King Django-Avenue A EP

2009 Stubborn Records
Review by Gabe

The wait for a new King Django release has been long but the lyrics architect is still strong!

Four hot new tunes that will have you bouncing off the walls like you were transported back to the Stubborn All Stars days. This ain't no rehashing of the same old sound though. These tunes are hot oven fresh with only the finest ingredients .

Do you remember the song "Really" from King Django Meets The Scrucialists? That song goes from some chilled out reggae tune to uptempo ska with Django's soothing tone reminiscing "When It Was Really Going Down" back in the day on "Avenue A". Maybe you you missed that album or you just plain didn't feel some of those songs? Well here's your chance as another song from that album gets a musical makeover. "I Don't Wanna Work That Hard" gets stirpped down and re-inveted on side B it's called "Tryin To Be Something". This time it's done in true form, with the right sound and of course a touch of Django's unmistakable toasting style

One of the sweetest tracks is "As Tears Go By". Yes The Rolling Stones hit song sounds fantastic put to the rhythm of ska. With that healing ukulele over the percussion and keys you can almost hear the tear drops hit the ground. I'd buy this thing just for this song alone!

The Avenue A EP is like a blend of the Stubborn All Star's Nex Season and King Django's Roots Tonic album. That same crisp authenticity is abundant in all its glory and refined on 10" vinyl no less!

This is King Django at the top of his game.

Side A:
1. Avenue A
2. As Tears Go By

Side B:
1. Hey Bartender
2. Trying to Be Something

The new EP is at press now and should arrive at Stubborn Records HQ January 23rd.
Buy it now for 5 bucks pre-sale at www.stubbornrecords.com and save some dough!

King Django - Fluke Ukulele, Hohner Harmonica, Percussion
Ira Heaps - Bass Guitar
Justin Rothberg - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gregg Mervine - Drums

Predator Dub Assassins - The Hardest

Stubborn Records 2007

It's been two years since P-Dub's first album. Again Predator hired King Django to master their new album The Hardest, and that high grade Version City quality sound polishes the whole thing.

It's got a little bit for everyone who's a fan of Jamaican music. And it's not like one of those albums where it sounds like the band couldn't make up their mind on what direction to go in. These guys go from 70's style Roots Reggae, to Jamaican style Ska like a light switch. Want early Reggae, Rub-A-Dub? Not a problem, this group is the real deal. And would you expect any less coming from such seasoned musicians?
That's right, if your not familiar, Predator Dub Assassins boast members of such bands as The Toasters, Hub City Stompers, Bombtown, Inspecter 7, Mephiskapheles, and Steadfast United.

Downtown Killa opens it up with a tight, hard hitting riddim that'll knock your teeth in, and tell your mama about it. Predator comes out swinging, boasting "wickedest kinda DJ" of the Dub Assassin Crew.
Then here comes the case and point where they glide right into a rich upbeat Ska tune called The Emperor Strikes Back. This one reminds me of something Victor Rice might be behind. Throbbing bass, sticky rhythm, some wicked horns solos, and them fiery fingers on guitar, forget about it. I was hooked, the rest of this album is all gravy.
Another smooth transition into the next track called That Thing You Do. Is that the Real Rock Riddim I hear a hint of? I think so. Cooked up countrified with some funky Reggae like you might expect to here from Toots and The Maytals.

Now time to hit ya with a tune that may remind you of King Django's song Shtiklakh from his Roots and Culture album.Y Mas Gan is a Predator tune over their version of this King Django riddim. Different melody, same hotness.
More versatility weighs in with Air Force One. Upbeat organ driven early Reggae reminiscent of Long Shot Kick de Bucket.

I've heard Predator's voice described as similar to one of the Marley family. Songs like Prophets and Revolutionaries, Sons Of Negus, and that cool tune Sufferation with it's sweet Nyabinghi drumming echo that description to a tee.

For me this is the pleasant surprise of the year. Forget that "I'm feeling lucky mood" theme you just customized in your media player. Predator Dub Assassins will keep your mood correct for days. With such a heavy arsenal of killers tunes, The Hardest will assassinate anything you got on your playlist right now.

-Gabe


Buy at www.stubbornrecords.com
Vist them at www.myspace.com/pdubs

We featured them this month on the Pressure Drop Soundcast.

Review: The Pinstripes - "The Decay"

2007 Stubborn Records
Drawing on a vast mixture of influences, a strong foundation, and tons of ambition, The Pinstripes have been making name for themselves. They recently won the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best World Music Act, and have shared the stage with many of today's top Ska acts.

This year they released their new album "The Decay". If non-stop energetic rhythms, and blistering horns are your thing, your gonna love this album.

The album opens with such a powerful punch of energy in the song "Find It", you'll be thirsty for more. They relax the tempo a bit with a little number called "50 Cardinal". The way the drum and bass swing are reminiscent of an old SkinnerBox tune. That's what I love about the album, it's diversity. I've always had a soft spot that way. It's really easy to find yourself moving to the sounds of ska, reggae, dub, funk, punk, and more. The Pinstripes capture these styles, and fuse them into finely crafted album for any music lover.

"Evening Dub" sets off with the great words "Sit back and listen keenly, well I play for you another musical biscuit" echoing into a heavy, heavy bass line. Melting horns dubbed over a tight neck breaking beat and hard crashing cymbals. This one easily shows how they are able to move in and out of styles seamlessly.

Another stand out tune is "Africa". A straight up dose of Ska with powerful horn lines, and gut wrenching sax solos, dueling over an infectious upbeat skank that will get you off your feet in no time.

After burning you up throughout the entire album, they cool you down with a stripped down acoustic tune called "Wanna Go Home". Real easy on the ears, and catchy like Chris Murray.

One listen through this album will have you shaking off the jitters like a roller coaster ride, and eager to get on again. And believe me you'll have to hear it again.

If you love music, you'll like this album.

-Gabe


For more info on The Pinstripes visit:


http://pinstripes.rudeska.com/index.html


http://www.myspace.com/thepinstripes

Buy it at Stubborn Records Online Store