In lieu of DJ Kicks and BWSW, I was disappointed
Barry B. Anderberg | Maple Grove, MN United States | 06/14/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Smith & Mighty's debut album, originally released in 1995. Apparently it has been re-released as of June 2000. I'm really not sure why they bothered. This album is a mixed bag if there ever was one. The album starts out with what sounds like a record playing backwards beats. This drags on for about four minutes, and has no musical qualities at all. The second track is one of my favorites. With out it and "Down In Rwanda", this album would not even be considered 'dub'. It has some interesting change-ups and grooves well but overall is rather repetative. Unfortunately, Rob and Ray decide to stray from this, and the rest of the album is off and on. Track three really gets you excited and it seems as though this is where the album will really take off. However, this track doesn't really go anywhere. They seem to get stuck on a few ideas that never develop. The next five tracks seem to struggle for something that never manifests. I found myself suddenly noticing that a track had just ended, however I couldn't remember much of what I'd just been listening to. It just doesn't grab you. The pinnacle of the album is probably tracks 9 - 11, and then the last four tracks just kind of fart around, and never really go anywhere. Whereas DJ Kicks and BWSW are the kind of albums that I stop what I'm doing to really get into, this album would best serve as the background music for doing something more important. I recommend this album only for hardcore smith & mighty fans like myself. I say this because from this album you can gain insight into where the guys have come from musically, and compare it with where they are now. When you look at it that way, you really begin to appreciate how much they've grown musically over the last five years. I expect the future albums from smith & mighty to only get better. As I said before, I don't know what possesed them to re-release this album. If I were them, I don't think I'd want to remind people of it."
Excellent
Donnie Collins | ST. Thomas, USVI USA | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been looking for this classic release for years without any luck. I'm a hardcore Dub fan but lately I've been listening to a little drum n' bass and funky beats. I'm always looking forward for a new Smith & Mighty release and I must say that this CD is solid. Deep Dub influenced Basslines fused into the funky beats and some great vocals makes this a must have for any Smith & Mighty and More Rockers Fan. This is the roots of Smith & Mighty at their classical best!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1