zen wizard
I purposely waited a few days to absorb my thoughts on this artist, who is truly talented.
At first glance, it seems strange that an Orthodox Jew would sing Reggae music--but if you examine the history of Reggae--and especially its ties to Rastafarianism--it's not all that weird.
Rastafarians--and I am certainly no expert--very basically believe that they are one of the lost tribes of Israel.
In fact, the dreadlocks are based on that same part of Leviticus that says, "Don't shave the corners of your beard like the heathens do"--as payess which Hasidic Jews wear are.
Rastafarianism follows the Bible through at least Leviticus--but a theologian would probably say, "playing fast and loose with the facts." Rastafarians sort of follow kosher dietary laws, and are not, contrary to popular belief, vegetarians; they sort of char kosher meat in a wok-type thingie and don't drink alcohol--they only drink luke warm water.
(You can feel free to put whatever additions or corrections you want in the "Comments"; I've been to Jamaica once and I'm certainly not a theologian.
Or, CLICK HERE for an indepth treatment of Rastafarianism.)
Obviously, also, it's not that hard to turn "Jah"--the Rastafarian word for "God"--into "Yahweh" (one of the Orthodox words.)
From a standpoint of music, however, the main appeal of Reggae is the catchy melodies--which are a lot of times based on the One-Six Minor-Four-Five "Doo Wop" chord progressions, and the unique beat, which--like Cajun Zydeco--is syncopated on the "One's" and "Three's" rather than the traditional "Two's" and "Four's."
Anyway, from a musical standpoint, it is initally kind of surprising to hear authentic Reggae coming out of an Orthodox Jew. From a radio standpoint--and after you actually buy the record--the only thing that matters is the sound...
On this point, Matisyahu is about an 8.5 on a scale of ten.
For reference, let's say that the current king of reggae--Barrington Levy--is a 9.9.
(Barrington Levy was obviously one of Matisyahu's influences.)
Matisyahu has some pretty good melodies--but in my humble opinion needs some stronger hooks and choruses.
He does that rapid-fire rap/scat thing--like Barrington Levy--which is super hard, and sometimes even on the master recording is a little flat. That will probably be remedied with more touring.
On the subject of the SONGS, this is a difficult one--when you have that fast rap/scat thing, I would imagine you can't just walk into the Brill Building and ask for songs--you have to write your own.
Maybe get a co-writer to write some really catchy choruses and hooks, and do the rap thing in between it? I don't know.
But a good career move right now would be to come up with a single that is so "ear candy," people want to download it.
Sort of a kosher/Reggae "My Humps."
Or, more to the point, an American equivalent to Barrington Levy's "Under Mi Sensi," which was on the British charts for 12 weeks. (Americans are less receptive to "code words" and Native dialect, however...even if the song has a catchy melody like this one.)
Here's an idea: Puffy Combs protege' Jamal "Shyne" Barrow gave Barrington Levy his greatest US exposure on the singles, "Bonnie & Shyne" and "Bad Boys."
He is up for parole in 2009 (for involvement in the nightclub shooting that Puffy was acquitted on.)
A duet between Matisyahu and Shyne?? I could see it...
13 Comments:
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By jakeyology, at 9:52 AM
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jake--
Thanks for the links--am going to check it out.By Zen Wizard, at 10:35 AM
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<3>
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j-love--
You should go to one of his concerts and see if the "Chosen People"-angle works on his left-over groupies!By Zen Wizard, at 2:06 PM
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PS--Wear that "I (Heart) Shiksas"-T shirt...
By Zen Wizard, at 2:07 PM
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It's all new to me. I should check it out! The things you're teaching me, Zen!
ps word verif: ydddiaBy ChickyBabe, at 2:28 PM
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chickybabe--
I will update if I see him playing in Australia.
He is still in the small-club mode--which is better and cheaper to see an artist, if you ask me.
Ironic word verification.
Somebody should make a "Tell your Fortune by Word Verification"-Numerology machine.By Zen Wizard, at 3:08 PM
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if he comes to australia give him my number. i can score some great pot...
By jungle jane, at 6:14 PM
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Matisyahu is awesome...He gets radio play here in LA, I am wondering if he does everywhere....
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The weird and wonderful things you find Zen. Do you never rest??
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jane--
I don't find Australia on his current touring schedule.
He seems to get all over the US, however.
I will look for it and let you know.
sea hag--
He got some token airplay before and after the concert, but then it stopped.
He probably needs to do something "bubblegum" like "Under Mi Sensi."
steph--
As my Shaolin Master said,
"See the Way of life as a stream. A man floats, and his way is smooth. The same man, turning to fight upstream, exhausts himself. To be One with the Universe, each must find his true path and follow it..."
That, my friend, is some righteous Japanese gibberish!!By Zen Wizard, at 7:53 AM
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oy vey, I missed this whole genre of music.
By frustratedwriter, at 2:00 PM
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Currently, there is only one "Kosher Reggae" practitioner in the genre, but if he takes off I'm sure others will follow.
By Zen Wizard, at 2:19 PM
posted by Editor at 2:30 PM
you guys should check out these links to what inspired matisyahu's latest music video (found on his site, matismusic.com) and title song, Youth.
the first is the interview; the second is the inspiring material.
enjoy.
http://www.meaningfullife.com/audio/youth_matisyahu_2-16-06.mp3
http://meaningfullife.com/personal/lifecycles/02TeenagersCOLON_The_Rebellion_of_Youth.php