African Head Charge – Songs Of Praise

Not very many reggae albums acknowledge Alan Lomax in the credits. But then, African Head Charge (a band with a constantly changing membership led by percussionist Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah) doesn't really make typical reggae albums. Although the one-drop beat (provided on this album by Lincoln "Style" Scott) influences everything and the basslines have a typical tidal undertow, the stuff that Noah layers on top of the mix has more to do with ethnomusicology than the dancehall.

The song titles say it all: "Cattle Herders Chant," a field recording of call-and-response chanting overlaid with Nyahbinghi drums and highlife guitar; "My God," eerie, minor-key African-American church singing supported by a chugging reggae bassline, bare-bones drumming, and the sound of running water.

Adrian Sherwood co-wrote all of the tracks and African Head Charge remain On-U Sound's most unusual project. This is an exceptionally beautiful album, but in a deeply strange way. (AMG)

2 x Vinyl, LP, Reissue

Tracklist:
A1 Free Chant (Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi)
A2 Orderliness, Godliness, Discipline And Dignity
A3 Hymn
A4 Dervish Chant
B1 Hold Some More
B2 Healing Father
B3 Healing Ceremony
B4 Cattle Herders Chant
C1 Ethiopian Praises
C2 My God
C3 Gospel Train
C4 Chant For The Spirits
C5 God Is Great
D1 Deer Spirit Song
D2 Full Charge
D3 Fullness
D4 Special Mix