Easy Star All Stars - Thrillah

    Their first release, Dub Side of the Moon back in 2003 was hugely successful and was followed by the massive Radiodread a few years later.  In 2009 I thought for sure they had outdone themselves with the first of its’ kind that I had seen- a reggae-covered Beatles record; Lonely Hearts Dub Band.  Here we are, 3 years later and yet again I am just completely amazed at the talent that the core band has and the very talented additional group members they culled for this, their latest installment.  Covering Michael Jackson in any sense is a daunting task, but to try to mirror the best-selling album of all time from start to finish?  In a rub-a-dub reggae stylee?  Are they crazy?  Indeed.

    Right out of the cannon, the swirling horn section accompanied by the usual heavy riddim bass-driven beat will instantly capture you on the cut “Wanna’ be Startin’ Somethin’.”  I have to keep listening to the tremendously well done “Thriller”, repeatedly, due to the growling Spragga Benz’s channeling of Vincent Price.  So unbelievably cool that I would be willing to bet that Mr. Price, part of the afterlife after-party, stopped for a second and smiled a sinister sneer.  The song builds and builds just like the original version with fat crescendos, this time consisting of thumping bass, blaring keyboards and brassy horns giving the zombie-tune a Jamaican flair never before created.  Michael “Grammy” Rose (of Black Uhuru fame) offers his slick vocals and trademark scatting over the fierce “Beat it” and I know Michael would have been proud of Michael’s performance.  Luciano takes the beat to half of its’ original speed on “Billie Jean” making it sultry and soulful as only he can do.  And Michael Jackson’s voice is replicated very nicely on “P.Y.T.” and the groove just jumps along urging one’s footwear to festively frolic to & fro.

    The production value is always well done at Easy Star, the music never takes a back seat to the singing and nor does it happen the opposite of that.  It’s a really nice mix making it very pleasing to the aural cavities, the mind, the heart and the soul.  With a gaggle of wonderful singers & musicians jumping on board to assist the already amazing band, this record was most assuredly going to be a home run.  Just in time to reggae-cize your All Hallowed’s Eve with a version of “Thriller” your friends have never heard before.  Jacko would have been proud, maybe even thrilled.