Review - Munky Lee feat. Christine Miller & Sister Charlotte "Seed ...

France's Munky Lee produced a second 12" on his Black Wheat Sounds label, this time delivering a rootical stepper riddim, bearing a resemblance with classic 70s Jamaican steppers (regarding the drum section at least). I am a fan of Munky Lee's early heavy dub tunes, so here seems to be another producer who leaves his original path in order to offer what he thinks people like the most? Or does it have to do with age? I cannot change it but when I compare Munky Lee's new stuff to his early works or Russ Disciples' 90s sound to his current, kinda boring roots stuff (yeah, if you're honest to yourself, you'll agree!) or Dubcreator's first with his latest releases, then I become sad and miss the good old days. Why changing one's original style to make just another rootsy sound which sounds like everyone else's? 1 star minus.

This "Seed You Sow" release was hot on the scene for the first weeks when it was out. But I am absolutely sure it has already been forgotten or will be forgotten soon because it has nothing remarkable. Sure, two female singers is a very good idea. And 4 dub versions is not bad either. But then again, who will listen to 6 versions of the same riddim in a row? Nobody! That's just useless in my humble opinion. The dub versions are not that differing from each other, you will only notice a change in the drum sections. I understand that live dubbing a tune makes fun, but I do not need 6 versions of one song on the same record. If the record is already at 33.3rpm, then why not 2 vocals + 2 dubs on the A-Side and a completely different tune on the B-Side??? Another star off.

Of course, if you love the roots music, then you will like this record. But if you're a dub fan and like your dubs raw and wild... And modern! Fresh, not dusty! But if you think that Jamaican dub died in the early 80s, so why trying to continue that tradition, then leave this record alone. In my opinion, Munky Lee sells himself out. Nah, just kidding, but I am making a point here: NO COMPROMISE IN YOUR MUSIC! Never produce music that you think will sell well because you think that people expect this sort of music. People realise this, at least some. Stay authentic with your original music. For me, this release does not sound like Munky Lee. At least not the Munky Lee that I enjoyed so much listening to. There goes another star. (And yes, of course, this is just my personal point of view, it might as well be that this is the 100% Munky Lee of today, but I'm the reviewer here and I have to try to get some emotions out of my readers. There are enough boring and empty reviews out there.)

All in all, I am very disappointed by this release because it sounds like way too many others. It might as well have not been released - and no one would have ever realised. 2 stars only. And now, how about ranting about me and my review below in the comment section? Just trying to get some feedback, you know. Better bad than none.