Your Papers, Please...

"Hey, Mr. Cop... ain't got no birth certificate on me"_ Bob Marley, "Rebel Music"

Donald Trump ain't no cop.
A clown, perhaps.

Clowns don't need to see no birth certificates.

"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Rebel Music (Three O'Clock Road Block)" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Natty Dread [Island]
"Iron Sharpen Iron" - Culture - Harder Than The Rest [Shanachie]
"White Collar Criminal" - Anthony B - Rasta Love [VP]
"Love Not Money" - Solo Banton - MP3
"Retribution" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Higher the Monkey Climbs" - Justin Hinds - Skatalites And Friends: Hog Inna Cocoa [Orange Street]
"Smart Countryman" - Prince Buster - Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments...
"Deliverance Must Come" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45 [Reel Music]
"Storm" - Gregory Isaacs - Mr. Isaacs [Blood and Fire]
"Conquering Lion" - Yabby You - One Love One Heart [Shanachie]
"Lightning Flash Weak Heart Drop" - Big Youth - Beyond The Front Line [Caroline]
"Play with Fire" - Gov't Mule - Mighty High [ATO]
"Sheep & Goat" - Jackie Brown - Very Best Of Jackie Brown [JBM]
"Terminator Dub" - Dubmatix - MP3
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]
"Reggae Fever" - Steel Pulse - Reggae Fever [Mango]
"Dos Lenos" - los Toyes - Viva La Rasta [Aztlan]
"Piste" - Israel Foundation Band - MP3
"Marilou Reggae Dub" - Serge Gainsbourg - Aux Armes Et Cetera [Mercury]
"Just Me" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Joy In The Morning" - Gaylads - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
"Happy Land" - Carlton & the Shoes - Studio One 45
"Time Has Come" - Sim Smith - This Is Reggae Music [Trojan]

At The Feast

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music [Mango]
"Easy Now Star" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Rat Race" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
"Retribution" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Signs of the Times" - Oliver Smith - Work Sound 'Ave Power [Heartbeat]
"You Can't Blame The Youth" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"White Collar Criminal" - Anthony B - Rasta Love [VP]
"Destiny" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Can't Buy Love" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
"We've Got Love" - Freddie McGregor - Zion Chant [Heartbeat]
"You Never Know" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads
"Painkiller" - I-chelle and the Circle of Light - Oasis World Radio Sampler X [Oasis]
"Your House" - Steel Pulse - True Democracy [Rhino]
"Love Along With Jah" - Johnny Clarke - Clocktower 45
"Right Track" - Phyllis Dillon & Hopeton Lewis - Duke Reid's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"Sock It To Me" - Roland Alphonso - Pyramid 45
"At The Feast" - The Congos - Heart Of The Congos [Blood and Fire]
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis World Radio Sampler X [Oasis]
"100 Weight Of Collie Weed" - Carlton Livingston - Greensleeves 45
"I & I Survive" - Bad Brains - 12" 45 [Bad Brains]
"Natty Dread Kung Fu" - Dub Funk Association - Roots Of Dub Funk [Tanty]
"East Of Bacchus Marsh" - The Technician - Roots Of Dub Funk [Tanty]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Buddy Bye" - Johnny Osbourne - Dancehall 101 Vol 3 [VP]
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Shu Be Dup" - Twinkle Brothers - Free Africa [Caroline]
"It Will Be Alright" - the Ethiopians - Owner Fe De Yard [Heartbeat]
"Ramble Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Little Nut Tree" - Melodians - Rivers Of Babylon [Trojan]
"Moodorama" - Roland Alphonso - Solid Gold From The Vaults-Vol 3 [Trojan]

Give To Caesar What Is Caesar's

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Money Worries" - the Maytones - Rockers [Mango]
"Poor Man's Prayer" - Mighty Diamonds - The Roots Is There [Shanachie]
"Johnny Dollar" - the Rolands - Crucial Reggae Driven By Sly & Robbie [Mango]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Be Thankful" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
"Dubbin' In The Backseat" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
"Life In Living Colors" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Come To Me" - The Black Seeds - Solid Ground [Easy Star]
"Money Maker" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Keep It Up" - John Holt - Typhoon 45
"Keep On Moving" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution Vol 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"Keep On Moving Version" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution Vol 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis Radio Sampler #1 [Oasis]
"Don't Try To Rob I" - Lynval Thompson - Ride On Dreadlocks [Blood and Fire]
"Fire Fe The Vatican" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood and Fire]
"Half Idiot" - Marcia Griffiths/Cutty Ranks - Watch How You Flex! [Shanachie]
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Sock It To Me" - Roland Alphonso - Pyramid 45
"Japan Special" - Lloyd Brevett - African Roots [MOON Ska]
"Space Light" - Lloyd Brevett - African Roots [MOON Ska]
"Too Experienced" - Eddie Lovett - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"Too Experienced" - Barrington Levy - Love The Life You Live [VP]
"Passion Love" - Melodians - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"Girl You Rough" - the Overtakers - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbaet]
"Don't You Know" - the Pioneers - Amalgamated 45
"Rude Boy Rock" - Lionrock - CD single [Deconstruction]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]

Politricksters

So... the US GOP thinks that shutting down the government is a funny idea. It'll please their "base".
Well, folks... it's not about the budget. It's about moral totalitarianism... and letting multinational corporations off the hook, paying their share. If you've got a Congressman... tell them what YOU think. They might even pay attention... if they want to stay there.
If anybody's paying attention, that is.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Watch the Hypocrites" - Twinkle Brothers - Free Africa [Caroline]
"Hypocrite" - Bunny Wailer - Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Mad Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Cold Concrete" - Mighty Diamonds - Live And Learn Smashing All Stars [Live & Learn]
"The Village" - Gregory Isaacs - Reggae Legends III [ROHIT]
"We Shall Overcome" - Prince Buster - FAB 45
"Inna Eden Dub" - Dubmatix - MP3
"To Toil" - Kiddus I - Oasis World Sampler Vol 1 [Oasis]
"Chant A Psalm" - Steel Pulse - True Democracy [Rhino]
"Step It On The Rastaman Scene" - Easy Star All Stars - Dubber Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]
w/Ranking Joe
"Easy Now Star" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Connection" - Cas Haley - Connection [Easy Star]
"Trod The Hard Road" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"100 Weight Of Collie Weed" - Carlton Livingston - Greensleeves 45
"100 LB. Weight" - 10 Foot Ganja Plant - Midnight Landing [ROIR]
"Your Love" - Peter Austin - Caltone 45
"Licking Stick" - Desmond Dekker - Beverly's 45
"Fu Manchu" - Desmond Dekker - Beverly's 45
"The Chase" - Yvonne Harrison - Caltone 45
"What Kind Of World" - Barrington Levy - 12" Jah Guidance
"Timothy" - Roland Alphonso - Respect to Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Once Upon A Time" - Jacob Miller - Top Ranking 45
"Love & Unity" - Ken Boothe - Beverly's 45
"Unite" - Ras Digby - Soul Beat 45
"The Toughest" - Vietnam All Stars - RIO 45
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]

Easy Star All Stars/The Green/Cas Haley at the Jefferson... review

It's been over ten years since Easy Star Volume One found its way into the studios of Charlottesville, Virginia's WTJU... thanks to the improbable migration of Lem Oppenheimer, one of the founding fathers of the New York-based label. It's also pretty safe to say that central Virginia is not the first place people think of when authentic roots reggae comes up in conversation... or becomes a town to host the infancy of yet another world tour extravaganza.
But, we sure got lucky, that way.

In the late 90s "roots" reggae was in something of a forgotten treasure: even then, so many of its defining performers had passed on too soon, and the fiscally-conservative and digital-driven Dancehall had pushed it into the shadows. Benzes, Bimmers and the Butterfly were a lot easier to "sell" than music that can make you "think while your feet just go" (to pervert a lyric by the once-popular Tom Tom Club, the Talking Heads spin-off that actually gave some recognition to the music).

Easy Star Records bucked that trend: In their back-to-basics approach, their first stroke of genius was building a bona fide "studio band" in the time-honored tradition of Jamaican music since the 1960s... and the examples set by Motown and Stax Records. Real instruments, real innovators, and roots realities... that was the stamp of approval, and what set them apart from the beginning. That first CD, mentioned above... fronted by Jamaican stars and talented newcomers, instantly raised the bar for reggae performers and studios, and signaled a return to what defines the music's greatness...

...and, it all came home to central Virginia, last night.

There are tour companions, and there are perfect bills. This current entourage is certainly the latter. All three of the acts featured in this newest set of troubadours have nailed down their performances early in the game, and, whether consciously created or not, reflect the world. Everybody, from everywhere. It's a mirror. It's an illustration of how reggae is inclusive, and speaks beyond its beginnings to a global feeling.

The opener, Cas Haley, won't ever be mistaken for Jamaican. He reminds me of people I know and see, everyday. And luckily, for me (one who rarely, if ever, watches commercial-infested, network television), his talents are brand new... and prodigious... and an excellent way to begin an evening.
Alone but for a syncopated and percussive acoustic guitar, his astonishing delivery and power ignited the enthusiasm of the ever-growing crowd with cut from his newest, Connection. A solo revelation... that is, until he was joined by the second act, Hawaii's The Green.

(I can't escape from injecting politics when it comes to reggae: it's the backbone of the music. If there are any doubts about how such an exotic location can spawn the genuine Word, Sound and Power and the feeling of the Wailers and Burning Spear (to name but a few), I can name a few books to correct that illusion: To Steal A Kingdom by Michael Dougherty, and, more recently, Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell. Hawaii was not willingly made fiftieth State, to put it mildly.)

It may have escaped notice by many, but Hawaii has a rich, recent tradition in reggae music.
The Hawaiian Style Band (which included traditional Slack Key's First Family, the Pahinuis) and it's most notable alumnus, the late, great Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, set the tone... and, his adaptation of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" jumped from what some would consider a novelty into a worldwide smash. The aforementioned Pahinui Brothers. Sean Na'auao. THC. Robi Khakalau. Those were my first revelations... and that's just scratching the surface.
Tight, sweet harmony. Seamless, chest-thudding, crucial bass-and-drum interplay. Skank, scratch and soul of guitars and keys. Roots reggae and dancehall. Strong, all-original selections, without the need of an obligatory Bob Marley cover. That's what this newest generation has to offer. They're tireless... and a tough act for the headliners to follow.

That is, unless you're the Easy Star All Stars.

Having evolved from a crack studio outfit into amazing tour veterans, they've long since crossed over from "college" radio playlists into bigger radio venues. Tackling masterpieces by musical icons like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and, incredibly, the Beatles seemed audacious, at first. This is music woven into our DNA.
But, they pulled it off: while staying true to the originals, re-routing the rhythms into a one-drop reggae beat wouldn't have been convincing without mastery in the traditional bass-drums-guitars-keyboards unit... and the genius of filling in what could have been "gaps" with swing and punctuation by one of the best two-piece brass sections out there.
It might be a stretch to call them a "super group"... but, with their pedigrees, not by much.

And, that's why people filled the beautiful, restored movie palace that is the Jefferson Theater.

But, we got more.

Yet to be released (unit April 5th), their newest project, First Light, is built of completely original music... and it was well worth the wait. Lucky enough to have a listen prior to release (and the opportunity to present it on "Reggae Vibrations, earlier that day), it's phenomenal from start-to-finish. But, I had first-impression favorites. Interwoven with the show's crowd-pleasers, there they were: the title track, "Don't Stop The Music", and particularly "Reggae Pension"... lifted up with a massive bassline, reminiscent of Beres Hammond's first solo gem, "Groovy Little Thing".

Oh, yes it was.

Whether by design or providence, the Easy Star crew has assembled a line-up that must be experienced. It's a testament to the singers and players that the live performance took their studio work to a whole new level, which is saying something. That's as it should be.

If they appear anywhere near where you are--Go. Find out for yourself.
The Heartbeat of Reggae Thrives.

Tonight

If the Easy Star All Stars and revue come to your town... you'll be kicking yourself, forever, if you miss it. Check the podcast (or the WTJU Tape Vault link) for a personally satisfying show.


"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster [Prince Buster 45]
"One Likkle Draw" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Stoned Out Of My Mind" - Mighty Diamonds - Channel One: Hitbound, The Revolutionary Sound [Heartbeat]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Better Tomorrow [VP]
"People Talk" - Etana - Free Expressions [VP]
"Blackman Redemption" - Meditations - Ghetto Knowledge [Easy Star]
"Forwarding Home" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Persitence" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"Easy Now Star" - Meditations - First Light [Easy Star]
"Alive" - Trumystic - Dub Power [TMG]
"Never Gonna Give Jah Up" - Sugar Minott - Ghetto-ology [Easy Star]
"79 Rock" - Revolutionaries - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Wake Up" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"Cookie Jar" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Fresh Grounds]
"Hi Town Ting" - THC - Jah Music [THC]
"I've Got The Handle" - Jacob Miller - Jacob Miller Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Wariera Hill Rock" - Jacob Miller - Jacob Miller Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Reggae Pension" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]
"Groovy Little Thing" - Beres Hammond - Beres Hammond [WKS]
"Don't You Know" - John Holt - Justice 45
"How Long Do I Have To Wait For You" - Sharon Jones - Ticklah remix [Daptone]
"Skafinger" - the Toasters - Enemy Of The System [Asian Man]
"Life In Living Colors" - Prince Buster - Prince Buster 45
"Tonight" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Studio One]
"Dancing Shoes" - Bunny Wailer - Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Don't Stop The Music" - Easy Star All Stars - First Light [Easy Star]

Easy Star All Stars @ Jefferson Theater, Friday April 1

Supporting their to-be-released, brand new album, First Light, Easy Star All Stars crucially grace the stage at Charlottesville, VA's Jefferson Theater on this Friday, April 1st.

After three uncompromisingly original takes on classic rock masterpieces (Dub Side Of The Moon, Radiodread, and Easy Star's Lonely Heart's Dub Band), this time it's all originals. From the Originators, Easy Star Records.

Opening, labelmate Cas Haley and Hawaii's The Green.

...and there will be a ticket giveaway during this Friday's session of "Reggae Vibrations", 2-4PM, Eastern.

See you there.

Better Tomorrow

"Sounds And Pressure" - Prince Buster - MP3
"City Of The Weak Heart" - Earl Zero - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Better Tomorrow" - Richie Spice - Book Of Job [VP]
"Sonny's Lettah" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - Independant Intravenshan [Island]
"Battering Down Sentence" - Bunny Wailer - Reggae Greats: Strictly For Rockers [Mango]
"Leaving Babylon" - Bad Brains - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Turbulence" - Dub Is A Weapon - Vaporized [Harmonized]
"No Worry Your Mind" - Pato Banton - Positive Vibration [Pato Banton]
"Trod The Hard Road" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"So Much Trouble In The World" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Survival [Island]
"Us And Them" - Frankie Paul/Easy Star All Stars - Dub Side Of The Moon [Easy Star]
"The Wicked" - Reggae Boys - 7" 45RPM [Amalgamated]
"Dystopia" - Bill Laswell - Version 2 Version: A Dub Transmission [ROIR]
"Wild Goose Chase" - Steel Pulse - World Crisis [Elektra]
"Natural Progression" - ASWAD - MP3
"Slave" - Lucky Dube - Slave [Shanachie]
"Watching The Wheels" - Matisyahu - Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur [Warner Brothers]
"Ai Bod Dub (To Be Dub)" - Llwybr Llaethog - Mewn Dub (In dub) [ROIR]
"All Night 'Til Daylight" - Jacob Miller - Dread, Dread [Liberty]
"Cool It" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Just Tell Me" - Toots & the Maytals - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"This Feeling" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"S.W.A.L.K." - Mikey Dread - Best Sellers [RYKO]
"Earth Rightful Ruler" - Augustus Pablo - Earth Rightful Ruler [Message]

Hope For Japan

"Illiterate Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher]
"Sounds& Pressure" - Prince Buster [MP3]
"No Nuclear (Holocaust) War" - Peter Tosh - No Nuclear War [EMI]
"Tribulation" - Bim Sherman - Tribulation [Pressure Sounds]
"Nuff Respect" - Nahki [MP3]
"Until We Burn In The Sun" - Bedouin Soundclash [MP3]
"King Of Kings" - Jimmy Cliff - Anthology [Universal]
"Master Plan" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
"Standing Firm" - Jacob Miller - ...Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [EKO]
"Dub #5" - Mute Beat [MP3]
"Dawn Is Breaking" - Dry & Heavy - Full Contact [BSI]
"Ethiopian Feeling" - Cimarons - PeopleSay [Esoldun]
"Don't You Know" - Pioneers [MP3]
"Bag A Wire Dub" - King Tubby - X-Ray Music [Blood and Fire]
"Cockney Translation" - Smiley Culture - A Fashion Statement [RAS]
"Police Officer" - Smiley Culture - Mash Up the Place [Rhino]
"Rondo Mondo" - Edward II - Wicked Men [Rhythm Safari]
"The World Is Like A Mirror" - Josey Wales - No Way No Better Than Yard [Greensleeves]
"JD3" - Bill Laswell - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell [ROIR]
"Black Stick Rock" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher]
"Weather Report" - The Tennors - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"Leaving On The Train" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Live It Up" - The Natives - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"Willow Tree" - Alton Ellis - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"In Paradise" - Jackie Edwards and Julie Anne - Tighten Up 5 & 6 [Trojan]
"Can't You See" - Ken Boothe - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"Happy Reggae" - Prince Buster - The Message [Prince Buster]
"Time Has Come" - Slim Smith - Trojan Reggae: The Golden Years

Sublime News: Lost Video Footage of Bob Marley...

...from early footage in the 70s reappears.

Better News: the Queen Mum

...was a Ska lover.

Sad News: Smiley Culture, R.I.P.

UK reggae great Smiley Culture passes.

Catastrophe in Japan

Ras Rizla was at the controls of "Reggae Vibrations", yesterday (I don't think there's a playlist to post)... a link to his show is at the Tape Vault.

But, my absence didn't include playtime... nor much serenity. The details of the enormous earthquake and tsunami that racked northern Japan was a sobering reminder of the fragility of human life on a planet whose scope and savagery far exceeds ours. That they live in one of the most active and dangerous regions for such activity, and have planned and built their infrastructure with those concerns means that the toll of devastation and life could have been even more momentous.
But, that is cold comfort to those lost, their families, the immense wreckage and uncertainty of what will come to pass.

We all share this planet... and share in the tragedies when they occur.

If you are able, please show support for the aid agencies that are lining up to bring some measure of support to the Japanese people at this dark and terrible time.

Here are a few ways to extend some help amid the suffering:

American Red Cross/Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

The Salvation Army

Doctor Without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières)

...and other organizations, found at The Huffington Post.

Must see... Reggae on the BBC

Reggae Britannia

Worth an hour-and-a-half of your life.

Everywhere Is War

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"WAR/H.I.M. UN Speech Oct 4, 1963" mashup (YouTube)
"War" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibrations [Island/Tuff gong]
"Wicked A Go Fight" - Mighty Diamonds - Heartbeat Reggae [Heartbeat]
"War Party" - Eddy Grant - Killer OnThe Rampage [Portrait/ICE]
"Rhyfel (War In Baghdad Isn't My Bag Daddio)" - Llwybr Llaethog - Mewyn Dub (In Dub) [ROIR]
"Cool It" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Tribal War" - George Nooks - MP3
"Downpressor Man" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Run To The Rocks" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"Eve Of Destruction" - Luciano - Reggae Pulse 5 [Sanctuary]
"The Earth Dies Screaming" - Ken Boothe - UB40 Presents The Fathers of Reggae [Virgin]
"Yalla Yalla" - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros - Yalla Yalla EP [Mercury]
"Never Get Weary" - Toots & the Maytals - Knock Out! [Mango]
"None Shall Escape The Judgment" - Johnny Clarke - Trojan Explosion! [MOJO]
"Natty Champion" - Prince Far I - Sucker Punch [Trojan]
"Aid Travel With A Bomb" - Ranking Ann - Heartbeat Reggae [Heartbeat]
"Fixing A Hole" - Max Romeo - Easy Star's Lonely Heart.s [Easy Star]
"Rule The Nation" - U-Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
"Fat Boy" - Keith & Tex - Stop The Train [Trojan]
"I Like Your World" - Gayelettes - Guns of Navaronne/Ride Your Donkey [Trojan]
"Ramble Dub" - Blue Riddim Band - Tribute [Rougher Records]
"Work" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Uprising [Isand/Tuff Gong]
"Hold Me Tight" - Dave Grant - Bubbalon By Bass [Darlene Crawford]

SKA-Ra-Van

Simply AWESOME support for today's program!
And, I don't use the word "awesome" unless I mean it.

Considering the power was gone for an hour-and-a-half before the show, we had some catching up to do.

Our listener/supporters are the Best.

"Skaravan" - Jazz Jamaica - Skaravan
"Forward March" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler
"Easy Snappin'" - Theo Beckford - Tougher Than Tough
"Don De Lion" - Don Drummond - Ska All Mighty
"Sahara" - Laurel Aitken - The Blue Beat Years
"Judge Not" - Bob Marley - Songs Of Freefom
"Beardsmen Ska" - the Skatalites - Studio One Ska
"In the Mood for Ska" - Lord Tanamo - Trojan Ska Box
"Musical Communion" - Baba Brooks - Musical Communion
"Really Now" - the Dreamletts - Trojan Ska Box vol 2
"Ska in Vienna Woods" - the Skatalites - Ska Authentic
"Ska-Ra-Cha" - TheSkatalites - 45 [Randy's]
"Second Fiddle" - Tommy McCook
"One Eyed Giant" - Baba Brooks - The Trojan Story
"One-Eyed Giant" - Skavoovie & the Epitones - Fat Footin' [MOON]
"Rico Rodriguez" - Rico Farewell - Rough GuideTo Saks
"I Had A Dream" - Lord Tanamo - 45 [King Edward]
"Soon You'll Be Gone" - Blues Busters - Behold, How Sweet It Is [Rhino]
"Feelin' Fine" - Don Drummond - Greatert Trombone Player [Jet Set]
"Ska All Over The World" - Jimmy Cliff - TheReal Jamaica [Sony]
"Train to Skaville" - the Ethiopians - Trojan Ska Box vol 2
"How Many Times (Do You Remember)" - Bob Marley and the Wailers - Ska Bonanza - the Studio One Ska
"Breeze of the West" - Raymond Harper and Drumbago's Orchestra - Trojan Ska Rarities
"Third Man Theme" - Granville Williams Orchestra
"Teenage Ska" - Baba Brooks
"Phoenix City" - Roland Alphonso [MP3]
"Rudy A Message To You" - Dandy Livingstone - Trojan Story
"Pain In My Belly" - Toots & the Maytals - 45 [Studio One]
"Freedom Sound" - Tommy McCook - TributeTo Tommy [Heartbeat]
"El Pussy Cat Ska" - Roland Alphonso [MP3]

Start Practicing Your Steps...

...because you'll have two hours to perfect them, on Friday 18th, at 2PM (eastern USA, or archived for when it's convenient).



Where else will you hear this?

Donate to WTJU... DJ-sourced non-commercial radio. We'll keep it coming.

Ignore the out-of-sync announcer dude. This is too much fun:

2011 Rock Marathon Fund-Raiser: SKA-Ra-Van!

Freeform, non-commercial radio is fast becoming a thing of the past... last summer, the volunteers at WTJU fought back against devastating changes to the station.
Even this past week, Conservative forces made their most recent push to de-fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting... one of WTJU's main sources of operating capital. That means we rely upon You--the ones who love and crave new, innovative, un-homogenized, in-depth music broadcasting--to show your support with your contributions to your favorite music. That's how we know what you want to hear.

If you listen on our "traditional" 91.1FM signal, dial us up at (434) 924-3959.

If you listen, globally, you can show your support at the wtju.net website... and stream any and all of this remarkable music for two weeks.

And, thank you for all of your support and enthusiasm, throughout the year.


But one link in a chain of phenomenal programming to begin tomorrow morning (Monday, February 14th) to support non-commercial radio (and the cast of suspects that makes it thrive and survive), the "Reggae Vibrations" slot opens up two hours of the first wave of the sound of Jamaican independence, Ska.

Stirring up elements of jazz and native mento styles, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, Prince Buster, Duke Reid (and future Prime Minister Edward Seaga?!) helped to forge a new music that filled the dancefloors for generations... and gave rise to rocksteady and reggae.

Individually and collectively, the Founding Fathers of Ska, the Skatalites and their rivals pound out the Sound of New Jamaica, presented by your hosts Goldfinger the Selector and DJ Hummingbird Feeder. Pledge Early... and Often, to the powerhouse of Community radio, WTJU/Charlottesville.

The Clash's Pal Simonon on "Reggae Britannia"/Rocksteady, Roots of Reggae

From my reading, it was Paul Simonon who brought the bedrock of reggae to the sound of the Clash.
I want to hear him tell it. February 11th at 9 p.m., GMT., BBC4.

This may be the way to see it.

Also, "Rocksteady, Roots of Reggae" on Sunday, 13th.

Bob's Birthday...

...featuring the syndicated 60-minute production, "Bob Marley & the Wailers-Live Forever".
Narrated by Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers, WXRT's Eclectic Company), interviews with Rita, Damien and Rohan Marley, Marcia Griffiths, author Vivien Goldman and Doug Gebhart.

The final performance, Pittsburgh (PAs) Stanley Theater, Sept. 1980.
Gravely ill... and still testifying with a commanding performance, with a band at its one-drop creative peak, and celestial harmonies from the I Three.
Without question, this was a band made to be heard live. This is the next, best thing.

Streaming for two weeks at WTJU's Tape Vault.


"Bob" - Macka B - Hold On To Your Culture [RAS]
"One Dub" - the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island/Tuff Gong]
"Soul Rebel" - U-Roy - Natty Rebel Roots [Caroline]
"Psalm Of Bob Marley" - Culture - Good Things [RAS]
"Hawks Theme" - Aston "Familyman" Barrett - Macka Dub [RAS]

"Bob Marley-Live Forever" - (syndicated program)
"African Zulu" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]
"Bob Marley-Live Forever II" - (Syndicated Program)

"Confidential" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]
"Bob Marley-Live Forever III" - (syndicated program)

"Many Are Called" - I Three - 12" vinyl [Shanachie]
"Burial" - Bunny Wailer - ...Sings The Wailers [Mango]
"Smile Jamaica" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - 45 [Tuff Gong]
"Jah Army" - Stephen Marley - CD single [Ghetto Youths]
"Jah Live" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Tuff Gong]