Search - Prince Far 1 :: Under Heavy Manners

UNDER HEAVY RECOMMENDATION

home-body | northern california,usa | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Well, kiss me neck, mahn!" I'm suprised that I'm the first to review this CD on this web site. "Heavy Manners" is a classic album and just about every reggae fan has an opinion on it. "Under Heavy Manners" is the 1977 album that brought Prince Far I to the attention of the music world. Usually classified as a deejay, (that's "rapper" for you fellow Americans), The late, great, Prince Far I preferred to be called a "chanter." His gravely, haggard voice helped distinguished him from all the other artists. As with most of the DJ-style reggae in the 70's, Prince Fari I "chants" over previously recorded rhythms, with the original vocals occasionally coming to the fore. All of the rhythms chosen for this album are crucial and are some of the best to come out of Jamaica at the time. The instrumentation is sparse consisting mostly of drums and bass, which is a perfect back drop for Far I's deep dark vocal delivery. Prince Far I's clever and diverse lyrical content make this album fun to listen to. The title track, (which refers to a political slogan of the ruling party in Jamaica at the time, the PNP), was his most successful in Jamaica, and displays lyrics, although vague, peppered with sarcastic sociopolitical commentary. His sense of humor is prevalent on the classic boxing match, "Big Fight." The fight is between Babylon and dreadlocks. Guess who wins! Also included on this album is a do-over of the classic Tex Ritter song, "Deck of Cards" This composition takes the lyrics of the country- western song of faith, and has Far I `s voice-of-thunder hover over the laid-back rockers rhythm originally called "Satta Masa Gana." The results are irie! Aside from the 10 original songs on the original LP, the CD reissue of "Heavy Manners" (Joe Gibbs Enterprises, Inc.), includes 7 bonus tracks. Aren't CDs great! The bonus songs included are a version of the title track, 3 rare cuts, and 3 additional tunes, I believe, from the "Heavy Manners" recording session that were not originally included on the record. These extra songs are a treat and help make, what is already an awesome album, a crucial addition to any music collection. Respct! -Mark "Homebody" Groesbeck"

Is This The Best Reggae Disc Ever ?

Meathook Williams | Warwick, Massachusetts | 08/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was happily able to cross yet another entry off my list of "great albums unavailable on CD" with the release of Prince Far I's "Under Heavy Manners". Of all the classic DJs from reggae's golden age, Far I was my favorite. He had this great deep voice that will remind you of Tuvan throat singing. In spite of this inimatable set of pipes and the whacky pseudo-biblical lyrics, the late genius was almost laid back in his style, giving the original singers (DJs "toast" over popular hits) pretty close to equal time,giving the impression of both artists being in the studio at the same time. Equally crucial are the duties of the producer in this case, Joe Gibbs. So many of reggae's best albums were put together by this visionary. He's right up there between King Tubby and Lee Perry. Several classic releases (notably his Majestic Dub Series; which are the best dub recordings ever waxed) are now again available. This disc features seven bonus tracks, all superb. A "no-risk disc" if there ever was one."