The Roots Reggae Library brings to you Reggae music in unique collections. This edition features the Twinkle Brothers. The Twinkle Brothers have a large discography, making it hard to find a way through it. The Roots Reggae Library provides a clear path through the jungle. With many singles additions and a unique indexation.
The Twinkle Brothers are Norman and Ralston Grant. They form a group together with Eric Barnard, Karl Hyatt and Albert Green. They made music from the start of the Reggae era up until now. Their discography contains forty two albums, and can be considered very extensive. Due to the enormous amount of songs produced by the Twinkle Brothers it might be that I am missing a track or two. I would be delighted for anyone to point this out, and provide me with the tracks.
Twinkle Brothers - Do
Your Own Thing
01. Don't Let It End
02. Do Your Own Thing
03. Grandma
04. Miss World
05. Take What You've Got
06. It's Not Who You Know
07. The Best Is Yet To Come
08. Sweet Young Thing
09. Hooked On A Feeling
10. The Sweeter She Is
11. Somebody Please Help Me
Not the first studio album
that the Twinkle Brothers recorded, as the first two albums I present here are
collections of singles they recorded before recording Rasta Pon Top. There is a nice mix of some Rocksteady and
early Reggae tunes. The duo sounds very young on 'Don't Let It End'. It fits
to be the first track on the first album, as they sing "don't let it end,
let it begin". Quite a lot of their songs would be focused on love at the beginning, whereas later they will switch to a basis of Rastafari. So yes, it does begin right here. 'Do Your Own
Thing' originally features on the Miss Labba Labba album.
Since I've chosen for this album to be the Do Your Own Thing album,
the track is on this playlist. The
emotional song 'Grandma' comes right after. Both grandma and
grandpa get a say through the voice of their grandchildren. This is the first time to hear that the Twinkle Brothers have great potential. This song is a
rarity, as well as 'Miss World' which follows. Just like the
first song on this album it is a love song. The audio qualities of the songs on this album are mixed, as these songs are all singles. The riddle and lyrics of 'Take
What You've Got' are herald of what will follow later from the Twinkle
Brothers, who were to become true masters of the Reggae genre. "We are all one brothers from
one father" is what we hear them sing on 'It's Not Who You Know'. "You can not plea for yourself alone". Harmonious they follow up with 'The Best Is Yet To Come', "what
you see is what you get". Well believe me, the best is indeed yet to come of this Reggae group. Again addressing a girl, a girl that makes them
lose their cool, 'Sweet Young Thing'. Quite a bit of crack sounds
when 'Hooked On A Feeling' sets in, which is a rather short
track. "I didn't ask to fall in love with you", but apparently it was
impossible to resist, singing 'The Sweeter She Is'. Whereas in the
next song the Twinkle Brothers were hurt, left alone, and ask 'Somebody
Please Help Me', "to find my love". I hope you are warmed up for a long list of albums. This is the first of forty two albums.
Twinkle Brothers - Anti-Apartheid
01. Stop That Skanking
02. Where Do They Play
03. Room Full All Full
04. Feel It To Know It
05. No Big Thing
06. Village Ram
07. Happy Song
08. Collie Festival
09. Big Tree
10. Friends
This album falls
in the same category as the last. It is a collection of singles, released
previous to the release of Rasta Pon Top. Again the audio
quality is lacking some perfection here and there. The first two albums are an
exception in this sense, as most albums that follow have strong coherence in
their sound, as well as lyrics. Sister is rather naughty, and is asked to 'Stop
That Skanking'. Lyrically this song resembles the Ska period, being rather
ironic. A lot more serious is 'Where Do They Play', where nothing
is safe and this world needs to become a better place in the interest of the
youth. Another message in 'Room Full All Full', a message against
racism. The Twinkle Brothers would often speak up for the world to unite.
"Hit me with music", because 'Who Feels It Knows It' and
that's no joke about it. 'Who Feels It Knows It' was a line by The Wailers as
well and it would later be turned into a hit by Rita Marley. I am very fond of
this track, it is very powerful. "Some
like it hard, but we like it better when its full of soul". The dramatic
opening of 'No Big Thing' is
different from the rest of the song which is quite calm. Exactly the same beat
we heard on 'Stop That Skanking' sounds for 'Village Ram'. Being the village ram sounds like a tough duty. Much
brighter they feel playing the 'Happy Song', which indeed is very happy. Keep your smile on your
face for the 'Collie Festival'. They
announce it a simple song, but it is very neat. However, it is one of those
songs with an inferior sound quality. The same as The Wailers did, the Twinkle Brothers sing about the 'Big Tree', Then they tell
us about 'Friends' in the last song
I've selected for this Anti-Apartheid album. Forty
albums to come, of which only just one more was created exclusively for the
Roots Reggae Library. But many albums have bonus songs added or other twigs and
tweaks that make them special.
Twinkle Brothers - Rasta Pon Top
01. Give Rasta Praise
02. Natty Dread Up Town
03. Jah Jah Gonna
Get You
04. Barabas
05. Rasta Pon Top
06. Beat Them Jah Jah
07. African Liberation
08. Different Kind Of World
09. Big Bam Bam
10. It Gwine Dreada
This album is originally the
first album that the Twinkle Brothers released. I am in love with the full album. What a marvellous sound! 'Give Rasta Praise has a groovy Reggae
beat and nice chants such as "keep cool like cucumber" and
"father of all iration,
supreme over every nation". Of course the intention is to praise Jah Rastafari.
A bit faster comes the beat of 'Natty Dread Up Town'. And not only
uptown, but in the rural areas too. "You can't stop dread now, you hear what I say, you been trying for such a long time". The enchanting 'Jah Jah Gonna Get You', as you can't hide
or run from Jah, no matter where
you go. Lovely bass line in this tune too. Going on to tell the biblical story
of Jesus and 'Barabas', the Twinkle Brothers live up to delivering a brilliant Reggae album.
'Barabas' starts out calm, but has a very strong chorus. Their choice of word
emphasis is mightily. The same can be said for the title song, a great tune as
well, 'Rasta Pon Top', "the
wicked ago drop". "This time won't be like the last time", no it
will be the first time. They used to treat our parents awfully, but no longer I say! 'Beat Them Jah Jah' refers
to those who use religion as a meaningless excuse, who should be punished. "You come in the name of Jah to fool the nation". "Too much lip service, time for action".Growing your wealth and ignoring your health is not a good thing. The beautiful
entrance of 'African Liberation' can't be ignored by anyone.
This track would later proof worthy of a retake, as we will find later. The
recording of 'Different Kind Of World' sounds old, not
necessarily a bad thing. The tune is the first of three calmer tracks to end
this album. 'Big Bam Bam' is
the second as the Twinkle Brothers weep and wail in a jamdown land. "You never see smoke
without fire" in 'It Gwine Dreada'. "Society them no know whah gwaan". I feel this is the most important album up until now that I have presented. The first two were simply to join the little hits released as singles. Rasta Pon Top however is a full scale Reggae album that is great in every aspect.
Twinkle Brothers - Miss Labba Labba
01. Miss Labba Labba
02. It's Not What You Know
03. Different Strokes
04. Feeling Irie
05. Too Late
06. There Is No Peace
07. Self Praise
08. Jah Army
09. Love, Sweet Love
10. Down Came The Rain
This album starts out with the
title track 'Miss Labba Labba',
"see and blind, hear and deaf". Wise lessons, as you've got to
"clean up your own backyard before you talk about your neighbours".
Then a retake of the song we heard on Do Your Own Thing, which
is 'It's Not What You Know', which was labelled 'It's Not Who You
Know' the last time around. The chant "'Different Strokes' for
different folks" is very strong. Happy twinkling tunes for 'Feeling
Irie'. It is debatable how "irie"
should be written. The cover of the album has it written as "iry", but the Roots Reggae Library likes
to standardise things slightly. "Some a drink rum, them a tumble down.
Some a lick pipe, them feel alright". We slow down the rhythm for 'Too
Late', "you better take what you get". There is a time for
everything, such as love, hate, to give and to take. Right now we would like to
have some time for peace. But 'There Is No Peace' to be found.
A vibrant tune sounds to give us 'Self Praise'. It is not a
recommendation to praise yourself. It is better to be humble and let others be
the ones who praise you. Soldiers of Jah,
the Twinkle Brothers are part of 'Jah Army'. They want us to know,
as they keep on repeating this. The piano plays the first tunes of the love
song that is about to follow next, the piano soon makes way for the guitar riff
of 'Love, Sweet Love'. Not mentioned in the title is
besides love, the Twinkle Brothers are eager for peace as well in this song.
Love will find a way in 'Down Came The Rain' too, no matter
how tough the path towards it. Jah is
on our side and he makes life worth living. As I have mentioned before,
the track 'Do Your Own Thing' has been moved from this album onto the album
carrying the name Do Your Own Thing.
Twinkle Brothers - Love
01. Free Africa
02. Solid As A Rock
03. Watch The Hypocrites
04. Love
05. Distant Drums
06. I Love You So
07. Then Came You (ft. Elaine Taylor)
08. Shame Shame Shame (ft. Elaine Taylor)
09. Love Time
10. All Over Me
The Love album
of the Twinkle Brothers is not presented in its original form. Quite a number
of the songs that are originally on this album are on Praise Jah, the album that follows, as well. And
They were recorded on Praise Jah with
a better quality. "Black man it is time to know your history. That it is
Africa we come from and at there we a go forward", fighting for black
liberation in Angola and Zimbabwe, so 'Free Africa'! The high tunes that
the melody switches to at the end of the track is a neat choice. Jah teaches love and wisdom in 'Solid
As A Rock'. It is the same song that The Tartans once sang.
Their track can be found on Awake The Town, an exclusive album on
the Roots Reggae Library. Fighting one another for vanity, without love for
humanity, Jah has got to 'Watch
The Hypocrites'. "They don't know love for humanity". The title
track 'Love' tells us that only love can conquer, and war is
not the answer. The exciting and thrilling feeling of love is the best thing
there is, according to the Twinkle Brothers. "You can't make love without Jah in your heart". The opening
rhythm of 'I Love You So' to me falls in the same category as
the opening rhythm of 'Hearsay' by The Gladiators on Trenchtown Mix Up. The quality of 'I Love
You So' may be poor, but the song is strong. 'Distant Drums' is
a bit more boring. We then start with the additional songs on the album,
unique on the Roots Reggae Library. If I may be free to say this about my
own inclusions, they all fit the album title perfectly, being all love
songs. 'Baby I've Been Missing You' is a wonderful sweet
track. On the next two tracks we hear a female voice, which is that of Elaine
Taylor. "I never knew love before, 'Then Came You'"!
Norman Grant and Elaine Taylor form a good vocal duo. The rhythm of 'natty
Dread Up Town' is being used for 'Shame Shame Shame'. As said, we
hear Elaine Taylor once more. Although you probably thought it had already
started, we hear that 'Love Time' has now begun. "Let Jah love come tumbling down 'All
Over Me' now" is what the Twinkles ask. Jah is the rock of Gibraltar, as we heard
on 'Solid As A Rock'. Geert van Empel was able to smoothen the right side of the album art,
of which it is hard to find a good quality version.
Twinkle Brothers - Praise Jah
01. Praise Jah
02. King Pharoah
03. Africa
04. Dread In The Ghetto
05. Jahoviah
06. Keep On Trying
07. Shu Be Dup
08. In This Time
09. Gone Already
10. Come Home
11. Give Rasta Praise
Praise Jah is a worthwhile album, with some songs recorded
that had previously been recorded on Love. But since those songs
where substituted for other love songs on the previous album, you will hear
them for the first time on Praise Jah.
"Give Jah the
praise", unmistakeably the title song, 'Praise Jah'. This song
is dedicated to Jah, and to Jah alone. Jah will burn 'King Pharoah' with
brimstone and fire. The Egyptian king will feel it, no matter where he tries to
hide. All black men come from 'Africa', and as we heard on 'Free
Africa' on the previous album, it is where we should go back to. "I was
born in the ghetto, the ghetto is where I'm from", 'Dread In The
Ghetto'. "The ghetto is where I belong". No food, naked children,
no being able to go to school. Those are the harsh realities of the ghetto. Wadahda, King Alpha, the Lion of Judah, 'Jahoviah',
or simply Jah. This 'Jahoviah' is a
beautiful cry to Jah. He is the
rock of Gibraltar, and is I & I saviour. And Jah tells us to 'Keep On Trying' and to
never give up hope. And when you don't succeed, you should be trying again. Succes will finally come your way, as
long as you keep on trying. A very motivational song and the message is similar
to 'Not Gonna Give It Up' of Peter Tosh. A bit less
serious is 'Shu Be Dup'. Be a master at your art, don't settle for
a second place. Jerusalem, Jamaica, weeping and wailing, terrible and
dreadful 'In This Time'. In Jerusalem all prophets were killed, and
Jamaica let Marcus Garvey run away. "Now is the time we should live as one",
so "stop your fuss and fight". All brothers and sisters should pay
attention to the song 'Gone Already', which is sung by Ralston Grant. After all we might see the
light together, once we unite. It's summertime so 'Come Home'. One
out of a hundred was lost in the hills far away, we are told. A different
version of 'Give Rasta Praise' then
the one we heard on Rasta Pon Top. So again "chant
down Babylon rage".
Twinkle Brothers - Countrymen
01. I Don't Want To Be Lonely
Anymore
02. Pattoo
03. Never Get Burn
04. Free Us
05. Jah Kingdom Come
06. Since I Throw The Comb
Away
07. One Head
08. Bite Me
09. Babylon Falling
10. God Bless The Youths
Rastafari! A very good album of the Twinkle Brothers is about to follow.
This album is the build-up to another three brilliant albums that follow. Of
course there is a lot more to be found throughout their library, but be sure to
listen to Countrymen. 'I Don't Want To Be Lonely Anymore' is
a cry for companionship. The title is pretty much self-explaining. Marenda Douglas
tells me that 'Pattoo' is the name for an owl in Jamaica.
Being called pattoo means you have done something foolish. So this
family Pattoo lives in darkness, and lacks awareness. Daniel was
thrown in the lion's den, but never eaten. Shedrack, Meshad and Abendigo were
thrown in the furnace but them 'Never Get Burn'. The story has been
used in Reggae, take for example 'Abendigo' from The Abyssinians on
their legendary Satta Massagana album. "The whole
world is mourning", and the Twinkle Brothers mourn with us. We hear a frog
like sound throughout 'Free Us', "set us
free". "Babylon your kingdom fall down" because 'Jah
Kingdom Come'. Practise what you preach and teach the children the truth.
The core track of the album is 'Since I Throw The Comb Away'. Since
Norman Grant let his dreads grow he has been the black sheep of the family. His
live gets a lot tougher all of a sudden. The police on his heels and his job in
jeopardy. Also a very popular song at live concerts. Let it stick in your head,
'Since I Throw The Comb Away'. With or without dreads, you have only 'One
Head', "so take good care of it". Don't loose it or toxicate it
with bad wine or bad herb. The trembling vibe of the next song brings one of my
personal favourites, 'Bite Me'. Doing anything for his darling
"I'll climb the highest mountain, swim the deepest sea, shark and
barracuda all around me. I'll go where you send me, even in the swamp honey,
crocodile and alligator 'round me". One of the best example of Reggae
providing worthwhile love songs. Another suitable title would have been 'Call
On Me'. As we heard on 'Jah Kingdom Come', 'Babylon Falling'.
Because "every move Babylon make, is a wrong move I say'. You should be
staying in the countryside, because Babylon is in the city. This is where the
name of the album comes from. From sitting at the mountaintop, seeing Babylon
falling to praising Jah, because 'God Bless The Youth'. This
last track is a single that I have added to this album. On the original album
you will find a dub of 'Free Us' instead.
Twinkle Brothers - Me No You
01. Me No You, You No Me
02. Make Everyone Happy
03. Stealing
04. Africa For The Africans
05. Longing For You
06. Constipated People
07. Stomach Sick
08. Trouble Deh Yah
09. Beautiful Jamaica
10. Don't Turn Your Back On Us Jah Jah
11. Magnet
The full name of this album is You
No Me - Me No You, like the first track on the album. The album continues
where the previous had left of one year earlier. 'Me No You, You No Me',
we are all different beings. A haunting start of the album. Don't throw stones
if you live in a glass house, ask Lucky Dube or Peter Tosh about
it. And "cow never know the use of him tail", something The Gladiators know more about. Why don't you 'Make Everyone Happy'?
Some are living a big live and others die every night. Wouldn't it be nice if
all screw faces were erased, by giving "some of who got enough and give it
to the less fortunate people". My favourite on the album is definately 'Stealing'. The amazing
thing that after sending all of the music from the Twinkle Brothers to a close
friend, Floris Jansen, the first track he mentioned to enjoy particularly was
this song. Realising that this track is about friendship makes it even better.
Stealing mangoes to sell to white men, to earn money to go to the movies.
"It takes ambition to grow up to be a respectable man". 'Africa
For The Africans' at home and abroad. It is what Marcus Garvey said,
and the Twinkle Brothers tell us once more. Find myself praying and crying for
you, 'Longing For You', "I'd do anything for you". Listen
carefully and you will hear the frog-like sound again. Wrongdoers, inequity
workers and 'Constipated People', "with their constipated
minds". Yes "their mind is so corrupted, they don't deal with nothing
constructive". Whereas 'Constipated People' is a slow and steady track, 'Stomach
Sick' is much more up-tempo. "Me no like what a gwaan, to much corruption". That is why
"me stomach sick, I want' vomit". Bad feelings and bad vibes in both
'Constipated People' and 'Stomach Sick', as well as 'Truble De Yah'.
The Twinkle Brothers would rather not end up in a jail or hospital. After all
these sad vibes and worries we need a more upfull track,
don't we? "There's an island across the sea, 'Beautiful Jamaica'.
Lyrically we are reminded a bit of Bunny Wailer who sang 'Dreamland' for The Wailers in
both Ska and Rocksteady rhythms.
On the Roots Reggae Library you find two additions to this album. First is the
single 'Don't Turn Your Back On Us Jah Jah'.
The title explains pretty much what the Twinkle Brothers want to ask. As
nations are doomed to repeat their past mistakes, the Twinkle Brothers ask the
hand of God. Because "where there is a will, there has got to be a
way". 'Magnet' is also a loose single, meant for
describing a girl that has the power to hold a man without apparent physical
strength.
Twinkle Brothers - Underground
01. The World Was One
02. Underground
03. Set Some Example
04. Battlefield
05. Ghetto Life
06. African Nation Come
Together
07. War Is Not The Answer
08. Hell Break Loose
09. Sodom And Gomorrah
10. It Was A Vision I Had
Trust me, not a bad song on
this album. All of these ten tracks are masterpieces. The album is very
coherent in its theme. "In the day one, when Jah mad man", 'The World Was One', from
Jamaica to Africa, from America to Russia. But Jah Jah had
to change his style, so he seperated us
with water and language barriers. From England to New Zealand and from Japan to Iceland. Now
the earth is like a jigsaw puzzle. And who doesn't like the 'Underground' rhythm
is not a fan of Reggae. Travelling underground, catching the train, taking a
plain, at the railway station, in their fancy jackets, so many different faces.
Everyone minding their own business, but somebody has got to 'Set Some
Example' for the youths to follow. What a beautiful cry it is. From
the underground to the frontline,
the warzone, yes, we are living on
a 'Battlefield'. Time to address the world leaders, peace
makers and war mongers that this can not go on for much longer. Rumours of war
have become a reality. Walking down the alley of ghetto avenue, looking around,
realising that "nothing has changed, things have still remained the
same". Children are still living the 'Ghetto Life'. Continuing
along the lines of 'Battlefield' we hear 'African Nation Come Together'.
Not only to stop the war and to be free, but also to build up the African
economy. But most importantly to stop the battlefield, because 'War Is
Not The Answer', "it's only love can conquer". "America and
Russia them have a plan, so they build nuclear weapon, they build atomic bomb,
but it can't stop this ya one". They should rather spend their money on
feeding the hungry and naked ones. If we continue the way we have started, then
Satan will make sure that all 'Hell Break Loose'. The King of
Babylon, Lucifer, King Pharoah and
their followers will spread famine and make this world a living hell and it
will be like the days of 'Sodom And Gomorrah'. Jah will not come with water but with
fire. "We don't want no more Sodom and Gomorrah on ya". Pollution and
destruction in this world, all made by man. Boing, boing, boing, 'It
Was A Vision I Had', about you baby. A vision of making love, sweet love.
"I went to bed with you on my mind and chucked down I was stown into your valley". To bad it
was only a fantasy.
Twinkle Brothers - Burden
Bearer
01. There Is No Peace
02. Faith Can Move Mountain
03. Jah Jah Gonna
Get You
04. Unemployment
05. Burden Bearer Moet wat harder met adobe
06. African Liberation
07. Let The Music Play
08. Don't Jump The Fence
09. The Dollar
10. Africa Must Be Free
The Burden Bearer album
is the first occasion on which the Twinkle Brothers play a number of songs
again, as new versions of their older counterparts. On Miss Labba Labba they
also sang that 'There Is No Peace'. Six years later there is still
not enough peace. A very strong 'Faith Can Move Mountain' again
mentions the story that was told in 'Never Get Burn' in order to exemplify the
strength of faith. You can run wherever you want to, but in the end 'Jah Jah Gonna Get You' in case you
are guilty. "Some of them are wolf inna sheep
clothing". You can run to countries such as America, Canada or
England. When I first introduced myself to the Twinkle Brothers, 'Unemployment' was
my first real favourite track. It will remain in that category forever.
"Devaluation of the dollar make prices get higher" and "today
you drink wine like water, tomorrow you drink but a water". Because the
time is hard, and it will only get rougher. And it will not be the last time
that the Twinkle Brothers will sing about the dollar. As I have mentioned
before, they are very coherent in the songs in their albums. Down here in
Babylon, the whole world is on the shoulders of the 'Burden Bearer'.
But if Jah wants it to be, so
let it be. A keen listener knows that 'African Liberation' was
also played on Rasta Pon Top. A call for the strength of
the motherland. But this new version is definitely worth the recording. A
relatively short track follows, that shouts 'Let The Music Play' "from
over the government housing scheme". The rhythm is rocking, "so let
we rock this ya session" on 'Don't Jump The Fence', which we
will hear again on another album later on. "Mind what you're doing",
"we don't want no war on ya". The Twinkle Brothers are good in
writing strong Reggae lines, and they present more in 'The Dollar'.
"United we stand and divided we fall", so "don't make the dollar
separate us, keep us apart, fighting one another". It was prophecised that 'Africa Must Be Free' by
the year 1983, which you will hear from many a Reggae artist. The Twinkle
Brothers mention Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Angola. So
let all these countries be free from their misery and from foreign domination.
Twinkle Brothers - Enter
Zion
01. I
02. Informa
03. Enter Zion
04. One Little Girl
05. Change Your Ways
06. Your Oil Runs Out
07. Home In Zion
08. Get Trap
09. No Loving Tonight
10. Let Me Come Over
Enter Zion on a variation of the 'Give Rasta Praise' rhythm to bring us 'I',
"I who have nothing" and "I who have no one". Having lost
his woman and not being able to find a job, moving to the city, Norman feels
depressed and all alone. Watch out and beware because there might be an 'Informa' in
the area. They are amongst us but they don't show it. These informers don't
belong in the category of the next song. "If you want to 'Enter
Zion' you've got to be a mighty lion". As we had heard on 'I', a
girl recently left Norman. But this 'One Little Girl' has such
sweet lips, warm arms, is so gentle and meek. He wants her to come back because
he still loves her, she is the only girl for him in this whole wide world.Maybe
the only way to accomplish that is to 'Change Your Ways'. And if
you don't change your way, Jah Jah is gonna get you. He is gonna shook
you with lightning, thunder, fire and earthquake. The singing in this song is
very good. Imagine this earth without oil. So yes now, "what you gonna do
when 'Your Oil Runs Out'?" Fundamentally a good question, and
a good Reggae track to go along with it. We wiull have
a huge crisis when the oil reserves run out indeed. There is no place for the
weak hearted, no 'Home In Zion' for those not willing to join Jah army. Working for Jah we should make sure that we do find
ourselves 'Get Trap' inna Babylon
net. Love at first sight, it would be so nice to kiss and caress tonight.
Waiting all week for this night to happen. "Lick me belly pon your tambourine", like Bob Marley said
in 'Walk The Proud Land'. But I am afraid that there will be 'No
Loving Tonight', so we've got to wait until tomorrow. The first seconds of 'Let
Me Come Over' originally comprise a false start. I have made sure that
the originally sound stayed intact, but giving it a different effect not to
ruin the start completely. Musically this is a strange track.
Twinkle Brothers - The
Right Way
01. The Right Way
02. His Imperial Majesty
03. Marcus Garvey
04. Jungle
05. Let I Go
06. Let Jah In
07. Robot
08. Can't Change Again
09. Don't Jump The Fence
10. Everybody Needs Somebody
This is originally not a full
album Twinkle Brothers album. Only the first five tracks belong on The
Right Way and the other five are singles which I have added. Here the
uniqueness of the Roots Reggae Library becomes apparent again. 'The
Right Way' is a haunting track. "It's not the food that you eat
but the words from your mouth", "you've got to walk the right
way". I like this track a lot. I like the whole album a lot, to be honest.
Praise Jah Rastafari, 'His Imperial Majesty',
Israel King and Israel God, "make a joyful noise unto Jah". But besides praising Selassie we
should also not forget one of the greatest Jamaicans to ever roam the earth,
brother 'Marcus Garvey'. We must never forget him, and neither the
story of his life. He was sent to prison and deported. He went on to become one
of the symbols for Rastas. He said
that "Africa is for the Africans, at home and abroad" as well as
"black man will never know himself until his back is against the
wall". The Twinkle Brothers come with more statements, saying that this
world is like a 'Jungle' where only the fittest of the fittest
will survive. This is caused by the economy, where the rich man has no pitty, and unemployment is a burden upon the
poor man in this concrete jungle. Babylon, we want to go home, so 'Let
I Go' to Africa, our father's land. "You told me it's better to
give than to receive", Norman has listened so let him go. We then switch
to the part of the album which is brought to you by the Roots Reggae Library
and the Roots Reggae Library alone. "Open up the door to your heart and 'Let Jah In'", "I'm a taurus, you are a gemini". And after that another brilliant, astonishing
track. "I'm no 'Robot', robot, robot, you can't come program
I". Don't listen to anything else of the Twinkle Brothers if this is not
of your likening. Myself, I can listen to this track over and over again. For
no fifty hundred thousand dollar Norman Grant will kill his brethren. The sweet 'Can't
Change Again' further describes his nature. We have heard 'Don't
Jump The Fence' previously on Burden Bearer, but this time it listens
to a different tune and the quality is a bit better. The album will then end
with 'Everybody Needs Somebody', somebody to love, a song made
popular by the Blues Brothers.
Twinkle Brothers - Kilimanjaro
01. The System
02. Zulu Dawn
03. All Things Are Possible
04. Mermer Not
05. Kilimanjaro
06. My Girl
07. Come We Go Party
08. Famine
09. Melancholy
10. Gully
Twinkle Brothers - Breaking
Down The Barriers
01. Breaking Down The Barriers
02. Urban Babylon
03. Truths And Rights
04. You Nice
05. Just Like That
06. Don't Let It Happen To You
07. We Nah Stop Burn Ganja
08. Secure Your Love
09. So Many Things To Do
10. Madman
"Open up the get and let me through, cause if you don't I'm gonna knock your walls down", 'Breaking Down The Barriers', the walls of Jericho. I have to warn that the audio quality of this album is not extremely good. The same could be said for some of the tracks on The Right Way. On that album we heard about the 'Jungle', the concrete jungle. Here we hear about 'Urban Babylon'. Nothing is changing, Babylon still rules the cities. "I won't see and blind, hear and deaf" because "I will die, I will die for 'Truths And Rights'. A strong track, its message comes through quite bright. Very different is 'You Nice', which is about the love for a woman. A woman who hypnotises with her sexy body. "You take my love for granted and my kindness for weakness". Trying to do something about it, 'Just Like That'. And after that even more strangely they bring 'Don't Let It Happen To You'. "You've got to know where you are coming from to know where you're going", otherwise you are like a tree without roots. So have some knowledge of your past. Then the beginning of "I said we nah, we nah, 'We Nah Stop Burn Ganja', no no!" The message is clear, marijuana will be burnt by Rastas until the very end. Together with 'Truths And Rights' the most worthwhile song on this album. If you like each other it is important to 'Secure Your Love'. You've got to keep your fire burning so "you've got to push more wood to the fire, to keep the love fire blazing". Norman admits to having cheated, having lied, and admits to being wrong to do so. If he had the chance he would say so many things, and there are 'So Many Things To Do'. Then the last track of this album is also added by the Roots Reggae Library alone. "What's wrong with you man, are you a 'Madman'?" Don't take it for a joke!
Twinkle Brothers - Respect
And Honour
01. Respect And Honour
02. Reveal In Revelation
03. Mob Fury
04. Me No Care
05. I Give Blessings
06. It's Just A Mirage
07. You Make My Day
08. Say You Will
09. For Ever And A Day
10. River Jordan
An important teaching from the Twinkle Brothers is to 'Respect And Honour' your parents. At one point you will no longer be able to do so, when your elders pass away. It will 'Reveal In Revelation', all the killing, raping, hijacking, as well as kidnapping. "Where you think it's peace and safety, a sudden destruction". "Someone will have to pay", resulting in a 'Mob Fury'. This third track will make you realise, yes here we have a strong Twinkle track once again. Just the end is a bit peculiar, ending in the sentence "I see blood run down the gutter like water", after which the song suddenly ends. But you will be enlightened by the lyrics of the next track. "No 'Me No Care' if this ya music no sell, nah follow Babylon and go to hell". This music needs to be played, regardless of how popular it will be. "And may everything I do, prosper in the side of God and man". A good beat in 'I Give Blessings'. While your heart is breaking, realise that 'It's Just A Mirage' of your last love. Much brighter is the vibe of 'You Make My Day', "you turn the darkness into sunny day, you lead the day". From sad to happy in two tracks. Humming into the new track that is 'Say You Will', which message is a bit similar to 'Secure Your Love' from Breaking Down The Barriers, the album before this one. The first few moments you'd think that 'For Ever And A Day' was a normal track, but then all of a sudden the vocals are turned of and are heard only in the back as if it were a dub track. Then in the middle we hear some vocals again. It sincerely sounds like a dub track but it is not clear to me of which song it would be the dub. If anyone can tells me, my ears are wide open. The 'River Jordan' flows through Lebanon, Israel, and of course Jordan. A good way to end an album that is bringing some of the quality of earlier albums back into the Twinkle Brothers' library.
Twinkle Brothers - In
Poland
01. Move On To Zion
02. What Are We Doing
03. Vanity
04. Retribution
05. Psalm 23
06. One And One
07. All Over The World
08. Last Train To Zion
09. Cover Me With Your Love
10. Oh Love
It has taken quite a bit of effort to obtain a copy of In Poland. First of all it sounds like the title of a live concert, but it is not. It is called In Poland because the Twinkle Brothers recorded it while being in Poland. I bought the album on LP and recorded it to have it in digital form. The cover art is also peculiar, as the right side of the album cover looks as if it is unfinished. I can assure you that this is the original cover. We have got to 'Move On To Zion' in an up-tempo beat. I am more impressed by 'What Are We Doing'. The Twinkle Brothers want to know what you are doing for the world and for the struggle.If you aspire to having any power you have to ask yourself how you would end the starvation all around you. "We no have no money but we feel alright. Some people have got a money still they feel uptight." "What you get is what you eat, everything else is 'Vanity'". Looking at this generation for 'Retribution', as a reaction of all the persecution, because for every action a reaction follows. The valley of the shadow of death is not something to be afraid of as long as Jah is with you. Alpha Blondy is usually found to open his live concerts with the track 'Psalm 23', and 'Psalm 23' finds a place on this Twinkle Brothers album as well. So does 'One And One' in which we are told not to rob our neighbours. Slavery should be abolished and we should fight for equal rights 'All Over The World'. Those people who fight for such rights are the ones who should be on that very 'Last Train To Zion'. The Twinkle Brothers need some assistance and assurance and therefore ask for some love during the night, 'Cover Me With Your Love'. This is one of the two tracks that I have added to the album. The other is 'Oh Love', where they ask where the love is that particular night. This song has Polish folklore music in it, which would be added to more albums in the future.
Twinkle Brothers - Chant Rastafari
01. Jah Never Fail I Yet
02. It Will Happen To You
03. True Friendship Never Die
04. Me Brethren Jah Shaka
05. Chant Rastafari
06. Different Style
07. Zulu Dawn Again
08. Fight
09. Man A Go Ball
10. Chant
First of all I was concerned with the album art of this album. One thing is that it says "Twinkle Brother" rather than "Twinkle Brothers", the last letter is missing. More important, the original cover has the word "Brother" only visible for its upper half. It was Geert van Empel who was able to deliver the album art including the lower half of the word. We give thanks and praise. 'Jah Never Fail I Yet' "and the humble and the meek shall inherit the earth". Jah is our protector always, so don't hesitate or be afraid. The Golden Rule is explained in full, what you do to another man, 'It Will Happen To You' too. Life is for living, both giving and taking is a part of that. "No man is an island, and no man stand alone". A good two first tracks, followed by two tracks arguably even better than that. 'True Friendship Will Never Die', no matter the number of years passing by. Like The Gladiators sang on their 'Pocket Money' single which is on Proverbial Reggae at the Roots Reggae Library, "a good friend is better than pocket money". The next song is about a good friend of Norman and Ralston Grant. Jah Shaka originally filled the second half of The Right Way album. 'Me Brethren Jah Shaka' is a very good track, discussing the state of the world, and South Africa more specifically. I see 'Chant Rastafari' as an interlude, although it is the title track. It leads us to 'Different Style', which "is wicked and wild". There is 'Different Strokes' and now there is 'Different Style'. 'Zulu Dawn Again' because we had a 'Zulu Dawn' on Mount Kilimanjaro. Finding a way to gain self-dignity as well as rights the only solution seen is to 'Fight'. Going into the topic of fighting, hearing about the Arab world as well as South Africa, 'Man A Go Ball'. Not 'Chant Rastafari' but simply 'Chant'. The name would suggest it is the dub track of 'Chant Rastafari', but it is not. As if the Twinkle Brothers realized that giving us 'Chant Rastafari' was not enough to call the album likewise, so they came up with this last track. "Chant Rastafari all day long" and also during the night.
Twinkle Brothers - New
Songs For Jah
01. New Songs For Jah
02. Behold
03. Evil Doers
04. Let Us Sing
05. Go To Hell
06. Concrete Floor
07. Weep Not
08. Wrong Train
09. You Are The One
10. Where Can I Go Without You
Twinkle Brothers - All
Is Well
01. Gone Clear
02. All Is Well
03. Don't Question My Religion
04. What You Thing You're
Doing
05. In The Name Of Jah
06. Brain Washing
07. Free At Last
08. Bad Mind
09. Different Strokes
10. I Won't Lie
Asian style Reggae this time, 'Gone Clear' "this year". "Nothing can
stop me now, I'm on the attack, no turning back". An offensive start of the album. The secret place of the Most High
casts confidence, therefore 'All Is Well'. In the fortress of Jah you
are safe. Feeling this spirit, the Twinkle Brothers ask one thing of us, 'Don't Question My Religion'. I certainly
won't, because without it this beautiful music would probably not exist. Don't
make them mad. Don't make expectations or distract the brothers. Making them
make them angry, 'What You Think You're Doing'. They
will find their own inspiration, so don't stand in the way of that. Rather than
anger we need more love. More love 'In The Name Of Jah'. Universal love among all nations. They make their feelings
heard about Babylon as well. 'Brain Washing' is not accepted, "don't try that on me". As
was said on the third track, faith should not be questioned. "Discipline
of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine morality and therefore of
spiritual strength. Whenever the conflict arise between material and spiritual
values the conscience plays an important role. And therefore anyone who suffers
from a guilty conscience is never really free from this problem until he makes
peace with himself and his conscience", 'Brainwashing'. We celebrate that
brother Nelson Mandela is 'Free At Last'. We are waiting for all the rest of black people to be free.
"From the streets of Romania down
to the shores of South Africa. The people of Germany, still breaking down the
walls of Berlin". "The higher the monkey climb, is the more him
expose", for your 'Bad Mind'. We have already heard the next song once on Miss Labba Labba, 'Different Strokes' for different folks. And "different
folks for different strokes". Added on this album only on the Roots Reggae
Library is 'I Won't Lie'. It is a good song
and brings a pleasant finish to this album. Quite honestly Norman Grant tells
us he is a rather jealous man.
Twinkle Brothers - Unification
01. Unification
02. All The World Leaders
03. Tribulation
04. World Dominion
05. Oh God
06. I Can't Stop Now
07. Stabbing In The Back
08. Year 2000
09. Can't Stop Loving Jah
10. Mi In Deh
Two of the three albums of 1990 are hard to come by. First is Unification. "What about a United States of Africa" if they are talking about a United States of Europe as well. The Twinkle Brothers ask for 'Unification' as they mention the fall of Apartheid and the breaking down of the Berlin Wall, which they mentioned in 'Free At Last' on the previous album as well. 'All The World Leaders' are worthless as they do nothing but talk. While right now is the time we need them, because we live in a time of confusion. We must find a solution, this is our 'Tribulation', in a time of redemption. Ralston Grant? Norman Grant continues In this struggle for 'World Dominion' in which all nations find themselves in. So "behold, people shall come forth from nation to nation. It shall rise up like a whirlwind, from the course of the earth at the slain of Jah innocent people". Vengeance belongs to God, 'Oh God', who shall guide I man from the wicked. Nevermind the workers of inequity, pride shall come to us! The up-beat 'I Can't Stop Now' is a favourite of Eric de Boer, who kept on playing the song until near annoyance. Chanting and praising Jah Rastafari is the core of this track. Watch out for those who act like a friend but in reality are nothing of such. This is the warning of 'Stabbing In The Back'. Some black people kill their own brethren, or kill a white man. I am predicting that the Twinkle Brothers are still recording music in the 'Year 2000'. They speculate on what the world will look like by then. They wonder what the high will be like in the year 2000, only ten years away when this album was recorded. Artificial insemination is definitely something that became a possibility in the near future. Another song for Jah, because we 'Can't Stop Loving Jah' Jah, the Rock of Gibraltar. "Jah at the bottom and Jah at the top, Jah all around me so I can't flop". Once getting the key 'Me In Deh', which is the last song on Unification.
Twinkle Brothers - Wind
Of Change
01. Wind Of Change
02. Just Like Any Other Man
03. Love Will Find A Way
04. Holding My Head Above
Water
05. Right Here Waiting
06. I Still Love You
07. Hang On In Deh
08. Love Me, Never Leave Me
09. Hold Fast
10. Live Good
As difficult to find as Unification is Wind Of Change. It is the third album produced by the Twinkle Brothers in 1990. All over the world the 'Wind Of Change' is blowing, "from the hills of Cairo down to the shores of South Africa" and "from the top of Canada down to the bottom of South America". "We need a better standard of living". "From the hills of Albania down to the streets of Romania. Even down in Jamaica". 'Just Like Any Other Man' is a slow love track. Everyone needs someone, and everyone needs a bit of love, a Rastaman as well. But be not afraid that you will not get your share, 'Love Will Find A Way'. Jah is on our side and he makes life worth living. Don't commit suicide, even if others are trying to push you down. This is the situation in 'Holding My Head Above Water'. The rhythm is Reggae like but the vocals are not for 'Right Here Waiting', waiting for you, unconditionally. After it follows another love track, but I prefer 'Right Here Waiting' to 'I Still Love You'. "Always on my mind" even though I am with someone else. The love is strong for this track, but the difference to the previous one is that a Reggae rhythm is missing. They only partially retrieve a Reggae sound for 'Hang On In Deh'. Not my favourite track either. However, 'Love Me, Never Leave Me' is a decent song and it may be stuck in your head for a while. At least you will remember the track when seeing the title for a second time. You have to be in control of your own destiny and believe in your own identity. So 'Hold Fast' and never let go, "don't give up, don't give in to pressure". Make sure you 'Live Good' with one another because what goes around comes around.
Twinkle Brothers - Babylon
Rise Again
01. The Heathen Rage
02. Jah Gifts Of Love
03. Praise His Name
04. Massacre In Zaire Congo
05. Torment
06. Babylon Rise Again
07. Mount Zion
08. Burning Fire
09. His Mercy Endureth For Ever
10. Deliver Me
The album cover of Babylon Rise Again shows a number of liberation leaders as if they were having a last super. "Yet have I set my king upon the holy hills of Mount Zion" and the heathen start to rage, yes 'The Heathen Rage'. The setting is similar to that of the 'Heathen's Rage' of The Wailers and 'The Heathen' of Bob Marley. "Renewed, restored, rebuild and flowered through which the healing forces flow", you can bring all your thoughts and feelings to Jah. A happy tune, 'Jah Gifts Of Love'. The name of Jah should be praised in the dancehall. 'Praise His Name' has an up-tempo beat. The track that follows is one of the strongest tracks on this album, 'Massacre In Zaire Congo'. It talks about the brutal massacre in what is now Congo Kinshasa in 1990. The murdering of more than 100 students was led by the private army of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. I need not say more, as the Twinkle Brothers do this for me. Needless to say, Mobutu is not on the picture of the album art. Tossing and turning in your bed at night, checking your mind, you feel 'Torment'. Even though "you know the right, yet you do the wrong". "If you are not at peace with yourself, then how could you be at peace with others. 'Babylon Rise Again' is the title track, facing the greater greater grandson of the King of Babylon. Back on 'Mount Zion' we are to listen to a track which is very good indeed. He "who maketh heaven and earth he liveth in Mount Zion". The love of Jah is like a 'Burning Fire' in the hearts of the Twinkle Brothers. It fills emptiness and it keeps lighting up their soul. They state, rather than sing, that 'His Mercy Endureth For Ever'. He made the sun to rule by day, whereas the moon and stars are their for the night. He had smight Egypt and brought out Israel from among them. He divided the Red Sea and made sure Israel was able to pass through. Bible stories that bring us to 'Deliver Me'. Deliver me from evil and violent men.
Twinkle Brothers - Rasta Surface
01. Jah Shall Reign
02. Give Us The Power
03. Rasta Surface
04. New Day
05. Praise H.I.M.
06. Africa
07. Rise And Shine
08. Zion
09. Seek Not
10. Why Do I
Twinkle Brothers - Don't
Forget Africa
01. Don't Forget Africa
02. Human Independent
03. Jah Will Set You Free
04. The V.A.T. Man
05. Walk Better Than Sitdown
06. What Do You Want
07. The Reality Of Jah Kingdom
08. The Sabbath Day
09. Speak The Truth
10. Everything I Do, I Do For Jah
"Ethiopa stretch forth your hands", did you know that
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. One of the most
important things is that we 'Don't Forget Africa'. We hear how many
people are at risk from starvation. This album was recorded in Poland, just as
the In Poland album. We hear a violin and cello by the Trebunia-Tutki band.
On this album you will hear a creative incorporation of a completely different
style of music. For example the up-tempo 'Human Independent' is
a good example. "A victim of the wicked system". "'Jah Shall
Set You Free', you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
When you cry for Jah Rastafari, he is there for you". What a
beautiful song this is. Jah will
set you free! We find ourselves in the 'Kingdom Revenue' of 'The V.A.T.
Man', the tax man. "With everything you try to do, they try to put tax
on you", he is always looking for you. Keep on moving, because 'Walk
Better Than Sitdown'. If you don't you will be left behind. If you don't
check on your brethren you might miss out on a smoke. Would you rather have
light or darkness? Knowledge or ignorance? Decide 'What You Want' because
you can't have both. The Polish band is on the forefront of this track,
dominating the tempo and the melancholic tone. Jah is always with you, that is 'The Reality Of Jah Kingdom'. The seventh day of the
week is 'The Sabbath Day'. The Catholic Church changed it, as well
as the third commandment. They
changed it from Saturday to Sunday. So "which day is the Sabbath day? The
seventh day is Saturday". "'Speak The Truth' and speak it
ever. Because he who hide the wrong he did, will do the wrong thing
still". "I man ah Jah interpreter,
I man is a true born Rasta".
Everything I say, I say for Jah.
And as being his appointed spokesman, through music that is, 'Everything
I Do, I Do For Jah'. We as listeners should follow up on our part and dance
to the music.
Twinkle Brothers - Higher
Heights
01. Going To The Village
02. Skanking On The Grass
03. The Source
04. Down By The Stream
05. Across The Spring-Rye's
Field
06. Husband The Outlaw
07. Outlaw Skanking
08. You're So Cold
09. Don't Betray My Love
10. Who Killed
Another album produced in Poland. This time the Tribunia-Tutki bring in vocals as well. The album is originally named Twinkle Inna Polish Style and attributed to a group called Higher Heights. Although I prefer the Tribunia-Tutki band to play music rather than add vocals, this is an interesting album. As their lyrics are Polish, I had to resort to the help of a Polish friend to interpretthis album, Anna Zawilińska is her name, and I am very grateful for her to help me. What we hear is Polish folk music that is characteristic of mountain men in Poland. This is no ordinary Polish music. Most of it tells the folklore of Janicek, or Janosek, a story of mixed Polish and Slovakian heritage. This is "Johnny", that you will hear the Twinkle Brothers sing about in English. Definitely not the same Johnny that for instance Peter Tosh and Bob Marley sing about. In the first song Tribunia-Tutki sing how there is nothing better than to be a mountain shepherd, walking along with the sheep, drinking with the boys in the tavern, hearing the wolves howling, the bear roaring and seeing the wolf chase the goat. This is 'Going To The Village' . A bit more Reggae-like at first is 'Skanking On The Grass' but the Reggae beat is soon overshadowed. The Tribunia-Tutki sing about how they are skipping on the green lawns, dancing, hearing their mother and father yell. The third track, 'The Source' is not a bad one, better than the first two tracks of Higher Heights in my honest opinion. Here, the Polish lyrics simply follow up to the English ones, basically repeating what you have heard the Twinkle Brothers sing in English. Promises are comfort to a fool" in 'Down By The Stream'. "You have something to give me, and you know that me want it. 'Down By The Stream' is not too bad either. The Polish lyrics mention a girl feeding a goose, her skirt blowing in the wind, which Janicek loved. 'Across The Spring-Rye's Field' is an instrumental track focussing predominantly on the Polish folk style. Jenny has returned for 'Husband The Outlaw' which has a good mix of Polish folk and a Reggae beat. The Polish lyrics add more detail to the sentences sung in English. So where the Twinkle Brothers sing about the big green tree, Tribunia-Tutki tells us what type of tree it is, how big it is, and how pretty it is. Johnny the Outlaw is constantly trying to see Jenny one-on-one but fails to do so, prevented her mother, who keeps an eye on the girl. A good plot, and a good song! 'Outlaw Skanking' is about Janicek joining his buddy's dancing in a cellar. These gents are called "Zbojnicy". These men stem from 17th and 18th century Polish legends. The violin continues to play while the Twinkle Brothers sing 'You're So Cold'. Polish language complement the English once more. At one point the song turns into a long dub track and the violin is less dominant, but it returns again in the ballad of 'Don't Betray My Love'. As the title suggests, the song predominantly focuses on betrayal. This song features more in depth telling of the tale of Janicek, as well as the last one, in which is asked 'Who Killed' Janicek. 'Don't Betray My Love' is very dramatic and not a bad song to listen to. All in all the album comes in a totally different style, which is both interesting and odd at the same time. Once again, thanks to Anna Zawilińska, without whom we wouldn't have reached a full understanding of its theme.
Twinkle Brothers - Talent
Spotting
01. What Yu Fe Do
02. Show I The Way Oh Jah
03. Praise Jah In The Morning
04. Help Them
05. Ethiopia Is Calling
06. What Do You Do
07. Step Up
08. This Little Man
09. The Air That I Breathe
10. Don't Mind
The Talent Spotting album of the Roots Reggae Library consists of the songs on both Talent Spotting 1 and Talent Spotting 2 on which the lead vocals are sung by the Winkle Brothers. More songs appear on that album, written by Norman Grant, but performed by other artists. As we are concerned only with the Twinkle Brothers discography, we focus merely on Twinkle Brothers song. Three more tracks that were produced as singles are also added to the album, which are the last three tracks you will listen to. From 'What Yu Fe Do' onward you will know that this album retains a definite Reggae sound. This may be a relief for some who listened to Higher Heigths. The God of salvation should lead everyone to the truth, so 'Show I The Way Oh Jah', "teach me thy path". Especially those who are afraid of Jah should be taught the way of Jah. Seaminglessly the album flows into the next song, sung by Ralston Grant. 'Praise Jah In The Morning', but also at noon and in the night time. Praise all the instruments that bring forth this music. A beautiful song, it really is. The mumbling beginning of 'Help Them' signals another good song, and indeed it is. Help one another out, two wrongs don't make a right so don't teach the children to fight. "If you plant corn don't expect to reap peas". Norman Grant returns for 'Ethiopia Is Calling'. He recounts Ras Tafari going to the League of Nations when Ethiopia was invaded by Italy. At the same time, famine was a huge problem in Ethiopia. The title 'What Do You Do' seems a bit similar to 'What Yu Fe Do', but the song itself is not at all. "Do yourself a favour, 'Step Up' all you people, come on up". Nobody else is going to give it to you, you've got to do it entirely by yourself. I like the song about Rastafari himself, 'This Little Man'. Whereas songs about Jah Rastafari often focus on Him as God, this song lies more focus on the man himself. This song cannot be found on either of the Talent Spotting albums. It has been added to make the album more complete, as well as 'The Air That I Breathe' and also the last song, 'Don't Mind'. These last two additions are love songs. The album cover of Tallent Spotting 1 is blue and the album cover of Talent Spotting 2 is red.
Twinkle Brothers - Equality
And Justice
01. Equality And Justice
02. Rejoice
03. Lamb To The Slaughter
04. We Nah Go Let Jah Go Wie is die vrouw
05. Blood On Their Hands
06. The Wicked Them A Go Run
07. Lightning And Thunder
08. You Are Bound
09. I Will Praise Jah
10. Struggle
A new album which starts with its titel track. The truth can bring men closer to freedom, love and peace, "'Equality And Justice' stand for all". The tone is set for this album, Equality And Justice, which is the final dream for all those for whom it is still denied. Let us 'Rejoice' in the name of Jah. "Blessed is He, when men rebute you, and persecute you. And shall say all manner of evil things against you, falsely, rejoice". Your reward in heaven is great, so be excitedly glad and rejoice in his name. "Jah has set his King upon the holy hills of Mount Zion". A sweet Twinkle is now part of the track. Dramatical vibes for 'Lamb To The Slaughter'. The noise of thunder, the heathen and the captives are all part of this song. A dub-like slowing down of the track in the middle of the song, only for it to move on again on a normal rhythm. A female voice enters the album, turning on 'We Nah Go Let Jah Go'. This track is quite different from the others on the album in terms of sound. The message is quite ordinary for the Twinkle Brothers. A good Reggae vibe returns for 'Blood On Their Hands'. "They made sacrifice unto the devil. They have built themselves up, they build the walls of evil around them, to protect them". But Jah will break these walls down, penetrate them, and expose them, blood is on their hands. A muito tranquilo track, 'The Wicked Them A Go Run'. "Try to live good in Jah Jah sight, try to do the things that's right. Don't let no one harm you", a Ralston Grant song. A strong urge, 'Lightning And Thunder', brimstone and fire, earthquake and water. Before lightening his golden chalice a prayer is made to Jah. The smoke reaches the air, and the green green grass was burned up. Actions leaving you with guilt and shame because you know you are wrong, and a haunting sound in 'You Are Bound'. "One moment with pleasure that leaves you with years of guilt. And you find yourself doing things that you do not want to do". Boing boing boing, 'I Will Praise Jah', sing it again "I will praise Him". I like the tempo and the sound of this track. The lead vocals blend beautifully with he background vocals. This is a marvellous effort of the Twinkle Brothers. “When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence”. The right question to ask is why we must 'Struggle'. "Jah Jah help us all!" One thing is to survive, another is to stay out of jail. ‘Struggle’ is not a song that originally appears on Equality And Justice, it is a special bonus track, a strong song.
Twinkle
Brothers - Chant Down Babylon
01. Chant Down Babylon
02. Take Heed
03. Invasion
04. A New World Order
05. Destruction
06. Peace And Unity
07. Pay Me
08. Everlasting Love
09. You Are The One
10. Don't Blame Them
11. Have Mercy Jah
12. Prayer For The Government
Just like the previous album started out with the title track, this one does too. The name of the album is Chant Down Babylon, just like the song on Bob Marley’s Confrontation album. "I and I go fe 'Chant Down Babylon'. "The wicked must seek salvation" and we Rastafarians shall chant down Babylon. This first song is a good one, but the one that follows is even better. "Mankind 'Take Heed', cause the seed you sow mankind, that's what you shall reap". The continue strong, singing about 'Invasion', by the United Nations. The Cubans, Asians and Americans get a mention as well. "United Nation, what are you doing?”. You are not humanitarian, rather you are thieves. You invade, but you do not stop the killing, genocide and ethnic cleansing. The people need 'A New World Order' with world peace. Currently people are still dying and fighting. The drum turns strange towards the end of the song, but it is nice nevertheless. "Wooih wooih, your 'Destruction' is all around me, destruction is all I see". "Scientist messing with genetics, messing with nature. Politicians talking peace, when they are declaring for war". These are the examples of destruction given by the Brothers. What is mankind doing to Jah’s creation, they as. All what we want and all that we need is 'Peace And Unity'. This song is a desperate cry for the people of the world to come together. There is too much negativity, whereas we need confidence, which is vital for attaining peace and unity. 'Pay Me' because it is Friday. Friday is pay day. "Pay me and I will go home". Tired of the sufferation, he is homeward bound. "We have taken care of your children, we have nursed your babies. We work in your factories, we build up your economy". "Jah give I 'Everlasting Love', Jah give I everlasting life". Jah protects the boat that is the life of Norman Grant. "Your love is the spark that slit the fire through my heart". The fire is burning for you girl, because 'You Are The One'. "While fire is burning from the heart, love keeps on burning, love keeps on spreading". The way in which they sing "you are the one" is enchanting. Rewind and go, 'Don't Blame Them'. "Poverty was created by the selfish and the greedy". Self control and birth control are the topics of this song. A fast song, and some of that tempo is retained in 'Have Mercy Jah'. "Bless thy name by the mouth, continually and for ever more". The greater greater grandson of King David, who is Jah Ras Tafari. A 'Prayer For The Government' of Jamaica. Land of the birth of the Twinkle Brothers. The fathers of Gabriel, Isaac, Jacob, and their children are the subject of this prayer. The government should be decided by votes, rather than the gun, knife, brute force or double standards. Prime Ministers and Heads of Government, please listen to this prayer!
Twinkle Brothers - The
Other Side
01. Nobody's Business
02. Africa Is Calling
03. Too Late
04. Baby Someone raps
05. Mercy Lord
06. Jahoviah
07. What You're Saying
08. This Ya Rasta Man
09. A Little Bit More
10. Let Go (ft. Princess Sharifa)
The Other Side features a couple of songs that you might recognize, as they appeared on previous
albums. However, those songs were newly recorded, and you will notice
differences. Two songs originally on this album are replicas of other songs,
and they have been removed. Those are 'Can't Stop Loving Jah' from the Unification album
and 'The Wicked Them A Go Run' from Equality And Justice. 'The
Wicked A Go Run' on The Other Side is called 'Serious Time Ralston Grant features on the front side
of the cover, and Norman is on the backside. Ralston gets
a distinct mention as featuring on this album. He appears as lead singer on a
number of tracks, for example on 'Nobody’s Business'. He does so
too on the second track, which was 'Serious Time', but this song has been
removed as I mentioned before. Nevertheless,
we’ll still stick to Ralston Grant
on 'Africa Is Calling', "calling for you and me".
Ethiopia, South Africa, all should be freed from slavery. Do you remember 'Too
Late' from Miss Labba Labba? A new version is found on The
Other Side. The track 'Baby' includes Hip-Hop vocals. The
track as a whole is not one of my recommendations.
In another song with vocals that or not really worthwhile Jah is
asked to have mercy, "brothers are dying", 'Mercy Lord'. As
if the Twinkle Brothers feel that the train has not yet been rolling so
smoothly on this album, they return to an earlier track which has always proven very strong, 'Jahoviah'. It is
like The Gladiators returning
to 'Mix Up', or 'Bongo Red'. With the style of 'What You're Doing' we
switch back to a sound that is not Twinkle worthy. And with 'This Ya Rasta Man' we here some sort of imitation
from the Eek-A-Mouse sound throughout the track. The Rastaman will trouble no-one, all he
wants to do is sing his song. And with 'This Ya Rasta Man' we here some sort of
imitation from the Eek-A-Mouse sound throughout the track. The Rastaman will trouble no-one, all he
wants to do is sing his song. Because two songs were removed from this album, I
am adding two tracks as well. 'A Little Bit More' is a good
love ballad, I am quite fond of it. 'Let Go' is a track
together with Princess Sharifa. The
audio quality of this last track is not supreme. We have come to the end of a
strange, different album. If you ask me, it is not up to the standard set by
all previous albums.
Twinkle Brothers - Final
Call
01. The African Cry
02. It's Only Rasta
03. African People Going Home
04. The Elements
05. Is God Justice Or Love
06. The Final Call
07. Serve With Honesty
08. Devil's Advocate
09. Seeds And Tools
10. Confession
11. Time Is Running Out
The Final Call, and 'The African Cry'. This album will restore the Twinkle Brothers balance lost in the previous album. "Until Africa is free and politically united, no Africans anywhere in this world will ever be free. Black people we must unite, African people stop your fuss and fight". Hauntingly, almost aggressively we are told that every time when the Twinkle Brothers where feeling down, 'It's Only Rasta' who came to pay a visit and who cared. This is a very short track, it must be noted. Africa is calling, "we have got to return, to the motherland, African children we're going home. We have got to return, 'African People Going Home'. This up-tempo African song is a strong one indeed. 'The Elements' are the work of Jah. Not only his creating, but also his weapon. He could create any a nation with the elements if he ever would want to. Whereas they are very clear on the element aspect, they do ask us the following question; 'Is God Justice Or Love'? They mention they will explore both premises, but they seem predominantly occupied to develop the justice argument. The title track is not very diverse in its lyrics. But just as my comment for the previous track, to criticize does not necessarily mean it is not a good song. I liked 'Is God Justice Or Love', and I like 'The Final Call' as well. And we can continue along those lines, because "'Serve With Honesty', rule with dignity" is a very good tune too. Of course this one is addressed to the leaders of the nations of this world. The 'Devil's Advocate' hasn't seen nothing yet. As we had heard on All Is Well, don't question their religion because they will criticize you for doing so. For me there is no doubt that 'Seeds And Tools' is the best song on this album. Those seeds and tools are necessary for a farmer. The Twinkle Brothers explain this by giving us other wisdoms. "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Give a man a net, feed his family forever" and "give him a cup of water, can only quench his thirst. Dig him a well, enough water forever". What a beautiful song this is. "Whether you are young or you're old", "forgiveness is the key to happiness, 'Confession' is good for the soul". Quite dramatically, and just as Prince Lincoln had sung to us on a bonus track of Natural Wild, "'Time Is Running Out', time is getting shorter, everyday things get tougher". "You've got to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Life is shocking, but you must never appear to be shocked".
Twinkle Brothers - Heart
To Heart
01. Memories
02. Just Another Way
03. Heart To Heart
04. I Will Never Get Tired
05. Darling Don't You Worry
06. Don't Play With My Love
07. How Could I Ever Lie To
You
08. Our Love Is Sacred
09. Please Forgive Me
10. Humming Bird
11. All The Bills Are Paid
12. This Kind Of Chemistry
13. When The Love Is Gone
14. My Heart Is Aching
An album full of love songs
from the Twinkle Brothers. The first song is about 'Memories' that
can't be forgotten, regardless of whether they are good or bad memories. "'Just
Another Way' to say I love you, that you mean the world to me".
The second song is as simple as that. We get to know what was meant with the
title of the album, by listening to 'Heart To Heart'. "Heart
to heart we'll always be, whether we are close together or miles apart".
In a deep voice we hear the reassuring words "I love you, not only today
but for the rest of my live". The name of this track is 'I Will
Never Get Tired', because Norman will never get tired of saying these
words, or to hear them. Whereas the first four four tracks were pretty swell,
the fifth is slightly annoying, 'Darling Don't You Worry'. I do not
often recommend to skip a track, but I am happy to go on to 'Don't Play
With My Love', which has a different theme and comes in much stronger than
the previous track. I am not always a big fan of Reggae love songs, but on some
occasions they can be very sweet to listen to. We have heard some examples of
such songs on this album, but 'How Could I Ever Lie To You' is
the best so far. 'Our Love Is Sacred', "our love is physical,
our love is spiritual" is also nice. But again, 'How Could I Ever Lie To
You tops this album. Again and again he hurts the one that he loves, which is
very frustrating. He therefore asks, 'Please Forgive Me'.
"Don't let problems get you down, you must always wear a smile and never a
frown" and humm a song
like a 'Humming Bird', humming along, all the day long. Then we
line up for 'All The Bills Are Paid', which is a good song. Not
only have the bills been paid, there was money left to buy food too."'This
Kind Of Chemistry' happens only once in the lifetime". Do you
know that feeling when you simply start to smile for no particular reason? It
is because you are with someone who really belongs to you. So watch out and
make sure you don't find yourself in a situation 'When The Love Is
Gone' out of the romance. The last two tracks are quite good. The
album sends with a bit of pain, because "'My Heart Is Aching' for
you". In terms of music this song has a dub feeling.
Twinkle Brothers - Will
This World Survive
01. Glory, Glory
02. This Is Judgement
03. Son Of Man
04. Solid Foundation
05. His Majesty's
Teaching
06. Without Jah I Am Nothing
07. Man Oh Man
08. Weeping And Wailing
09. One Hundred And Forty Four
Thousand
10. Will This World Survive
11. It's Not Right
12. Sad Songs
13. In This Battle
14. Weep Not
Will it? Will This
World Survive? With the first song of the album it seems as if the Twinkle
Brothers are not really pondering this question from the start onward. 'Glory,
Glory' sounds very happy. But then all of a sudden they start singing
about judgement and it all sounds a lot more serious. "'This Is
Judgement' we are living in today". "Man has lost his way,
he forgot that there are rules and regulations to obey". A strong message
and a nice sound. Good Reggae music. Men has forgotten that it is men who needs Jah, and not the other way around. "You
can't run, 'Son Of Man' you can't hide, now is the time for
you to make your decision"! So we see that the first song was not
really a good example of what this album sounds like. The songs that followed
are much better, and so is 'Solid Foundation'. We are told the
story of the Tower of Babel, the so-called source of the different languages in
this world. The tower was destroyed because it, or rather the people building
it, didn't have a solid foundation. It goes for all people, the way in which
Norman sings 'Without Jah I
Am Nothing'. He is his salvation and his rock of ages. His love is
everything to Norman and he needs his blessing. 'Man Oh Man', a
disgrace and shame, "man has caused recession, man has caused destruction,
man has caused pollution, man has caused starvation". There you have
it, a pest of Jah creation.
You should not be greedy, which is the message in 'Weeping And Wailing'.
"Only Jah blessing will
carry you through". A medium strong track, which is followed by a very
good one, 'One Hundred And Forty Four Thousand', talking about the
selection Jah has made, the
elect ones who shall live in Mount Zion. The Twinkle Brothers then finally do
come to ask 'Will This World Survive'. "Many fear that the
world will end in a nuclear holocaust. Others think that pollution may
destroy the world. Still others worry that economic chaos will cause a global
destruction". They themselves add the fear of pestilence, famine, plagues
and aids. Whose side are you on? What would it mean if the world ended? Would
another world replace it? 'It's Not Right' "when we fuss
and we fight, why can't we unite?". Why do so many people have to cry and
die. Norman loves to sing roots and culture, and he sings a 'Sad Song',
no matter whose heart it breaks. At least these roots songs come straight from
the heart carry feelings. Trying not to loose his temper he wants to be the
victor 'In This Battle'. After that you will be blessed by Jah, so 'Weep Not'. I will
therefore assume that this world will probably survive. A good album, altogether.
Twinkle Brothers - Crucial
Cuts
01. Jah Is The Only Way
02. Mark Of The Beast
03. Devil Worshippers
04. Don't Let Us Have To
Suffer
05. To Jah I Call
06. Short Term Thrills
07. Multi-Cultural Society
08. I Will Survive
08. I Will Survive
09. I'll Give It To Jah
10. War In Jerusalem
11. Happy Birthday To You
12. Youthman
12. Youthman
Just as Do Your Own Thing and Anti-Apartheid I have created Crucial Cuts myself. This album does not exist as it comes here on the Roots Reggae Library. These songs are singles that are not found on any other album. Continuing in their blessing spree from Will This World Survive the brothers sing 'Jah Is The Only Way', "the truth and the life". Other religions are dead-ended and are the wrong way. Some walk in the footsteps of Satan. They worship the devil and they live in Babylon. We call them devil's disciples. You can see it on their face, the 'Mark Of The Beast'. I am very fond of this track. These 'Devil Worshipers' get more attention in the song that follows. Even though they go to church and are able to quote bible verses, their lifestyles seem to suggest they worship the devil. My favourite song of the album is most definitely 'Don't Let Us Have To Suffer'. "Oh Jah, let us not have to seek our breads in desolate places, by unlawful means. Lead us not into temptations, Oh Jah. Bless my wife and my mother and my father and my sons and daughters, and my sisters and brothers, Oh Jah". So 'To Jah I Call' "when the heathen rage when you want to turn a new page". Don't let Babylon use you under any circumstance. The youth of today have an attitude to fix things with a quick fix, making as much money as possible. "Them just looking for a quick fix, 'Short Term Thrills'. But this short term focus is not going to help you in the future. 'Multi-Cultural Society' is a very hard track to get by. The song focuses on the identity of a nation and the need for respect of minority groups. At a later date I have added the song 'I Will Survive; ' so check twice if you've got that on your Crucial Cuts. "Jah Jah is the captain of my ship, he's the pilot of the aeroplane in which I'm flying". That's why they will survive all disaster. The Twinkles are reluctant to give all their praises and blessings to the Lord, "my heart and soul, all my earthly possessions, 'I'll Give It To Jah', Rastafari". The audio quality is not top notch, but a fine song it is, 'War In Jerusalem'. "They have lost touch with the creator and from his teachings, so they are fighting amongst themselves, the Palestinians and the Jews, the Arabs and the Muslims". Then a Reggae version of a song that everyone knows, 'Happy Birthday To You'. A good song to use on birthdays of Reggae lovers! 'Youthman' was added to the album at the same time as 'I Will Survive' so make sure it's on your version of the album too. "Don't sit around complaining, everything is up to you, take advantage of the opportunity that comes your way, be successful in whatever you do". I hope you like this album, it is a very special one, only available at the Roots Reggae Library.
Twinkle Brothers - Give
The Sufferer A Chance
01. For The Children
02. Do You Know What To Do
03. Crossover
04. Power Of Prayer
05. Enemy At The Gate
06. Until We Have Justice
07. Heaven Or Hell
08. The Children Cry
09. Give The Sufferer A Chance
10. One God
11. How You Want To Go To Zion
12. I Am So Happy
13. The Need Is Greed
14. The Ghetto
15. This Generation
16. Spy Pon Them Jah
Give The Sufferer A Chance is an album that has quite a long tracklist. The first track is reminiscent of
'Set Some Example' on Underground. "Set some example 'For
The Children' to follow. Setting an example starts with pregnant
woman. A lot of people are remembered in 'Do You Know What To Do'.
For instance Elijah, Isaac, Jeremiah,Izechiel,
Daniel, Zachariah, Shedrack, Meshach and Abendigo, Jacob, David and Joshua. Making a 'Crossover' to
the promised land the Twinkle Brothers sound confident. The preacher has to set
an example to, like the apostles did. Clergyman or layman, the
Twinkles don't care. Shaking down the gates of hell with the 'Power Of
Prayer', setting up the kingdom of heaven on earth. 'Power Of Prayer' has
an alternative title which is 'Gates Of Hell'. The 'Enemy At The Gate' sounds
so happy and upfull, whereas the
lyrics are not quite so. "What you a go do" and "where you ought
to run"? Like Peter Tosh once
did, the Twinkle Brothers ask for justice, rather than peace. They address the
heads of government, members of parliament, the United Nation, the European
Union, the Middle East, the Far East and to all civilized nations. "There won't be no peace 'Until
We Have Justice'. They then quote some lines of 'War' of Bob Marley, thereby
quoting Haile Selassie I. A
journey to 'Heaven Or Hell', accompanied by an accordion. Halfway
the album we are wiping the tears from the eyes of our children,
because 'The Children Cry'. "They need more love and
affection, and they need guidance and protection". Then we hear the title
track of this album, 'Give The Sufferer A Chance'. It is addressed
to all bad minded and grudgeful people.
The sufferer needs a chance, while he is selling coconuts, sugar cane and cold
red stripe beer. There are so many different religions, actually there are too
many religions. But realize that
there is only 'One God'. Really wanting to know, Norman Grant asks
the sinner man 'How You Want To Go To Zion', "with blood 'pon
your hand". "Only those with clean hands and pure in heart shall
enter Zion". And "'I Am So Happy' cause Jah is with me, I am so happy he has not
forsaken me". Then follows a list of things Jah has done for his people. You must know the difference
between the things that you want, and the things you actually need. Think in
terms of food, clothes and shelter. 'The Need Is Greed'. "Some
man want fifty dollar, the next one want ten thousand, and the other one want a
million, and the next one want a billion". So "remember the poor and
needy, the ones who should a get it". They are the ones who live 'The
Ghetto'. This is where the Twinkle Brothers grew up as well and they sing
about that experience. They sang about the ghetto on Praise Jah. We are living in difficult times and
it is the task of 'This Generation' to do something about it.
We are paying the price of the wrongdoings of earlier generations but we have
to fix things for forthcoming generations. The sixteenth and last song on the
album is 'Spy Pon Them
Jah'. A long album, but smooth and strong as well.
Twinkle Brothers - The
Youthful Warrior
01. Skim Off All The Gravy
02. Get Behind Me Satan
03. Just One Man
04. I Won't Surrender
05. Warrior Attack
06. Jah Is The Love
07. The Youthful Warrior
08. Easy Come, Easy Go
09. Let Us Give Thanks
10. Never Get Me Down
11. This Is My Humble Prayer
Norman starts the album
with 'Skim Of All The Gravy'. He is watching, sees greedy people
and he is slightly angered. A good start of yet another album, this one being
called The Youthful Warrior. Lucifer is then declared a "son
of a bitch". 'Get Behind Me Satan' is quite strong, and a
bit aggressive. "Don't tempt me with your vanity and money". "If
I ever catch I'll lock you in a box and throw you in a ditch". A good
Reggae beat accompanies the lyrics in 'Just One Man', a prayer
asking to lessen the power of Babylon. Less pressure on the working class is
needed. But regardless of the pressure, and regardless of the temptations of
Satan, "me nah give up the fight" and 'I Won't Surrender'.
Not holding back his anger and his wrath Norman launches an offence, a 'Warrior
Attack'. As they were on Underground and on Burden
Bearer, this group is very consistent on The Youthful Warrior.
And remember we still need to arrive at the title track. Before we do so we
hear a pleasant 'Jah Is The Love' which may linger on in your
head for a long time, at least, it does so for me. We are forgiven, and we will
not be condemned. 'The Youthful Warrior' continues the offense launched
earlier on the album. "The man of battles, terrible in war". A lot of
people do not take life serious. We hear about those people in 'Easy
Come, Easy Go'. The last two songs are not great in terms of musical flow,
but this flow returns in 'Let Us Give Thanks'. When you are feeling
down, never forget that there are people all over the world who suffer more
than you do. We should therefore give thanks for all that we receive. Even more
vibes in 'Never Get Me Down'! The wicked and heathen will never get
the Grants down. "I am living in the city of Sodomy, but I won't let it
get to me". This is a very strong track towards the end of this album.
Because where the previous and also the album that follows contain of sixteen
tracks, this one has eleven on it. 'This Is My Humble Prayer' is
that very last song. The humble prayer is made for the blessings of Jah,
in order to receive more strength to fight the great battle which is
life.
Twinkle Brothers - Songs
Of Glory
01. The Day I Build My House
02. I'm Still Waiting For You
03. King Lion
04. Time For Harvest
05. I'm Going To The Country
06. Cross The River
07. Colours Of Life
08. I'll Honour You
09. Outlaw
10. Let Freedom Ring
11. Could Never Be
12. Do You Remember
13. Teach Us The Way To Righteousness
14. Me Affi Hold On To Me Roots
15. Go With Jah
16. Glory To Jah
The Tribunia-Tutki had
released an album with a couple of old tracks with the Twinkle Brothers, and
called it Comeback Twinkle 2 Tribunia Family.
Promptly they did return to Poland and recorded this album, Songs Of
Glory. It again has both English and Polish lyrics. Having a roof over
their head, eating bread, there is a place to sleep and a backyard as well, the
whole group is very happy on the 'The Day I Build My House'.
Whereas the woman in the second track said she would come back soon, 'I'm
Still Waiting For You'. Not only himself is waiting, but her children as
well. 'King Lion' is the protector of the people, and of their
culture. King Lion is also addressed as Lion King. The rooster is crowing and
the sheep are in the meadow, the cow is in the field, so it is 'Time
For Harvest'. Tribunia-Tutki completely agrees here. They have
got to work hard because winter is coming. Looking at the album art, it looks
as if winter already arrived. Norman confirms that he can already feel the
cold. Returning to the mountain where his parents come from 'I'm Going
To The Country'. Mother does not like her children to be idle and skylark
in 'Cross The River'. Your parents know best, so please do listen
to what they say, and find something for yourself to do. The colours of life,
especially red gold and green are the 'Colours Of Life'. A strong
Polish sound in 'I'll Honour You'. Much respect is given in this
track. Janicek returns once
again, as he was ever present on Higher Heights, where we were told
that he was an 'Outlaw'. He is like Robin Hood, he fights for
justice and equality. Values hold up high by the Twinkle Brothers, as we know
from other albums. As for 'Cross The River', the Polish lyrics are sang by a
woman on 'Let Freedom Ring', "make we ring the bells of freedom".
A nice integration of Polish music and Reggae on Could Never Be'.
They ask for us to feel some solidarity with people dying from hunger. 'Do
You Remember' is about the story of two kids, a boy and a girl, who
knew each other but one moved to the city. A poor and fearing people ask only
one thing from Jah, 'Teach
Us The Way To Righteousness'. At the same time they tell us to make sure to
hold on to your roots and culture. 'Me Affi Hold On To Me Roots'. I wonder whether any Polish
person ever held it possible to have a song including Polish folk music with a
Patois title like that. The last two songs on this album have titles quite
similar to one another. One is called 'Go With Jah' and the
other 'Glory To Jah'. It is funny to notice that the length of 'Glory
To Jah' is exactly the same as the earlier played 'Glory, Glory' on Will
This World Survive. Sixteen tracks in which a consistent mix of Polish
and Jamaican music is found.
Twinkle Brothers - Praises
To The King
01. Praises To The King
02. I Will Always Praise Jah
03. Stomp It Out
04. Judgement
05. Organise Yourself
06. Warrior
07. Hard Working Woman
08. Oh Jah
09. Who Is The Terrorist
10. Skeleton Inna Closet
11. Human Injustice
The God of the Twinkle
Brothers deserves praises throughout the day and night. "Every lyrics that
I sing in my song, yes every word that I utter, is praises. 'I Give
Praises To The King'. It is of such importance that the second song is also
devoted to Praise Him. This song is even better than the previous. I am a big
fan of 'I Will Always Praise Jah'. "Africa is calling for
a 'Judgement'. "The judge shall give his findings, after the
jury find them guilty". Quite clearly, the verdict is that Africa must be
free, once and for all. "It's time you come together and 'Organise
Yourself', with discipline and hard work and knowing what to do". We
are remembered that these guys fight like a 'Warrior', even though
they are peacemakers. We knew that from The Youthful Warrior.
Norman is humble like a lamb but vicious like tiger or a lion. But again, he is
a peaceful man. His focus shifts from man to woman. A 'Hard Working
Woman' to be more precise. She is good in the kitchen, sexy in the
bedroom. "Blessed is the man that has a good woman". The woman he
sings about is independent and strong. The trumpet plays a nice tune to
accompany the lyrics. We switch to 'Oh Jah' which is
originally the last track on Praises To The King. Jah again receives a lot of praises in
this song. But on the Roots Reggae Library you will find that Praises
To The King continues after 'Oh Jah'. "They all are looking
suspicious" in 'Who Is The Terrorist', a strong single that
deserves attention. Can you tell who is a an extremist or a suicide bomber just
because of the colour of someone’s skin? An important rhetoric question. Without mentioning the
word, racism receives a massive blow in this song. And the beat is a strong one
as well. "'Skeleton Inna Closet' is coming out" so be
aware! The lyrics are sometimes offbeat, which makes you recognize the song easily. We end this
album with 'Human Injustice'. "How can one single person like
me, hope to solve enormous problems of this world". "Stop the war,
inflation, starvation, human injustice". I liked 'I Will Always Praise
Jah' a lot, but this last song is pretty good too. This album originally
contains another song, called 'Stomp It Out'. This has been taken out because
it also features on a later album which would not contain ten tracks of taken
out there. 'Stomp It Out' is supposed to be the third track on this album.
Twinkle Brothers - Culture
Defender
01. Culture Defender
02. Our National Hero
03. Offend Them
04. Don't Be Selfish
05. Repent
06. Get Weh Wid It
07. Wishfull Thinking
08. Bun Dem Constitution
09. The Almighty Power
10. Babylon Is Falling Down
Culture Defender is only a very short album by itself. On the Roots Reggae Library this album comes together with the tracks of another album, namely Repent. Together with two singles they form a full album, carrying the name of Culture Defender. The first four songs appear on Culture Defender, which is also called the Sip A Cup Showcase Volume 18, while Repent was the Sip A Cup Showcase Volume 1. 'Culture Defender' is at the same time the name of the first song on the album. Together with his countrymen he wants to put individual prejudice aside and help the people of the nation, thereby defending its culture and keeping roots music alive. Defending the national culture, homage must be paid to 'Our National Hero'. He sings about Paul Bogle, William Garden, Nanny Maroon, Sam Sharpe, Marcus Garvey, Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley who all played big roles in the history of Jamaica. Norman and Ralston both sing vocals in the next song, and sing that they will 'Offend Them' with upfullness, truth and rights. They will torture them with peace and love too! It is not a good thing to be selfish, so please, 'Don't Be Selfish'. We switch to the Repent songs. Please note that while both Culture Defender and Repent contain four songs each for this album, on these albums you would also find the dub tracks of these songs. "There is room in Zion for everyone, but you got to 'Repent'", directed at the sinner man. "You've got to change from your evil ways, stop from doing wrong". If you don't show repent you will not get away with all this brutality, "me say you nah 'Get Weh Wid It'".Is it just a dream to see all Africa united, or is it 'Wishful Thinking'. Africa has to control its resources to form political unity, and for the benefit for its people. A song with a strong message. The last Repent song is also very strong, "Rasta come fe 'Bun Dem Constitution'!". Some laws are simply there to be broken. Stronger than the strongest, greater than the greatest, heavier than the heaviest and tougher than the toughest, 'The Almighty Power'. The Almighty Power together with its people are always at war with the Kingdom of Babylon. Let us make sure that 'Babylon Is Falling', together with those supporting it.
Twinkle Brothers - Gift
Of Jah
01. Gift Of Jah
02. Armageddon
03. Open Mind
04. Ghetto Road
05. Get Conscious
06. Bird Season
07. Satan Go Down
08. Grand Time
09. Muss Muss
10. Dreamer
11. Simeon
12. Heathen
13. New World Order
14. Matthew, Mark
15. Rolling Stone
16. Jah Must Have Sent You
A fancy album cover and
sixteen tracks to go along with it. Ralston Grant delivers the lead
vocals for this album. Live your life clean, because your life is a 'Gift
Of Jah', Ralston Grant tells us. If you don't, you will not be
able to enter Zion. He follows up with a burning 'Armageddon'.
Fighting backbiters and inequity he burns his sensimilia. He sings about
the heathen in 'Armageddon' and about the wicked in 'Open Mind'.
"Brothers killing brothers just for a slice of bread". "We
should all live in one love, cause true love brings prosperity". A new
voice appears on 'Ghetto Road'. It is Kevin Grant. I am afraid his
vocals are very different of what the average Twinkle Brother fan would like to
hear on a regular basis. It is time for the youthman to 'Get
Conscious' and learn the lessons taught by Marcus Garvey, because the
time is now. Ralston makes better use of his voice here than in
previous tracks. But 'Bird Season' sounds a bit strange again.
Although we have ten more songs to go, we already feel that this is not the
best Twinkle album. The beat of 'Satan Go Down' is good, and
altogether not a bad song, considering the album it is on. "Leave all your
worries behind, join the light, don't you left behind, have a 'Grand
Time'". Fire is burning for 'Muss Muss', like on Live
Wire of The Gladiators where we find 'Muss Muss Tail', or 'Cool Breeze' of the
same group on the album On The Right Track. Ralston tells
the 'Dreamer' that "one day your dreams may be reality".
The second son of Jacob and Leah was 'Simeon'. The Simeon Tribe was
one of the Tribes of Israel. We had heard 'The Heathen Rage' on Babylon
Rise Again and we hear 'Heathen' on Gift Of Jah.
This is one of the more pleasant tracks on the album. Asking the help
of Jah in the time of the 'New World Order', where some
live in poverty and others are very rich. Not only 'Mathew, Mark',
but also Luke, John, James and Simon. Only two made it to the title of this
track. "'Rolling Stone' no gather no mass" and 'Jah
Must Have Sent You' complete this album. Once again I am pointing out
that this is not the greatest effort of the Twinkle Brothers. The predominant
problem is formed by Norman Grant not appearing on lead vocals on any of the
songs.
Twinkle Brothers - Bribery
And Corruption
01. Life Is What You Make It
02. Bad Habits
03. Material Gain
04. Jah Bless A Good Woman
05. Bribery And Corruption
06. Mister Wheeler Dealer
07. At The Ninth Hour
08. Hail Him
09. Africa Get Enough
Punishment
10. Go Weh From Deh
I am very glad that Norman Grant returns to lead vocals for Bribery And Corruption. The first track on the album is immediately a hit for me. "Shape up, straighten up, or move out! Because 'Life Is What You Make It'". On the road to recovery Norman clears up any misunderstanding and deals with some loose ends. 'Bad Habits' turn children into addicts. "The sins of the father are visited upon his children, unto the third and fourth generation". Although I do not agree with his Lamarckian view of DNA, I do like the song as it is. "Don't ever sell your soul for 'Material Gain', and never make them buy you out". "So homage must be paid to the men and women who didn't bout to corruption". On Praises To Jah we had heard Norman praise a 'Hard Working Woman'. On Bribery And Corruption he says 'Jah Bless A Good Woman'. "She shall be praised for the fruits of her own hands, she shall enter in the gates". The two songs are quite similar. We have to rid ourselves of the 'Bribery And Corruption' that is entangled within our society. We have to stomp it out, the sooner the better! "Cuuaah cuudeeh, here comes 'Mister Wheeler Dealer', he will stry to convince you with his scheming, even when he's lying to you, you will still believe him". The message here is to never trust a care salesman. Not in Jamaica, not anywhere else either. "Don't give up, my brother. And don't give up, my sister. Cause 'At The Ninth Hour' things will get better". "Right now you might think that things couldn't be worse, but remember there are people worse of than you". A nice musical variation after one and a half minute. We switch to a much faster tempo to listen 'Hail Him'. It is a song in which Jah is praised with a lot of effort. "Make we hail Him, all nations shall praise Him". "Praises and honour, exalted and glorified, adore him, cause He rules supremely". This album ends after eight songs. But Bribery And Corruption would not be fulfilled on the Roots Reggae Library without the two singles that were added. 'Africa Get Enough Punishment', especially by European invasion. Make sure you listen to this song, because it is very intense. 'Go Weh From Deh' is also vigorous, chasing out mister money-man out of the ghetto and the quail snatchers from the neighbourhood. In contrast to Gift Of Jah I would definitely recommend Bribery And Corruption for anyone to listen to. It is marvellous that an album from 2012 can sound so rootsy and powerful.
Twinkle Brothers - Bunker
Buster
01. You Brought It All On
Yourself
02. Make The Future Better
03. Behind Enemy Line
04. Terrorizing
05. Ground Zero
06. Legends Never Die
07. Bunker Buster
08. Massacre At Mazar-E-Sharif
09. Hijack At Stansted
10. Barn Yard
11. What A Sorrow
12. Crimes Against Humanity
"Retaliation,
retribution, 'You Brought It All On Yourself'". A melancholic
sound that sets of the first song of Bunker Buster. This whole
album is followed with songs about terror and killings. Which was brought to us
in 2012 as well, just as Bribery And Corruption. You will even find
a third album made in this year. Caring for the generations to come the Twinkle
want to 'Make The Future Better'. The past cannot be changed, but
we can do something about what is yet to come. The same harmonica is used as on
'You Brought It All On Yourself' and it will be heard throughout this whole
album. Besides this instrument, some of this album sounds quite like a dub
album, except for the fact that the vocals are there. Being 'Behind
Enemy Lines' is rather dangerous of course and you run the risk of 'Terrorizing'.
Another thing these songs have in common is that the words of the titles are
repeated over and over, without many other vocal lines being added. It sounds
right to do this for a track like 'Ground Zero', as well as the dub
sounds are suitable for this track. But maybe it should not have been done to
all tracks. But I like this experiment nonetheless. When shuffled in a playlist with other songs it is
nice."Heroes we'll always remember, but 'Legends Never Die'".
An interesting phrase indeed. Then comes the title track 'Bunker
Buster' which also lacks a diversity in lead vocals. Mazar-e-Sharif is
the fourth largest city in Afghanistan. Whereas on Babylon Rise Again we
were given a full account of the 'Massacre In Zaire Congo', these details lack
in 'Massacre At Mazar-E-Sharif'.
I presume that they are
referring to the battles fought in the war against the Taliban between 1997 and
1998. Another Afghan case is the 'Hijack At Stansted', where a
flight was hijacked by a number of Afghan nationals and flown to Stansted Airport where days of tense
negotiations followed. I am not quite sure, but "heal him in the 'Barn
Yard'" may refer to a level in the Brother In Arms 2 game. Please do
tell me if that is not the case. After that we repeatedly hear 'What A
Sorrow', the "Twin Tower boogie" and the "Pentagon
rock". All what we heard previously had to do with 'Crimes Against
Humanity'. Once again the Twinkle Brothers prove they are very capable
of making an album that is very coherent in sound and topics.
Twinkle Brothers - Glimmer
Of Hope
01. The Truth
02. Lady
03. Love Jah Jah
04. Public Disorder
05. Glimmer Of Hope
06. Shakara
07. Transformation
08. Stomp It Out
09. You Can't Say You Never
Know
10. Entre Les Lignes (ft. Danakil)
With confidence Norman sings
that "'The Truth' will correct all errors in my mind".
This is a pleasing first song. "If you call a woman African woman she nah
go 'gree, she go say she's a 'Lady' oh". The African lady
is independent, self-reliant. As was profound through the whole of the Twinkle
Brother discography, they have much love for Jah.
"Make we 'Love Jah Jah',
blessed are the pure in heart for they shall seek Jah, blessed are the peacemakers, they shall call the children
of Jah Jah". I cannot understand how it was such a hard job for Ralston Grant to deliver good vocals on Gift
Of Jah but to sing an
amazing song here. Norman Grant sings about social unrest and 'Public
Disorder'. "You can't blame the youth" or demonize them. Rather we should value our
children and unite our communities. "Yes there's a 'Glimmer Of
Hope' we can stop this war". The Twinkle Brothers will use all
their effort to make sure to deliver their part. 'Shakara' is
an album by Fela Kuti produced in 1971. It is Nigerian Afrobeat music and I
can definitely recommend you to listen to this. Of course only after
you have finished this last album of the Twinkle Brothers. 'Shakara' is quite a
strange track. Glimmer Of Hope originally contains only six
songs. That means that the next four song you will find are added by the Roots
Reggae Library. Loosing the original we go through a 'Transformation',
like a butterfly. "The transfiguration of the Africans, a people who were
once rulers of advance civilization,
have transformed themselves into basic men". But no transformed form is as
good as the original. Carbon copies are eventually thrown in the waste bin
too. Calling for vigilance and moral courage, evil and
corruption should be weeded out, 'Stomp It Out'. Corruption sits
deep in the fabric of our society, and it will not be an easy task to stomp it
out. But the Twinkle Brothers take the first steps. The track appeared on Praises
To The King as well, and the message is very similar to 'Bribery And
Corruption' which we heard two albums ago. "Look how long the Rasta tell them Babylon is falling, and
all the songs that him sing and him warn them" so 'You Can't Say
You Never Know' or hear. The final track here is a track made with Danakil, a French Reggae group. The song
features on their album with the same name as the song, 'Entre Les
Lignes'. The lyrics are a mix of French and English. "Who not hear gwaan feel!".
««««¶ (1971) Do Your Own Thing
««««¶ (1974) Anti-Apartheid
««««« (1975) Rasta Pon Top
««««« (1977) Miss Labba Labba
««««« (1978) Love
««««« (1979) Praise Jah
««««« (1980) Countrymen
««««« (1981) Me No You
««««« (1982) Underground
««««« (1983) Burden Bearer
««««« (1984) Enter Zion
««««« (1984) The Right Way
««««« (1985) Kilimanjaro
««««« (1987) Breaking Down The Barriers
««««« (1987) Respect And Honour
««««« (1988) In Poland
««««« (1989) Chant Rastafari
««««« (1989) New Songs For Jah
««««« (1990) All Is Well
««««« (1990) Unification
««««« (1990) Wind Of Change
««««« (1991) Babylon Rise Again
««««« (1991) Rasta Surface
««««« (1992) Don't Forget Africa
««««« (1992) Higher Heights
««««« (1992) Talent Spotting
««««« (1994) Equality And Justice
««««« (1995) Chant Down Babylon
««««« (1995) The Other Side
««««« (1996) Final Call
««««« (2000) Heart To Heart
««««« (2002) Will This World Survive
««««« (2003) Crucial Cuts
««««« (2004) Give The Sufferer A Chance
««««« (2004) The Youthful Warrior
««««« (2008) Songs Of Glory
««««« (2009) Prasies To The King
««««« (2011) Culture Defender
««««« (2011) Gift Of Jah
««««« (2012) Bribery And Corruption
««««« (2012) Bunker Buster
««««« (2012) Glimmer Of Hope
««««¶ (1974) Anti-Apartheid
««««« (1975) Rasta Pon Top
««««« (1977) Miss Labba Labba
««««« (1978) Love
««««« (1979) Praise Jah
««««« (1980) Countrymen
««««« (1981) Me No You
««««« (1982) Underground
««««« (1983) Burden Bearer
««««« (1984) Enter Zion
««««« (1984) The Right Way
««««« (1985) Kilimanjaro
««««« (1987) Breaking Down The Barriers
««««« (1987) Respect And Honour
««««« (1988) In Poland
««««« (1989) Chant Rastafari
««««« (1989) New Songs For Jah
««««« (1990) All Is Well
««««« (1990) Unification
««««« (1990) Wind Of Change
««««« (1991) Babylon Rise Again
««««« (1991) Rasta Surface
««««« (1992) Don't Forget Africa
««««« (1992) Higher Heights
««««« (1992) Talent Spotting
««««« (1994) Equality And Justice
««««« (1995) Chant Down Babylon
««««« (1995) The Other Side
««««« (1996) Final Call
««««« (2000) Heart To Heart
««««« (2002) Will This World Survive
««««« (2003) Crucial Cuts
««««« (2004) Give The Sufferer A Chance
««««« (2004) The Youthful Warrior
««««« (2008) Songs Of Glory
««««« (2009) Prasies To The King
««««« (2011) Culture Defender
««««« (2011) Gift Of Jah
««««« (2012) Bribery And Corruption
««««« (2012) Bunker Buster
««««« (2012) Glimmer Of Hope
WOW!!!!!!!! Just missing the new ones... Looks good man!!!!! I can't wait to go through it.
ReplyDeleteWoah!!!! What a feeling!🤗
ReplyDeleteBig bad
ReplyDelete