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Ray Darwin - The People's Choice
Ray Darwin - The People's Choice
I choose Ray Darwin.
Sampler
My first encounter with Jamaican singer Ray Darwin was through BMC’s excellent reggae mixes. First the People’s Choice mix in 2007 and then the celebratory (Nothing can Touch) My 45 mix in 2009. Both named after the Ray Darwin tunes by the same names.
Even though both tunes received great response when issued Ray Darwin hasn’t been over exposed at all. He has actually been rather quiet over the years. Until now.
His debut album with its boisterous title 'People’s Choice' reached the streets on July 19th.
It compiles 15 tracks recorded in Germany, Italy, Jamaica and the U.S and is produced by Ray Darwin himself, sometimes with a little help from Piet Abele, Rootical Records, Philip Meckseper and Lloyd Campbell.
The latter is also responsible for putting out 'People’s Choice' through Joe Fraser Records, a label recognized for some fine lovers rock and roots reggae.
'People’s Choice' gathers both relicks and original riddims. The former includes the title track, a version of the Mean Girl riddim originally recorded at Studio One, and New York Minute, a superb cut of The Wailing Souls Jah Give Us Life.
Ray Darwin is a great singer in the soulful Beres Hammond vein. Sometimes on fire, but never aggressive. Sometimes a crooner, like in the Sara Lugo duet Good for You.
Therefore it’s a shame to ruin the singing with auto-tune, which is the case on the strong album opener Time Flies.
Despite the too heavy use of auto-tune on some tunes, this is a strong album that needs your support. Do I as do and give Ray Darwin your vote.
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Read comments (2)
| Posted by donatien on 08.03.2011 | |
| Except "Time Flies" and "Dutty Jonhcrow" there is not auto-tune at all. Ray is an artist who make a lot of harmonies (dubplates sessions with him are more like a real studio session). It may be that makes you think there is too much Auto Tune :) Nuff respect to Ray and his positive lyrics far away for the reggae "cliche" :) |
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| Posted by Ede on 08.03.2011 | |
| My sentiments exactly, it is a shame to spoil such a good review with making such a big deal about auto tuning. After reading this article and then listening to the songs, the first questions to my mind was where is the problem?? Is auto tuning forbidden in reggae? I felt disappointed about your review. It's like you invite the readers to dinner and asked them to pay as they leave!!! Ray Darwin is one of my favorite artist. Ede style.. | |
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