ISLAND SOUNDS
Stir it up for summer good times
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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"Big Every Time" by B.E.T.; South Pac
This latest entry, to be released Tuesday, is loaded with soul, funk, reggae and the urban underpinnings that have given B.E.T. a wedge of the P-funk and dancehall musical pie. This 15-tune collection is the best of B.E.T. to date — savvy and assured delivery of B.E.T. originals that haunt, move and inspire, with substance beyond tempo and street-cool lingo.
From the opening track, "Baby R U Ready," to the closing "Indo," there are treasures aplenty. "Daddy's Little Girl" is sweet and reflective; "Make It Right" is bright with energy and verve; "Sugar Tonight" is a sweet and sexy with a measure of soul; "Under the Mango Tree" is storytelling with a resourceful reggae romp.
Fiji shows up twice ("Cryin 4 Peace," "Hook It Up"), too, so there's additional ammo and allure.
A liner bursting with lyrics and eye-filling graphics add the extra punch to put B.E.T. in the winner's circle.
Sample song: "Baby R U Ready" by B.E.T. |
"Together We Stand" by Apprentice; Sharpnote
Vocalists Nelson Mamae, Jeff Fafale (also a guitarist) and Ali Fafale (doubling on bass) are joined by musicians Timothy Orudiana, Freddie Fa'arodo, Arnold Natei, Casper Junior Luiramo and Danny Fa'arodo (with single-monikered Ronnie providing background vocals). The group's realm is in the Big Mountain tradition, with skank plus melodic reggae harmonics dominating tracks such as "She Loves," "Say It" and "Mother Earth."
Other tracks such as "Boys Don't Rush" demonstrate smooth construction and lyricism, with intriguing tempo switches and unpredictable riffs. Since group members wrote all songs, lyrics should have been part of the packaging — it would have been a worthy investment with lasting merit.
Sample song: "Say It" by Apprentice |
"Surf Roots 2" by various artists; Resin Music
Sample song: "True To Myself" by Ziggy Marley |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.