Inspired by the comic book, The Lost Tapes V5 is a musical journey spanning reggae, dancehall, electronic, dub and soulful roots to accompany Dread and Alive’s epic fantasy storyline. Unreleased tunes and iconic hits from living legends (current Grammy nominee Buju Banton, past Grammy winner Beenie Man, Mr Vegas, Cocoa Tea) and the hot names of the now generation (Crookers, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Poirier, Courtney John).
Created and written by Nicholas Da Silva, the story follows Drew McIntosh and his heroic exploits in the urban landscape of San Francisco and rural Jamaica after being empowered by a sacred amulet created by the Jamaican Maroons.
The story behind the music
1. Glen Washington – “All The Love” featuring Jhaytea
Raw, husky vocals have placed Glen Washington in the upper echelon of Jamaican lovers reggae singers. This previously unreleased recording showcases all the experience Glen Washington has to offer in a cool combination with Jhaytea’s rhymes.
2. Courtney John – “Love Is”
Three out of every four reggae songs recorded in Jamaica are supposedly love songs and Courtney John is doing his part to make sure they are excellent love songs.
3. Soulo – “Breeze”
Either a soul artist with roots in reggae or a reggae artist steeped in soul, Gregory ‘Soulo’ Lyons doesn’t need to worry. “Breeze” is a previously unreleased track from Naya Records.
4. Dynamq – “Reggae Feeling”
Reggae music’s so-called ‘golden era’ of the early 1970s saw the music take off worldwide. On “Reggae Feeling”, Sudan’s very own Dynamq conjures up that wonderful period of ‘when dance was nice’.
5. Natural Black – “Forgiveness”
A native of Guyana, Natural Black built a reputation for himself after moving to Jamaica and becoming once of the leading cultural voices of the new millennium. Whether for love or for personal reasons, “Forgiveness” is a timeless tune sung in a hard to resist style.
6. Bill Blast – “Long Story”
Jamaican culture is an oral culture and spoken word as well as dub poetry have always been important to Jamaican popular music.
7. Cocoa Tea – “Dem Start The War Again”
A voice sweet as honey and always with his finger on the pulse of social commentary, Cocoa Tea is an all-rounder as they say ‘back a yard’ in Jamaica. “Dem Start The War Again” combines both Cocoa Tea’s skillful lyrical relevance and magnetic vocals.
8. Louie Culture – “Jah Is The Way Out”
Louie Culture’s dancehall tunes are considered crucial for any reggae sound system seeking glory in the dancehall today. A cultural artist first and foremost, Louie Culture’s “Jah Is The Way Out” is a roots reggae anthem for collectors and sound systems alike.
9. Yvad – “Higher Meditation”
Another previously unreleased tune brought to light by Dread & Alive’s The Lost Tapes, Yvad’s “Higher Meditation” is full of roots rock reggae, dub vibes and Yvad’s on point lyrics.
Stretching the limits of vocal creativity has made Eek A Mouse one of Jamaica’s most well-known reggae ambassadors.
11. Ginjah – “Walking Store”
Planted firmly in reality, Ginjah recorded “Walking Store” on behalf of street vendors whose works and wares are at the center of everyday life in Jamaica.
12. Jahdan Blakkamoore – “All Comes Back To One”
A symbol of the melting pot of world music, Jahdan’s style is nothing short of inspired. With one foot in Hip Hop and one in reggae, “All Comes Back To One” demonstrates the unique link between Jahdan’s native Caribbean roots and his adopted New York City.
13. Deh Deh – “Would A Know”
‘Deh Deh’ in the language of Jamaican Patois signifies being present in the here and now. Recording duo Deh Deh draws the listener in with a reggae ballad based on crossover beats to critically reflect on the here and now.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
