JACOB MILLER
Chapter A Day (VP Records)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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When Jacob Miller was killed in a car wreck in 1980, he was actually more popular in Jamaica than Bob Marley, yet the vast majority of the casual reggae fans remain ignorant of this great artist's contributions. VP's 2-CD collection covers Miller's solo output as well as classics recorded with his band, Inner Circle. Disc one begins rather unfortunately with eight remixed tracks featuring "duets" with modern artists, some of whom Miller might not have chosen to work with had he been alive today. Hearing Red Rat doing the one thing he knows how to do -- whine "ooooh noooo" ad nauseum -- all over "Your Kiss Is Sweet" is just a little disconcerting. On the other hand, remixes with Freddie McGregor ("Westbound Train") and Kymani Marley ("Curfew") work extremely well. The rest of the set is pure Miller, and it's a fine representation of his career, featuring some magic moments that slipped through the cracks as well as high-impact hits. Miller possessed one of the best voices in reggae history, and he performed in a bunch of different styles, so you won't be burned out after 33 tracks. Until somebody does an exhaustive box set that includes everything from Wanted: Killer Miller and Tenement Yard, this is the definitive Jacob Miller.

Track List:

Disc One: Intro * Forward Jah Jah Children * Westbound Train * Your Kiss Is Sweet * Curfew * I’ve Got The Handle * Here I Am Baby * Standing Firm * Tenement Yard * All Night Till Day Light * Mixed Up Moods * Tired Fe Lick Weed * Take A Lift * Once Upon A Time * Forward Ever Backward Never * Discipline Child

Disc Two: Chapter A Day * Shakey Girl * Mr. Brown * Jolly Joseph * Sinners * Roman Soldiers Of Babylon * Mr. Officer * 80,000 Careless Ethiopians * Healing Of A Nation * Suzy Wong * I Shall Be Released * Unfinished Symphony * We A Rockers * I’m A Rastaman * Peace Treaty * Westbound Train {Original} * Forward Jah Jah Children {Original}

© 1999 - DJ Johnson