Willi Williams' Messenger Man

[rcdupre]

I just got this CD, largely due to it's being voted on this site as the #1 vocal LP released in 2005 (and also 'cause it's on Blood and Fire)and I have to say, I was expecting so much more! It's not that I don't think it's good but best of 2005? You can tell that some of it was recorded outside of JA (sounds to me like the vocals and synths) and it also sounds like they were trying to capitalize on Black Uhuru's popularity by using some of the same vocal phrasings and those cheesy and annoying Sly & Robbie disco synth sounds (making the one song I most wanted to hear, the extended Valley of Jehosephat, almost unlistenable) Some of it, like the un-reggae like lead guitar and vocoder sounding stuff is cool, but over-all I'd say it's far from crucial, maybe I have to let it sink in over time, the dub stuff is great though....any thoughts?

[robe619]

I agree. I was very surprised when it was voted the best of 2005. Not a good album in my opinion. I was not impressed. Much better releases in 2005 than this.

[benjamin]

Seems to be discussed. Personnaly I really love this album, it has something hypnotic, although I don't consider it as a masterpiece. I don't think Willy Williams copies BLack Uhuru, his singing style is very specific and anterior to them. I love his voice and phrasing.
Anyway, what is your best 2005 release ?
Greetings

www.myspace.com/wareikahills

[robe619]

Of the other selections it was up against, Cornell Campbell's Anthology is better. So is Dennis Alcapone's.

[Youthman Deh]

The dub tracks are awesome indeed! "Dungeon Dub", for example, has to be one of the best dub cuts of all time, yet the others are still able to maintain the high standards (except maybe two: "Give Jah Praise Version" and "Universal Dub").

The vocal side is definitely not far behind. The compositions are brilliant and Willi's singing deep and haunting - just the way roots is supposed to be.

As for the effects, I have to agree that on Valley Of Jehosaphat the syndrum that drops on EVERY raasclaat bar does a fine job spoiling one's listening experience, but in the end you learn to cope with it. I did. Besides, there are musically better tracks anyway, "Messenger Man", "Slave" and "Dungeon", just to name a few. I'd say that Valley Of Jehosaphat is one of the weaker tracks of the set anyway.

I strongly disagree on the "Black Uhuru copycat" claim. I found the use of effects innovative on its own merit, and besides, Black Uhuru's heavier effects didn't come but a few years after Messenger Man. The sound really is rightly described as prototypic.


- Juss' a likkle youthman

[The Harder They Come]

"Messenger Man" was originally released around 1980 and Blood & Fire is sure to keep unearthing only the highest quality material - Willi Williams' "Messenger Man" is no exception.The vocal side is punctuated by heavy organ stabs from Mittoo under Williams’ seductively lugubrious and soulful delivery."I Man", "Give Jah Praise" are one of my favourites, but the album has many highlights like "The Dungeon", "No Hiding Place" and "Slave" just to name a few and of course the Dub side is great also.The vocal side is punctuated by heavy organ stabs from the legendary Jackie Mitto, and the band consisted on a mixture of musicians from the Soul Syndicate (including Santa on drums)and the Roots Radics.
The only thing was the horrible guitar solo, specially on the "Messenger Man" tune, and I agree with the first reviewer that the Sly’ syndrums disco sound on "Valley of Jehosephat" ruins the track (excesive use). Anyway beyond these details Willi Williams gives us a great album. If its the best release of 2005? that's questionable.
Big Up!!

[rcdupre]

oh, syndrums, that's what they're called, I'll have to stop calling them "cheesy and annoying Sly & Robbie disco synth sounds" ha ha...
well I'm glad I'm not the only one with this opinion of this CD....another CD to avoid if you hate those syndrums like me is Soul Jazz's Studio One Disco-Mix ! ..and I wasn't saying that Willi Williams was copying Black Uhuru but there are a couple of instances where he uses that Black Uhuru wavering type vocal I've never heard until Black Uhuru began raking in the cross-over big bucks...

[Rootsman at work]

Junior Reid lost vinyl classics should have got the vote . Awesome tracks, worth it for "Chanting" alone, but many other great tracks.

Respect

Dave

[rcdupre]

I agree, Lost Vinyl Classics Vol. 1 is tha bomb!, with it's nine minutes of heaviosity Chanting, plus Mini Bus Driver, Poor Man Transportation, etc...it's on my top 10 all-time list fersure !