Title Artist Label Format Date

Dis[Cover] Showcase Hotdrop Lafamille Music (Released under Creative Commons license) Free Digital Download March 15, 2010

Track list

Be Thankful (Extended Version) Bluebeat & Ska Discomix I'll Be There I'll Be There Pt. 2 Should I feat. Carlos Alonso Drum & Bass Version Reggae thing feat. Quique Vaz Straight To The Greencat's Head

Rating : from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor)

Vocals : 4

Backing : 4

Production : 4

Sound quality : 5

Sleeve : 2

Madrid based Hotdrop is no newcomer on the Spanish reggae scene. Formed in the winter of 2004 the band went through several changes, but there was always that irresistible interest in Jamaican music. Hotdrop's sound is rooted in '70s reggae productions combined with funk and soulful beats, where riddim and harmonies melt together in a surrounding dub atmosphere. From the early beginnings the band -- now consisting of Maxi Florez (drums), David Arribas (bass, percussion), Camila Monasterio (hammond organ, clavi, pianos, lead vocals, backing vocals), Javier Ochoa (lead guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals) and Santiago Mijarra (rhythm guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals) -- has managed to blend classic and modern musical elements in an original and refreshing way. So far Hotdrop had 4 official releases under their belt including the cd "Ready" (Lafamille Music, 2007), "The Secret Dubs EP" (A Quiet Bump, 2008), "No Barriers" (Lafamille Music, 2008) on 10" vinyl, and "It's A Remix Ting" (Lafamille Music, 2009). And now there's a brand new release entitled "Dis[Cover] Showcase", a real nice selection of cover songs that will delight alot of reggae lovers. The tracks of this album have been often played at live gigs, and render tribute to soul classics (William DeVaughn, The Spinners) and legendary late '70s reggae singles (Matumbi, Dennis Brown, Inner Circle). Entirely recorded in Madrid and mixed analogically on an 8 track device, the "Dis[Cover] Showcase" set comes in authentic showcase format meaning that each track has a vocal part which later gives way to a, in this case, totally atmospheric 'Hotdroppic' dub. The album opens with "Be Thankful", a nicely done cover version of William DeVaughn's huge soul hit "Be Thankful For What You Got" from 1974, which previously has been covered by artists such as Arthur Lee & Love, the British Trip-Hop band Massive Attack, Yo La Tengo and Lawrence "Lipbone" Redding. Next up is the rhythmic soulful-reggae of Matumbi's "Bluebeat & Ska", which is delivered in a decent way. One of our all-time favourite covers is Otis Gayle's Studio One version of the Detroit Spinners' 1972 hit "I'll Be Around". Here this indomitable soul tune is titled "I'll Be There" and we've to admit that Hotdrop has succeeded in doing a pretty good job on this one. Also the dub version is truly worth of hearing. The late great Crownprince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, is represented by "Should I", a tune that has been covered several times since it first appeared in the late '70s. For their version Hotdrop have collaborated with Amalgamah's Carlos Alonso, which has led to a solid do-over and an enjoyable dub piece. Guest vocalist Quique Vaz is featured on a remake of Inner Circle's "Reggae Thing", which to our ears is somewhat spoiled by the dominant rock guitar sound. True to their philosophy that 'other music is possible', "Dis[Cover] Showcase" is available for free download here.