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Cool and Dread (Nighthawk,1984)

Cool and Dread continues the Itals' unassuming sound, which can at times blend into the pack of roots reggae acts (sort of like a mix between Culture and the Gladiators, with lead singer Keith Porter's vocals adding a touch of Gregory Isaacs).  However, when they come up with the type of wonderful material that populates Cool and Humble, they demand recognition.  While Brutal Out Deh is widely considered their  creative high point, I find Cool and Humble more satisfying.  It has an upbeat sound buoyed by supple harmonies and infectious roots melodies -- even when the music occasionally shifts to dancehall on cuts like "Material Competition" and the irresistibly catchy "Jah Help Those."  From the mellow "Peace and Love" to the rousing call "Heathen" to supple roots harmony of "Sign Farewell," Cool and Dread is a wonderful showcase for the under-exposed Itals. 

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Modern Age (RAS,1998)

*GUEST REVIEW*
This album of the "later" Itals is not bad, but the digital-like sound requires some adjustment, especially when one expects the roots harmony '70s sound of the earlier Itals. Though the compositions are not bad, overall there seems something missing. This can be caused by expectations based on their earlier work, but I think that, anyhow, the sound is somewhat too underwhelming and the music somewhat too generic, while the vocals sound somewhat too soft. This means, in my opinion, that not every song reaches its full potential. Some songs are more evidently outright catchy, the best ones being "Titanic" and "Happen Before the Time," but upon further listens several other songs, notably "Give This Love a Try," "Surrender," "Sweet Memories," and "Almighty" are quite enjoyable or okay. That the appeal is hidden on a large part of the album relates to the underwhelming, at times un-engaging sound, in a way akin to mediocre lovers rock. The remake of the earlier Itals song "In a Dis Ya Time" is bearable, but does not approach the original, which applies even more to the ska version. Overall, however, the good balances, maybe slightly outweighs, the bad.

- Michel Conci

Mi Livity (Ital Music, 2003)

Like Culture and Burning Spear, The Itals are a trio that has evolved to the point where one member -- in this case, Keith Porter -- has become the face of the group.  And, listening to their -- er, his -- latest effort, Mi Livity, it's refreshing to hear that The Itals' sound is as solid as ever.  Many of these songs, in fact, sound like they could've been released; check out "Don't Fight the Feeling," "Mighty Ruler," "Live You Live," "Humanity," and the title track, for instance.  I never noticed this in The Itals' earlier '70s and '80s work, but Porter's vocals here are often reminiscent of Gregory Isaacs in his prime (before his voice sadly deteriorated).  This is particularly evident in smooth lovers rock tracks like "The Way You Are" and "Lip Service," as well as soft-edged roots like the engaging "Omnipotent."  All in all, although there are a couple of more modern tunes, this is good, old-fashioned throwback roots material from Keith Porter, who sounds as good today as he did 30 years ago.