Collie Buddz was born in New Orleans, and moved to his mother’s home of Bermuda at the age of five when his father passed away.  ”Come Around” came out in 2006, and since then I’ve seen it get consistent positive reactions in the clubs.  I have to say that this record and “Blind To You” are two of my favorite modern reggae joints out there.  Finally the herbs come around.

Collie Buddz – Come Around

I was listening to Angie interview Wyclef today on Hot97 on my ride to the studio, and I was really glad I caught it.  This man seems to be ready to dedicate the upcoming years of his life entirely to rebuilding Haiti.  He emphasized the fact that pretty soon the hype is going to die down, along with the aid.  Haiti is going to experience deadly droughts in resources for years, and Wyclef encouraged people to store away goods to send in the later stages of the relief effort.  After the interview they cut to “No Woman, No Cry,” which seemed to take on a whole different meaning this time around.  Do what you can; make a donation, gather food and clothing … make a difference.

The Fugees – No Woman, No Cry

Jimmy Cliff’s appearance in the movie The Harder They Come, and his contribution to the soundtrack, helped popularize reggae music across the world.  His music heavily influenced the career of that guy on your posters, Bob Marley.  He was recently announced as a 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

“So as sure as the sun will shine.  I’m gonna get my share now of what’s mine.”

Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come

Songs like this give you a look inside the mind of lead singer Bradley Nowell, who’s lifestyle and experiences led to great music, and eventually his untimely death from overdose.  Raw emotions write the best records – pain and suffering from addiction included.  Sublime is a special type of band that has been often imitated, but never duplicated.

“If you only knew all the love I found … It’s hard to keep my soul on the ground.”

Sublime – Garden Grove

When attending university in Canada, my roommate put me onto his friend’s band, Bedouin Soundclash. We went to see them live a bunch of times in small venues, and these guys always did their thing.  They play a reggae style sound, sing very tight harmonies, and were all masters at their respective instruments. “When the Night Feels My Song” was off of their 2005 album entitled Sounding A Mosaic. Since then, the drummer Pat Pengelly (far right) has left the band, leaving behind guitarist/lead vocalist Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair.  Great guys, great musicians, I wish them the best.

Bedouin Soundclash – When The Night Feels My Song