UYRL

Track listing:
1. Chicago (3:57)
2. I Get It (3:36)
3. Only Fooling Myself (3:34)
4. Top of the World (4:02)
5. One Way or Another (3:45)
6. It’s Only Life (4:08)
7. Might Have Been (3:48)
8. Facing Up (4:11)
9. No Good (4:13)
10. Devil in Me (4:21)
11. I Won’t Disagree (3:53)
12. Wish You Were (4:47)
13. Kindly Unspoken (4:06)

Track List:

Disc 1
1. Sittin’ On Top Of The World
2. Let Love Rule
3. Freedom Train
4. My Precious Love
5. I Build This Garden For Us
6. Fear
7. Does Anybody Out There Even Care
8. Mr. Cab Driver
9. Rosemary
10. Be
11. Blues For Sister Someone
12. Empty Hands
13. Flower Child
BONUS TRACKS
14. Let Love Rule [basic rough mix - previously unreleased]
15. Cold Turkey [B-side]
16. Light Skin Girl From London [B-side]
17. Fear [1987 demo - previously unreleased]
18. Mr. Cab Driver [home demo - previously unreleased]
19. Let Love Rule [home demo - previously unreleased]

Disc 2
1-10 recorded live at THE PARADISE, Boston (March 28, 1990 for WBCN FM)
1. Flower Child [previously unreleased]
2. Blues For Sister Someone [B-side]
3. Mr. Cab Driver [previously unreleased]
4. Freedom Train [previously unreleased]
5. Be [previously unreleased]
6. My Precious Love [previously unreleased]
7. Does Anybody Out There Even Care [previously unreleased]
8. Let Love Rule [previously unreleased]
9. Rosemary [previously unreleased]
10. Fear [previously unreleased]
11-12 recorded live at THE PARADISO, Amsterdam (December 20, 1989)
11. My Flash On You [promo only release]
12. If 6 Were 9 [promo only release]

So it is finally here, a new album from Jah Cure (born Siccature Alcock, 11 October 1978, Hanover, Jamaica), the rising reggae star who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly raping a woman in Jamaica. If you are just learning about Jah Cure, you should know, this guy is talented. Before going to jail, Jah Cure was leading the conscious reggae  renaissance with artists like Gyptian, I Wayne, Perfect, and Richie Spice. Jah Cure’s unique voice blessed many classic riddims and kept fans waiting for anything new from the Cure, but fans were shocked when he caught the robbery and rape charges. Despite, going to jail, Jah Cure still recorded music of equal quality from prison. If you haven’t heard the Jah Cure song, Conga Man, please please please download it or do what you have to in order to get your hands on it. It is a perfect example of the quality that he put out behind bars and it is over an amazing riddim. Anyway, I digress. So, in 2007 Jah Cure was released on parole, serving only 7 years of a 15 year sentence, but the world was waiting for the next Jah Cure album.

The Universal Cure is the latest Jah Cure album and the only album he has put out since leaving prison in 2007.  The Universal Cure starts off with “Sticky”, a song that has been out for a while (it was on Reggae Gold 2007 just to give you an idea), but it is definitely a classic Jah Cure song. Sticky is an up beat happy tune made to enjoy while on the beach in Jamaica. Sticky is followed by “Hot Long Time”, a song featuring Mavado, Junior Reid, Flo-Rida, and it is a great forum to hear Mavado’s special voice alongside Jah Cure’s unique voice. The song is Fyah and is definitely a cross-over song. The next major hit on the album is “Reflections” which is a magical Jah Cure song. It almost seems like the riddim was made for him because he just poured his heart out on this song. This song can be a bit confusing for people that followed his sentencing because it almost seems like he is confessing to the charges even though he has maintained his innocence. “Soon Come”, the next song, is just alright. Nothing really special in this song. “Burning & Looting” should be soundtrack music. This song could be the opening song for many socially conscious movies and is another solid track put out by Jah Cure. “My Life” is another song that is just alright. The song just does not standout on the album, but “Mr.Jailer”, the next song is a different song. “Mr. Jailer” featuring Phyllisia is the lead song from the album and is right up there with “Hot Long Time” for crossover appeal. This song isn’t really the traditional reggae song, but who cares, it definitely has potential to be bumped in cars all over the world, by both gyal and bwoy. “Freedom” is pretty self explanitory and is a solid track. “Freedom” is definitely a Jah Cure song because his voice shines on this song and spills his heart about being out of Jail. “Sufferation” is definitely held down by the riddim. Its one of those songs that gets on a riddim where everyone shines.  “Sufferation” is followed by “Journey”, another track that Jah Cure does his thing. I really like this track for the riddim and the content of the song. “Forever” is an upbeat song, but it is the same thing over again and it is just alrght. “U Believe in Me” is the last song that is just alright. The remaining three songs are all good songs and worth checking out. “Green Grass” the last song is fyah, largely because of the Mission Riddim (Mavado’s On The Rock Riddim).  This riddim just makes it easy for artists to make classic tracks. “Call Me” featuring Keisha Cole is a type of song that you have heard many times if you listen to reggae at all, but ou never get tired of that modern day lover’s rock sound.

Overall, The Universal Cure is a good album, but it is not a great album because many of the songs have been out for years. It serves its purpose in reintroducing the world to Jah Cure, but its not ground breaking. It is definitely worth picking up. If you are looking to learn Jamaican Patois/Jamaican Slang, this is not the album to buy. Its more about the content of the songs than how they are said.

iZotope, Inc. and Mute Records have collaborated to bring a Depeche Mode music application, iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe, to the iPhone and iPod touch. iZotope’s popular, interactive iDrum apps let iPhone and iPod touch users create music by tapping the touch screen and rearranging simple shapes and color combinations. The Depeche Mode edition of iDrum includes content from the band’s critically-acclaimed new album, Sounds of the Universe.

Depeche Mode experimented with iDrum for the iPhone/iPod touch in the studio while making Sounds of the Universe, and are now offering their own edition of iDrum on the App Store. Fans can take control of rhythmic patterns, drum hits, effects and instrument sounds from the album to create instant remixes or new original music on their handsets. The album’s producer, Ben Hillier, also produced the content for this iDrum Edition, which includes key rhythmic elements, effects and instrument samples from Sounds of the Universe.

“Since the original iDrum app was released, it’s the music application I’ve been using most on my iPod touch,” said Daniel Miller, chairman and founder of Mute Records. “When the idea came up for Depeche Mode to do their own version of iDrum I thought it was very exciting and I’m glad it’s come to fruition. The app includes really great sounds, and it gives fans and electronic musicians the opportunity to enjoy the album in a completely new way.”

iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe is available for $4.99 on the Apple App Store and includes ten customizable kits with sounds from songs on the album. Additionally, iDrum: Depeche Mode Sounds of the Universe allows users to manipulate album sounds to create music by:

• Tapping the touch screen to play and record musical patterns
• Taking control of the rhythm of every drum sound and sample
• Remixing rhythmic patterns from the album or starting from scratch to make new musical creations
• Bringing sounds in and out of the mix to change the music
• Customizing patterns to create unique new beats

“Depeche Mode’s innovative music is a perfect fit for iDrum. We’re excited to give fans a fun, unique way to creatively interact with Sounds of the Universe—whether they have musical experience or not,” said Nick Dika, content manager at iZotope.

iDrum Offers New Promotional Tool and Revenue Stream for Labels

Aside from its entertainment value, iDrum also serves as a new promotional platform and revenue stream for the label and artist. As record labels look to find ways to appeal to the ever-evolving digital consumer, musical entertainment apps are becoming a popular new way to promote releases and even make up for sliding CD sales. iZotope CEO Mark Ethier explains:

“As the music world shifts from an album-centric model, we’re noticing a renewed focus on finding new ways to connect fans and artists, such as social networking and mobile applications. iDrum Editions are a great way for labels and artists to be a part of the booming App Store market and benefit from a new knd of promotional vehicle that helps bring fans one step closer to the inner workings of their favorite bands.”

It seems like every year, a new Marley is releasing an album. Most recently Damien and Ky-Mani released albums, but I might be forgeting another Marley…in fact, I probably am forgetting about some Marley child’s album. So, I got to wondering, just how many children did Bob Marley have?
After doing some digging, I think I have narrowed it down to 13 children. Here they are:

Imani Crole May 22 1963 with Cheryl Murray
Sharon Nov 23rd 1964 Was already his wife Rita’s daughter whom he adopted
Cedella Aug 23rd 1967 with Rita
David (Ziggy) Oct 17 1968 With Rita
Stephen April 20 1972 with Rita
Robert May 16th 1972 with Pat Williams
Rohan May 19 1972 With Janet Hunt ( Rohan is the father of Lauren Hill’s 4 kids)
Carren ??? 1973 with Janet Brown
Stephanie ??? 1974 with Rita
Julian June 4 1975 with Lucy Pounder
Ky-Mani Feb 26 1976 With Anita Belnavis (Anita was a famous table tennis pro )
Damian July 21 1978 with Cindy Breakspeare
Makeda (May 30 1981 With Yvette Crichton

Basically, Bob was a busy guy, 13 kids was alot especially for a guy who passed away at 36. Some might say that this is Bob’s way of spreading his seed, a belief that many believe is fundamental to Rastafari. More on this in future posts. I wonder if any new children will appear next year.

We’ve been following Anthony B since the mid-nineties and as usual he did not disappoint with this latest release. His new album “Rise Up” rises to the occasion with an exciting medley of roots sounds. Thanks to the excellent production skills of his studio partner, the French producer appropriately named Frenchie.

This is a roots oriented effort consisting of fourteen delicious reggae tracks including three collaborations: “Better Haffi Come” featuring Chezidek, “Enter The Kingdom of Zion” with Horace Andy and “Be Wise” where Anthony B shares the mic with Lukie D.

Gwen Stefani told Billboard that the reason No Doubt is touring without an album to promote is due to procrastination – and the fact that she hates writing.

“Honestly, it’s procrastination,” the singer said in regards to not having a recent release on the market. “My plan was to get pregnant and write a record, but instead of writing, I just ate all the time.”

She continues: “Writing is always really hard for me – I hate it and hate it and then I do it, and I’m happy it’s done. I was blocked and I needed to get inspired, and I thought playing live would get the creative juices flowing again.”

Oh, so like, it’s just that simple…and it’s just that hard?

It’s so awesome when celebs sound like commercials they’ve done during interviews. Check out Gwen’s HP commercial here where she discusses her creativity issues.

No Doubt kicked off their reunion tour (the band hasn’t been doing much work together since Stefani embarked on a solo tour and began a family with Gavin Rossdale) this past Saturday in Las Vegas and will continue on the road until they’ve reached their place of origin in Irvine, California.

I mentioned on Saturday that Billabong shares had been in a trading halt pending an announcement on Monday. Well, that announcement has come through and it was a combination of things. Number one - profits will be a little lower than last year due to a slightly softer market and changes in the exchange rate. But, and this is the interesting part, they are remaining in a trading halt till Wednesday while they raise capital which (if my information is correct) could mean a purchase in the works. There are rumors of an announcement coming from another big company mid-week as well… anyone want to specualte on what’s going on here?

In his brief liner sketch on this album of Townes Van Zandt covers, songwriter Steve Earle writes: “I always read everything Townes told me to read. All of us did; we who followed him around, or simply bided our time in places along his migratory path, for we were indeed a cult, in the strictest sense of the word, with Townes at its ever shifting center.” While what it was he read isn’t worth spoiling here, it’s the last part of that long sentence that really matters. Van Zandt inspired a cult, and an even bigger list of pale imitators. Earle may lionize the man and the artist (hence the tribute record), and may have even begun as an imitator, but he became something else entirely — an iconoclastic (and iconic) artist and producer in his own right who can interpret these songs as such.

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