DJ Captain Sinbad is better known -- and even then, not that well known -- as producer Carl Dwyer, the man who helped dancehall vocalists like Little John and Peter Metro launch their careers. As singing pirate Sinbad, his output is scant, adding up to two-and-a-half known albums and one of those is basically a compilation of tracks he recorded for Dillinger's Oak label. Dillinger is an obvious, heavy influence on Sinbad as he drops slang in that effervescent manner his former label boss was known for. The way he tells the tale of his favorite boxer on "Sugar Ray" instantly puts a smile on your face and even if "All Over Me" uses the same riddim as Yellowman's "Mad Over Me" and does essentially the same thing with it, Sinbad's take is still a rollicking good time. The conscious numbers are less satisfying yet serviceable, and even if the album doesn't live up to its artwork, well really, how could it? In the grand scheme of things, Captain Sinbad will only appeal to the hardcore reggae fan who will no doubt appreciate the hard work -- two bonus tracks and excellent liner notes -- Greensleeves has put into their reissue of this fringe release. Henry "Junjo" Lawes handles the production instead of Dwyer while Scientist does the mixing, while Roots Radics play the tunes.
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