Artist................... Gregory Isaacs
Album.................... Pardon Me!
Original Year............ 1992
Record Label............. RAS
Catalog Number........... 89701
Website ................. n/a
Rip Date................. 10-04-2007
Encoded with ............ lame 3.97 (final)
Release Type............. Reggae, CDDA
Size..................... 49,8 MB
Track Title
01. Kill Them With Music 02:56
02. Pardon Me 04:27
03. Pride And Dignity 03:42
04. Open Up Your Heart 04:05
05. House Of The Rising Sun 05:05
06. Judge And Jury 03:46
07. Mister Cop Featuring Macka B 05:34
08. Christmas Behind The Bars 03:50
09. Touch And Go 03:35
10. Your Heart Has Been Broken 04:20
Playtime................. 41:20 min
Release Notes:
Like a prism, over the years Gregory Isaacs has reflected virtually every
aspect of the contemporary Jamaican music scene, from bouncy reggae to
deepest roots, gentlest lovers rock to toughest dancehall. Pardon Me!,
however, is arguably his most vivacious, and the backing 809 band revel in
the opportunities, reeling out bright and brash accompaniments, all upbeat
and slathered with melody. Isaacs has reason to be in a grand mood, the
story of why begins with "Christmas Behind the Bars," a miserable place
indeed to spend the festive season. But none of that is reflected in the
breezy accompaniment, even as the singer recalls the indignities and
sorrows of his prison experience. For that's all behind him, since the
"Judge and Jury" found him not guilty, putting Isaacs in a celebratory
mood. No wonder then that even a run-in with "Mister Cop" can't dampen his
spirits, and it's left to guesting DJ Macka B to add a touch of gravidas
to the situation. That latter number is a splendid calypso-tinged recut of
Isaacs' 1976 Lee Perry produced classic, "House of the Rising Sun" is a
cover of the traditional blues masterpiece, the only somber song on the
set. It's also one of the stand-outs, boasting one of Isaacs' most
extraordinary performances. In a much lighter mood is the bouncy title
track, where the singer much to his embarrassment discovers he can't cover
the restaurant bill. Perhaps Isaacs' should be asking his date to open up
her wallet instead of begging her to "Open Up Your Heart". Besides, any
man who dedicates the heartfelt "Pride & Dignity" to his own mom, and
mothers everywhere, deserves to be cut some slack. By the time this album
is over you'll agree that Isaacs will indeed "Kill Them with Music," while
Dean Fraser is equally adept at slaying them with his sax. This song,
which kicks off the set, beautifully sets the stage with its infectious
melody, breezy backing, and sweet harmonies. Isaacs has released some
soul-less sets in recent years, but this irresistible album wipes the
slate clean.
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