Root Down [Remastered] - Jimmy Smith

Advantages: some classic reggae tracks including Rivers of babylon
Disadvantages: 2 tracks are repeated

...There are not that many film soundtracks that are made into CD's and are played and treasured as an album in their own right. People usually buy them because they liked the film, find that half the tracks are not so good without said film, and the CD inevitably gravitates towards the dusty, never played, soon-to-be-in-a-boot sale section of the CD rack. There are a few exceptions to the rule. 'Easy Rider' comes to mind for those of you who are greying, balding or drooping. 'Pulp Fiction' is probably a better example for those who still have all their own teeth. Being a member of the former I can also cite this album, now digitally re-mastered, 'The Harder They Come'. It is the soundtrack of the 1973 film of the same name made by Perry Henzel. By the way, if you don't like Reggae read no further. The film was the story... Read review

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Advantages: Too few to mention
Disadvantages: Overlong, Arty, Precious

...ARTIST: Patti Smith ALBUM: Horses (1975) LABEL: Arista Well, I've not reviewed any albums on here yet that I don't like, so here's a first. "Horses" by Patti Smith always seems to feature prominently in those Greatest Albums Of All Time lists and most people who like the sort of music I like seem to love it. So why am I not jumping on one of the longest musical bandwagons going? Answer, it's just not a very good record. Dealing with the positives first. Musical pioneer John Cale produces the album and if anyone should be able to polish a turd it is him; having done such a good job of making Lou Reed sound so interesting back in 1967 on The Velvet Underground & Nico. Patti Smith has the odd interesting lyrical idea and at times a distinctive pre-punk voice. Also some of the musical ideas are impressive when you consider... Read review

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Advantages: Great tracks, great lyrics, original, its Bob Marley.
Disadvantages: They only include one extra track. No need for remastering. Its too short.

..., Rasta de 'pon top, can't you see? So you can't predict the flop. Eh! It would be hard to recommend this album over other Tuff Gong releases, not because it lacks in anything, but because all Marley’s releases between 72 and 81 are original and worth more than just a listen. The album is thoroughly enjoyable but after being remastered I thought that it could have been released with more than just one extra track – it’s still less than 45 minutes of listening time. The sound quality is great, but the original versions were never poor. I don’t really see the benefit to the customer by the re-release of all Tuff Gong’s albums with the odd extra track on them. A whole new album or two with previously unreleased material might have sold better and been more worthwhile. Two tracks – ‘Lively Up Yourself’ and ‘Bend Down Low’ were recorded... Read review

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