******
- Verified Buyer
RED RAZOR RIDDIM: Following up last year's first class NEW DAY rhythm release, the US-based Lustre Kings crew returns with the classic roots reggae sound of the RED RAZOR rhythm - and it's even better! Once again, Lustre Kings have recruited a strong team of Jamaican favourites as well as the best and brightest from the Virgin Islands.Jamaican veteran Everton Blender kicks off with his excellent GOODY GOODY ("Some man seh dem name Baddy-Baddy, I man name Misser Good-Goody-Goody..."). Marlon Asher - who scored a massive hit across the Caribbean with GANJA FARMER - follows with the killer FIT & STRONG, before another veteran, the great Freddie McGregor, contributes the romantic JUST TAKE YOUR TIME. That's just for starters. There are also strong contributions from Norris Man (WHERE THE WIND BLOWS), Luciano (appearing twice, first with his BEULA LAND, then in combination with fellow singer Natty King on SHOW LOVE), and of course, you can't put together a serious selection without the great Lutan Fyah. His SUFFERING US easily meets the expected high standard. The Virgin Islands team is led by Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin with his solid HYMNS, which is a welcome return to a straightforward roots reggae sound, something he's tended to turn his back to with recent, more experimental releases. Ras Attitude (who won my vote for album-of-the-year with last year's stunning - and shamefully overlooked - ROYAL LIONAGE) provides the moving ALL WE NEED, which originally appeared on his great HOLDING FIRM record, while the exceptionally talented Niyorah goes green with his cautionary GLOBAL WARMING, not the strongest vocal you'll hear from this talented youth man, but definitely a solid effort. Best of all is Army's very topical OIL FOR FOOD. I just love this singer's style - if you haven't heard his excellent RASTA AWAKE album for I Grade, I'd recommend picking it up right away. Also voicing the RED RAZOR, as was the case with the NEW DAY RIDDIM, is a selection of newcomers. Some fare better than others, with Arkangel (BETTER MUST COME) and Jah Mattix (GROW GROW GROW) the obvious standouts, but all make worthwhile contributions, and it's always refreshing to hear some new voices.Overall, this is another great effort from Lustre Kings and the Zion High production team. Everybody involved is clearly enjoying the classic roots reggae vibes, with Everton Blender, Army and Marlon Asher providing the very highest grade highlights here. RED RAZOR RIDDIM is definitely worth a very hearty five-star recommendation. Good deal!Also, don't miss the Kings' recent RASTAFARI UNITY E.P., which finds Lutan Fyah in combination with Vaughn Benjamin, Princess Menen and Khari Kill.