John Brown's Body Pressure Points Genres:Alternative Rock, International Music, Pop Over the course of a handful of albums, John Brown's Body has gotten tons of props for its approach to reggae. Far from being some Bob Marley cover band that plays reggae night at a Daytona Beach bar, the Boston/Ithaca, NY... more »-based band fuses socially conscious lyrics with a vintage roots sound epitomized in the use of B3 organ, a horn section, great harmony vocals and a general warm analog production sound that recalls reggae's 1970s heyday. The eight-piece band's first album for the great Easy Star label sticks with that sound while also tastefully updating it with a bit more pop melody carried on the vocals, particularly on "Blazing Love" and "Make It Easy." Those looking for something more rootsy among the dozen songs should get what they need from "What We Gonna Do?" or the chugging "Resonate." Some question the band's origins in the Northeast (and not Jamaica), but there is no roots reggae band out there better than JBB. -- Tad Hendrickson« less
Over the course of a handful of albums, John Brown's Body has gotten tons of props for its approach to reggae. Far from being some Bob Marley cover band that plays reggae night at a Daytona Beach bar, the Boston/Ithaca, NY-based band fuses socially conscious lyrics with a vintage roots sound epitomized in the use of B3 organ, a horn section, great harmony vocals and a general warm analog production sound that recalls reggae's 1970s heyday. The eight-piece band's first album for the great Easy Star label sticks with that sound while also tastefully updating it with a bit more pop melody carried on the vocals, particularly on "Blazing Love" and "Make It Easy." Those looking for something more rootsy among the dozen songs should get what they need from "What We Gonna Do?" or the chugging "Resonate." Some question the band's origins in the Northeast (and not Jamaica), but there is no roots reggae band out there better than JBB. -- Tad Hendrickson
CD Reviews
Best JBB Album So Far
fleshpuppy | 04/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yeah, I'm really surprised people get so upset because JBB is evolving musically. Fact is they are not the same band they were on the first two albums--they are writing much more interesting songs, play tighter more interesting music, and are doing something unique as opposed to just being a plain old reggae band. I'm surprised to see anyone compare this to bad UB40, which is all about simplified cover versions of old hits...this is original music with an emphasis on original riddims, strong melodies, etc...think more massive attack, police, ben harper than UB40...it ain't straight up reggae, but some of the songs are fantastic reggae tracks, like "Not Enough" featuring the Meditations. The record is solid from top to bottom..."
Classic!
KT | 05/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the years JBB has developed a unique and original sound. And with Pressure Points, their 5th studio album, we are seeing the pay off for their hard work. It is so difficult to find any music these days that offers true original material, especially in reggae. But JBB have found their own voice and it is on display throughout the album. Standout tracks are Picking Up, Not Enough (featuring haunting backing vocals by The Meditations) and Blazing Love, one of the best love songs I have heard in years. If you are interested in music that captures the soul, go no further."
Best reggae album since Heart of Congos
Drew Blair | Texas | 04/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kevin Kinsella takes a fat step back on this album for the benefit of the entire group. Every musician in the band sounds great. The bass is on, the drums. The album is produced by the Easy Star All-Stars, that brought Dub Side of the Moon; maybe that has something to do with it. What is so amazing about Pressure Points is Elliot Martin. I swear to everyone, this guy is on par with Bob Marley, Jacob Miller, Junior Murvin, Horace Andy, etc. Never before have I heard any "modern" reggae that compares to anything from the rocksteady/dub era. One reviewer calls Martin's style dancehall. His style is unlike anything ever heard before.
This album by far surpasses anything that they've ever done, I promise."
A band on the rise
Joe T | 04/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pressure Points represents the coming of age for one of the best bands in the biz. Seems like some old JBB fans may not be willing to go on the journey, but trust me, it is worth the trip. All the tracks on this album are solid but the gems are Blazing Love, Make It Easy and Pressure Points. This is a must have for anyone who loves music."
Whats up with all the hate on UB40???
BigKahuna | OKC, OK | 05/29/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Man, JBB can only hope to be as prolific and successful as the UB's. Yes, UB40 has done alot of covers (Labor of Love projects etc) but they have done MANY MANY MORE great original reggae songs. I have seen BOTH Ub40 and JBB in concert. ANd while JBB was good, they pale in comparison to UB40's performance. Don't get me wrong, I love JBB but to cut down UB40 is just not right - they are, next to Bob Marley, the most recognized and successful reggae band ever. Check out their new album, WHO YOU FIGHTING FOR, released JUNE 2005."
