Customer Reviews
Genuine rastaman vibration.. - By: Magic Rat, 14 Aug 2007 
This is, as my fellow reviewer has said, an intersting album. It is largely dominated by congas, bongos & whatever drums Ras Michael's group of Rastafarian musicians could lay their hands on. The closest thingin the mainstream to this is Bob Marley's "Rastaman Chant" from "Burnin'". The feel is one of a group of Rastamen groupedin a beach hut somewherein Jamaica as the sun sets, laying down some crucial roots. Yes, I agree, Ras Michael's voice is ordinary, to be generous ! It is often tuneless & grates somewhat & the lyrics he chants are dominated by devotional pledges to Jah (unsurprisngly). That said, the opening track, "None A Jah Jah Children No Cry" is an absolute killer & worthy inclusionin anyone's roots reggae playlist. After a few tracks the general vibe begins to tire just a little, but hit yourself with two or three cuts from Ras Michael every now & again & you'll enjoy them immensely. It goes without saying that the bass & overall sound is great, but one look at the assembled cast of notable musicians tells you why...Shakespeare, Tosh, Smith etc.
Another classic reissued by Greensleeves - By: , 09 Mar 2003 
I had never heard of Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus before so I didn't quite know what to expect from this album & to be honest it didn't grab me straight away. But I listened to it a few more times & gradually I began to realise just how good an album this is.Ras Michael isn't the best singer that reggae has ever heard but like Keith Hudson for example, he uses his vocals well to produce a distinctive & interesting sound. Ras Michael's vocals sound like they are half-sung & half-chanted & go with the music perfectly. The backing vocals are excellent too,a mix between singing & chanting. This style of chanting would seem to me to be an obvious African influence & this can be heardin some of the instruments & arrangements on the album.The musicians used is also very interesting. The guitars on the album are played by Pete Tosh & another Wailer Earl "Chinna" Smith. Bass duties are mainly by Robbie Shaespeare. Pete Tosh also plays the clarinet on some tracks.My favourite songs on this album are None A JAH JAH Children, Glory Dawn, Give Love, It Is No Secret & Truth & Right. If you like roots reggae then check this out, it is one of the most interesting albums I have ever heard.
