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Various Reggae Around the World (Putumayo) Various Viva la Rasta: Reggae en Español (Aztlan/Sonic Unyon)
Both Worlds Memory Rendered Visible (Roadrunner/Attic) Ex-CroMags vocalist John Joseph's new project is still steeped in the New York hardcore sound, but his trademark wail has now gathered pop sensibility, especially on "Free Speech" and "Mode of Ignorance." Mr. Joseph's Krishna faith is hinted at in his lyrics (e.g. "Not of This Body"), but never falls into the preachiness which has marred his work in the past. The CroMags rage is still there, but takes a back seat to something more musical. 7/10 (Johnson Cummins) Swirl 360 Ask Anybody (Mercury/PolyGram)
You'd think that power pop would've moved some serious units in the past 25 years, but somehow rock toughness + pop sweetness = a formula for commercial suicide. Still, folks keep trying; Mercury Records are trying awfully hard with Floridian bros. Denny and Kenny Scott(!), who come off like Redd Kross' McDonald siblings even more sincere about the '70s. Which means that the boys agree to co-write songs not only with Ken Stringfellow (Posies) and Eugene Kelly (Vaselines), but also with mercenaries like Desmond Child (Hanson) and Mark Hudson (yep, of the Hudson Brothers). Schlock prevails over rock--fine in the music but unforgivable in the lyrics. 6.5/10 (Chris Yurkiw)
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Plastilina Mosh Aquamosh (Tomboia/Capitol/EMI)
The Mexican answer to los Beasties. No metal machismo (phew!), just crunchy distorto raps en Español and stoner grooves wide enough to park a Boeing. P. Mosh (Jonas and Rosso) let their suave side show, too, with some EZ-lis'nin loungeries and heavy duty acid jazz ("Banano's Bar"), showcasing their sexy Latin tunefulness. Check out "Pornoshop" and "Bungaloo Punta Cometa," as well. Aquamosh is one of those wicked summer kif 'n' Coronas albums that hold up well into the frosty days of winter. Above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty dept.: twisted Tokyo twiddler Sukia takes the board for the raunchified blues-hop of "Monster Truck" and the trippy title track, on which garage goddess April March volunteers guest vocals. Me gusta this album. 9.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)
Two looks at the global scope of reggae's impact. On the Around the World comp, Jamaica natives Ernest Ranglin and Burning Spear rub shoulders with an international cast that's often on the clean, synthy tip. Special mentions go to Sudan's Rasha and Martinique's Kreyol Syndicat for standout tracks. Viva la Rasta's tighter parameters necessitate a few mediocre tunes, but I gotta say, the Jamaica sound ain't hurting from an injection of fiery Latin energy. Neither comp is likely to be put on a pedestal by roots purists, but that's hardly the issue. Around the World: 7.5/10,Viva la Rasta: 8/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)