Richie Spice 'Soothing Sounds: Acoustic' Receives Google Spotlight

Google Play, Google's massive global music forum, reveals they will spotlight Richie Spice's new album, Soothing Sounds: Acoustic, when the Tad's Record release debuts worldwide on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 .

Born Richell Bonner in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Spice AKA the Prince of Reggae, joins forces with Tad's Record and some of reggae's biggest hit-makers on this 15-track acoustic opus of socially-conscious, roots anthems that cement the prolific entertainer as a household name for reggae lovers, worldwide.

"I just wrapped a U.S. West Coast tour, spreading the vibes of the new album from Los Angeles to Seattle," Richie Spice discloses. "The reception and the enjoyment from all my longtime fans, and new ones, are utterly fulfilling. I'm full-joyed to be waving the reggae music flag to all corners of the world." Spice and his management are currently planning more shows to take his unplugged sounds of the new album to fans everywhere.  

First up is the live album showcase and official press launch in his homeland. Fans and media are invited to Richie Spice live in concert, unplugged and more, which will take place on the release day, Tuesday, October 23, at Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records Sports Club - the new hot spot for live band shows in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The showcase will unveil Richie Spice with his full-band for the first official presentation of the album to media and fans at home. Soothing Sounds: Acoustic is a masterpiece collection that is testament to the evolution of Richie Spice, showcasing an eclectic mix of musical elements that fuse classic reggae vibes with modern day acoustic rock, Spanish guitar, jazz and African drum beats. 

The first single, an uplifting call for unity titled "Free," is currently available on iTunes, and remains in heavy rotation in Jamaica and across reggae airwaves, worldwide. The video for "Free" debuted on television channels in Jamaica last month, and continues to garner traction for the growing classic. 

The second single "Crying," which depicts Spice's signature chanting-style as he conjures socially-conscious questions, is also enjoying airplay on radio, and is also currently available on iTunes. The "Crying" video was shot on location in Jamaica and will be released in the upcoming weeks. Other stellar tracks from this golden offering include "True Love," "My Heart" and "My Girl," acoustic spins on classics from Spice's esteemed catalog. 

Spice enlists help from some of reggae's top musicians, including Mitchum "Khan" Chin who co-produced the album, Robbie Shakespeare and Stephen "Lenky" Marsden. He also makes it a family affair with his brothers Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion on the collaboration "More Love." "Richie Spice's credibility as an artist of exceptional quality is obviously known and applauded and so, once again, we must say that it is our esteemed pleasure to be affiliated with such a great artist," states Tad Dawkins, President of Tad's Record.

VP Records Releases Strictly The Best Volumes 46 and 47

On December 4, VP Records releases Volumes 46 and 47 from their Strictly The Best series. Established in 1993, Strictly The Best is the longest-running annual reggae compilation in the business. Each fall, VP carefully chooses the most exclusive tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits.

This go-to compilation showcases the most buzz-worthy and talented artists and has been the proving ground for many of the genre’s biggest stars today. This year’s album covers are adorned with the illustrations by acclaimed Jamaica Observer cartoonist Clovis Brown. Each installment also includes a bonus disc spotlighting the series’ favorite throwback hits in spirit of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary.  

Strictly the Best Vol. 46 offers the smooth singer sounds that are currently heating up the clubs and radio airwaves in the Caribbean community. The set features roots and lover’s rock hits including the iconic Beres Hammond’s “Dancing Beauty,” Tarrus Riley’s “Lover’s Leap,” Etana’s “Start Over,” Christopher Martin’s “If I Were A Carpenter” and Gyptian’s “One More Night.” 

Strictly the Best Vol. 47 provides the season’s hottest Jamaican dancehall tunes that are banging in the streets. Highlights include “Summer Wave” from rising star Popcaan, “We Love Di Vibes” from untouchable I-Octane, “Bruk It Down” by dancehall don Mr. Vegas, “Stop Sign” from 2012 MOBO ‘Best Reggae Artist’ nominee Konshens, “Get Gal Easy” by the notorious Vybz Kartel, “How Deep Is Your Love” ft. Kelly Rowland off Sean Paul’s latest Tomahawk Technique album and three hits (“Some Bwoy,” “Psycho” and “Uncle Demon”) from Tommy Lee Sparta, one of most-talked about deejays at the moment. 
 
TRACK LISTING Strictly The Best 46 DISC 1 (Current Hits) 

1. The Return – Morgan Heritage 
2. Sound Alarm – Iba Mahr 
3. Reggae Music Again – Busy Signal 
4. Dancing Beauty – Beres Hammond 
5. Lover’s Leap – Tarrus Riley 
6. If I Were A Carpenter – Christopher Martin 
7. One More Night – Gyptian 
8. Start Over – Etana 
9. Fired Up Inside – Romain Virgo 
10. By My Side – Chino 
11. Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Jamelody 
12. That Girl – Jah Cure 
13. Africa – Freddie McGregor 

DISC 2 (Classic Hits) 

1. God Is Standing By – George Nooks 
2. Never Dis The Man - Sanchez 
3. Raid The Barn – Anthony B 
4. By His Deeds –V.C. 
5. Princess Gone – Jah Mason 
6. Love So Nice – Jr. Kelly 
7. Beautiful Lady – Gyptian 
8. Warrior Love – Etana 
9. Lonely Girl – Bascom X 
10. One More Night – Busy Signal 
11. Your Love Is My Love – Terry Linen 
12. Mus Come A Road – Mr. Vegas 

Strictly The Best 47 DISC 1 (Current Hits) 

1. Summer Wave – Popcaan 
2. We Love Di Vibes – I Octane 
3. Bruk It Down – Mr. Vegas 
4. Jump – RDX 
5. Stop Sign – Konshens 
6. Get Gal Easy – Vybz Kartel 
7. Rebel – Cherine Anderson featuring DI 
8. How Deep Is Your Love – Sean Paul featuring Kelly Rowland 
9. Some Bwoy – Tommy Lee Sparta 
10. La a Land – Aidonia 
11. Psycho – Tommy Lee Sparta 
12. No Long Talking – Bounty Killer 
13. Uncle Demon – Tommy Lee Sparta 

DISC 2 (Classic Hits) 

1. Hot Stepper – Ini Kamoze 
2. Them A Bleach – Nardo Ranks 
3. Poco Man Jam – Gregory Peck 
4. Down In Jamaica – Red Fox & Naturalee 
5. Blackboard – Beenie Man 
6. Faith – Tony Curtis 
7. Goggle – Tanya Stephens 
8. Go Go Wine – Captain Barkey 
9. Peanut Punch – Fabby Dolly 
10. Badman Forward – Ding Dong 
11. Sufferah – Bounty Killer 
12. Badmind – Capleton 
13. Kimbo King – Reggie Stepper

Marcia Griffiths & Friends Duet Album (Oct 30)

In honor of the Queen of Reggae’s legacy, Penthouse Records presents the double CD collection Marcia Griffiths and Friends on October 30 (VP). The album features 38 of her most memorable duets recorded for the island’s legendary recording studio and label.

When Marcia Griffiths first started singing in the 60s and early 70s she worked with a number of iconic producers including Studio One’s Coxsone Dodd and Sonia Pottinger. During the latter part of her career, she recorded primarily with famed Penthouse Studios.

Under the supervision of producer Donovan Germain, Marcia cranked out an unprecedented catalog of hit collaborations with reggae’s top artists like Beres Hammond, John Holt, Bunny Rugs, Bob Andy, Cutty Ranks, Buju Banton, Busy Signal, Tanya Stephens, Queen Ifrica, Lady G, Mikey Spice and Gentleman. For the first time, fans can listen to her most treasured duets during this very definitive time in her career.  

“From dancehall collaborations with Assassin and Busy Signal to songs featuring iconic singers like Gregory Isaacs to Beres Hammond, Marcia can do it all. She has the seamless ability to shine on every record while at the same time complementing the other vocalist,” states Donovan Germain. 

Hailed as the only Jamaican female vocalist to have chart-topping success in such a vast range of styles (doo-wop covers, rock steady, roots and funk), Marcia Griffiths’ versatility and willingness to adapt has worked to her advantage. From her international break as one of the I-Threes (Bob Marley’s iconic backing trio) to her chart-topping success with “Electric Boogie” (the 80s hit prompting the Electric Slide dance), the First Lady of Reggae's accomplishments have commanded royal respect throughout her 40-year plus career. 

TRACK LISTING DISC 1

1. Keeping It Real – with Busy Signal 
2. I See Love - with Buju Banton 
3. Desperate Lover - with Gentleman 
4. Love Is A Treasure (remix) - with Esco Levi 
5. Childish Games -with Buju Banton 
6. Dearest - with Sanchez 
7. Just You And Me - with Peetah Morgan 
8. Sense Of Purpose – with Bunny Rugs 
9. Knew You Were Waiting For Me –with Duane Stephenson 
10. When The Lights Are Low – with John Holt 
11. It’s Not Too Late – with Beres Hammond 
12. If You Give Me Your Heart –with Freddie McGregor 
13. Round And Round – with Queen Ifrica 
14. My Number One – with Gregory Isaacs 
15. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – with Da’Ville 
16. Riddim Affi Roll 
17. Oh No Not My Baby – with Zum-Jay 
18. Loving Jah – with Tony Rebel 
19. Want Love – with Tanya Stephens 

TRACK LISTING DISC 2 

1. Stand By Your Man – with Assassin 
2. If Only You Knew – with Mikey Spice 
3. All My Life – with Da’Ville 
4. Undying Love – with Anthony B 
5. A True – with Richie Stephens 
6. Woman – with Lady G 
7. Check It Out – with Tony Rebel, Cutty Ranks & Buju Banton 
8. Half Idiot – with Cutty Ranks 
9. Things Not So Right – with Tony Rebel 
10. Live On – with Beres Hammond 
11. Closer – with Buju Banton 
12. Really Together – with Bunny Rugs 
13. Give Me Your Loving – with Cutty Ranks 
14. It’s Not Funny – with Bunny Rugs 
15. Special Gift – with Lt. Stitchie 
16. Ebony & Ivory – with Bob Andy 
17. Stepping Out Of Babylon – Tony Rebel, Cobra, Beenie Man & Buju Banton 
18. What About That 
19. Ready To Go – with Tony

Gyptian EP Out

While Gyptian is prepping for his 2013 full-length studio album Sex, Love & Reggae, the award-winning singer shows his “True Colors” with Chevrolet and MTV Iggy and returns with the aptly abbreviated SLR EP - available tomorrow October 16 on VP Records. This six-song, digital-only selection is a spicy yet sweet mix of love songs.

Gyptian recently shot a video in Jamaica for the EP’s sensuous single “Overtime,” while his latest visual for “My Number One,” a powerful rendition of late Gregory Isaacs' song is currently circulating the blogosphere and TV. SLR also features the never-before-heard track “My Royal Love” and the stripped down smash "Wine Slow" (off the Rio riddim), which has received almost 2.5 million YouTube streams to date.  

In addition to the release of SLR EP, next week Gyptian will reveal his special rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." The cover was recorded last month at Jimi Hendrix's renowned Electric Lady Studios in Manhattan as part of the Chevrolet and MTV Iggy "Cover The World" partnership. 

Gyptian along with three other global musical artists (South Korea's Wonder Girls, Australia's Angus Stone, and America's All Time Low) were asked to bring their own regional flavor to this fan-selected song to celebrate the arrival of the 2013 Chevy Spark. The cover was produced by Rellee Hayden and will be revealed on www.covertheworld.com on Monday, October 22.