Record Pics

The Techniques - Classics (1995)

If you’re from Jamaica, you might know this group. But if you’re not—The Techniques are one of the most influential Jamaican groups ever, and one which defined the sound of rock steady.

So big, each individual member later went on to change popular music as we know it. Slim Smith, the lead singer, was—until his untimely death at 23—one of the most beloved singers in Jamaica. Winston Riley was a producer who introduced the world to Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, and Sister Nancy—and made The Slackest by General Echo. Dave Barker was the Dave in Dave and Ansell Collins. And Frederick Waite helped form Musical Youth, with some of his children as members.

This is basically a compilation that came out in 1995. No album was made by them because The Techniques were a singles group.

An incredible listen, and shaped the sound of popular music to come.

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Cœur de Pirate - En Cas de Tempête, Ce Jardin Sera Fermé (2018)

Her voice does something to me, tickles me in the back of my brain. Very expressive. Just an incredible album.

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Kikuchi Momoko - Ocean Side (1984)

A city pop classic with some unforgettable bangers like “Shadow Surfer” and “Evening Break”.

I found this in a local Asian record shop that has since closed down, and I regret not buying all their vinyl up.

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