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Title Artist Label Format Date |
Various artists album review
The Excitement Various Germaican Records CD 18 - 08 - 2002 |
Tracking list |
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Rating :
from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor) |
| Vocals : 4 | Backing : 4 | Production : 4/5 | Sound quality : 5 | Sleeve : 4 |
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At the end of the nineties Jamaica's contemporary dancehall music became more and more popular in Germany. Besides the well known dancehall producers from Jamaica it was German's deejay, multi-instrumentalist and above all producer Pionear, who started to attract notable attention with his production work. After having played in a band called Messer Banzani for about ten years he first visited Jamaica in 1996. There he teamed up with renown King Jammy and Dean Fraser, from whom he learned a lot. Back in Liepzig, Germany, he founded his own label, Germaican Records, which obviously expresses the musical link between the two countries. Early 2000 Pionear unleashed his first singles featuring cuts across the "Arena" riddim, which were followed by bashments for "World Report", "Bitch" and "Geisha". Two years after the first releases of Germaican Records found their way to the German dancehall massive we're treated to the label's very first compilation album, collecting some of its best 7" releases and bringing together artists from both Jamaica and Germany. "The Excitement" kicks off with the title track which happens to be an outstanding cut from Sizzla, who vocally and lyrically is in real good shape and seemingly effortless rides the heavy stepping "Geisha" riddim. The combination duo Jack-A-Diamond & Spectacular deliver a vital matching cut with "Geisha" and also Dr. Ring-Ding (who gained fame in Germany and abroad as ska musician with his band The Senior Allstars) comes up with a solid piece entitled "Vom Vatter". The latter is sung in Dr. Ring-Ding's native language and the same goes for the fourth cut over the "Geisha", Der Wortstepper's hiphop flavored Weedy We". Then, the "Bitch" riddim (also coming on a hiphop beat called Bitch/ RMX), an infectious and well laid modern dancehall riddim voiced by well known Jamaican artists such as Elephant Man, Lexxus, Mr. Vegas, Lady Saw, Hawkeye alongside German's talented outfit Backyard Crew. The "Energy God" Elephant Man, a big name from the current Jamaican dancehall scene, keeps the vibes flowing with his very enjoyable tune "The X", while Hawkeye's "Buss It" makes a serious impression and belongs to the best tracks on this set. The same goes for the combination tune "Hot Girls" performed by German's own Tolga, and Jamaican dancehall veteran General Degree. At the time Lexxus voiced "Strong Man" he definitely was one of most anticipated dancehall stars but, although a nice effort, this song doesn't fully live up to expectations. Lady Saw makes a far better impression delivering "Lately" in her well known singjay style. Surprisingly decent piece comes from the Backyard Crew. Jack-A-Daimond holds the title track of the riddim, his vocal performance is good but he lacks lyrics to keep you involved. All in all, it's Mr.Vegas who leads the field with his awesome herb tune "Blaze The Chalice". Other tracks worth of hearing are Spectacular's "Family" across the "Arena" riddim as well as Seeed's "Na Sauber (Putzbattle)" and Dr. Ring-Ding & Manu Rankin's "Wir Singen Für Geld" over the "World Report", both delivered in the artists' native language. "The Excitement" is a entertaining compilation set, containing many notable German-produced dancehall tunes from Jamaican and German artists. Well worth checking!!
Teacher & Mr. T. |
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