— BOB MARLEY
Al Fingers is a London-based DJ, producer, author and designer who loves music to the max.Gappy Ranks – Still Rising
23rd Jul 2010
Recently I photographed Gappy Ranks for his new album, the Peckings-produced “Put The Stereo On”, which is out on Greensleeves on the 23rd of August. However, the album was initially delayed so I nabbed the best photo from the shoot for the cover of his EP, “Rising Out Of The Ghetto” [Above]. Still, the album’s looking good (a Tony McDermott job), and sounds good too, featuring the killer cuts “Heaven In Her Eyes”, “Put The Stereo On” and “Mountain Top”. If you’re more on a dancehall tip you should pick up the EP, which features “Stinkin Rich” and “Rising Out Of The Ghetto”.
Creative Review
22nd Jul 2010
Creative Review have posted a piece about the Stüssy/Greensleeves project on their blog, including an excerpt from my interview with Greensleeves designer Tony McDermott. You can check it here. They’re also dedicating September’s edition of Monograph to the project, but you need to be a CR subscriber to peep that.
It’s funny, looking at the Greensleeves book now, you’d have no idea what a mission it was to find those 100 album covers. Greensleeves don’t have any of their original LPs in their archive (CDs only), which meant I had to track them all down. It was a massive mission! Thanks to all the collectors who helped out.
R.I.P. Sugar Minott (1956—2010)
12th Jul 2010
Vusi The Voice
4th Jul 2010
South African singer Vusi Mahlasela’s performance of his tune “When You Come Back”, shown on ITV after the Brazil vs Chile game, was sweeeeet. No wonder he’s nicknamed “The Voice” in South Africa. Plus he’s one of Mandela’s favourite artists. Maaad!
Here’s Vusi again at Mandela’s 90th birthday concert in Hyde Park, 2008.
Staying on the sweet voice vibes I’ve put together a new chart – the sweetest voices in reggae music. Disagree with it here.
The Swinger
4th Jun 2010
Tristan Jehan (a computer coding genius and hyperinstrumentalist from MIT) has created a program called The Swinger, that uses timestretch to put a swing into your favourite tunes. Check out the swung versions of “Money For Nothing” and “Sweet Child Of Mine”. Crazy!
Money for Nothing (swing version) by TeeJay
Sweet Child O’ Mine (Swing Version) by plamere
July 2010
July Joints
- Hold Yuh
GYPTIAN
VP - Find Your Love
DRAKE
Cash Money Records/Universal
- Clarks
VYBZ KARTEL, POPCAAN & GAZA SLIM
Not Nice/Addidjaheim - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
ALICIA KEYS
J Records - Alligator
TEGAN & SARA
Vapor/Sire
July 2010
Sweetest (Living) Reggae Voices
- Barrington Levy
- Beres Hammond
- Cocoa Tea
- Sanchez
- Gregory Isaacs
- Sugar Minott
- Horace Andy
- Bob Andy
- Jimmy Cliff
- John Holt
- Ken Boothe
- Gyptian
- Freddie McGregor
- Peetah Morgan
- Lukie D
- Terry Linen
- Wayne Wonder
- Luciano
- Singing Melody
- Scion Success
Interview: Bob James
23rd Jul 2010
Who do Eric B & Rakim’s “Follow The Leader”, De La Soul’s “Keepin’ The Faith” and Ghostface’s “Daytona 500″ all have in common? Bob James, that’s who. The bearded break pianist, who might look like your grandfather, has been one of hip-hop’s most influential artists. Don’t be deceived by his quiet demeanor, Mr James is the bomb ‘ish. Introducing the man who made Run DMC’s “Peter Piper”, Main Source’s “Live At The BBQ” and Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz” possible…
Interview: Lukie D
5th Jul 2010
Lukie D, the R Kelly of dancehall, talks to Al Fingers about his early days, Air Supply cover versions, and getting kuff in a dance.
Wallpaper – Everybody Loves The Sunshine
20th Jun 2010
Download the Everybody Loves The Sunshine wallpaper
Wallpaper – Heart On Your Sleeve
12th Feb 2010
Download the Heart On Your Sleeve wallpaper.
Wallpaper – Hot Lips
11th Feb 2008
Download the Hot Lips wallpaper.
Wallpaper – Cradle To The Grave
25th Sep 2007
Download the Cradle To The Grave wallpaper.
Sizzla & Morgan Heritage – All I Want (Diseases Remix)
6th May 2010
Mavado & Wailing Souls – Wa Dem A Do (Fire House Rock Remix)
6th May 2010
Capleton – Medley (Pass Out Refix)
9th Mar 2010
Richie Spice – Marijuana (Pass Out Refix)
9th Mar 2010
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 Isaak – 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
Blondie – Heart Of Glass (93 Til Infinity Remix)
16th Apr 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.
View Tracklist
Nylon Riddim Megamix For VP Records
23rd Dec 2008
Here’s a megamix I did for VP – Shane Brown’s “Nylon” riddim for his Juke Boxx label, featuring Busy Signal’s “Trading Places”, Richie Spice’s “Serious Woman”, Peter Morgan’s “In Love With Ya”, Etana’s “Loose Talking”, Queen Ifrica’s “Dem Nah Learn”, and Tarrus Riley’s “Start A New”.
Silent River Riddim Megamix For VP Records
23rd Dec 2008
Another megamix I put together for VP: Shane Brown’s Silent River riddim, featuring Demarco’s “God Nah Sleep”, Busy Signal’s “Money Wi Sey”, Mavado’s “Dem A Pree”, Bounty Killer’s “Corrupt” and Assassin’s “Inna Mi Room”.
Duane Stephenson Megamix For VP Records
28th Nov 2007
VP Records asked me to produce a Duane Stephenson megamix to promote his album, “From August Town”. With one of 2007’s most outstanding tracks (August Town) and writing credits for Jah Cure and Tarrus Riley, DS is one to watch.
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
- Ghetto Bassquake
- Jack Baker Trio
- John Pilger – The War On Democracy
- Kate Gibb
- Mr. Dupes
- Pinkyvision
- Prism
- Rotter & Friends
- Sam Burdge
- Shariff Miller
- Smutlee
- Special Delivery Music
- Style Wars
- Suspect Packages
- Wax Poetics
- Zakee Shariff
