SOME OLD...SOME NEW.
P. Medina | California, USA | 02/04/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It is interesting and fond to know that Greensleeves has now issued, back to back, Sizzla records that obviously comprise of old material and new material (the first being Ghetto Youth-Ology (2009), followed by this release, Crucial Times (2010)). Ghetto Youth-Ology is more or less a compilation of old/new songs, even re-recorded songs produced by Melbourne "Dusty" Miller of the Firehouse Crew. As for Crucial Times, the songs listed as 'There's No Pain' and 'Get Rid Ah Dem' have already been released on either cd or 7" format in the past.
There's No Pain was released on Black History (2001) and, 'Get Rid Ah Dem" was released as a 7" vinyl on the Xterminator label (2001 or 2002), and produced by Philip "Fatis" Burrell. Yet credits for this particular song are being credited to Homer Haris. Additionally, 'There's No Pain' did not list any producer credits on the Black History cd release. So, maybe, Black History may have producer credits that fans are not fully aware of, such as in this case.
So, I am a bit confused as to some of these production credits and from what era these songs were originally recorded or re-recorded and released. Nonetheless, some of the songs on this collection are extremely rare, such as 'Foundation', which is addressed as being his first song ever voiced and recorded and with producer, Homer Harris. I may be incorrect of this statement however should be close enough to the conceptual thought and may be validated in the insert notes.
It is wonderful to hear that these past Sizzla releases have been issued and more recognized without the slackness of late that he has so demonstrated in the past. Additionally, ALL the songs are quite exceptional to great songs. Sizzla is the most versatile sing-jay in reggae and it is demonstrated here on Crucial Times.
While listening to Sizzla's range of melodic sing-jay tones on this release, let's hope that someday Greensleeves may decide to release any non-cd Xterminator label tracks as there are over 30-40 songs never before released on cd by the Xterminator label. This would definitely fit this trend of old and new material."
