Don Carlos - Special Edition (Jafada Music Productions)
Rating - 8/10 http://www.mynameisdon.com

Special Edition is a compilation of rare tracks by reggae legend Don Carlos. Some of the tracks have been released on rare albums or b sides of singles, some have never seen release before this compilation. The tracks range in age from fairly recent (such as "sunday, Monday" which was recorded in 2004) to some songs that were recorded when Don was between the ages of 11-16 (such as Sweeter than Wine). The album starts off with the almost 8-minute "Oh Girl", which is an outstanding track except for a phase effect on the keyboards that can make listening to the song feel a little weird. You are My Sunshine is an acapella version of the track of the same name from what many consider to be Don's breakthrough album, Just a Passing Glance.

The next track, Sunday, Monday is an ode to letting the music play. This is a good song, although it isn't really a reggae song. One thing I have always liked about Don Carlos is his ability to be versitile in his musical endevours. Lazerbeam Dub is the dub version of Don's classic Pass me the Lazerbeam. This track is great, but it would have been great to hear at least parts of the original vocal on there.

Feeling of Love originally appeared as a 7" on Pablo Tone. It's a nice laid back groove, all live instruments, and the recording quality suggests it is a fairly old song. However old it is, it is still one of the standout tracks on the album. Can't Waste Time is about living life to it's fullest, and making every moment of life productive. Intuition is another instrumental track, which features outstanding guitar work from Adam Will. It's the second non-reggae track on the album, but the guitar work really makes up for that. Once again the only downside is that you don't get to hear Don's voice on the track. Sweeter Than Wine is a unique track, having been recorded some time between Don being 11 to 16. It is a cover of the classic 50's song "This Magic Moment" with a little bit of Don's style thrown in. Dance Gate is a great tune, sounding like it is from the 80's, reminding everyone to cool and that "you shouldn't take your girlfriend out if you can't afford to pay". This track has a really steady groove, not to mention some excellent sax playing thrown in for a standout track.

Money and Woman is early style dancehall featuring old-school Deejay John Wayne (who I assume is named after the American film star). The Horn part in this recording is really heavy, and it has a slow, depressed feel to it. My Name is Don is a love song, telling a woman who feels neglected by their lover that he is there. The riddim to this one is pure steady, not to mention this is one where don really does great on the vocals. In my opinion, this is the best track on the album (and obviously someone else must have thought so too, since the website is mynameisdon.com). Playgirl has a late 80's style to it, and is a nice track, although appears to have sound-quality issues. From Creation may very well be one of the best tracks on the album. Based on a really solid roots track, complete with hand drumming and a socially conscious message of repatriation, this is pretty much the definition of a heavy roots track.

"The road may be rough and tough, but still I'm Not Giving Up." This message over the Answer Riddim creates a sparse but solid sound. Special Request to Everyone is another solid one-drop roots track, complete with a solid horn section and wicked bass line. "This ya sound come to make you rock you're feet, this ya sound come to make you skip to the beat." the closing track, Jordan River is a collaboration with Anthony Johnson and Little John. It's got a really interesting Dancehall style, and clocks in at almost 7:30 minutes.

Overall, this was a very solid album. Don told me when I interviewed him several months ago that he was working on a new album of new material, which is definitely worth looking forward to. This album's only downside is some production flaws, which can be attributed to the age of some of the songs. However, it is definently worth the money, and Don is an artist who constantly puts out relevant and solid material. Check out some of his cd's, and if you get the chance, see him live. If you get to see Don in concert, it will be an experience you won't forget, pure energy up on stage.

by,

Ras James