CD Review: The Expanders' 'Hustling Culture'

The Expanders
Hustling Culture
Easy Star Records

Hailing from California with a sound from Jamaica, The Expanders expand their horizons (and ours!) with their new reggae-infused, Hustling Culture. The roots-influenced, rock and reggae beats grace all the tracks on this urban and contemporary-inspired release. The deep bass beats and syncopation are iconic in reggae music from Jamaica and contemporary reggae music from around the world. A dozen tunes of reggae bliss blast from the album with soothing beats, diverse percussion, and great vocals that do not miss a step. The upbeat and catchy ballad, "Piece Of Love," is a reggae anthem worthy of global praise and multiple listens. The laid-back, syncopated beats of "People Business" showcases a lighter side of reggae. Overall, The Expanders are very talented and do not have trouble creating beautiful songs that will stand the test of time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: New Kingston's 'Kingston City'

New Kingston
Kingston City
Easy Star Records

New York City-based and reggae proud, New Kingston adds an element of urban hip hop, world fusion, and island rhythms stemming from their Jamaican roots. The twelve track album contains edgy, fluid tunes with witty lyrics and a heady delivery with guest singers such as, Maad T-Ray, E.N. Young, Kimie Miner, The Wailing Souls, the late-Sugar Minott, and Sister Carol, adding a well-rounded crew of talent. The innovative reggae label of Easy Star continues to find, hone, and spread the word of reggae to the world. New Kingston is no different, as their Jamaican roots and grooves head to the forefront. Some of the songs are more straight-forward and pop-driven, but the reggae influence is never too far behind. Fans of urban reggae music, world fusion, and great, contemporary music will find it most satisfying. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Backbeat Soundsystem's 'Together Not Apart'

Backbeat Soundsystem
Together Not Apart
Easy Star Records

Reggae from the U.K.? Yes, indeed. The eight-piece reggae-roots band, Backbeat Soundsystem, fires on all cylinders with their latest, hook-laden release, Together Not Apart. The group comprises the talents of Dean Forrest, Darren Kendall, Zac Jesus Esquela Harkavy, Jon Symons, Sam Parsons, Elf Forrest, Lawrence Willoughby, and Tom Neale. The music contains catchy, bass-laden beats with hooks that will grab everyone's attention. There are twelve tracks in all. Each song is unique and blends reggae sounds with pop, rock, and urban jazz. The fluid sounds of reggae and punchy percussion are all positive attributes that make Together Not Apart stand alone as an impressive recording. Fans of Easy Star Records will find this a necessary recording. Also, fans of reggae will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Sound's 'Steady'

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Sound
Steady
Easy Star Records

Psychedelic roots-reggae? Yes. That is one phrase to describe New York's Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Sound. The group will be releasing Steady at the end of September and it is packed with thirteen thrilling, reggae-infused tunes. Every song is catchy and full of dance grooves, head-bobbing rhythms, and soulful vocals. As with other Easy Star recordings, Steady continues in the reggae realm with enhanced vigor and pleasant tunes. GPGDS, as they are known, feature great reggae, rock, and pop sensibilities that are unforgettable. There is a jam-band appeal on some of the tracks, but the characteristic syncopated beats inherent in reggae are still present here. Steady is a great release that should please world reggae fans everywhere. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Easy Star All-Stars' 'Dub Side Of The Moon'

Easy Star All-Stars
Dub Side Of The Moon
Easy Star Records

In celebration of their 10th anniversary for the 2003 release of the same name, Easy Star All-Stars are proud to announce their dubby and reggae-infused, Dub Side Of The Moon. The album celebrates the music of Pink Floyd with his ever-popular, Dark Side Of The Moon released many years ago. This new release contains different liner artwork, a liner note booklet, and a few bonus tracks. The entire project is produced by Michael Goldwasser and Victor Axelrod. The album is fifteen-tracks long and features the music of Pink Floyd's abovementioned release, including "Speak To Me," "Breathe," "On The Run," "Time," "Brain Damage," and several others. The dub and reggae-infused concoctions are heady, lush, and dance-inducing. There are electronic elements, which modernize the sounds a bit. But, anyone interested in reggae, dub, and Pink Floyd will love this very special ten year anniversary release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Green's 'Hawai'i '13'

The Green
Hawai'i '13
Easy Star Records

A reggae group from Hawaii? You bet. This is the third album from Hawaii's best reggae crooners and groovers. The music is steeped in Hawaiian culture and Jamaican reggae. The opening track, "He Mele No Ku'u Hawai'i," is a traditional Hawaiian chant that begins the musical experience. The rest of the tracks contain smooth, reggae grooves and stellar vocals. The keys, guitars, drums, and bass are top-notch throughout. There is a sense of soul and funk to the mix. Anyone with a good sound system will benefit from the smooth sounds and gliding bass lines. This is contemporary reggae from an island, but it is located far from reggae's beginning in Jamaica. Hawai'i '13 is a number one album all the way around. It's that simple. Reggae fans with an adventurous edge will love The Green. Get it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cas Haley's 'La Si Dah'

Cas Haley
La Si Dah
Easy Star Records

Probably best-known for his performances on America's Got Talent, Cas Haley continues to prove he has what it takes to succeed. He traverses the world of reggae, jazz, rock, pop, folk, blues, and roots on his latest release, La Si Dah. "Jackson" is a rock and reggae-tinged, instrumental opener. "La Dah" is a breezy tune with light guitar and percussion sounds with some piano. The reggae-tinged, vibe-driven "Mama" is a classic tune. The slower and jazz-driven tune, "Wait For Me," contains a bit of blues. "Capricorn" opens with some piano, drums, and alternative guitar stylings with a reggae beat. It is refreshing to listen to great songs that are not only original, but different, too. Fans of Cas will love it and new fans will pick up on the reggae grooves, bluesy guitar stylings, and sincere vocals. Though, Cas' home-base is in Texas, the music does not reflect any such influence. Try it today! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: John Brown's Body's 'Kings And Queens'

John Brown's Body
Kings And Queens
Easy Star Records

Vocalist, Elliot Martin, leads the charge with reggae-focused tunes that are inspired by British reggae, roots music, dub and bass, and electronic music. The Brooklyn-based group releases a new album from one of the leading reggae labels in the world, Easy Star Records. There is a strong horn and brass presence, with bass, keyboards, and programming. The reggae beats are classic and memorable. There are elements of rock, alternative, and trance music, too. Even though many people know what reggae music is, John Brown's Body attempts to reinvent the genre with wonderful results. There are twelve tracks in all. Fans of reggae will love Kings And Queens. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Easy Star All-Stars' 'Thrillah'

Easy Star All-Stars
Thrillah
Easy Star Records

The Jamaican-reggae and Afro-soul funk styles of music come to fruition on this exciting new work of songs reinvented from Michael Jackson's Thriller. The music is largely progressive, but the songs are recognizable overall. Producer, Michael Goldwasser, brings in a variety of musicians and vocalists, including JoWil, Ruff Scott, The Green, Mojo Morgan, Steel Pulse, Mikey General, Spragga Benz, Michael Rose, Luciano, Cas Haley, Kirsty Rock, and Christopher Martin. Some of the songs included are "Baby Be Mine," "Thriller," "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Wanne Be Startin' Somethin'." The contemporary music contains grooves that are R&B-tinged, but the reggae vein is more pronounced. This is sure to appeal to fans of Michael Jackson's Thriller with a knack for other genres of music, including jazz, reggae, hip hop, and dance. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Black Seeds' 'Dust And Dirt'

The Black Seeds
Dust And Dirt
Easy Star Records

The New Zealand-based group, The Black Seeds, is best described as a reggae-funk-fusion collective with modern grooves and catchy vocals reflecting a soulful ambiance. The characteristic reggae beats are a staple of a few songs, notably "Settle Down," "Rusted Story," and "Dust And Dirt." The down-tempo leanings of "Out Of Light," showcases the band's subdued grooves and remarkable ability to create modern masterpieces reflecting a psychedelic edge. The funky tunes are great in every respect. The length is moderate, the variety is good, and the songs are unforgettable. On a side note, some of the songs contain quirky titles, such as "Pippy Pip," "Gabriel's Strut Club," and "Loose Cartilage." Anyone with a passion for The Black Seeds, or funk, fusion, reggae, and down-tempo/pop will love Dust And Dirt. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cas Haley's 'Gifts To Give'

Cas Haley
Gifts To Give
Easy Star Records

Probably best-known for his America's Got Talent performances, Cas Haley has lit up the stage across the country with his own brew of Texan-blues-reggae music over the past few years. On this release, Cas starts out with an original Christmas tune, "Gifts To Give," which sets the bar high for the remainder of the album. Cas' unique vocal tricks and vocal swagger is welcoming and never obtuse or harsh. Also, Cas adds his own trumpet embellishments with his voice. In addition, a variety of scat lyrics and finger-snapping sets the acoustic and family-friendly tone of his music. Iconic Christmas classics, such as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "The Christmas Song" are made personal by Cas' inherent singing abilities and warm guitar strumming. The music is charming, sweet, and carefree without straying too far from the original compositions. Give the gift of joy this season with Cas Haley at your side. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: The Green's 'Ways & Means'

The Green

Ways & Means

Easy Star Records

Hawaii's The Green is a pop-reggae band that infuses modern reggae roots with rock, jazz, and island flavors. 'Decisions' is a bit of a reggae-dance hit with similarities to Sweden's Ace Of Base and Maroon 5. Thirteen other hits round out the track-list with obvious nods to reggae's biggest stars, though The Green writes and composes original material. The pop-driven 'Gotta Be' is pure gold. The title track, 'Ways & Means,' takes a laid-back approach to reggae songwriting with a slower tune and vocals indicative of St. Lucia's Taj Weekes. The English lyrics and reggae-based repertoire borders on rock, folk, pop, and dance, which never seems to be a challenge for these guys. The pop hooks and clever looks make The Green stand-out among the reggae roster of the world. Ways & Means is the best new music to be released in the reggae genre this year! ~ Matthew Forss