It’s December, a time to celebrate the holidays and the ending of one year, while a new year begins. During the rush of the season be sure to take a second and check out a few NEW records that may even make the perfect gift for the holidays!
During the final month of the year, new music is scarce, as many artists have just released their new record over the past few months, attempting to capitalize on holiday sales. In the musical lull, The Pier still has five new releases worth checking out this month. Be sure to check back following the New Year for The Pier’s 2013 Most Anticipated Albums article!
December 2012 Album Releases
Skillinjah – Skillmatic
Release Date: December 5th
SkillinJah’s much anticipated third album Skillmatic hit the digital market on December 5th. This is SkillinJah’s fourth release in less than two years with the GanJah Records label, founded by his former Jah Roots band-mate and friend, reggae veteran Josh Heinrichs.
Skillmatic is a mix of roots and dancehall reggae supported by a full band sound, as well as tracks featuring the soft backing sounds of an acoustic guitar. SkillinJah’s unique reggae style and vocal cadence will certainly catch the attention of reggae music fans.
To read more about SkillinJah’s new album, Skillmatic
by clicking HERE!
Read The Pier’s review of Skillmatic, by clicking HERE!
Richie Campbell – Focused
Release Date: December 4th
Out of Lisbon, Portugal, singer songwriter Richie Campbell started out in the music business in 2004 with the reggae-dancehall band, Stepacide, later joining the No Joke Soundsystem. Over the past few years Campbell has been pursuing his solo project, Voicing Riddims. After appearing on several mixtapes all over Europe, in 2010, Campbell released his debut album entitled “My Path.”
Now, two years later, Campbell has released the follow-up to his debut record. Titled Focused, his second studio release features 15 tracks included the catchy single relased earlier this year ”That’s How We Roll.”
Barrington Levy – ’79-’84 Reggae Anthology
Release Date: December 18th
Jamaican singer, Barrington Levy, is one of the few artist to have released hits in multiple styles of reggae, roots and dancehall. Levy’s early work (1979 – 1984) shows how his incomparable style made him an icon of the genre. In commemoration of Levy’s hit making ability, VP Records will release a 2-CD set featuring 40 re-mastered hits from producers: Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes and others. This title launch will be supported by VP Records’ “50 Years of Jamaican Music” campaign celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.
Fortunate Youth – MoBoogie Loft Sessions
Release Date: December 18th
On December 18th, just in time for last minute holiday shopping, Fortunate Youth will be releasing their live, acoustic recordings from Denver, Colorado at the MoBoogie Loft. MoBoogie’s very own, Justin Lamascus was able to provide some insight regarding the new release stating, “There are 13-tracks that are all from MoBoogie Loft Sessions, recorded at the old MoBoogie Loft in the Santa Fe Art District here in Denver that you see in the videos. The CD length is around 49 minutes, performed over three different MoBoogie sessions.”
Read more about the album & Fortunate Youth by clicking HERE!
Ziggy Marley – In Concert
Release Date: December 18th
On December 18th, Bob Marley’s eldest son, Ziggy Marley will be releasing a 14-track album titled In Concert for digital release only via iTunes. As the title blatantly describes the album, this is a live release with Ziggy Marley sharing his live recorded versions of “True To Myself”, “Beach In Hawaii”, “Higher Vibration”, “Is This Love” and ten more song! On January 15th, Ziggy Marley will officially release the physical copies worldwide via Tuff Gong Records. You can read more on the album at Ziggy’s Website where you can purchase packages that include vinyl, T-shirts, CDs & plenty more.
Article By: Aaron Solomon
Watch: SkillinJah – “Emergency Spliff” Official Music Video
Watch: Richie Campbell – “That’s How We Roll” Official Music Video
Watch: Fortunate Youth – “Sweet Love” Acoustic @ MoBoogie (Denver, CO)
Watch: Ziggy Marley – “True To Myself”
