Call It Off by Hoffmaestro

I'm sorry to say but this will be U of U Reggae Review's last post. Yes this is sad but on a better note, I am leaving you with a song I have found recently and cannot stop playing. I listen to it at home, in my car, at work, while walking, while skiing, pretty much doing anything, and I can't stop. The song, Call It Off, by a swedish band called Hoffmaestro is musical perfection. It is the perfect mix of dub, reggae, and acoustic. Easy to follow lyrics also add to the experience because you will find yourself singing along in no time. The song is from the album Skank-A-Tronic Punkadelica which you can listen to part of on Myspace.com. Seeing as this is the last post however, I'm going to give you a gift. You can download this song and a couple others from HillyDilly.com. I recommend the song Got Left as well if you're into a slower, strictly acoustic sound. It is sad that not many people have heard of this band before, they are a gift from god, or Sweden, whichever way you want to look at it. Either way, go download these songs and support Hoffmaestro.5 of 5 Stars.

Adios mis amigos. Keep those positive vibes flowin and those reggae beats playin.

Sample This-EP by Iration

This week we have an EP by Iration. After debuting this sample album, Iration rapidly gained an incredible amount of followers who have nothing but good things to say about the band and all the work they've done since this EP. These obsessed fans aren't wrong either; Iration is an amazing band that constantly evolves with their sounds and lyrics. As for this album... though it is only four songs long it somehow seems to play through your stereo for hours on end. Starting off we have Falling, a slower song with an island feel. Then we have Wait and See, an awesome song that is a little more upbeat and some really good guitar riffs. My personal favorite, I'm With You is a stellar song that will stick in your head for weeks though it's not a bad thing. And finally we have Electricity, another love song with a powerful message and again, a great sound. Altogether this EP is amazing even with only four songs. So if you haven't already, go buy this sampler and as many other albums from Iration as you can afford. I promise you won't be disappointed. 5 of 5 Stars.

Tammi Was by Close Enough

Hey all,
I have a present for everyone this week. Available for free is the song Tammi Was by the band Close Enough at HillyDilly.com. This song is actually from a compilation album called Sense Boardwear's Poetry In Motion Vol. 5. As far as the song goes though, smooth lyrics combined with a great guitar riff will have your head bobbin in no time. Later on the guitar turns electric which does nothing but add to the overall quality of the song. I really don't have much to say about this song other than it is awesome and even better...It's FREE! Go download it and enjoy. 5 of 5 Stars.

Don't Drag Me Down by One Drop

This week I have just another single song for you. This song, called Don't Drag Me Down was originally done by the punk rock band Social Distortion. It was already a fantastic as it was but One Drop decided not only to play it themselves but also put some of their own reggae style in. It is this unique sound added to a previously punk rock song that I absolutely love. As far as covers go, few are as good as the original but this one is at least on par with it. I recommend this song to any reggae listeners or even Social D listeners. It is an amazing take on an already amazing song. The rest of this awesome band's debut album is pretty rad as well. Enjoy! 4 of 5 Stars.

Whats Inside Counts by Clear Conscience

Chances are, you have never heard of Clear Conscience before. Why? I don't know because they rock. So here's what you're going to do... Go buy, download, or do whatever it takes to get a hold of their music. My favorite album: Whats Inside Counts. Songs like Island Feeling, Straight Line, or Remedy will instantly become your most listened to. These songs have the greatest laid back, relaxing kind of feel that you need after a long day of work or school. If you have that urge to listen to a little reggae rap style too, Bloods Gonna Run is a solid song if your in the mood. So go buy the album (not a bad cover to look at) pop it in after a hard day of work and relax knowing you've got a Clear Conscience. 4 of 5 Stars

Week 7: Live For The Day by Natural Incense

This week I have only a single song for you. The good news is that it is one of the greatest songs I have ever heard and I think you will like it too. It is called Live For The Day by a Santa Cruz band called Natural Incense. This song is an incredible acoustic sound paired with a message that I really think resonates in today's society. This message of living for the day, or carpe diem if you will is extremely important in a society that is so focused on progression and the future. All we really need to do is slow down and appreciate all that we have in the present. Musically speaking, the song is not much, with two guitars and soft lyrics, yet it is still powerful. I recommend this song to anyone especially those who have something to gain from the message within it's lyrics. 5 of 5 Stars.

Week 6: Any Port In A Storm by The Dirty Heads

This week we have the "special edition" album from The Dirty Heads called Any Port In A Storm. These guys have blown up recently with their hit Lay Me Down (feat. Rome). Lucky for me, I can say I saw them before this at the same reggae festival where I saw Tomorrows Bad Seeds for the first time. Admittedly, I don't have the entire album nor have I heard every song, but what I have heard is amazing. Songs like Easy, Driftin, and Shine are all stellar with an acoustic sound like you would hear someone jamming at the beach while others, mostly Morning Light and Insomnia, have an odd tune that at first sounds sketchy at best but will later grow to become regulars on your most played playlist. The song Hip Hop Misfits is not one I would usually include in a review but deserves credit for being in my second favorite movie, Surfer, Dude and speaking of songs in movies, Stand Tall, my favorite song on the album and close to my favorite reggae song, is featured in the movie Surf's Up. Considering only these songs The Dirty Heads would have an awesome album and there are many more to be had. The downfall is that with 23 songs on the album some are bound to be sub par but I'll let you be the judge of that. Still a quality album worth every penny though. 4 out of 5 Stars.

 

Week 5: Early Prayers by Tomorrows Bad Seeds

Oops, looks like I missed a week. Sorry guys. Anyway, this week I am reviewing Early Prayers by Tomorrows Bad Seeds. I first saw this band at a reggae festival in Park City, UT and immediately became a fan. The energy of the band members and the semi original sound made for an amazing experience. This CD is seventeen songs long which may seem lengthy but every song has a new sound and is just as catchy as the previous. Songs like Love Street and Vices which are most popular on Itunes have a melancholy tune yet always put a smile on your face and other songs like Ready Fe Rock and Gunslinger are much more serious with a rap style. Every single song on the album though is worth listening to so I definitely would recommend this album to everyone and if you have the chance, go see these guys live because they are killer! 5 out of 5 Stars.

 

Week 3: The Expendables

This week we are reviewing the self titled album by The Expendables. This album was released in September of 2007 and was immediately a hit. Starting out the album is One More Night a truly classic mix of reggae and rock. From here there are a few fast songs thrown in the mix but the overall feeling of the album drops to a much slower, more mellow tempo. Since the release of this album a few of the songs have been permanently burned into my top rated playlist. These songs are STD, Down Down Down, Paper Chains, and Sacrifice. All of these songs evoke so much feeling that I can't stop listening to them. My favorite song from the album though is also one of my favorite songs of all time; Minimum Wage. This song has slow yet strong chords with soft vocals that complement each other perfectly. I would recommend this album to any and everyone.
5 out of 5 Stars.

Week 2: EP by Rootdown

This week we have the relatively unknown band called Rootdown. This is their first album and although it only has four songs, it seems much longer because it just plays over and over in my stereo. Each song is unique and so powerful that you can't fight the impulse to move to the beat and sing along. These songs also provide positive messages as well, such as the song Pick Up Yourself, which states that when you fall, "you got to pick up pick up yourself, stand tall". The other songs are Real Love, Don't Walk Away, and Roots, all of which are incredible. The upbeat tempo mixed with positive lyrics give every listener a smile no matter their mood. All in all this EP gets an ic rating to make it epic! 5 of 5 Stars.

Week 1: Album by Stick Figure, The Reprise Sessions

This week we are reviewing the latest release by one of my personal favorite artists; Stick Figure. The album is called The Reprise Sessions and was released on 8/3/2010. This album debuted at #2 on the Itunes reggae charts so you know that the quality of the album is good. All 12 songs are true to the reggae style and it is evident that even with three new band members, the vibe is still alive. The album consists of new songs and some revamped older songs including Dead End Street and an acoustic version of Trouble Up There. The best songs though are Your Way, Gone, and Long Lost Way. If you are a fan of slow, smooth reggae, reminiscent of your favorite day at the beach, then I recommend this album. 5 of 5 Stars.