Bobby Kray: Tales From a Skinny White Boy
Friday, 24 Aug 2007 07:35
Bobby Kray was discovered while working in famed London record store Blacker Dread
V2 Records, out now.
In a nutshell…
Soundtrack to a soulless party
What's it all about?
The first full-length offering from this upcoming singer-songwriter, discovered while working in famed London record store Blacker Dread. According to Kray, his love of singing over tracks playing in the shop caught the attention of customers, and some local music executives.
Celebrated reggae producer Dennis Bovell – who takes credit for collaborations with both the wonderful Fela Kuti and the crazed genius Lee Scratch Perry – was brought in to produce the record, offering a fantastic opportunity for a young artist whose singing interest was sparked by a chance teenage turn at karaoke.
Who's it by
Kray cites influences including the obvious Bob Marley and the Clash, as well as the Police, Fleetwood Mac and Missy Elliot, although none of those give much of a guide to his own smoother, pop-styled sound.
A former schoolbus driver, Kray has now performed with Bovell's Dub Band and supported India Arie, Jools Holland and heartless white reggae 'superstars' UB40.
Kray himself doesn't accept the sometimes-used tag of reggae singer, preferring instead the influences of his parents' musical tastes without casting himself too closely in that tradition.
As an example…
"Everybody's got a story. It's never just a story. Let me tell you mine today." – Kray-Z
"I know I never told you, but wow that dress looks nice." – I Love You
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
This could go on to take high-profile awards, but more through its excessively radio-friendly production and slight lyrics than any real musical ambition or original writing. Some potential for pop stardom, fuelled by mediocrity above all else.
What the others say
"One man's parody is another man's homage, and despite the lack of originality, Tales... could be the surprise hit of the summer." – Pipex reviews
"Bobby Kray, the Londoner discovered in Brixton's Blacker Dread record shop, must have a charm that's not apparent when listening to his music cold... Strangely lightweight." – The Guardian
So is it any good?
Kray is wise not to tie himself too closely to the reggae label, as the rolling melodies and vamping chords are little more than a thin whitewash over generic, but well-meaning pop songs. While certainly warm and tuneful, Kray unfortunately sounds more like Justin Timberlake trying his hand at reggae for fun than an exciting young singer fusing traditional stylings with modern sensibilities.
To date his fame has extended little beyond Lily Allen apparently accidentally knocking him off stage in a fit of excitement. Tipping a retaliatory pint over Keith's less-than-delicate offspring – according to a report in the Sun – may be the finest thing Kray's done to date. It's just a shame his music lacks the same nerve and spontaneity.
3/10
Chris Wilson
Your comments:
"Doesn't a successful act need to be radio friendly in order to sell records? It's not rocket science. Forget the Lily Allen hype, Bobby Kray is not afraid to step out of the mould and experiment." – Donell Koolbreeze
"As a singer/songwriter myself I am so inspired by the voice of Bobby Kray. From his true tone to an incredibly acrobatic soprano, he glides through his debut album effortlessly. My hat's off to Mr Kray all the way." - Tory Olivier
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