Each week I am going to write a short (under 200 word) review for an album from my collection chosen at random by iTunes. You can expect anything from Slayer to Salmonella Dub to (Ravi) Shankar and that is all part of the fun. Enjoy.
Week 15: Black Dub – Black Dub
Country: USA / Rock, Pop, Dub
Being the brain-child of world renowned record producer Daniel Lanois, it is no surprise that this album sounds amazing. While Lanois voluntarily sits back on this album as the keyboardist (with the exception of backing vocals and his sole lead vocal spot on ‘Canaan’) it is still very much a product of him. The fingerprints of his production style are tangible. Vocalist Trixie Whitley is a true pleasure, inhabiting the range between sensual, delicate, and powerful. She is such a linchpin element to the album that something feels amiss on the few instrumental tracks; as good as they are musically the lack her warmth and charm. Every element of the music enjoys perfect level of clarity, the mix is as immaculate as one would expect. The music in general has a jazzy feel with sleek contemporary rock overtones, but can also incorporate elements of dub, reggae, and the afore-mentioned uplifting soul. Album highlights are the dubwise ‘Ring the Alarm’ and the New Orleans style bounce of ‘Sing’.
Rating: C+
For Fans of: Quantic Soul Orchestra, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Portishead
