The New York label Easy Star and its musicians are no strangers to a gamble: they are currently putting the finishing touches to an adaptation of Radiohead's album "Ok Computer". Already covered in jazz by Brad Meldhau, the Bristol band will thus see its flagship album, released in 1997 to critical acclaim, given the same reggae treatment as Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of The Moon".
Eric Smith, the label's boss, says they were swamped with proposals (from the Clash's "London Calling" to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" via "The Wall") and that it was not easy to find an album that met the criteria of concept, strong respect for the fans, and feasibility of a reggae rewrite.
After months of work on the arrangements, the result is called RADIODREAD (!), A Complete Reggae Version of Radiohead’s OK COMPUTER, featuring Horace Andy, Morgan Heritage, Frankie Paul and Kirsty Rock. It is expected in September 2006. The Easy Star All Stars, who definitively prove they have taste, are not done surprising us…
Moreover, "Radiodread" will follow shortly after the release of a live DVD of "Dub Side of the moon", with a concert recorded during their US tour in September 2005.