Raphael - Reggae Survival (Sugar Cane Records)

'Reggae Survival' was recorded between Italy, the United States and Jamaica, and with 'Stalk Of Weed', recorded with Asham Band, the album even contains a Belgian touch. 'Joker Soundbwoy', a duet with Triston Palmer, is really just a revamp of Palmer's megahit 'Joker Smoker', in which the emphasis shifted from "joker smokers" to wannabe sound crews. The song was already released as a single prior to the release of the album and towers over the rest of the tracks on 'Reggae Survival', even though songs like opener 'Dread Inna Babylon' (of which you can also find an excellent dub version in the track list) or the aforementioned 'Stock Of Weed', an excellent ganja tune over the Engine 54 riddim, come pretty close. In addition to Triston Palmer, Raphael's compatriot Lion D also makes an appearance on 'Reggae Survival'; the excellent 'Who Dem A Pree' is an indictment against the increasing invasions of privacy in a society which is becoming more like George Orwell's '1984' every day. Even the skits between songs on 'Reggae Survival' are interesting and were handpicked by Raphael: afrobeat legend Fela Kuti gives his view on the word "democracy" and you'll also hear the inspiring and humble vision of Jose 'Pepe' Mujica (Uruguay's popular ex-president). Raphael rules!