The album kicks off with General B and Patchy's annoying-but-undeniably-catchy "The Business." With solid production by the Shocking Vibes Crew and some good chatting courtesy of the vocalists, it's a fine dancehall tune with some actual direction. Similarly entertaining is Elephant Man's "Vampire" produced by Stone Love's Winston Powell. Pretty straight-ahead, simplistic beats, but the immensely popular Elephant Man's very catchy hook makes me think that his fame isn't entirely unfounded.
Even artists that I've been vocally critical of in the recent past have managed to impress me. Mr. Vegas' "Bwoy Blue" is a nice track, as is Mr. Lex's "Bust a Blank." Sure, they're not groundbreaking, but they are a good listen.
One track that I really disliked on first listen was Ce'Cile's "Change Z." After several listens I still shudder at the R&B hook, but her Tanya Stephens-esque rundown of dancehall's DJs has really grown on me ("Mi love Beenie Man, but he body look weak").
Not all the dancehall tunes, though, have helped to change my outlook. Ricky Rudy's "Bling Dawg" is bogged down with slang and totally devoid of a point, Mad Anju's "Go Look Gal" is similar "business as usual" dancehall.
Total Togetherness Volume 11 isn't all dancehall, though. Morgan Heritage provides a nice dash of roots on "Doors of My Temple." As usual, the group sounds excellent and their message is positive. I'm looking forward to their next full-length release as they seem to be getting better and better every year. Frankie Paul provides a taste of old school flavor on the lighthearted "Party All Night" and Mikey Spice adds his take on modern lover's rock with "One Thought of You."
The best non-dancehall entry comes on Luciano's "Cool and Settle," which oozes with standard Luciano positivity, but also with Gregory Isaacs-like coolness. Gotta love it.
Overall, Total Togetherness Volume 11 really captures what's happening in reggae right now, in appropriate proportions. And while the Total Togetherness series doesn't seem to have the profile of, say, Strictly the Best or Reggae Gold, it can be counted on for quality tunes almost every time. Give this one a spin.
More information can be found at http://www.vprecords.com/albums/1609total.html.
Go To Page: 1
