Albums I Listen To All The Way Through Pt.2

Because you liked it so much the first time, here is the highly anticipated part two list of albums that are able to retain my attention for a full hour. Lately, the only other thing that has been able to garner my attention for that long is TLC's Toddlers And Tiaras.

They grow up so fast...

1) The Raconteurs' "Broken Boy Soldiers" -

"Quick, no one look at the camera"

Before I even start discussing this album, let me just say that Jack White could join any band and they would be instantly famous and talented. The Raconteurs are the White Stripes on steroids, adding another talented vocalist, Brendan Benson, a bass guitar, and a competent drummer (sorry Meg).

This debut album features a brilliant mix of hard hitting songs and some more mellowed out tunes. Which is good because I think my head might explode if there wasn't a break from White's electrifying guitar riffs.

Essential Tracks: "Steady, As She Goes", "Level", "Yellow Sun"

2) Rebelution's "Courage To Grow" -

Before this reggae band from Santa Barbara, California became every girls fave, their first studio album provided less songs about love and more songs which provoked some thought.

During my senior year of high school, I don't think this CD left my car's player.  I felt so cool walking through the halls singing, "Safe And Sound" which might be one of the catchiest choruses in recent memory.

This is the album that got me into reggae in general and it's a wonder to me how this band isn't more popular.

Essential Tracks: "Courage To Grow", "Safe And Sound", "Feeling Alright"

3) G. Love & Special Sauce's "The Hustle" -

Nice sneaks, MJ

G. Love & Special Sauce is a trio unlike any other.
For starters, G. Love himself  sings, plays guitar, and harmonica to create a pleasant blues vibe.  Backed by a skilled drummer and totally cool string bass player, their sound is truly unique.

"The Hustle" is the group's 6th album and is a great listen from start to finish.  And he definitely has a better flow than your average lead singer.  Only so many people can pull off a lyric like, "I don't date a girl with the thunder thighs/I got the mai tai special with the light brown eyes."

Essential Tracks: "Don't Drop It", "Booty Call", "Back Of The Bus", "Give It To You"

Who invited Edward Scissorhands?

5 Songs I Never Skip On Shuffle

Shuffling through songs on my iPod is pretty hit or miss.  For every song that I love that comes on, there is an interlude from a rap album or a short medley that didn't quite develop into a full song.  There are a good amount of songs that I never skip but I doubt you want to struggle through my top 100 or so songs that I never skip.

Here is my most recent collection of non-skippable songs in no particular order:

1) "Mardy Bum" - The Arctic Monkeys

2) "Breakneck Speed" - Tokyo Police Club

3) "Under Cover Of Darkness" - The Strokes

4) "Shake Me Down" - Cage The Elephant

5) "I Don't Wanna Wait" - Soja

Enjoy!

Jamaican Me Crazy

Truth be told, I feel bad for the last post. Now that you have songs that are bad but annoyingly catchy stuck in your head, I've decided to provide some medication. Enjoy my current top 5 reggae jams from a white boy who wishes he could pull off some dreadlocks.

A little bit of roots reggae, little bit of what I like to call progressive reggae, and a whole lot of awesome.  These songs will help you enjoy your summer.



So sit back and just
Chill out mon' cause there's 'no problem' with the following tracks:

5) The Expendables, Sacrifice

4) Put this on a burned CD for your girl and it's a done deal.
Katchafire, Hey Girl



3. Passafire, Kilo

I had to do a live version for Passafire seeing as they are hands down the best concert I've been to (twice now).

2. These guys are no slouch in concert either:
Soja, I Don't Wanna Wait

1. And my current favorite......
Tribal Seeds, All I Know

Tribal Seeds are touring now and I'm seeing them in July. To say that I am excited is an enormous understatement.

Oh and how could a list of reggae songs be complete without a classic. From a TV show produced by a fellow Langley. From the opening credits...

Honorable Mention from Cops:

Inner Circle's Bad Boy's:

That song in particular really speaks to me and my way of life.

Rastaman Drew signing off hoping your day has been brightened.