Life Is for Living

Horace Andy’s 1995 album is one of most unusual and rewarding outings of his career. Andy had long held a penchant for experimentalism, so it was natural that he'd eventually find his way to Neil Fraser, a.k.a. Mad Professor. This visionary producer was enjoying a career renaissance in the '90s, having collaborated with pop and electronic acts like Sade, The Orb, and Massive Attack. Mad Professor embodied the values that had long guided Andy, who was always looking to push the boundaries of his music while retaining the ancient organic feel of spiritual reggae music. With unexpected sound effects and tumultuous mixes, “What a Day,” “Do Your Work," and “Dem a Fraud” are anything but ordinary. These songs might be classified as psychedelic dub if not for Andy’s vocals, which bring an element of gravitas to even the most spaced-out productions. Lest the reader assume that this album in any way aims for the mischief and tomfoolery that befell the later works of Mad Professor’s mentor Lee Perry, one listen to “Zion I” will confirm that this is a work of serious intention and rigorous spirituality.