Fat Freddy's Drop - Based on a True StoryNew Zealand isn't known as a hotbed of reggae riddims, but thanks to this septet's debut studio album, Based on a True Story, it's officially on the map. Championed by Gilles Peterson, the group has built a steady folowing with their sticky funk-soul by way of reggae. This is mostly about the instrumentals, with vocals drifting in and out of the compositions. This is rainy day music, perfect for a laid back mix or a mellow gathering of friends. It's also excellent musicianship that pays homage to its influences without seeming like outsiders playing dress-up. Almost totally overlooked in the US last year, don't miss it again.
Man, the kiddies sure loved Fat Freddy's Drop when I was there in 2003 - in fact, reggae is one of the most popular musicks over that way. Something about island culture and liberalism, blahblahblah. They fookin' LOVE Ben Harper, too. You should try Trinity Roots, too, one of NZ's most popular dub groups. In other words Matt, Fat Freddy's Drop is mine. MINE!!!