An old-school reggae lover's dream come true, Foundation Come Again is a wonderful collection of new tracks from some vocalists you could easily tag as old greats, all brought together by
Tom Chasteen, a DJ, producer, and club promoter who runs the world-renowned Los Angeles club night Dub Club. Go to one of
Chasteen's shows and you might see some long-lost reggae legend, but here, the experience is brought home as hallowed names joyfully deliver new tracks with the help of co-producer
Tippa Lee. "Paper & Pen" with
Ranking Trevor kicks open the door with a firm, midtempo number that recalls the dancehall style of the early '80s, and while the deep sonic punch of 2013 is felt throughout the booming album, on the unexpected highlight "Revolution" you could drive a truck between the bass of Eddie Ruscha and the high-pitched,
Anthony B-esque chirp of
Little Harry. Long-lost favorite
Lone Ranger sounds a bit more mellow than before while the previously sharp
Dillinger sounds like a loose, Bobo-dread mystic on "Around the World," but
Big Youth, Trinity, Tristan Palma,
Prince Jazzbo, and
King Stitt are all identifiable and darn close to full power. If that weren't enough,
Chasteen's gift to the reggae faithful is made all the more special since
Ranking Trevor,
King Stitt, and Errol Scorcher all left this mortal coil between the album's recording and release. Praise it for the music, the memories, the great performances, or the righteous rhythms, Foundation Come Again is an all-killer, no-filler, nostalgic thriller. ~ David Jeffries