Re-Record... Not Fade Away
by Yes King / 2013
Release Notes
Production heavyweight Rhys Adams returns with his second LP Re-Record… Not Fade Away released on Loop under the ʻYes Kingʼ moniker. Round two of the Yes King journey, the sophomore album comes not as a conceptual "Album Tee-shirt" with Huffer. Just a solid follow up! Produced entirely by Adams and A&R’d by Mark Rae, Re-Record… Not Fade Away, marks a coming of age for the seasoned studio head and a sonic departure from the outfit’s 2008 debut Rock This World (co-produced by Mark Rae of Rae & Christian fame).
Borrowing its name from the strap line appearing in Scotch Video Tape’s 1980s TV adverts, Re-Record… Not Fade Away is both a metaphorical reference to the longevity of music produced with passion and a literal reference to Adams’ studio techniques – in particular his preference for recording live to a 1960’s 1/4 inch ferrograph tape machine, a process which Adams describes as ‘integral’ to the album’s sound providing a ‘unique and authentic’ feel with a firm nod to the Dub and Reggae traditions which permeate the album.
Featured artists provide a wealth of variety to the album’s underlying themes:
Guitarist for The Soothsayers Patrick Hatchett plays on much of the album also co-writing several tracks becoming, in Adamsʼ words, ʻcentral to the Yes King soundʼ. Togo born singer Kodjovi Kush adds Afrobeat flavour to ʻOne More Timeʼ with a vocal performance, which displays his musical journey to East London via Ghana, Israel and ʻ90s Central London cultural hotspot, the Africa Centre.
Rock This World collaborators make a welcome return in the form of Kenny Knotts, a UK dancehall vocalist with a string of top ten hits to his name and rapper Mystro, a honorary Kiwi and seasoned veteran with a list of collaborations under his belt.
Representing the new generation of UK dancehall artists is Toddla T and Sticky collaborator, Lady Chann, providing unique sound system swag on ʻSecret Kingʼ. Decca signing, Annie Bea, adds a sweet summer feel to ʻJust Like Meʼ and new voices Mel Uye Parker, Rioghnach Connolly offer accomplished vocals to lead single, ʻHardgroundʼ, a track which Adams is happy to describe as one of his proudest productions. All in all, a rich mix thrown in to the sonic melting pot via that all important tape machine mix down.