Liaison Music
2006
Aswad Vs. The Rhythm Riders
About This Album
For more than three decades now, Aswad have persisted as one of England's most popular and consistent reggae acts. To a significant degree, the group's staying power can be attributed to its principled flexibility: without ever losing touch with its reggae roots, the band has effectively incorporated dancehall, techno, pop, and R&B elements into its sound, gradually creating a smart and complex hybrid sound that appeals to a wide variety of listeners. This album, on which Aswad collaborate with British techno duo the Rhythm Riders (Danny Briottet and Tim Bran), is a classic example of Aswad's approach. Everywhere is fusion and experimentation -- the zippy and slightly jungly "Come with the Love," a sort of soca-house update of the band's early classic "African Children," the dreamy, almost ambient "Under Palm Trees" -- but nowhere does this sound like anything other than an Aswad album. What the Rhythm Riders bring is a particular warmth and funkiness, along with an electro edge that nicely complements Aswad's natural tendency toward slick modern roots reggae. Guests include DJs Brother Culture, Soloman (who delivers a fine speed rap on "Come with the Love"), and Sweetie Irie. Very, very nice. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 2,3,4,5 and 10)

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