Search - Yellowman :: New York

"Hey Cecil, You're the Real Deal"

plum_village | Border to Border | 02/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dancehall, Ska, Reggae, you find it here, and it is well done.Next, this is Yellowman's latest release, & For the unitiated; Yellow man, is an Albino, hence, his name, and from Jamaica; so,
there is something to be admired with how he
has overcome seeming obstacles in life and, too, that he battled some cancer of the jaw, in 1986, he is also, based in disk jockey
ways, dj, rather than say your typical musico.Now, let's see, I can divide the subject matter of these songs into 3 categories, they are Political Social commentaries, Romance
(should be another category for miscellaneous) or :The first one, is called "workout" and yes, it is about giving yourself a workout, as I see a show on fit tv called caribean workout; this
whole CD might be good to move too in a gym; "freedom walk" also, has that same emotion. The first chords of "workout" may
remind you of disco music; but in a spinning (stationary bicycle class), this would be outta sight.Then, though penned as "Leave Iraq alone" it is also in the lyrics, "leave the U.S. alone", this song is fairly good; but it is it,
combined with the feel of the other political commentary songs, "Peace Dance", "World War", "CNN News", "I love you New York"
and "This house" that has it fitting in a patch work of songs:"CNN News" has a Ska opening, is really, Yellowman back to humorous songstry, "This is CNN, they say, the most trusted name in
worldwide news", the only drawback is I think, one of the verses is repeated twice, when once would do... making it redundant, he
could have dissed that, or sung something else. Naming some of the news people, Erin, Larry King, Paula, gives it an extra kick;I will be curious, to see how Yellowman addresses the political issues, in the future; I may not always see I 2 I with him, but my
musical tastes are not based on such conditions."World War" has a beautiful ol' time reggae vocalizing lyrics; nice message; sermonizing ; "This house" succeeds much in the same
manner. This is good enough, by itself, but it is not complete, in the same way, similar beats, The Melodians for example and Rivers
of Babylon which is so outstanding; "Do me" may have some near raunch lyrics; but has a light, traditional reggae lovesong beat; and to my humble opinion, the best
song on the disc; even if in some ways, it may be Yellowman doing "Afternoon delight", it's sweet, sweet; maybe some day, a
release of Yellowman romance songs will be done, in the way, the same is done for the likes of Dean Martin, I think, YM compares
favorably too."Spanish Girl" is a nice addition giving homage to Hispanics; and is interesting, that Elephantman has recently recorded a song,
"Mexican girl"; by the way, I've always thought Yellowman, has had some songs, always, with not just the mentioned genres, but
even a Latin Cuban rhythm influence at times; providing for a rich harmony. Adding to his latin catalog, by the way, he sings Guantanamera on Prayer, something about Yellowman, lends itself to the whole Caribbean; World, crossing cultures, versus, strict Rastafarianism. This is not necessary better; but may be. Sly Dunbar, provides some nice percussion on assorted songs; nice vocals by Yellowman and I wonder, others involved too? female
lyrics or is all the singing by Yellowman?Overall, a successful effort, by Yellowman, Winston; showing consistency; in my opinion; maybe not as good as Mister Yellowman,
the release, but worthy! Yellowman has so many releases (meaning over 50); I find it hard to give each release top star; When I bought it, I admit, it was the first time, I played a new release, over and over not letting it leave the CD player, but, all the
same, there are some songs, as of this writing, I still pass over, such as "Family man". "I love you New York", may be more
appreciated in N.Y. ; I am not that pleased with it.YM delivers; and as I said, some Rasta Reggae rocks; some Reggae is profound, a message for the listener to maybe apply in real
life; YellowMan, has a sound, he could be listened to in Kenya, in Australia, in Cuba; in USA, Mexico, Brazil; but it might be what you
hear in the market place, rather than those deep seated melodies of some; often, I can observe, many poor cultures have rich
musical heritages or music has a very important place, YM does well again."