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Easy Star All-Stars | |
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.jpg) Easy Star All-Stars atFox Theatre in 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Jamaica/United States |
| Genres | Reggae,ska,dub |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Easy Star |
| Members |
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| Website | easystarallstars |
Easy Star All-Stars is areggae collective founded in 1997 by Michael Goldwasser, Eric Smith, Lem Oppenheimer and Remy Gerstein ofNew York City-basedEasy Star Records.[1] The band is known for its reinterpretations of classic albums in reggae style. Their first album, released in 2003, wasDub Side of the Moon, an interpretation ofPink Floyd's 1973 albumDark Side of the Moon. This was followed byRadiodread (2006), an interpretation ofRadiohead's 1997 albumOK Computer;Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band (2009), an interpretation of theBeatles' 1967 albumSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; andEasy Star's Thrillah (2012), an interpretation ofMichael Jackson's 1982 albumThriller.[2]
Originally formed as a studio band for Easy Star Records' earliest recordings, Easy Star All-Stars existed mostly as a studio entity until the release of their first album in 2003.[1] Although they have produced several original releases, they are best known forcovering popular albums in areggae anddub style and have released six cover albums to date.[2]
In February 2003, Easy Star All-Stars released a cover album of Pink Floyd'sThe Dark Side of the Moon entitledDub Side of the Moon, a complete reggae reinterpretation of thePink Floyd album.Dub Side of the Moon has remained on theBillboard Reggae Charts since its release in 2003.[3] It features instructions on how tosynchronize the record withThe Wizard of Oz, referencing the audiovisual pairing sometimes referred to asDark Side of the Rainbow.
Dub Side of the Moon was followed by the 2006 release ofRadiodread, a reimagining of Radiohead's albumOK Computer. At a 2006Radiohead concert,Thom Yorke praisedToots & The Maytals version of "Let Down" onRadiodread.[4] Radiohead guitaristJonny Greenwood has also praised the cover version, calling it "truly astounding."[5]
In March 2008, Easy Star All-Stars releasedUntil that Day, an EP consisting of original material except for "Dubbing Up the Walls", a cover of the Radiohead song "Climbing Up the Walls."[2][6] On 5 April 2011, they released their first original album entitledFirst Light.[2][7]
On January 13, 2009 the Easy Star All-Stars posted a statement on their website that they had completed their next album, a reworking ofSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band bythe Beatles, titledEasy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band, which was released on April 14, 2009.[8] However, it was exclusively released onimeem a day prior. Reviews have been favourable. Sydney street pressMusic Feeds rated the album 10/10.[9]Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band cracked theBillboard Top 200 twice, making it the first reggae album to do so in over two years.[3]
Victor Axelroda.k.a. Ticklah compiled a dub version of a song by the Iowa reggae bandPublic Property on an upcoming albumWork to Do, set for release in July 2009.
Michael Goldwasser compiled a dub version of the song "Turn & Run" byUmphrey's McGee.
In October 2010, the Easy Star All-Stars releasedDubber Side of the Moon, featuring bass-heavy remixes ofDub Side of the Moon by Dubmatix, 10 Ft. Ganja Plant, Groove Corporation, Dubphonic, Alchemist, Dreadzone, Kalbata, Adrian Sherwood & Jazzwad, Victor Rice, Border Crossing, Mad Professor, Michael G. & Easy Star All-Stars, and J. Viewz.[10]
On August 28, 2012, the Easy Star All-Stars releasedThrillah, a reimagining ofMichael Jackson's albumThriller. On September 16, 2014, the Easy Star All-Stars released a special anniversary re-issue ofDub Side of the Moon, their 2003 album reinterpretingPink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.[11] On August 12, 2016, the Easy Star All-Stars rereleased their 2006 albumRadiodread; the rerelease contains a bonus track featuringMorgan Heritage covering Radiohead's song "High and Dry" from their 1995 albumThe Bends.[12]
In recent years, Easy Star All-Stars' producer Michael Goldwasser has worked on a handful of reggae remixes with chart-topping artists, including the tracks "Have It All" byJason Mraz, "I Like That" byJanelle Monáe, "Heat" byKelly Clarkson, "Orange Trees" byMARINA, and "90s Kids" byJax.[13]
On April 21, 2023, the Easy Star All-Stars releasedZiggy Stardub, a reggae recasting ofDavid Bowie'sThe Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.[14] The album garnered positive reviews, and earned an article withBillboard.[15]
Listed in the order and as they appear in the liner notes accompanyingDub Side of the Moon:
The core of the touring line-up has remained largely intact since 2003.[3] The rotating roster includes:
| International | |
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| National | |
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