Sound Off: CD Review

Rasta Got Soul

(Gargamel Music)

If it has been awhile since you last listened to the music of Buju Banton, then you're likely in for a surprise when you check out "Rasta Got Soul," the latest release by the singer. Gone are the boastful dancehall styles, replaced by more traditional and political reggae tunes. Much of the reason for the shift in sound and attitude might have to do with Banton's conversion to the Rastafarian religion. He's done the roots reggae thing before, most notably in the 1995 release "Til Shiloh," but somehow the roots seem like they are planted deeper on "Rasta Got Soul." Standout tunes on the new CD include "Magic City," "I Wonder," and "Optimistic Soul." Not every song completely sells itself, but the amount of filler here is minimal. Whether or not Banton has completely left his dancehall days behind remains to be seen, but for now it seems that the artist is making music that is on the same level as reggae masters such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Jimmy Cliff. In time, Banton may achieve the same sort of legendary status as those reggae masters. He is already well on his way to that goal.

Download These: "Magic City," "I Wonder," "Optimistic Soul"

Running With The Wasters

(Rykodisc)

At first listen one might think that The Takeover UK is a snotty yet melodic pop-punk band from England. That description is pretty much spot-on, save for the England part. These guys hail from Pittsburgh, and take their name from a Jay-Z song, but were forced to add "UK" to the end after it was discovered there was another band called The Takeover. Names aside, this band could be compared to any number of past and present acts, including The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, The Strokes, The Kooks, and Green Day, but the sound that The Takeover UK creates is as fresh and inviting as any of those aforementioned acts in their prime. Songs such as "The Lonely Ones," "Ah La La," and the title track attack the listener, but in a way that listener will find undeniably agreeable. There is a lot to like about "Running with the Wasters," and even though it isn't a perfect recording, it gets a lot closer to being so than most debuts these days. This is fun, poppy, punky, rock and roll with an attitude that is more irreverent than dangerous.

Download These: "Ah La La," "Sleep It All Away," "The Lonely Ones"

Paul Simon And Friends

(Shout! Factory)

When you look back at the career of singer-songwriter Paul Simon, it is sometimes difficult to wrap your head around the fact that the guy has managed to stay relevant through five separate decades of music. From his days with Art Garfunkel in the 60's, the start of a successful solo career in the 70's, the incredible "Graceland" album in the 80's, and further hits in the 90's and 00's, Simon has never staged a comeback, simply because for the last forty-plus years he has never gone away. In 2007 Simon gathered a group of his favorite artists to interpret his songs for a special celebration at the Library of Congress as he was awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This DVD documents the incredible evening that took place, with Simon being joined by the likes of Lyle Lovett, Stephen Marley, James Taylor, and even Grover and Elmo from Sesame Street, who perform "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)." There is also archival footage of Simon performing with George Harrison and Miriam Makeba. Garfunkel even shows up at the end of the program to sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Simon. This is a no-brainer for any fan of Simon's music, and the sheer volume of his quality work is brought to light here.