Yellowman Rides Again

King Yellow saddles up and rides into the sunset on this superb album that reunites the DJ with old cohorts the Roots Radics. The Radics backed Yellowman on a slew of hits earlier in the decade, all overseen by Henry "Junjo" Lawes. Now, however, Dr. Dread and Brad Klein are at the controls, and their clean production brings out the melody-drenched side of the band. The bouncy, upbeat riddims are occasionally at odds with the seriousness of some of Yellow's subjects, notably on the homage to the late and great "In Memory Of." But it works perfectly for "AIDs," insuring that the DJ's strong warning is wrapped in such an infectious melody, it will not be soon forgotten. Most of the riddims are based on classic rocksteady hits, from the Uniques' "My Conversation," which fuels the inspired version "Ease Up President Botha," another strong cultural cut, to the Heptones' "Get in the Groove," whose gorgeous melody spills across "Pretty Girl." "Want a Virgin" initially sounds like it came from these halcyon days as well, until the Radics slyly show their hand with a reggae-fied version of the '60s pop hit "Windy." Incidentally, it bears no resemblance, bar theme, to the song of the same name that appeared on Yellow's 1987 Don't Burn It Down album. Augustus Pablo provides organ and melodica, notably on the militant, Far Eastern "Girl You're Too Hot," and the riddims alone are worth the price of admission. The DJ, regardless of no longer riding so high at home, still shows top form here. The cultural cuts are all standouts, while Yellow is as entertaining as ever fighting off his female fans, as he snags every "Pretty Girl" in sight. Well, "Boys Just Want to Have Fun," and with King Yellow riding in, a grand time will be had by all. ~ Jo-Ann Greene|