Mighty Diamonds

Mighty Diamonds – Struggling – Live and Learn

So good to see the Mighty Diamonds back on the scene again, after a break from actually making music that involved them in touring most of the US over the last couple of years.

Their last set was for Tapper Zukie and was a great success. This one for Delroy Wright is just as good. Including a few recuts like 'Tell Me What's Wrong' an all time classic from the group, that is nicely freshened up here. 'Struggling' is better than the cut on on 'Planet Earth' album, which is saying a lot. 'Long Time' sounds like the third recut and recalls the 'Nice Time' 'Party Time' tradition of the music. 'Leave Heathen Children' is an outstanding work. Likewise with 'Hustling'.

Mighty Diamonds – If You Looking For Trouble – Live And Learn

The teaming of the Mighty Diamonds with Delroy Wright is certainly producing some excellent results. Another LP like 'Struggling' would have satisfied me, but this set 'If You Are Looking For Trouble' is even better. For starters the arrangements are bold, experimental even. Take 'Cartoon Living' for example, the rhythm is mixed with plenty of echo and reverb and is lead by a synth that holds the melody. The song is one of the Diamonds great works as well. Others include the title track that recalls a fine tradition of reggae songs in the style of 'Stepping Razor'. Another tradition are the songs about Marcus Garvey, 'Where Is Garvey' is equal to any past works. A truly magnificent LP.

Mighty Diamonds – The Real Enemy – Greensleeves

A new Mighty Diamonds LP produced by Gussie Clarke had a lot of people excited. Not so I. Recalling the LP that contained 'Pass The Kouchie' caused me to feel anxious. A lot was expected from that LP. And somehow the Diamonds ended up in limbo again after its release.

Since that time they have recovered well with good LPs for Tapper Zukie and more recently Delroy Wright. This new LP 'The Real Enemy' builds on those recent successes, and Gussie Clarke as done this by making this LP essentially a reality set. Full of messages. 'The Real Enemy' 'Gang War' 'Babylon Is Dangerous' 'Dem A Worry' 'Free Africa' 'Mr Botha' 'Chant Down War'. All sung over powerful militant rhythms. A serious LP.

Mighty Diamonds – Get Ready – Greensleeves

'Get Ready' is the follow up LP to last years 'Real Enemy' set. Its also produced by Gussie Clarke. Unlike that set its not got so many reality songs. The theme of the LP is more to do with life in general. Even son 'Another Day, Another Raid' is a powerful attack on the system. 'Idlers Corner' recalls Bob Andy's 'Ghetto Stays In The Mind' with its plea for a better way of life – to that of standing on the corner. Its also feature Gregory

Isaacs. Love songs come in the form of the wonderful 'Schoolmate' and 'My Baby'. The title track 'Get Ready' is a hopeful and upful song, of better things to come. With plenty of good music now around, perhaps its a sign that the tide is at last starting to turn.

Mighty Diamonds – Never Get Weary – Live & Learn

The Diamonds new album for Delroy Wright as taken a while to come, and its a good set. Not as good as ' The Real Enemy' the album they cut for Gussie a couple of years ago, but as good as the last Gussie album 'Get Ready'. Why it isn't as good as 'Real' is not easy to say. The songs with one or two exceptions are based in reality, but in places the production seems a bit soft. Delroy Wright is not known as a soft producer, so its even more of a surprise. More typical of the man's work can be heard on 'Reggaeman' despite the title its got strong lyrics – and some well forward sax playing.