REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 5 July 2006

By Jesse I

I'm not sure how he came to earn the title of "reggae superstar" - he is only just starting to get a name for himself in the reggae scene, and still fighting for credibility - but US-based artist and Hasidic Jew Matisyahu is undoubtedly hot property. While US radio has historically shunned reggae artists with Rastafarian messages, Matisyahu's songs dealing with traditional Judasim (delivered in a dancehall style with a strong Jamaican influence) have found wide acceptance. His albums "Youth" and "Live at Stubb's" reached #4 and #30 on the Billboard charts respectively, and he has become one of the country's hottest touring acts. Initially taken as a novelty, the New Yorker has proven anything but, and he brings his live show to the Prince of Wales Bandroom on July 25.

Meanwhile, this month brings the 114th birthday of Ethiopia's Haile Selassie I, Rastafari's King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Continuing tradition, Chant Down Sound will be paying tribute with the 5 th annual Rastafari roots dance at More Fire, Saturday 8th July at the Mercat LG (456 Queen St). Alongside residents Ras Crucial and I will be guest vocalists Traffik and Damajah, plus righteous selection from Troublemaker, Andy Ites, Binghi Fire, Twist, Vibesman, and Papa Evril.

After a little mix-up in June, the Rastafari Rhythms crew are back at Dream nightclub for a 3CR benefit gig on Saturday 22nd July. Alongside residents Dirty Harry Selassie and Sista Levi will be special guests Binghi Fire, Damajah, Uptight, and live band Nyahbinghi Warriors. July 22nd also sees the latest instalment in the Pressure Drop series of parties at Laundry, this time featuring guests A13, Heartical D, and Ras Robbie, plus residents Sista Itations, Vida Sunshyne, Nich Power, and Tempa.

The PBS Radio Festival rolls around again this month - the time of the year when the station raises the bulk of the income necessary to pays its operational costs and continue broadcasting for another 12 months. PBS is a vital part of Melbourne's music culture, and has always been the biggest supporter of reggae music on the Melbourne airwaves, so please do the right thing and become a member if you're one of those people that tunes in regularly. It costs $70 for a yearly membership, $35 for concession holders, and $25 if you're under 25 - and every dollar goes to supporting independent media, and independent music. Tune in to any of the many shows that play reggae (notably Chant Down Babylon Saturday 5-7pm, Heartical Sunday 8-10pm, Planetary Chaos Friday 11-1pm) and support true community radio.

Thursday night weekly High Tide at the Espy is winding up for winter, and going out with a bang this Thursday July 6, with special guest selector Redbelly. High Tide delivered some huge nights over summer, so look for its return to the Gershwin room around September.

Looking at new releases, the last month has been great for dancehall, a welcome change after several months of lacklustre riddims coming out of Jamaica . Jah Glory on African Star (their first release in years) has probably made the most impact locally, with big cuts from Capleton, Sizzla, and the little-known African. The Bullet riddim on Young Blood is a hot one, as is a totally different riddim of the same name on Observer. Holiday on P&L is one for people that like their bashment heavy and dark, Cross Breed on Cross Di Watas is one for people who like it bouncy, and the Wipeout on Danga Zone is one for those that like their bashment upbeat and slightly-cheesy. Intercom Reloaded is the latest run of cuts on Maximum Sound's version of the timeless Intercom riddim, based on Barrington Levy's classic Here I Come - nuff big tunes on this one, including great work from Jah Mason, Burru Banton, Cobra, Ward 21, Wayne Marshall, Bounty Killer, and more. A couple months ago I mentioned the banning of Chuck Fender's "Gash Dem" and its message of harsh justice - Fender returns on the Juke Boxx label this month with a strong answer in the form of his "Freedom of Speech", well worth a listen.

he roots side of the coin hasn't disappointed lately either. Ever Bless is the latest from the Lionvibes camp, top quality stuff as we've come to expect from this UK based crew. From Italy comes the Love Selassie riddim on FirePonRome, featuring the massive tune "Love Selassie" from Lutan Fyah, one that is sure to be getting play in the "Best of 2006" wrap-ups. Out of France comes Special Delivery's latest riddim Judgement, full of talent with big cuts from Queen Omega, Capleton, Perfect, Ras Shiloh, Admiral T, and more. Have You Ever on Fashozy is one of the sweeter riddims in recent times, based on the Dennis Brown tune of the same name - look out for a first class Queen Ifrika effort on this one, plus Bascom X's best work in recent times. Black Scorpio is also back this month, with a tuff cut of the Black Cinderalla riddim.