Capleton: Alms House - 1993

Another artist from the early nineties era was Capleton, who, like Buju Banton, began his career as a dubious “slack” artist demeaning women, homosexuals and generally blowing his own trumpet. 

Like so many, however, he saw the Rastafarian light and his subsequent material was motivated by spiritual themes. Capleton has a very similar voice to Banton, and on hearing the track Alms House, I though it was Buju. Capleton is a bit more of a rapper and slightly less of a singer, but their voices carry the same character and expressiveness. The backing is great, featuring some rumbling bass runs and a solid, thumping percussion. 

Tracks like Matie Career and the chunky, riffy G.C.T. continue in the same vein, once again featuring some really appealing percussion. 

I probably prefer Banton for his more melodious singing style, but a few tracks from Capleton every now and again are ok. Of these three, though, it is Shabba all the way. It was a period in reggae's long life that doesn't do it for me, but Shabba I can warm to on occasions.

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