If you haven’t been paying attention, I’ll go ahead and let you know that as each week passes, we are getting closer to summer. As we step into the summer months of 2011, you’ll see a ton of albums being dropped from some of your favorite groups in the Reggae-Rock scene. This week is no exception as we have 4 solid releases coming out today! That’s 4 completely different sounding albums carrying their own influential torch of Reggae-Rock music. Fewer things are less annoying than the monotony of hearing the same sound put out over & over, but because Reggae-Rock music embodies so much more than just Reggae or just Rock, it’s always a treat to see how these artists test their own creative boundaries, sharing the same message of love promoted through freedom.
Take a look below at a few new albums that have been released today. For your convenience we included links to purchase the album along with other misc links to reviews, interviews or FREE downloads. I have a feeling as we get closer to Summer, more of us are going to start looking forward to more Tuesdays & the new albums that come with them.
Other notable releases out today not included below is Clear Conscience – Lust @ First Sight
And The Alchemystics – Spread Hope. You can download 3 singles from The Alchemystics new album inside our MP3 Massive section by clicking HERE
Tuesday’s New Album Releases
Stephen Marley – Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life
7-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter, Stephen Marley, is set to release his third solo album, titled Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life. The album will be released on Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic and the album will be released on May 24, 2011. Conceived as a two part project, THE ROOT OF LIFE will be followed by the release of REVELATION PT 2: THE FRUIT OF LIFE, due in fall of 2011, which will feature an array of styles that have emanated from reggae’s core.
With 2 seperate releases scheduled for this year, Stephen Marley’s first release with Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life features an all star cast of guest appearances including Damian & Ziggy Marley, Capleton, Spragga Benz, Buju Banton, Wale & The Cast of Fela, plus Melanie Fiona.
The first single, Jah Army, features Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Buju Banton spitting formidable, career-defining verses over a thunderous one-drop rhythm with lyrics to rally the troops. “Whether it’s in the music or our life, get it together man, the Gideon is on,” declares Stephen Marley.
Chino – Self-Titled
Jamaican reggae dancehall artist Daniel “Chino” McGregor will release his debut self-titled album on May 24, 2011 on the VP Records imprint. The highly-anticipated studio effort from one of reggae’s dynasties, Chino being the son of reggae icon Freddie McGregor and brother of acclaimed producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, composes a new formula in reggae and dancehall music.
A fusion of reggae, dancehall, pop, alternative rock, world and other global influences connect for 15 tracks of potential classics for the budding star. With Stephen McGregor at the helm of production for the entire album recorded at their family-owned Big Ship studio, Chino houses already popular anthems such as From Mawnin’ (Never Change), Pon Your Head, and the collaboration with Stephen, Protected. It also features new selections such as the current singles from the album, I Am and Seal The Link (Leaving).
Top Shelf – The Sound
Top Shelf is set to release their Sophomore album titled The Sound. The album includes guest appearances courtesy of cootdog of Mystic Roots, Zion Thompson of The Green, Gina Marie Lo Monaco & Energy Alchemist. The album is produced by Jim Fox, cootdog, Timmin Murray as well as Top Shelf. They worked out of Russian River Records in Ukiah, CA & Lion Fox Recording Studios in D.C.
With 16 total tracks, here is what singer/guitarist Carter Lane told The Pier about the new release..
“We are excited to finally be releasing the album we have forever wanted to create! It’s been such a pleasurable and unique experience for us here at the Top Shelf camp! Musically we’ve got our hands in everything this time, fresh rock, new reggae, nice pop, a little dubstep for the kids and of course positive lyrics for all! From working in our hometown with Mystic Roots leader cootdog to mixing in Washington D.C. with the legendary Jim Fox, Im not quite sure how the process could have been more epic! The result is THE SOUND and its bound to resonate with the masses! Get ready for some fresh new rock reggae!” – Carter Lane
The Hangers – Get Your Ticket
After doing their first cross- country tour around Canada, The Hangers are pleased to release their second album Get Your Ticket, just in time for the summer time. Produced by Mitch Girio (King Apparatus, The Kingpins, The Expos), Get Your Ticket was able to grasp the maturity in The Hangers’ sound without compromising its trademark: the party vibe. Get Your Ticket was recorded both in Montreal and Toronto. The Hangers’ hometown gave opportunity to collaboration with Ragga Mc FunkyFlip on the song I’m on a Roll. The band feels that the song reflects the unique bilingual vibe that Montreal can offer.
Then the band went to Toronto for an intensive 3 weeks of studio work at Mitch’s headquarter: Slaughterhouse 754. The major change from the debut album Half The Fun is the departure of Frederique, violin player. Instead, Phil Cassidy, lead singer, took on adding keyboard and organ to his arsenal which already included a unique flow and crazy rhythm guitar.