Ticklah - Ticklah vs. Axelrod (Easy Star Records)

The musical conflict between Ticklah and Axelrod in a Brooklyn studio is imaginary, because they're one and the same person. Ticklah is Victor Axelrod, the keys player from Afrobeat funk crew Antibalas and founding member of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and is still obsessed by deep dub reggae revival, playing just about everything on this album: guitar, electric piano, drums and bass. Good true dub, with guest appearances by Mikey General, Rob Symeonn and Vinia Mojica. Just when you've gotten into the vibe, along come Latin-flavoured, Spanish-lyric tracks - two reinvented Eddie Palmieri tunes - both featuring former girlfriend Mayra Vega, whose stellar vocals add fire to the mix. Rating 4

Podworthy: Mi Sonsito