TAG: Gregory Isaacs

Feb07

Diplo, Riddimentary: Diplo Selects Greensleeves (Review)

Diplo

Riddimentary: Diplo Selects Greensleeves

Released by Greensleeves/VP Records


Most listeners should observe after this rendering, Diplo acquired some of his sonic edge by digging deep into reggae's dusty LP's & 45s; some could even say he swack'ed Peter Tosh, no harm done there. Outside of a particularly awful version of Gregory Isaacs' "Night Nurse," (quite possibly unforgivable in some circles), this riddim-rundown gets high marks. Given the keys to Greensleeves' deep catalogue, the post-hipster darling does well to dust off some of the best and even more obscure highlights ...
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Oct25

Gregory Isaacs, RIP

See You At The Border, Cool Ruler 

Sad news this AM as reports out of the UK have been confirmed. Legendary toaster Gregory Isaacs (1951-2010) has succumbed to a battle with cancer. Mr. Isaacs passed at his home in London October 25. The morbid rule of three has sadly been fulfilled; Eyedea, Ari-Up and now our dear Gregory. Anyone who ever brought their lady to one of his shows knows the power this subtle vocalist had over the female psyche and libido. The brand of reggae known as “Lovers Rock” or simply “Lovers” can be traced directly to Isaacs who’s stylings drew directly from the R&B, Motown and southern soul traditions; think Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and even Teddy Pendergrass. Most people over the age of 25 (and some of you young boppers too) are familiar with his classic, “Night Nurse.” From his voluminous and celebrated catalog, my selector suggests these tunes as well: …MORE

Dec15

King Midas Sound: Noir Dub Escapism

Conversations of Lover's Rock and melting to dubby rhythms with Kevin Martin 

Walking down empty streets usually signifies the end of a night for someone, the wind hitting his face, footsteps creepily getting louder and storefronts dimmed. Drunks, gluttons and heathens are all around, as things keep winding down as time passes. The only soundtrack to fuel the night’s depth of darkness is the sounds of King Midas Sound, the dub-child of Kevin Martin (aka The Bug), Roger Robinson and Hitomi. The trio’s tracks inhabit cinematic landscapes, which are unearthed by rhymes, alternately power and soft. Their Hyperdub full-length, Waiting For You, was just released with notable reception, and it comes as no surprise, considering the gears that made the wheels turn. We took time out with one of those gears, Kevin Martin, to speak about the process of songwriting, views on “reviving trip-hop” and much more.

URB: What brought you guys …