This LP is simply the must have of this year! If you've heard and liked Mungos Hi Fi meets Brother Culture expect some more of the same in the quality vibes department, but this time not just rub a dub and dancehall sounds, but also ska, rocksteady, and roots are thrown into the mix. This album also differs because nearly every track is sung by a different 
artist (with the exception of Kenny Knots who appears on the rootsy "Don't Let Them Break Your Heart", and the previously released 12", "Rasta Meditation"). Also in good eco reggae style some other riddims that have been recycled include the Belly Ska riddim from the same 12", which is used on the opening track "Divorce A L'Italienne" with it's sweetly sung vocals coming from Marina P, part of the Bacce Crew in France. MC Ishu, front man with drum and bass band Step 13, who originally appeared on "Belly Ska" is not left out though, and turns up in fine style on the bouncy "Under Arrest". "Songs of Zion", on the riddim of the same name, features Ras Charmer who's style and delivery have been likened to that of Junior Kelly or an early Sizzla & chilled out final track "Did You Really Know" using the Mary Jane riddim, with the evocative vocal talents of Soom T, who learnt her trade at underground raves, sound systems and club nights throughout Scotland in the late 90's. These again may also sound familiar as these riddims were used on "Truth" & the classic "Ing", respectively from the previously mentioned "Meets Brother Culture" LP. This doesn't mean that they are starting to sound stale though as to help keep the whole thing fresh they have been re-crafted, and along with the addition of a horn section, this has given them another dimension.
My two favourites however are both in the dancehall style. "Old Time Dance" featuring Mikey Murka, who started out back in 1983 with the legendary Unity Sound System, and is now working with Kemist Kris of Reality Shock Records. While the other is with another long time MC and Saxon Sound old boy, the immaculate Tippa Irie, who puts his smooth easy flowing style to "Ruff Mi Tuff". As for the rest of the tracks there is just pure class, flowing throughout.
artist (with the exception of Kenny Knots who appears on the rootsy "Don't Let Them Break Your Heart", and the previously released 12", "Rasta Meditation"). Also in good eco reggae style some other riddims that have been recycled include the Belly Ska riddim from the same 12", which is used on the opening track "Divorce A L'Italienne" with it's sweetly sung vocals coming from Marina P, part of the Bacce Crew in France. MC Ishu, front man with drum and bass band Step 13, who originally appeared on "Belly Ska" is not left out though, and turns up in fine style on the bouncy "Under Arrest". "Songs of Zion", on the riddim of the same name, features Ras Charmer who's style and delivery have been likened to that of Junior Kelly or an early Sizzla & chilled out final track "Did You Really Know" using the Mary Jane riddim, with the evocative vocal talents of Soom T, who learnt her trade at underground raves, sound systems and club nights throughout Scotland in the late 90's. These again may also sound familiar as these riddims were used on "Truth" & the classic "Ing", respectively from the previously mentioned "Meets Brother Culture" LP. This doesn't mean that they are starting to sound stale though as to help keep the whole thing fresh they have been re-crafted, and along with the addition of a horn section, this has given them another dimension.My two favourites however are both in the dancehall style. "Old Time Dance" featuring Mikey Murka, who started out back in 1983 with the legendary Unity Sound System, and is now working with Kemist Kris of Reality Shock Records. While the other is with another long time MC and Saxon Sound old boy, the immaculate Tippa Irie, who puts his smooth easy flowing style to "Ruff Mi Tuff". As for the rest of the tracks there is just pure class, flowing throughout.
Track List
1Divorce A L'Italienne ft Marina P
2Don't Let Them Break Your Heart ft Kenny Knots
3Herbalist ft Top Cat
3How You Bad So? ft Ranking Joe
4Under Arrest ft MC Ishu
5Old Time Dance ft Mikey Murka
6Ruff Mi Tuff ft Tippa Ire
7Rasta Meditation ft Kenny Knots
8Rooster ft Aya Faith
9Songs of Zion ft Ras Charmer
10Around the World ft Suncycle
6Ruff Mi Tuff ft Tippa Ire
7Rasta Meditation ft Kenny Knots
8Rooster ft Aya Faith
9Songs of Zion ft Ras Charmer
10Around the World ft Suncycle
11Did You Really Know ft Soom T
In the shops on 8th September 2008 - dist.by Active/Universal - available now from from www.rockersrevolt.com or by sending £9.99p (Post free) via your Paypal account to enquiries@rockersrevolt.com Please remember to include your name & address.
"Mungos Hi Fi - Sound System Champions" looks set to be huge.
"Mungos Hi Fi - Sound System Champions" looks set to be huge.
Scotland's No1 sound system & bona-fide institution, Mungos Hi Fi have been releasing hits since 2001 when their killer tracks
Wickedness and Ing featuring Brother Culture first took the world by storm getting heavy plays by Jah Shaka, the late great John Peel and Mr Scruff who went on to include Ing on his Solid Steel mix released on Ninja Tunes.
Their weekly Dub 'n' Grub nights and monthly residencies at the Glasgow School of Art have played host to; Sister Nancy, Earl 16, Ranking Joe, Jah Shaka, Tippa Irie, Top Cat, Warrior Queen and many more. In the last 8 year the trio have played over 1000 shows truly earning the title of 'Veteran Selectors' and are fast becoming the most in-demand sound system in Europe. They faithfully draw on foundation Reggae, Dub and Dancehall music from the last 50 years and come away with something that is genuinely fresh.
Their debut album on Rockers Revolt "Mungos Hi Fi - Sound System Champions" featuring an onslaught of world class MCs & singers (Ranking Joe, Top Cat, Tippa Irie, Kenny Knots & more) spans a broad selection of musical stylings from ska and rocksteady, through roots and steppers, to rub a dub, digital roots and dancehall. As with their live sound, powered by their own enormous, homebuilt p.a., their inspirational productions continuously push reggae boundaries into new groundbreaking frontiers.
Wickedness and Ing featuring Brother Culture first took the world by storm getting heavy plays by Jah Shaka, the late great John Peel and Mr Scruff who went on to include Ing on his Solid Steel mix released on Ninja Tunes.
Their weekly Dub 'n' Grub nights and monthly residencies at the Glasgow School of Art have played host to; Sister Nancy, Earl 16, Ranking Joe, Jah Shaka, Tippa Irie, Top Cat, Warrior Queen and many more. In the last 8 year the trio have played over 1000 shows truly earning the title of 'Veteran Selectors' and are fast becoming the most in-demand sound system in Europe. They faithfully draw on foundation Reggae, Dub and Dancehall music from the last 50 years and come away with something that is genuinely fresh.
Their debut album on Rockers Revolt "Mungos Hi Fi - Sound System Champions" featuring an onslaught of world class MCs & singers (Ranking Joe, Top Cat, Tippa Irie, Kenny Knots & more) spans a broad selection of musical stylings from ska and rocksteady, through roots and steppers, to rub a dub, digital roots and dancehall. As with their live sound, powered by their own enormous, homebuilt p.a., their inspirational productions continuously push reggae boundaries into new groundbreaking frontiers.
Forward thinking every time!
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