Elektra Years, The [Digipak] - Josh White

Advantages: Good music, reggae brought back to a roots sound
Disadvantages: None

...Live at Stubb's is Matisyahu's 2nd album and his 1st live album recorded at Stubbs in Austin, Texas. It was released in February, 2005 by JDubRecords. If you are not familiar with Matisyahu, he's an intriguing chap, a New York Jew (Matisyahu is the Yiddish pronunciation of Matthew), who dresses in the traditional clothing of a Hasidic Jew and doesn't perform on the sabbath. He spent several years taking hallucinogens and touring with the rock band Phish, he produces a unique blend of authentic sounding reggae with undertones of some traditional Jewish music. I bought this album at a cheap price to re-sell and was rather impressed with it, I didn't know what to expect and can't compare it to any of his other albums as I've not listened to them yet but this album had a refreshing roots feeling to it and I'm definitely on the look out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Uniquely talented songwriter/arranger
Disadvantages: Takes time to seep into the consciousness.

...Subtitulo is yet another undiscovered gem to add to Josh Rouse's catalogue. With previous albums Nashville and 1972 Josh Rouse raised the bar for contemporary singer songwriters everywhere. Crammed with memorable tunes and off beat lyrics ( and oh those sweet 70's arrangements!) it remains a complete mystery why this guy is not a huge star. This new collection recorded in his new homeland of Spain is a significantly more laid back experience than the previous albums mentioned, also at a running time of little over 35 minutes some may feel cheated for quantity. However, the genius of Josh Rouse's music shines through, there is throughout a shimmering lightness of touch which just shouts of sunshine, beaches and clean air. This is the best summer record of this and probably many a year to come. Buy this album and pack it for next years... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Classic
Disadvantages: Marketed as a best of - what?

...Just becuase this is a shameless record company money-maker it dosen't mean you shouldn't enjoy it! Elektra clearly hoped to mug a few people with these tracks that had already appeared on Kyuss singles in the early 90s. Unlike many best of albums I've heard such as Alice In Chains (Greatest Hits) and Nirvana's recent self titled, this does not offer much for someone new to the band. The album tracks number 5 with 10 others from the back end of singles. The album begins with Un Sandpiper, which confirms suspicions this isn't going to be easy going for newbies. An 8 minute workout on one riff is fairly typical Kyuss but not their most accesible. However for fans it will be thoroughly enjoyable. Track 2 is Shine, a weird Scott Reeder-composed track full of odd sound effects and Josh Homme soloing then thrashing then soloing. At 6 minutes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful