Tuesday, December 1, 2009

-
So as the end of 2009 approaches Springline looks back at what we feel has been quite a vintage year for reggae. There has been a multitude of great albums released this year from established artists the likes of Buju Banton, Alboroise, Chezidek, Lutan Fyah, Tarrus Riley, The Aggrolites and of course Pama International. There have also been fantastic releases from new and up and coming acts like Queen Ifrica, Baijie, Greenroom Rockers and of course Springlines very own Hassle
This Year has also seen us reviewing classic old Funk and Soul LP’s which we at Springline have a great affection for along with our Reggae. It has also taken us slightly by surprise just how many great acts there are out there that are keeping this vibe alive, big respects to Alice Russell, Quantic Soul Orchestra, Lack of Afro, all at Daptone and Thru Thought records to name but a few.
For me though album of the year has to go to Madness and the excellent Liberty of Norton Folgate. Now I’ve been a fan of Madness since the beginning, but I will admit that even I could never have dreamed of them releasing such a complete and totally captivating tour de force as this. 30 yrs in the making and worth every minute! The only problem I see for them now is how are they going to top it, but if they can at least match its majestic brilliance then any follow up will be a much sought after album.
Also worth a mention are a couple of albums from the underground, Bigga Haitian's album "Sak Pasé" from WalkUp Records in New York, plus the recent release from the new 'free' label DUBKEY Records with their 4th release entitled 'All Kinda Wall' by DoobieSounds Prods featuring various artists with a very ultra modern roots sound. To find out more about DUBKEY, download and hear what we're talking about go to www.dubkey.com/

As for next year, well coming up from the Springline stable we’re gonna see the release of the second EP and 3rd album from Hassle, they’ve also just signed a brand new contract with our SpringlineMusic label.
The second album from Lyrikill and more It’s sure gonna be a busy musical 2010 so keep checking in here.
You might like to tune in to our own humble radio station SpringlineRadio1 were we will continue to playlist underground Reggae from all nations alongside classics from yesteryear all supported by a healthy
Sprinkling of funk, rare groove and soul find it at
www.live365.com/stations/springlinemusic

So finally to play this year out on the flashplayer are a selection of tunes that have brightened up the Springline office over the last 12 months whether they be tunes from the past, present or future. Thanks once again for all your support during 2009
Now check out the tunes on the player, we hope you enjoy them and hope that 2010 will be just as good!
-
FORWARD!!

The Rastsfarians - Orthodox

-
Read my first review for United Reggae 'Orhodox' by the Ratafarians


http://www.unitedreggae.com/articles/n299/113009/orthodox-by-the-rastafarians
-