Reggae review: Micharl Arkk – Easier Said
June 26th 2006 07:31
I like Michael Arkk’s voice a lot. It has a haunting quality – a wail to it that adds feeling to what he is singing about. It is the best element of the album, which is a good and important thing on a solo artist’s album. Unfortunately though, the album isn’t backed up by interesting music. It is restricted to the one drop roots reggae beat, which isn’t necessarily the problem, but nearly every backing track does sound similar. It has an electronic feel to it – very much inspired by tracks such as “I show you how to reggae” by Soulful Dynamics or Billy Ocean’s Can You Feel It. It’s a shame because songs like Wheel and Dance, where they do have a different feel to them, a bit more dance friendly, just sound like they are backed by a drum machine and a casio keyboard.
It’s such a shame, but I just can’t get past the fact this album sounds like it comes from a time when reggae was at its weakest. This type of reggae was popular for a time, but I think this popularity was on the back of some stronger artists, in that people wanted to hear anything resembling reggae at all. The thing is thought, that it wasn’t strong enough to keep people’s attention.
To me Michael Arkk’s voice is wasted on this album not because it is underused but because it is isn’t supported. Due to the way the backing music was recorded I would say, but I would also like to see some more variety in his songs. More of them could well do with a feeling one of the instruments is driving the songs. When you have this, such as in No Dream, where the bass line is more interesting and dominant, you have a much more appealing song. This song is the pick of the tracks. The third track, Dark Red is another decent track for a similar reason - the bass isn’t drowned out in the mix like many of the tracks. I would definitely prefer the recording to be raw than have the electronic wash over it that it seemingly does.
http://www.michaelarkk.com
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Comment by Anonymous
Your comments show your self inflated ego. Obviously you hold and extremely biased opinion.
Not one shared thankfully by the public at large.
Your blog clearly announces your apparent jealousy of Michael's talent,
and has severely clouded your judgment.
Michael Arkk's newest CD, "Easier Said", displays the exceptional talent of the artist, the
musicians, as well as the production company.
Michael Arkk has obviously spent his time wisely.
In the time honored tradition of honing his skills,
Michael clearly shows a devotion to his craft.
Due in large part to blogs like yours, the general public is forced
to digest the bilious canned music produced today!
Comment by Glen
Reggae
I doubt the general public are forced to do anything but if they are, perhaps you (whoever you are) are suggesting bands such as the Aggrolites, the Pioneers, Alton Ellis, Mikey Dread etc etc (who I have referred to ) are part of the billious canned music produced today as you suggest. I don't like it and as a fan of reggae, my opinion counts for as much as yours and this blog is merely an expression of that opinion based on the music presented to me.
Comment by Andy
I don't think that Glen demonstrated anywhere that he is either "in charge" or has a "self inflated ego". Anonymous user however seems to think that he/she knows the opinion of the public at large. Personally I must admit that I am not so much a fan of roots style reggae as I am of the other sub-genres - this is mainly due to the musical features Glen mentioned in his review. I know that if I listened to roots more, I will be able to pick out its subtleties that does attract listeners, but until then in my opinion, the music does tend to sound the same to my ear.
Glen is simply giving his opinion and thats what readers like myself are interested in.