Unlimited Streaming
Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps
Start my trial period and start listening to this albumEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
SubscribeEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
Digital Download
Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.
Like a prism, over the years Gregory Isaacs has reflected virtually every aspect of the contemporary Jamaican music scene, from bouncy reggae to deepest roots, gentlest lovers rock to toughest dancehall. Pardon Me!, however, is arguably his most vivacious, and the backing 809 band revel in the opportunities, reeling out bright and brash accompaniments, all upbeat and slathered with melody. Isaacs has reason to be in a grand mood, the story of why begins with "Christmas Behind the Bars," a miserable place indeed to spend the festive season. But none of that is reflected in the breezy accompaniment, even as the singer recalls the indignities and sorrows of his prison experience. For that's all behind him, since the "Judge and Jury" found him not guilty, putting Isaacs in a celebratory mood. No wonder then that even a run-in with "Mister Cop" can't dampen his spirits, and it's left to guesting DJ Macka B to add a touch of gravidas to the situation. That latter number is a splendid calypso-tinged recut of Isaacs' 1976 Lee Perry produced classic, "House of the Rising Sun" is a cover of the traditional blues masterpiece, the only somber song on the set. It's also one of the stand-outs, boasting one of Isaacs' most extraordinary performances. In a much lighter mood is the bouncy title track, where the singer much to his embarrassment discovers he can't cover the restaurant bill. Perhaps Isaacs' should be asking his date to open up her wallet instead of begging her to "Open Up Your Heart". Besides, any man who dedicates the heartfelt "Pride & Dignity" to his own mom, and mothers everywhere, deserves to be cut some slack. By the time this album is over you'll agree that Isaacs will indeed "Kill Them with Music," while Dean Fraser is equally adept at slaying them with his sax. This song, which kicks off the set, beautifully sets the stage with its infectious melody, breezy backing, and sweet harmonies. Isaacs has released some soul-less sets in recent years, but this irresistible album wipes the slate clean.
© Jo-Ann Greene /TiVo
You are currently listening to samples.
Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.
Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.
From 12.49€/month
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, MainArtist - Huddie Ledbetter, Composer, Writer
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 2002 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Gregory Isaacs, Performance, MainArtist
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company
Album review
Like a prism, over the years Gregory Isaacs has reflected virtually every aspect of the contemporary Jamaican music scene, from bouncy reggae to deepest roots, gentlest lovers rock to toughest dancehall. Pardon Me!, however, is arguably his most vivacious, and the backing 809 band revel in the opportunities, reeling out bright and brash accompaniments, all upbeat and slathered with melody. Isaacs has reason to be in a grand mood, the story of why begins with "Christmas Behind the Bars," a miserable place indeed to spend the festive season. But none of that is reflected in the breezy accompaniment, even as the singer recalls the indignities and sorrows of his prison experience. For that's all behind him, since the "Judge and Jury" found him not guilty, putting Isaacs in a celebratory mood. No wonder then that even a run-in with "Mister Cop" can't dampen his spirits, and it's left to guesting DJ Macka B to add a touch of gravidas to the situation. That latter number is a splendid calypso-tinged recut of Isaacs' 1976 Lee Perry produced classic, "House of the Rising Sun" is a cover of the traditional blues masterpiece, the only somber song on the set. It's also one of the stand-outs, boasting one of Isaacs' most extraordinary performances. In a much lighter mood is the bouncy title track, where the singer much to his embarrassment discovers he can't cover the restaurant bill. Perhaps Isaacs' should be asking his date to open up her wallet instead of begging her to "Open Up Your Heart". Besides, any man who dedicates the heartfelt "Pride & Dignity" to his own mom, and mothers everywhere, deserves to be cut some slack. By the time this album is over you'll agree that Isaacs will indeed "Kill Them with Music," while Dean Fraser is equally adept at slaying them with his sax. This song, which kicks off the set, beautifully sets the stage with its infectious melody, breezy backing, and sweet harmonies. Isaacs has released some soul-less sets in recent years, but this irresistible album wipes the slate clean.
© Jo-Ann Greene /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 10 track(s)
- Total length: 00:41:01
- Main artists: Gregory Isaacs
- Composer: Huddie Ledbetter
- Label: Trojan Records
- Genre: Reggae
© 1992 Trojan Recordings Ltd., a BMG Company ℗ 1992 Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., a BMG Company
Improve album informationWhy buy on Qobuz...
-
Stream or download your music
Buy an album or an individual track. Or listen to our entire catalogue with our high-quality unlimited streaming subscriptions.
-
Zero DRM
The downloaded files belong to you, without any usage limit. You can download them as many times as you like.
-
Choose the format best suited for you
Download your purchases in a wide variety of formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF...) depending on your needs.
-
Listen to your purchases on our apps
Download the Qobuz apps for smartphones, tablets and computers, and listen to your purchases wherever you go.