TIM ARMSTRONG • A Poet's Life (Red Vinyl) • LP

Limited red vinyl!
Tim Armstrong, guitarist and frontman of Rancid, took a different path on his 2007 solo debut, with able backing from L.A. reggae revivalists The Aggrolites, Armstrong crafted a grooving, fun-filled modern reggae album, influenced by ska, rock steady, roots reggae, and dancehall and filtered through a modern pop-punk attitude. The sound of the record (nimble, jumped-up, and retro but fully modern) impresses instantly, but as the record goes on, Armstrong's voice emerges as the star. His raspy croon, staccato toasting, and ragged shout fit the reggae sound surprisingly well.

Tracklist
A1 Wake Up
A2 Hold On
A3 Into Action
A4 Translator
A5 Take This City
B1 Inner City Violence
B2 Oh No
B3 Lady Demeter
B4 Among The Dead
B5 Cold Blooded