SHINEHEAD
Praises (VP Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Shinehead's Praise features some of the newest rock steady, dub and rap-tinged reggae recorded on New York's VP Records. Once you've heard "Collie Weed" done by Shinehead and Bagga Dread on guitar and Donovan Mckitty, you'll never hear Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze" the same way again. "Before You Walk Out of My Life" is propelled by synthetic drums and horns and destined for the dancehall and a lot of fun. Shinehead goes political on "Their Plan" and he asks many questions and asks that poor communities take charge of their destiny by any means necessary (where have we heard that message before?). Shinehead drops what he calls "skits" between many of the cuts, fifteen second blips perfect for DJs on the air or in the clubs. My favorite is "Shineface," his take on a backroom gangster of the Cosa Nostra (not Crip or Blood) variety. There's something for fans of every reggae stripe on Praises, but Shinehead's music and lyrics are rooted in the struggle of the street. This year, VP Records are celebrating their 20th anniversary. If Shinehead is an example of the talent they're discovering, here's wishing VP another 20 on the charts and on the air.

Track List:

Issues * Never Make a Promise * Bobo * Collie Weed * Pay Me * Olivia * Before You Walk Out of My Life * Their Plan * Turntable * Hot * My Love * Praises * Shineface * Road Block * First Time * Mind Blowing Decision * Na Na * Jamaica National Anthem

© 1999 - Eric Steiner