Poetry with big beats.

Clinton Cameron

Reciting poetry with the backing of musicians is nothing new. Think Linton Kwesi Johnson and John Cooper Clarke from the early 80's.

Benjamin Zephaniah has also embraced the medium but in the past has chosen a reggae backbeat. Naked embraces techno, big beats, programming and scratching. It certainly takes the sound to a new dimension and actually makes you listen to the words with far more interest than if Zephaniah was just standing and reciting in a Roger McGough style.

With subjects ranging from race to being a superstar and contributions from the likes of Dennis Bovell and Howard Jones (yes, the What Is Love 80's star) Naked offers an alternative to your indie / orchestrated bands of the moment.

Some tracks outstay their welcome and at times Zephaniah and collaborator Trevor Morais sound as if they've been listening to Gil Scott Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" rather too much.

But the packaging more than makes up for any shortfalls with a booklet that includes the poetry and artwork by Banksy. Very glossy. Very good.

i-Pod: Rong Radio Station
Label: One Little Indian
Rating: 4/5