REVIEW: MALIJAH - RASTA PICKNEY/LUTAN FYAH - TURBULENT TIME (Old Capital Records)

Straight out of Le Mans, France, comes a new label on the rise named Old Capital Records. "Rasta Pickney" is their first release and also the name of the rhythm it is on. Producer Judi K have done a execellent work on the rhythm which is a mellow one drop with a flute like sound floating around in the background. It got that real roots sound that really gets you moving. I got hooked on this rhythm the first time I heard it and certainly hope others feel it as well since sounds like these are needed in the dance. Feel it in the one drop as Marley sung.

Malijah is first off with "Rasta Pickney" on the A-side of this 7:inch vinyl. Malijah is new upcoming artist from Kingston, Jamaica, whose singjay style fits perfectly on this good vibing rhythm. Malijah sings of the vibes and music that "Rasta Pickney" brings when passing through the community weither in a yard or abroad. Malijah goes through different scenarios, from being greeted with love and curiosity to dealing with badminded people. This tune certainly brings good vibes unto I. The chorus is of a real sing along type which will most probably have its effect in a dance.

"Rasta pickney passing through, no time at all, we go under curfew, fi true. Rasta pickney passing through, come now people come look pon the view..."

Soundclip - Malijah - Rasta Pickney

On the B-side we have Lutan Fyah giving us another solid tune. Lutan Fyah have certainly made a name of himself with many strong releases in a short number of years. What I like with Lutan Fyah is that he can ride a rhythm, be well articulate and get his point across at the same time. Many similar artists tend to do too much roaring and screaming causing their content to drop in quality. Lutan Fyah who's also a singjay singer rides this rhythm perfectly as well yet in a more ruff way than Malijah's softer approach. "Turbulent Time" reflects on the turbulent times of today. How the system is being run to profit and not to work for better conditions for the people. How the youths although in their suffering shall keep their faith and keep moving in the right direction despite the turbulent situation. A good truths and rights kind of tune.

"We're living in a turbulent time the system never care so the poor them undermine..."

Soundclip - Lutan Fyah - Turbulent Time

The "Rasta Pickney" is certainly one of the top one drop rhythms of the year of 2005. Good solid production and crisp sound. Make sure to check Ras Mac Bean, Lorenzo and Turbulence's versions on the same rhythm. All roots and culture except for Turbulence delivering a good lovers tune. I will most definently check further releases from Old Capital Records since this one really caught my attention. Same goes for Malijah who I only heard once before on the "Zion" rhythm from Irie Ites Records. Don't sleep on this release! Run go check it at the your local reggae vendor.

/Jakob Levi 11/9-05

Read more about the "Rasta Pickney" rhythm HERE

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