I'M THIS I'M THAT
This track features in Moondog's album “H’art Songs”, released in 1978 when he was already established in Germany, where he lived the later part of his life. The album is more song-driven than the rest of his work, and fundamentally is based on intricate repetitive piano layers, a touch of percussion, and Moondog's expressive voice delivering simple, playful, and satyrical lyrics.
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About the album, the critic David Keenan wrote: "The 10 superficially simplistic piano-led pop songs, with lyrics like diamond-sharp haiku, open out with each listen to reveal a musical aesthetic as melodically complex as Johann Sebastian Bach's."
THE HUMAN RIGHTS
The Human Rights first came together in 2007. The band quickly gained a reputation as an up-and-coming original band warming the stage for the likes of The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, and other top international Reggae artists. The Human Rights recently had the opportunity to open for American roots-rock legends The Black Crowes at Casino Rama in front of over 5,000 people.
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They have released four full-length albums, including One Thing (2010), the 2016 self-titled release (produced by Canadian music icon and Big Sugar founder Gordie Johnson), Reggae Strong (2021), which is dedicated to Bernie Pitters, and One People, released in March 2025.
I'M SKA I'M DUB
The Human Rights brought in their positive group energy to transform this song into a cheerful groove, with the feel of the old school Rocksteady tracks from the golden age of the Jamaican dub era. The tight brass section sustains the skank beat while playing around, and the expressive vocals are delivered by lead singer Treson backed by Lauren, who also plays the alto sax. Friendlyness, the band's leader, “sings” a groovy vocal shaker that keeps the groove together.
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I have played often with this band over the past years, joining them on part of the many tours they make across Canada. They cultivate a truly friendly, respectful, and loving energy throughout their extensive history together, and I think this really makes it across on this recording.
CREDITS
Friendlyness piano, vocal effects
Tréson vocals, tambourine
Eric Woolston drums
Tyler Wagler bass
Graham Campbell guitars
Lauren Barnett alto sax, back vocals
Naomi Higgins baritone sax, tenor sax
Tom Richards trombone
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João Leão organ, back vocals