MUSIC REVIEWS
November 16, 2008
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| Forensics Exile EP (Digital Sin) |
DLX/Breakage Matter of Fact (SMOG) |
Djunya/DJG & Antiserum NarcoHz 012 |
Cocoa Tea Yes We Can (Roaring Lion) |
MATTY G Take You Back (Argon) |
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| The Bug London Zoo (Ninja Tune) |
DZ A1 - Old Timers A2 - Eardrumz (Black Acre) |
Alborosie Soul Pirate (Forward Recordings) |
COCOA TEA - YES WE CAN
(Roaring Lion Recordings)
Nov 16, 2008 by Lud Dub
Over the last twenty plus years, the Clarendon-born Cocoa Tea has been no stranger to the reggae dancehall scene. The ex-jockey and fisherman, under the guidance of the prolific Henry “Junjo” Lawes, recorded “Rocking Dolly”, “I Lost My Sonia”, and “Can’t stop Cocoa Tea” in the early 80’s putting the smooth voiced crooner on the reggae map. Riding the success of the early phase of the digital Dancehall scene the often outspoken artist had two songs, “No Blood for Oil” and “Oil Ting” banished from British and Jamaican radio in the early 90’s for their openly Anti-Gulf War lyrics.Just released on Election Day on his own “Roaring Lion” label, “Yes We Can” is a timely album that speaks of social commentary and hope amidst the current state of world affairs".
Just released on Election Day on his own “Roaring Lion” label, “Yes We Can” is a timely album that speaks of social commentary and hope amidst the current state of world affairs. With portions of sales going directly to the Presidential campaign, “Barack Obama”, the hit single released originally in the Spring, triggered a wave of optimism over the possibility of the first African-American U.S. President. Balancing lovers rock tracks “Love Is Not to Play” and “I Swear” are “I’m Not Guilty” and “War War”, the latter re-igniting the debate over the current Gulf War. “Time Is Red” re-introduces past sparring partner Shabba Ranks on the “Watch this Sound” riddim, and Prezident Brown gets the call to partner up and address “911 119”. This fourteen track release initially took a few listens to grow on me. But I found it hard to resist an artist gifted with such a strong message and sweet sweet sound that got his name from, you guessed it, his love for hot cocoa.
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