MURDER CITY PLAYERS
Power Struggle
(Nighthawk)

This originally ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 1992

Local reggae favorites Murder City Players, a mainstay on the St. Louis scene since 1983, have recently released an exceptional CD, "Power Struggle," on Nighthawk records.

It's obvious that this octet has spent considerable time and money in this endeavor, as the catchy title track opens things up and completely draws you in from the get go. The rhythms are tight, the music seductive, and lead singer Mark Condellire (aka "Tony Rome") has never sounded better while delivering his smooth vocals.

The 13 tracks, with occasional dub versions, clock in at just over an hour. Many fans familiar with the band's live performances will recognize some of the tunes, such as "Boomerang," "G-Money," "Off The Rocks" (with lead vocals by "Prince" Phillip McKenzie), and their rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" (featuring outstanding sax work by Oliver Sain). Jamaican star Leonard "The Ethiopian" Dillon also lends his talents as he appears as guest vocalist on "Heartaches," a song he composed especially for the band.

This release was mixed and produced in its entirety by Mervyn Williams, who has previously worked with such reggae greats as Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff, and Burning Spear. The professionalism is apparent, with the sound being clean and smooth.

Check out this quality recording while at the same time supporting local music. "Power Struggle" is excellent, and Murder City Players are to be commended.






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