Just when you think nothing will surprise you, you get mailed Iowa Reggae. And if Reggae from Dubuque isn't crazy enough, it is performed by as anti-Jamaican a name as you can find, Patrick Ryan. But, as a reviewer, I have learned to never judge too quickly so I put the CD in with as open a mind as I could find. Knowledge is a collection of good groove based tunes. Yes "I Stand Alone" and "Down From Space" are based around a reggae model, but this is not solely a reggae album. "In Dreams Tonight" has a dance-track beat with melody and counter-melody. "Crazymino" is a cool rocker that reminds me of Johnny Clegg and may be Knowledge's highpoint.
The CD's weakest point is its lyrics. "Knowledge" and "Foolishness" are pro-marijuana songs and much of the Rastafarian vibe sounds kind of dated and makes it tough to take the CD seriously. "Nothing You Can Do" uses scratch/rap to try and say something, but I can't tell if this is a social commentary or an angst-ridden love song.
Overall, you can see the talent of Patrick Ryan and his band. Knowledge is a CD created and performed with passion. It misses a few marks, but if you are a fan of Reggae, Soul, and Grove, then you probably will enjoy this CD.
Track Listing
1. Down From Space
2. Knowledge
3. In Dreams Tonight
4. Paradise (another day)
5. CrazyMind
6. Prince of Power
7. I Stand Alone
8. Nothing You Can Do
9. Foolishness
10. Simpatico
11. Only Love (pass it on)
12. Photosynthesis
13. Nos Vemos Manana
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