Ziggy Stardub Easy Star All-Stars
Ziggy Stardub marks the triumphant return of the Easy Star All-Stars, arriving as their first full-length tribute project in a decade. Tackling David Bowie’s seminal concept album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, the record continues the band's tradition of reinterpreting classic rock masterpieces through a Jamaican lens. The result is a vibrant, genre-bending journey that respects the theatricality of the original while grounding it in the deep, organic rhythms of roots reggae and dub.
The production approach displays the group's signature attention to detail, swapping out the glitter and glam of early 70s London for lush, island-inspired arrangements. By slowing down the tempos and emphasizing the bass, the album transforms Bowie’s sci-fi storytelling into a soulful, cosmic operation. The arrangements are thick and atmospheric, ensuring that the emotional arc of the Starman's rise and fall remains intact, even as the sonic backdrop shifts from rock clubs to dancehalls.
To match the scope of Bowie's vision, the project features an expansive roster of vocal talent that spans generations. Reggae icons Steel Pulse set the tone with a heavy, dread-filled rendition of Five Years, while Maxi Priest brings a smooth, radio-ready polish to the anthem Starman. The emotional climax is delivered by R&B powerhouse Macy Gray, whose raspy, soulful delivery on Rock 'n' Roll Suicide adds a layer of grit and vulnerability that perfectly suits the album's dramatic conclusion.
Beyond the legends, the album showcases the versatility of the modern reggae scene. The Skints inject their multi-instrumental energy into the title track, while Fishbone and Jonnygo Figure team up for a frantic, ska-infused take on Hang On To Yourself. The record also integrates rock royalty into the mix, with guest guitar work from Alex Lifeson of Rush and Vernon Reid of Living Colour, bridging the musical gap and adding texture to tracks like Moonage Daydream and It Ain't Easy.
Ultimately, Ziggy Stardub stands as a testament to the enduring power of both the source material and the reggae format. It proves that the themes of alienation, stardom, and hope found in Bowie's work are universal, resonating just as strongly over a one-drop beat. Whether for the lifelong Bowie devotee or the dedicated reggae listener, this collection offers a fresh, spirited perspective on one of music’s greatest legacies, breathing new life into the Starman for a new era.
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