Eek-A-Mouse

In the 1980s, Eek-A-Mouse (a quirky, eccentric toaster/singer) made significant contributions to dubwise, which evolved into the more abrasive dancehall style associated with Shabba Ranks, Nardo Ranks and Lt. Stitchie. Essentially, toasters like Mouse are reggae's equivalent of rappers, although dub was around long before hip-hop emerged in the late '70s. U-Neek finds the distinctive Mouse incorporating hip-hop touches here and there without becoming as forceful as the dancehall artists he influenced. Most of this CD -- which ranges "Gangster Chronicles" (a number that finds him adding lyrics to the theme from The Godfather) and the troubling "Rude Boys a Foreign" to a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Dyer Maker" -- is fairly melodic. Despite the presence of rappers Daddy-O and D-Nice, U-Neek isn't a radical departure from the Jamaican's earlier recordings. Highly recommended. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide