Matisyahu CD/DVD To Reach Stores In Time For Boxing Day Sales

Hasidic reggae-rap artist Matisyahu wants you to have a happy Hannukah, as long as part of those celebrations include his forthcoming No Place To Be CD/DVD.

The CD portion of the set, due on Boxing Day from Epic, will feature seven songs. It includes two versions of The Police's "Message In A Bottle," a studio version recorded with producers and reggae rhythm section masters Sly & Robbie, and a dub version produced by Bill Laswell. Sly & Robbie also produced the single/video "Jerusalem (Out Of Darkness Comes Light)," which also comes in an alternate mix. Laswell produced "Chop 'Em Down" and "Warrior." The disc is rounded out with the Small Stars remix of "Youth."

The accompanying 90-minute Live In Israel DVD features a Matisyahu concert shot in Tel Aviv, Israel last December, as well as performances and interviews taped on the streets of Jerusalem.

Matisyahu (real name Matthew Miller) was first perceived as a novelty act, as he dresses in traditional Jewish garb and includes numerous Judaic references in his lyrics, but the 27-year-old Brooklyn, New York artist's sound quickly caught on with a broad range of music fans. His Youth album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 sales chart in the U.S. in March while his Live At Stubb's LP was at #36, making him the only artist to have two albums in the top 40.

Matisyahu is expected to tour extensively in the new year.

Here are the tracks on the Live In Israel DVD:

* "Rastaman Chant"
* "Lord Raise Me Up"
* "Dispatch The Troops"
* "Close My Eyes"
* "Warrior"
* "Exaltation"
* "Chop 'Em Down"
* "Late Night In Zion"
* "Ancient Lullaby"
* "King Without A Crown"
* "Heights"
* "What I'm Fighting For