Anthology - Linton Kwesi Johnson

Advantages: Unaged and powerful poetry, beautiful music and production, memorable artwork
Disadvantages: Short

...While the years may have changed the subjects which ache Linton Kwesi Johnson haven't. Neither has Linton, thankfully. Inspired by the poetry of the Bible - the only book in his grandmother's house in Jamaica, whom he had lived with until moving to Brixton at the age of 11 to be with his mother -, Linton decided at an early age to be a writer. The tense political climate of the time naturally guided a proud and enthusiastic boy to his subject of choice. For over 30yrs Linton has been writing and performing powerful poetry, taking it to all corners of the globe by distribution or in person. Later softer works would be dedicated to family, friends and life in general. His output of late might not be as frequent but that's only because Linton believes in quality control; he never churns. It has always come from the soul. Though... Read review

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Advantages: Price, Music
Disadvantages: -

...WWE: Anthology contains previously unreleased entrance themes as well as the ones they still use today. Producers include: James A. Johnston, Jimmi Hart, JJ Maguire, Rick Derringer, Keny Bernhard. Includes liner notes made by Jim Johnston. Professional wrestling as a form of entertainment has elements that no other sport captures whatsoever! Part soap opera, some parts macho posturing, battles of good and evil are played out for the indulgence of fans as the athletes are raised up to superstardom. Music has always played an important role in this pheomenon, as entrance themes make struts to the ring all the more dramatic and they even give you that tune which you just cannot get out of your head! In progressive fashion, even ring announcers are stepping up to the microphone; not to comment on matches, but to sing (Lilian Garcia is now... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant musicianship, great songs
Disadvantages: None

...of their protest was reggae. Reggae had long been an emblem of protest through people such as Bob Marley and Linton Kwesi Johnson but UB40 used it in the context of a multicultural Britain and its problems. Their first single ‘The Earth Dies Screaming’ is not on the album and was a minor hit. The follow up was ‘Food For Thought’ another anthem for disaffected youth. UB40 were not following the protest trend of the punk era as they were more thoughtful and ultimately less cynical. They were also significantly better musicians than all but a very limited number of punk bands. Signing Off starts with Tyler which is about a black youth found guilty of a crime he did not commit. The songs construction and production is very understated and with Brian Travers beautiful saxophone treatment plaintively wailing beneath. Much of UB40s... Read review

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