‘WE ARE IN A NEW ERA WITH A NEW GROUP OF LIST ENERS'
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Jobs forte rude Jys
Sandra Marron talks to the much sampled dub reggae legend MAX ‘OUTTA SPACE’ ROMEO, as he makes his Scottish live debut.
sing samples from other people‘s music has
always met with a bit of bad publicity and
controversy. The legalities alone have caused more than a fair share of problems. Arguments over the talentless stealing from the talented or the freedom to make music from any means one sees fit to benefit a new generation abound. Let's face it. when it comes to music. sampling can make mediocre records great and great records annoying. We just have to look at Madonna and the use of that Abba sample to see how a piss poor record can be turned into a great pop record — well that and the talents of Mr Jacques Lu Cont. ()n the flip side. why Mylo spoiled a great dance record by sampling the awful Miami Sound Machine on 'l)rop
the Pressure‘ to make ‘Doctor Pressure‘ is still a hit of
a mystery.
ln l9‘)2. one of the most inspired things Liam Howlett of the Prodigy did was use a sample from reggae legend Max Romeo's record. '(‘hase the Devil‘ by lilting the immortal line: ‘l‘m gonna send him to outta space. to find another race'. Thus naming the Prodigy track l‘()utta Space‘). making a pretty good record into a damn great record and introducing the smooth. velvety sound of one of reggae's true greats. Max Romeo. to a whole new generation. And it‘s something the original ‘Rude Boy" is thankful for. ‘It could only do good because it established the song and it made a lot of people want to hear the original.‘ says Romeo. ‘lt did more good than harm and I appreciate that very much.‘ He is also supportive of new artists using old samples to make new records. ‘We are in a
new era and we have a new group of listeners. The kids of today didn't get a chance to hear those songs in those times because they weren‘t born.‘ he says.
Max Romeo has. to say the least. lived a full and busy life in those times and these. He first gained notoriety in the (ills when his single 'Wet l)ream‘ entered the [K chart at number ten despite a blanket ban by the BBC for its rather suggestive lyrics. Romeo tried to persuade BB(‘ censors that the lyrics were about a leaky bedroom ceiling. but alas to no avail. He has worked with Lee ‘Scratch‘ Perry. Sly 6’; Robbie. Keith Richards and. most recently. with Perry’s friend and mtisical sidekick Mad Professor. Tracks like let the Power liall‘. ‘Baby'lon Burning' and "I‘hree Blind Mice' are reason alone to listen to and love roots music.
Touring to promote the release of his new album (currently getting the Mad Professor treatment in the studio). Mr Romeo makes his first visit to Scotland with DJ support from thgo's lli-l5i and Hectorr Selectorr. plus live support from roots royalty Kenny Knotts. Not that first night nerves. or anything for that matter. would tale Mr Romeo. 'l expect a very jubilant audience because I‘ll be doing a good show. to the best of my abilities and I'll make sure that I keep everybody happy?
Max Romeo plays with Kenny Knotts, Mungo’s Hi-Fi and Hectorr Selectorr at the Renfrew Ferry, Glasgow, Fri 24 Mar (and puts in an early gig at the Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Mar).
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‘ THE BEST DANCEFLOOR ACTION
=E< Radio Soulwax 2 Many Dds rip, roar. mix. steal. peddle and push their great Niglitve/sio/rs album plus other nuggets. The Carling Academy. Glasgow. lh.i lti Mar.
=31 100% Dynamite Another ill." through the finest in reggae. tank. ska. hip hop and danceliall hour the vaults Of the Soot .JaZ/ Records Soundsystem. The Bongo Club. Edinburgh. Sat 78 Mar.
>l= Fresh Air presents: Indie Club Together The Edinburgh student radio station brings together the best indie clubs in town for a rocked out rliscothegzie. Cabaret Voltaire. Edinburgh. Thu 23 Mar.
ii: Abomination Drum 8. bass is back With a vengeance in Glasgow as Counterstrike and Robin Chaos play hard and heavy breaks all night long. Glasgow School of Art. Glasgow. Fri 24 Mar.
:3: Oxfam Music Night Cool music against poverty featuring the likes of Silicone Soul. Dave Begg. Craig Smith and Lyley. The Berlin Bierhaus. Edinburgh, Fri 24 Mar.
12¢ Headspin The anything goes. lunked up. four deck block party With another of their mighty line band nights. featuring Found and Sarina live. The Bongo Club. Edinburgh, Sat 25 Mar.
:2: Melting Pot They‘ve racked up a lot of disco in five years and are Sharing the glory With Special guest. author and DJ. Bill Brewster (pictured). The Riverside Club. Glasgow, Sat 25 Mar.
OHM The Chakra stable present a night of funky house and nu-disco to ease the blow of Chakra's demise. The Seundhaus. Glasgow. Sat 25 Mar.
>t= Optimo Mark Boombastik is to beat boxmg what Liberace is to the piano. Sub Club. Glasgow. Sun 26 Mar.
'.i":' 2;» THE LIST 37