The O'Jays
Imagination (EMI)
Gerald Levert
Do I Speak For the World (Warner)
Nearly 30 years after the "Love Train" left the station, venerable R&B group the O'Jays are still going strong. Known for biting musical commentary like "For the Love of Money" and "Backstabbers," their latest focuses on the trials and tribulations of love. Led by gruff vocalist and original member Eddie Levert, they continue to deliver the down-to-earth soul style that's kept them relevant for so long. Meanwhile, Levert's son, contemporary soul crooner Gerald Levert, moves in the opposite direction, delivering his most socially relevant album to date. The title track, the poignant "Greater Later" and the blazing "Crucify Me" are the centerpiece of this socially-conscious set. Meanwhile, "What Happened To the Love" and "Click a Glass" are proof positive that the world is still very much in need of a love train. O'Jays 7.5/10, Gerald 8.5/10 (Gerard Dee)
Miles Davis
Seven Steps (Columbia/Sony)
The complete Columbia recordings of Miles Davis 1963-1964, a superb seven-CD box set complete with previously unreleased material and restored solos. A time of change, the set begins with Victor Feldman and Frank Butler and continues with Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams. George Coleman is replaced in turn by Sam Rivers and then Wayne Shorter - bassist Ron Carter is the only constant. Much of the material is live with concert recordings from Antibes, NY's Philharmonic Hall, Tokyo and Berlin. Heady stuff and a beauty of a package both visually and aurally. A must for Davis fans! 10/10 (Len Dobbin)
Mini CD Reviews
Donny Kennedy Horizons (DLK) An impressive debut by this altoman/composer in a sextet setting. Try "Wind Chime" or the ballad "Where To Next." Choice. 9 (LD)
Gregory Isaacs Masterclass (Greensleeves) Class is in session. Smooth-as-honey Mr. Isaacs proves that he still rules on this Blacker Dread-produced disc. 9 (EM)
Anthony B Untouchable (Togetherness/Universal) "Someone Loves You" is Dean Fraser-tinged gold, the anti-Iraq war tune "Soldiers" (featuring Wyclef) is great, but what's up with the horribly lame update of "Lollipop"? 8 (EM)
Rugged Intellect Media Hype Mixtape (Expertism) Woooo! Rugged got rhymes! Rewind. Wait... what did he say? Rewind. 8 (SC)
Various Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo (Or) Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, John Cale and more pay tribute to one of America's greatest living songwriters. 8 (JC)
Matadors The Devil's Music (Stumble/Universal) A jet-black psychobilly bouffant that isn't afraid to show its Misfits roots. 7 (JC)
The New York Dolls The Return of the New York Dolls Live from Royal Festival Hall 2004 DVD (Attack/Sanctuary) The granddaddies of punk wheeze and creak through an okay comeback, like the Stones minus the latter-day crapola. 7 (LC)
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