Michael Franti & Spearhead: All Rebel Rockers LP

Michael Franti & Spearhead rock the reggae proper(Photo by Mike Schreiber)

If this had been a spring release it would’ve been the soundtrack to my summer!

Some artists simply command respect. Case in point: when Michael Franti, former frontman for Beatnigs and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, and his band Spearhead set foot in Kingston to record an album of solid reggae, they get a living history of Jamaican roots music lending a hand, from guest appearances contributed by Zap Mama’s Marie Daulne and dancehall goddess Cherine Anderson to the masterful production of none other than dub legends Sly & Robbie.

This record just oozes soul and righteousness, from the tough rocking pieces (“Hey World (Remote Control Version)”) to the tenders ballads (“Have a Little Faith”) to the absolute slabs of sonic joy (“Say Hey (I Love You)”). This is one of the most solid albums I’ve heard in a long, long time. The production is warm, rich and nuanced, the band is killer and every tune is right on the money.

I know I have a tendency to bitch about every record that goes past the 40 minute mark testing my patience, but this one’s the exception to that rule. Clocking in at almost 55 minutes, there’s nothing I’d edit on this. Nothing.

• spearheadvibrations.com