— JIMI HENDRIX
Al Fingers is a DJ/producer promoting upliftment through music.Tahuna Breaks – Black Brown & White Remix
5th Feb 2010
New Zealand band Tahuna Breaks asked me to remix their track, ”Black Brown & White.
Cocoa Tea Sings For Buju
30th Jan 2010
Cocoa Tea’s wicked re-lick of the Heptones’ 1976 classic, Country Boy, dedicated to Buju Banton, whose cocaine trial begins in Florida at the beginning of March. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Buju’s lawyers are set to use entrapment as their defence, claiming that a “paid government informant” persistently pestered Buju to buy cocaine after befriending him on a flight from Madrid to Miami in July 2009. I’m not sure how much that could help his case but hey.
Produced by Roaring Lion.
Busy Signal Inna Gary Mix Up
25th Jan 2010
Vybz Kartel may have been the 2009’s deejay of the year, but Busy Signal wasn’t far off, and judging by some of his recent tunes (check You Never Knew and his three versions over Shane Brown’s re-lick of the Boops riddim), 2010 is going to be a Busy year. Right now though, he’s in the middle of an unlikely mix up. (more…)
Top 100 Reggae & Dancehall Tunes Of The 2000’s
5th Jan 2010
There are various top tunes of the decade lists on the web, like Pitchforkmedia’s Decade In Music, but I haven’t seen a good reggae/dancehall one yet, so I put together a Top 100 Reggae & Dancehall Tunes Of The Noughties. Big up to Pierre, JP, Randy and Dub Vendor for the arguments.
Overall, Sizzla – my artist of the decade – came out on top with six tunes, followed by Beres Hammond, Vegas, Busy Signal, Jah Cure and Elephant Man with five each, and Mavado, Richie Spice and Sean Paul with four each. Tunes with homophobic lyrics were left out of the list – like “Log On” by Elephant Man and “Frenzy” by Sanchez, although would otherwise have been included. Also left out were tunes that blew up in the 2000s but were originally released in the 1990s, like Richie Spice’s “Earth A Run Red” (1998) and Jah Mason’s “Princess Gawn” (1999).
While the list only relects my personal preference I think in general it shows that the Noughties were not a great decade for reggae & dancehall, compared say to the Nineties, which had much bigger tunes: Buju classics like “Hills And Valleys”, “Untold Stories”, “Champion”, “Rampage”, etc, Garnett Silk classics like “Splashing Dashing”, “Lord Watch Over Our Shoulder”, “Kingly Character”, Capleton’s “Jah Jah City” and “Never Dis Trinity”, Sizzla’s “Black Woman & Child”, “Holding Firm”, “Praise Ye Jah”, “Good Ways” etc, Luciano’s “It’s Me Again Jah” and “Sweep Over My Soul”, Anthony B’s “Raid Di Barn” and “Fire Pon Rome”, Beenie Man’s “Who Am I” and “Slam”, “Heads High” by Vegas, “Murder She Wrote” by Chaka Demus & Pliers, “Traffic Blocking” by Degree, “Bandelero” by Pinchers, “A Who Seh Me Dun” by Cutty Ranks, an a whole heap more.
Pat Metheny vs Kenny G
2nd Jan 2010
Kenny G gets a critical beatdown from Pat Metheny in this interview on jazzoasis.com. Yeah, Kenny deserves it, but he does have one massive soul weekender tune – 1982’s Hi How Ya Doin (Youtube link here) – whereas Pat doesn’t. On the same site, Wynton Marsalis gets dissed pretty bad by Keith Jarrett (here). Who ever said there was love between jazzers?
January 2010
Top 100 Reggae Tunes Of The Noughties
- Longing For (2004)
JAH CURE - Welcome To Jamrock (2004)
DAMIAN MARLEY - No Letting Go (2001)
WAYNE WONDER - Just One Of Those Days (2002)
SIZZLA - She’s Royal (2006)
TARRUS RILEY - Like Glue (2002)
SEAN PAUL - Thank You Mama (2002)
SIZZLA - By His Deeds (2000)
VC - Gimme The Light (2001)
SEAN PAUL - August Town (2008)
DUANE STEPHENSON - On The Rock (2008)
MAVADO - Can’t Satisfy Her (2004)
I-WAYNE - Ghetto Story (2005)
BABYCHAM - Rockaway (2001)
BERES HAMMOND - Get Busy (2001)
SEAN PAUL (more…)
Bob Marley – No Woman No Cry (Love Is A Losing Game Remix)
7th Jan 2010
Erykah Badu – On & On (Go-Go Club Remix)
2nd Jan 2010
Carl Douglas & Chris Isaac – Kung Fu Fighting (Wicked Game Remix)
14th May 2009
Mylo & T2 feat Jodie – Heartbroken (Drop The Pressure Remix)
2nd May 2009
Smokey Robinson – Being With You (Surfin Remix)
2nd May 2009
Combination Mixtape Series Vol 1: Zakee Shariff – Stardust
16th Oct 2007
In 2007, London-based artist/designer Zakee Shariff released a collection of clothes and accessories entitled “Stardust”, inspired by a line in Joni Mitchell’s song Woodstock: “We are stardust, we are golden, and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden”. This mixtape, also named STARDUST, is Al Fingers’ musical interpretation of Zakee’s collection, and forms the first part of the COMBINATION MIXTAPE SERIES, a line of mixtapes produced in collaboration with other creatives. In addition to Joni Mitchell, featured artists include Tanya Stephens, Brian Eno, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Jill Scott, Heatwave, Minnie Riperton, John Lennon, and the Khalsa String Band. You can download the STARDUST mixtape below (128 kbps quality), or purchase the CD (higher quality) from Juno Records.
Conscious Mixtape Series Vol 1: Serious Times
25th Sep 2007
SERIOUS TIMES, the first installment in the CONSCIOUS MIXTAPE SERIES, is a collection of songs about the troubled state of the world, exposing the bad minds and corrupt hearts of our political leaders. Named after a tune by Jamaican singer Gyptian, the mix features music by Barrington Levy, Bob Dylan, Turbulence, Luciano, and Sinead O’Connor. Exclusives include the Truth & Rights remix of Marvin’s Gaye’s classic antiwar tune, What’s Going On. You can download the SERIOUS TIMES mixtape below (128 kbps quality), or purchase the CD (higher quality) from Juno Records.
Wallpaper – Hot Lips
11th Feb 2008
Download the Hot Lips wallpaper.
Wallpaper – Listen Keenly
30th Oct 2007
Download the Listen Keenly wallpaper.
Wallpaper – Cradle To The Grave
25th Sep 2007
Download the Cradle To The Grave wallpaper.
10cc, A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah, Adrian Belew, Airto, Akon, Al Campbell, Al Green, Al Jarreau, Alaine, Albert King, Alborosie, Alpheus, Alton Ellis, Amy Winehouse, Angie Stone, Anita Baker, Ann Peebles, Annie Lennox, Anthony B, Anthony Hamilton, Aretha Franklin, Art Blakey, Arvo Part, Assassin, AWB, Barry White, BB King, Beastie Boys, Beatnuts, Beck, Ben E King, Ben Webster, Beres Hammond, Bernard Purdie, Bert Jansch, Bessie Smith, Betty Davis, Beyonce, Big L, Bill Hicks, Bill Withers, Billie Holiday, Billy Bragg, Billy Cobham, Billy Paul, Bitty Mclean, Biz Markie, Black Sheep, Blondie, Blu James, Bob Dylan, Bob James, Bob Marley, Bobbie Gentry, Bobby Bland, Bobby Byrd, Bobby Darin, Bobby Konders/Massive B, Bobby Womack, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bonnie Raitt, Bootsy Collins, Bost & Bim, Bounty Killer, Brand Nubian, Brenda Russell, Brian Eno, Bruce Springsteen, Buju Banton, Bunny Wailer, Buppy C, Burning Spear, Burt Bacharach, Bushman, Busta Rhymes, Busy Signal, Cal Tjader, Calvin Richardson, Cameo, Cannonball Adderley, Capleton, Capone-N-Noreaga, Carlos Santana, Carol King, Carroll Thompson, Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Charles Mingus, Cheryl Lynn, Chezidek, Chick Corea, Chris De Burgh, Chrissie Hynde, Chuck Berry, Chuck Fender, CL Smooth, Cocoa Tea, Collie Buddz, Commander B, Count Ossie, Courtney Melody, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Curtis Mayfield, Cymande, D'Angelo, Daft Punk, Dave Weckl, Davey Graham, David Axelrod, David Bowie, David Rodigan, Daville, Dawn Penn, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Dean Fraser, Delia Derbyshire, Delroy Wilson, Deniece Williams, Dennis Brown, Desmond Dekker, Dexter Wansel, Diamond D, Diana Ross, Digital B, Dionne Warwick, Diz Toba, Dizzy Gillespie, DJ Hype, DJ Premier, DJ Shadow, Dolly Parton, Don Blackman, Don Corleon, Donald Byrd, Donny Hathaway, Dorothy Moore, Dr Dre, Duane Stephenson, Duke Ellington, Duke Reid, Duran Duran, Dwele, Earth Wind & Fire, Edwin Birdsong, Elton John, Emmylou Harris, Ennio Morricone, Eric B & Rakim, Eric Clapton, Erykah Badu, Etta James, Eugene McDaniels, Fatis Burrell, Fats Domino, Fela Kuti, Flea, Flora Purim, Foxy Brown, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Fred Wesley, Freddie McGregor, Freddie Mercury, Garnett Silk, Gary Burton, Gentleman, George Benson, George Clinton, George McRae, George Michael, Geto Boys, Ghost, Gil Scott-Heron, Gilberto Gil, Gram Parsons, Grant Green, Gregory Isaacs, Grover Washinton Jnr, Guy, Gwen Guthrie, Gwen McCrae, Gwen Stefani, Gyptian, Half Pint, Heatwave, Herbie Hancock, Horace Andy, Hugh Masekela, I Wayne, Ice T, Iggy Pop, India Arie, Irma Franklin, Isaac Hayes, Isleys, J Dilla, Jack Baker Trio, Jack Dejohnette, Jackie Mittoo, Jackson 5, Jaco Pastorius, Jacob Miller, Jaguar Skills, Jah Mali, Jah Mason, Jaheim, James Brown, James Carr, James Taylor, Janet Kay, Janis Joplin, Jazzy Jeff, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Cliff, Jimmy Smith, JJ Cale, Joan Armatrading, Joan Baez, Joe Gibbs, Joe Higgs, Joe Zawinul, John Abercrombie, John Coltrane, John Lennon, John Martyn, John McLaughlin, Johnny Guitar Watson, Johnny Hodges, Johnny Osbourne, Joni Mitchell, Joseph Hill & Culture, Judy Mowatt, Jungle Brothers, Junior Gong, Junior Kelly, Junior Reid, Justin Timberlake, Kate Bush, Kate Nash, Ken Booth, Kenny Rogers, Kid Capri, King Jammy, King Stitt, Kool & The Gang, Kraftwerk, KRS One, Kurt Cobain, Labi Siffre, Lady G, Lalo Schifrin, Lamont Dozier, Large Professor, Laura Nyro, Lauryn Hill, Led Zeppelin, Lee Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Leon Ware, Leonard Cohen, Leroy Hutson, Lionel Richie, Lonnie Liston Smith, Loose Ends, Lord Finesse, Lou Donaldson, Lou Rawls, Louis Armstrong, Luciano, Lukie D, Lutan Fyah, Luther Vandross, Maceo Parker, Mahalia Jackson, Main Source, Mandrill, Marcia Griffiths, Marcus Miller, Maria Muldaur, Mark Ronson, Marlena Shaw, Marley Marl, Marlon Asher, Martin Luther King Jr, Marva Whitney, Marvin Gaye, Massive Attack, Masta Ace, Masters At Work, Mavado, Maxi Priest, Maxwell, Me'shell Ndegeocello, MF Doom, MF Grimm, Michael Franks, Michael Jackson, Michael McDonald, Miles Davis, Millie Jackson, Milton Nascimento, Milton Wright, Minnie Ripperton, Missy, Mizell Bros, Mongo Santamaria, Moondog, Morgan Heritage, Morris Day & The Time, Mos Def, Mr Vegas, Ms Dynamite, Munga Honourable, Musiq Soulchild, Nanko, Nas, Nate Dogg, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Neville Brothers, New Edition, Neyo, Nile Rogers, Nina Simone, Norman Connors, Notorious BIG, NWA, Ohio Players, Omar, Organized Konfusion, Otis Redding, Outkast, Pablo Moses, Pat Kelly, Pat Metheny, Patrice Rushen, Patti Labelle, Patti Smith, Paul Giovanni, Paul Simon, Paul Weller, Pete Rock, Peter Gabriel, Peter Tosh, Phyllis Dillon, Phyllis Hyman, Pressure, Prince, Public Enemy, Queen Ifrica, Queen Omega, Quincy Jones, Radiohead, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, RAMP, Ramsey Lewis, Randy Crawford, Ras Shiloh, Ray Charles, Redman, Reggie Stepper, Richie Spice, Rihanna, Robbie Shakespeare, Robert Fripp, Robert Johnson, Roberta Flack, Roberto Allen, Roger Robin, Roger Troutman, Rolling Stones, Roy Ayers, Roy Buchanan, Roy Budd, Ry Cooder, Salt n Pepa, Sam Cooke, Sam Dees, Sammy J, Sanchez, Sarah McLachlan, Scientist, Serge Gainsbourg, Sergio Mendes, Shabba Ranks, Shalamar, Shirley Brown, Show & AG, Shuggie Otis, Sinead O'Connor, Siouxie Sioux, Sister Sledge, Sizzla, Slick Rick, Slim Smith, Sly Dunbar, Sly Stone, Smokey Robinson, Smutlee, Snoop Dogg, Son House, Sonny Rollins, Soul II Soul, Stanley Clarke, Steely Dan, Stephen Marley, Stetsasonic, Steve Gadd, Steve Miller Band, Steve Reich, Steve Vai, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Stevie Wonder, Sugar Minott, Super Cat, Sylvia Striplin, T-Pain, Talib Kweli, Tanya Stephens, Tappa Zukie, Tarrus Riley, Teddy Pendergrass, Teddy Riley, Teena Marie, Terry Callier, Terry Linen, The Abyssinians, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Carpenters, The Clash, The Congos, The Controllers, The Crusaders, The Dells, The Gladiators, The Grace Thrillers, The Heptones, The Impressions, The Jam, The Kinks, The Police, The Roots, The Soul Children, The Soul Stirrers, The Staple Singers, The Sylvers, Thelonius Monk, Thriller U, Timbaland, Todd Edwards, TOK, Tom Waits, Tony Matterhorn, Toots & The Maytals, Tracy Chapman, Turbulence, Ultramagnetic, Vernon Reid, Vikter Duplaix, Warrior King, Wayne Wonder, Weldon Irvine, Wes Montgomery, Willie Nelson, Willie Weeks, Willie Williams, Womack & Womack, Wu-Tang Clan, Yellowman, YT, Zapp, large up.
- 76 Creative
- 80 Blocks From Tiffany's
- Adam Curtis – Century Of The Self
- Adam Curtis – Power Of Nightmares
- Adbusters
- Alternative Radio
- Arundhati Roy
- Democracy Now
- Fatsarazzi
- Free Speech TV
- Gasface
- George Monbiot
- Gerhard Richter
- Guerrilla News Network
- Harold Pinter
- Howard Zinn
- Jack Baker Trio
- Jaguar Skills
- John Pilger – The War On Democracy
- Kate Gibb
- Make Art Your Zoo
- Mr. Dupes
- Neil Stewart Photography
- Pinkyvision
- Private Eye
- Rotter & Friends
- Sam Burdge
- Shariff Miller
- Smutlee
- Special Delivery Music
- The Dossier
- Wax Poetics
- Zakee Shariff
