Merger - Exiles Ina Babylon (1977)
 

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A strange and somewhat obscure album from a UK based reggae band, which is the first of only two albums the band released. I feel like I want to like the album more, but it proves quite difficult, it's not bad but it's certainly lacking. Side one is again, not bad, but the instrumentals are mushy at times and flat. A major flaw is the awful vocal production, especially on side one, they're drawn out and distant often being buried into the mix. Side two fares better than the first, better rhythm, more conventional. The opening track 'Understanding' is the best cut on the album without a doubt. I feel slightly alienated by the very strong black political message of the lyrics that mostly regard racism, discrimination etc. These themes are hard to relate to, making it kind of hard to access. Overall not bad at all, but not the best. I suggest you check it out if you're into real politically charged roots reggae.