Augustus Pablo

The digital age is an era Pablo has struggled to keep up with. Despite his earlier work being renowned in Japan, the UK and even the U.S. (where, rare for a reggae musician, all his music was released domestically), the mysticism that made him famous is now passé. Instead, this collection focuses on digital steppers rhythms and almost entirely synthetic backgrounds. Old faves like "Java" have a snare drum thwack on the two and four that was absent from its original version. Pablo's wonderful harmonies and sense of arrangement are still there, and his melodica playing is surprisingly steadier than in years past. Also, just because it's digital doesn't mean it's harsh as all that; it's partly mastered off vinyl and also warmed up by the process that glues its digital sounds together. When he hits on wonderful new/old hybrids like "Credential Instrumental," you can hear all the elements coming together. If this isn't classic Pablo, it's more than worthy for fans.