enter the Master Mixer, 13 March

after a prolonged absence, it's the "Master Mixer's" shot at today's session of "Reggae Vibrations".
it seems like everybody's got to hustle and shuffle to keep their personal acts together... myself included.

thanks to the inefficiencies of college radio (and our announcers), last week's recording was unwittingly sabotaged by sloppy board practices, resulting in lots of "blank" spots in the broadcast. but, on this snowy Virginia "day off", i'll be piecing it back together... because this is one show even I'd like to hear, again.

Not Only was the influence of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions crucial in the foundation of the music of the early Wailers (and others), but the rootsy covers by Jamaica's finest attest to the power and mastery of the originals. that give-and-take is even more interesting when you find that Mr. Mayfield produced an early ska compilation, back in the 60s, entitled The Real Jamaica Ska (epic/Legacy, EK-52724).


That circle was unbroken.


stay tuned.

People Get Ready

"Mojo Rock Steady" - Prince Francis - Mojo Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
"Poor & Simple" - Luciano - Conscious Ragga V. 1 [Greensleeves
"Stab You Back" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"Lion Paw" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]
"Street Life" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Eastern Standard Time" - Don Drummond - MP3

"Soul Sister" - Allen Toussaint - MP3
"Put It On" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution I & II [Trojan]
"Mr. Brown" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - African Herbsman [Trojan]
"Dracula" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution I & II [Trojan]

a Tribute to Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions:

"Keep On Moving" - Bunny Wailer - People Get Ready: A Tribute To Curtis Mayfield [Shanachie]
"It's Alright" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
"Choice Of Colors" - the Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
"I'm So Proud" - Joe White - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"I Do Love You" - Jackie Edwards - Solid Gold From The Vault [Trojan]
"Minstrel And Queen" - Pat Kelly - Vintage Series [VP]
"Gypsy Woman" - the Uniques - Best of... '67-69 [Trojan]
"One Love/People Get Ready" - Bob Marley & the - Songs Of Freedom [Island]

"Tighten Up" - the Untouchables - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Dulcemania" - Drumbago & the Dynamics - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]

"Can't Enter Zion With Your Big Checkbook" - Niney & the Observers - Head Shot [Heartbeat]
"Vanity" - John Browns Body - All Time [I-Town]
"Vanity" - Sugar Minott - Tougher Than Tough [Island]
"Mad Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]

"Tribal War" - George Nooks - MP3
"Mission In Progress" - Morgan Heritage - Mission In Progress [VP]
"Keep Your Culture" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads [Telarc]
"Tables Gonna Turn" - the Clarendonians - Mojo Rock Steady [Heartbeat]

People Make The World Go 'Round

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]

"Enter The Kingdom Of Zion" - Anthony B. - The Biggest One Drop Anthems 2008 [Greensleeves]
"Jah Will" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"How Can I Be Ungrateful" - Fanton Mojah - Stronger [Greensleeves]
"Thank You Lord" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of
Freedom [Island]
"The Beatitudes" - the Uniques - Best Of... 67-69 [Trojan]
"Blessed Are The Meek" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination[Blood and Fire]

"Street Life" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Doesn't Anybody" - Katchafire - Say What You're Thinking [Katchafire]
Maori Reggae!
"Barber Chair" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"Here I Come" - Dennis Brown - Open The Gate [Heartbeat]
Dillinger, toasting

a tribute to the Stylistics (Philadelphia)... except for Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, perhaps the most revered harmony group sound. Versions, Galore.

"You Are Everything" - Wayne Wade - Reggae Love & Hit Rockers [J&W Crew]
"Betcha By Golly Wow" - Cool Riddims & Sister Teedy - Pledge To My People [NYNO]
"Break Up To Make Up" - Leroy & Junior - More Hottest Hits From Treasure Isle [Heartbeat]
"Stop-Look-Listen" - Sandra Cross - This Is Sandra Cross [ARIWA]
"Peek-A-Boo" - Derrick Lara - Crucial Reggae Driven By Sly & Robbie [Mango]
"Brand New" - Boris Gardiner - MP3
"People Make The World Go 'Round" - Hortense Ellis - Alton & Hortense Ellis [Heartbeat]
"People Make The World Go 'Round" - Chosen Few - MP3
"Occupation" - the Skatalites - Ball Of Fire [Island]

"Stay With You" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]
"Massi Massa" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics [Heartbeat]
"That's Life" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
"Facts Of Life" - Big Youth - Ride LIke Lightning [Trojan]

"You Never Know" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads [Telarc]
"This City" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Irievibrations]
"Is This Love?" - Bob Marley - Dubmatix remix [Dubmatix]

!!!ROCK STEADY Revue!!! Playlist, 20 Feb 09

Rock Steady: "officially" spanning 1966-1969. the spawn of ska and soul and the scorching summer of '66... and better studio equipment.

STAX and Motown come to Jamdown Town.

Dancehall picks its bones to enhance their tone.


"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"Pretty Looks Isn't All" - Heptones - Respect To Studio One
[Heartbeat]
Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, proprietor
"Ba Ba Boom" - the Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
Duke Reid
"Rock Steady" - Phyllis Dillon - Duke Reid Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
Duke Reid
"Love Me Forever" - Carlton & the Shoes - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]

"Easy Snappin'" - Theo Beckford - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Easy Snappin'" - Theo Beckford - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Kingston Town" - Lord Creator - Trojan Originals [Trojan]
"I'm In A Dancing Mood" - Delroy Wilson - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Rock Steady" - Alton & the Flames - Respect... [Heartbeat]
"Girl You Rough" - Overtakers - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
Joe Gibbs
"Some Kind Of Memphis" - Jackie Mitoo - Tribute To Jackie Mitoo [Heartbeat]
"Ghetto Organ" - Jackie Mitoo - Tribute To Jackie Mitoo [Heartbeat]

"Don't Be A Rude Boy" - the Rulers - Rudies All Around [Trojan]
"007" - Desmond Dekker - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"I Am The Upsetter" - Lee Perry - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
"Upsetter Version" - Lee Perry - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]

"Long Time Now" - Ethiopians - Engine 54 [Jamaican Gold]
"John Jones" - Rudy Mills - Tighten Up! [Trojan]
"Do I Worry" - Derrick Harriott - Riding The Musical Chariot [HB]
"Tomorrow" - Ken Boothe - A Man And His Hits [Heartbeat]

"You Have Caught Me" - Melodians - Rivers Of Babylon [Trojan]
"Perfidia" - Phyllis Dillon - Duke Reid Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"What Kind Of World" - the Cables - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]

"My Best Girl" - Paragons - Ba Ba Boom [Trojan]
"Long Story" - Rudy Mills - Riding The Musical Chariot [Heartbeat]
Derrick Harriott

"Queen Majesty" - The Techniques - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Gypsy Woman" - the Uniques - Best of... '67-'69 [Trojan]
"Guns Of Navarone" - Skatalites - Guns Of Navarone/Ride Your Donkey [Trojan]
"Peeping Tom" - Toots & the Maytals - King Kong Collection [Mango]
"ABC Rocksteady" - Gaylands - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]

Friday 13th... it's only "unlucky" if you're "lucky"

"Double Barrel" - Dave & Ansel - Double Barrel [RAS]
"Turn Me Loose" - Meditations - Deeper Roots [Heartbeat]
"Say What You're Thinking" - Katchafire - Say What You're Thinking [Katchafire]
"Steppin' Out Of Babylon" - Marcia Griffiths - Steppin' [Shanachie]
"The Sun" - Burning Spear - Dry & Heavy [Mango]
"Creation Rebel" - Burning Spear - Dry & Heavy [Mango]

"Tribal War" - George Nooks - MP3
"Tribulation" - Jah Lewis - All Gone Astray [Shanachie]
"Congo War" - Lord Brynner - Trojan Ska Box [Trojan]
"Downpressor Man" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Street Life" - Richie Spice - MP3
"Want Some Freedom" - African Brothers - Want Some Freedom [Easy Star]
"Wake Up" - Noiseshaper - Real To Reel [Quango]
Jahcoustix on the vocals

"Greg Rose" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Irievibrations]
"This City" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Irievibrations]
"Complicated Scene" - Kingstonians - Sufferer [ATTACK!]
"Easy Ride Reggae" - Kingstonians - Sufferer [ATTACK!]

"Mighty Long" - Judah Eskender - The Builder [Tan Yah]
"It's Alright" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
"I'l Never Hurt You" - Delroy Wilson - MP3
"Still Water" - Jerry Jones - Studio One Soul [Soul Jazz]
"Let It Grow" - Garnett Silk
"Commitment" - Buju Banton - Voice Of Jamaica [Mercury]

"Reincarnate" - Tesfa McDonald - MP3
"Love The Dread" - Mikey Dread - MP3

"Vanorapa" - Chiwoniso - Rebel Woman [Cumbancha]
"Mercy Seat" - Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Black Progress" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Complete Wailers 1967-1972 [JAD]
"Peace Conference In Western Kingston" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Hop Ki Do" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]

Nesta Robert Marley... born, 6 February 1945

a musical tribute to the King of Reggae. learn more of his history at www.reggaesupersite.com
the exhaustive work of Ras Rojah, Roger Steffens, and, read Catch A Fire, authored by Timothy White. there, not only will you find volumes of information and biography, but an in-depth study of the history of Jamaica and the precepts of Rastafari.


"Music Lesson" - The Original Wailers - 12" Single [Tuff Gong]
"Dubbing Lecturer" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]
"Psalm Of Bob Marley" - Culture - Good Things [RAS]
"Bob" - Macka B - Hold On To Your Culture [RAS]
"One Drop" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"One Dub" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]

"Many Are Called" - I-Three - 12" Single [Shanachie]
"Wrap Up A Draw" - Richie Spice - Biggest One Drop Anthems 2008 [Greensleeves]
"Talkin' Blues" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Talkin' Blues [Tuff Gong]
"Curly Locks" - Lee "Scratch" Perry - Roast Fish, Collieweed and Cornbread [Lion Of Judah]
"Is It Because I'm Black" - Senior Soul - Studio One Soul [Soul Jazz]
"Message From A Black Man" - Heptones - Studio One Souls [Soul Jazz]

"Kaya" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Kaya [Tuff Gong]
"Is This Love?" - Bob Marley/Dubmatix - MP3 [DUBMATIX]
"Living Drum" - Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Together Dub" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]

"Work Song" - Slackers - Better Late Than Never [MOON Ska]
"Who The Cap Fit" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Mix Up" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Confrontation [Island]
"Serious Thing" - Bunny Wailer - Liberation [Shanachie]
"Buffalo Soldier" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Confrontation [Island]
"Starring Dub" - Dub Specialist - DUB [HB]

"Zimbabwe" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Survival [Island]
"That's Life" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
"Facts Of Life" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"Selassie Is The Chapel" - Bob Marley & Wailers - Complete Wailers [JAD]

Dawning Of A New Era

It's early days, yet... but, already the tone has changed, and more has been accomplished in two days than in the last eight years. Positively, that is.

Yes... NOW, i am proud to be American.

Thank You, Mister President.
Time to step up, People.


"Double Barrel" - Dave & Ansel - Story Of Jamaican Music [Mango]
"Glory Of Love" - Dave & Ansel - Double Barrel [RAS]
"I'll Take You There" - Staples Singers - Can You Dig It? Vol. 3 [Rhino]
"I'll Take You There" - General Public - 12" [Epic]
"the Liquidator" - Harry J's All Stars - Story Of Jamaican Music [Mango]

"Work" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Uprising [Island]
"Trod On" - Luciano - The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems [Greensleeves]
"Living Drum" - MidniteBand with Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Enter The Kingdom Of Zion" - Anthony B - Story Of Jamaican Music [Greensleeves]
...with Horace Andy
"Reincarnate" - Bobby Ellis - Trojan Suedehead Box Set [Trojan]

...a parting shot at our former Dictators:

"Hit The Road Jack" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"War Party" - Eddy Grant - Killer On The Rampage [Portrait]
"Aid Travel With A Bomb" - Sister Breeze - Heartbeat Reggae [Heartbeat]
"Move Out Of My Way" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
"(Dawning Of A) New Era" - The Specials - The Specials [Chrysalis]
"Natty Dread Taking Over" - Culture - Two Seven Clash [JGM]
"Move Out Of My Way version" - Upsetters - Shocks Of Mighty [ATACK!]

"Ease Off" - Tarrus Riley - Challenges [VP]
"Dun Dem" - Fanton Mojah - Stronger [Greensleeves]
"I Am Not Afraid" - Etana - The Strong One [VP]
"Peace Conference Inna Westen Kingston" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Satta Massagana" - Abyssinians - Satta Massagana [Hearteat]
"Give Praises" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]

"Green Pepper" - Dr. Ring Ding - Dandimite! [MOON]
"I Don't Want To Know" - Pietasters - All Day [Indication]
"Stay Out Late" - Dr. Ring Ding - Dandimite! [MOON]
"Don't Touch Me" - NIcky Thomas - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
"How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" - Sharon Jones - Daptones Remixed [Daptone]
...by Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod, Easy Star All Stars

"Dub The Frequencies" - Golgol Bordello - Super Taranta! [Side Onde Dummy]
...and greetings to our followers in eastern Europe.
"Mission In Progress" - Morgan Heritage - Mission In Progress [VP]

Watch The Middle East/9Jan09 playlist

Unholiness in the "Holy Land".

in this conflagration, there is no "moral high ground". blood spilled in history ever insists that blood be spilled, now.

reggae music teaches Oneness. that's my church.

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]

"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]

"The Middle East" - Israel Vibration - Strength Of My Life [RAS]
"Jerusalem" - Matisyahu - Youth
"People So Evil" - Busy Signal - Loaded [VP]
"Screwface" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Island]
"Time Has Come" - Slim Smith - Time Has Come [Justice]
"Rock El Casbah" - Rachid Taha - Rebel Music [MOJO]
"Mustapha Dance" - the Clash - Rock The Casbah 12" B-side [Epic]

"Iron Sharpen Iron" - Culture - Harder Than The Rest [Shanachie]
"Wires To Riot" - Burning Babylon - BEAT BEAT BEAT [Sound Shack]
"My Hope" - Anthony B. - My Hope [Minor 7 Flat 5]
"Roots" - Etana - The Strong One [VP]

"Turn Me Loose" - the Meditations - Deeper Roots [Heartbeat]
"Rock And A Hard Place" - Pinchers - Renegade Rockers [DUBMATIX]
"Crime And Corruption" - Lucky Dube - Retrospective [RYKO]
"The Plane Land" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Quarter Pound Of Ishens" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Sunshine Day" - Osibisa - Putumayo World Party [Putumayo]"Freedom" - Dub Specialist - Dub Specialist [Heartbeat]

"How Long Do I Have to Wait For You" - Sharon Jones & Dap Kings - Ticklah Remix [Daptone]
"Hold Down" - Kingstonians - Sufferer [Trojan]
"Shirley" - Larry Marshall - I Admire You [Heartbeat]
"Dub Is My woman" - Larry Marshall - ...In Dub [Heartbeat]

"It's True" - Alton Ellis - Sunday Coming [Heartbeat]
"Ain't No Sunshine" - Boris Gardner - Soulful Experience [Vampi Soul]
"Sitting In The Park" - Slim Smith - The Time Has Come [Justice]
"Big Youth" - Prince Buster - The Message [Prince Buster]

goodbye, 2008: Wake Up And Live

not a "Best Of"... but, All of the Best.

"S-90 Skank" Big Youth Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
"Wake Up And Live" Bob Marley & the Wailers Survival [Island]
"Smile" Silvertones When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Sunshine Day" Osibisa World Party [Putumayo]
"Why Oh Why" Ernest Wilson When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Why Oh Why version" Ernest Wilson Version Dread [Heartbeat]

"Paper Planes" M.I.A. Kala [XL]
daughter of a Tamil Tiger sings from experience.
"Rock And A Hard Place" Pinchers Renegade Rocker [Dubmatix]
"I Am Not Afraid" Etana The Strong One [VP]
"Rock With Me" Peter Tosh Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Kung Fu Fighting" Carl Douglas and Noiseshaper Rough Out There [Echo Beach)]
"Natty Kung Fu" Dillinger When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]

"Riot" Wyclef Jean Carnival Vol II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant [Columbia]
"Push Some Air" John Brown's Body Amplify [Easy Star]
"Propaganda War" Taj Weekes Deidem [Spectra]
"Nothing To Smile About" Morgan Heritage Mission In Progress [VP]
"See The Light" Toots and the Maytals Light Your Light [Fantasy]
"Gideon Boot" Richie Spice Gideon Boot [VP]

"Starring Dub" Dub Specialist Dub Specialist DUB [Heartbeat]

"The Message" Prince Buster The Message [Prince Buster]
original vinyl from Prince Buster's Soul Shack.
"Sound System" Michael Franti and Spearhead All Rebel Rockers [ANTI]
"Ease Off" Tarrus Riley Challenges [VP]
"Blazing Fire" Derrick Morgan I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
...dissed by Prince Buster as a "Blackhead Chinee"
"Banana Walk" Dub Specialist Dub Specialist DUB [Heartbeat]

religion and war... one feeds the other in the Holy Land:
"The Israelites" Desmond Dekker King Kong Collection [Mango]
"Rock El Casbah" Rachid Taha Rebel Music [MOJO]
"Selassie Bring It On" Midnite with Youssoupha Sidibe For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Precious Memories" Justin Hinds and the Dominos Jezebel

Boxing Day Edition

...and someone blabbed the Arsenal result to me, anyway! a pox on you!

Mikey Dread "Knock, Knock" Best Sellers (RYKO)
Jacob Miller "Twelve Days Of Christmas" Natty Xmas (RAS)
Dub Specialist "Starring Dub" DUB (Heartbeat)

Garnett Silk "Let It Flow" Toe To Toe (Jetstar)
Heptones "Party Time" (Mango)
Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe "Strong Will" For All (Sacred Sounds)

Buju Banton "Chuck It So" Til Shiloh (Island)
Busy Signal "People So Evil" Loaded (VP)
Richie Spice "Wrap Up A Draw" Gideon Boot (VP)
Rudy Mills "John Jones" Tighten Up! Vols 1 & 2 (Trojan)

Bob Marley and the Wailers "Forever Loving Jah" Uprising (Island)
Peter Tosh "Creation" Honorary Citizen (Columbia)
THC (from Hawaii) "Hi Town Ting" Jah Music (THC)
Gov't Mule/Willi Williams "Rebel With A Cause" Mighty High (ATO)
Michael Franti/Spearhead "Hey World" All Rebel Rockers (ANTI)
Dub Specialist "Queen Of The Dub" DUB (Heartbeat)

Dub Specialist "Banana Walk" DUB

Mikey Dread "Positive Reality" Best Sellers
Delroy Wilson "I'll Never Hurt You" Channel One Story Vol 2 (VP)
Bim Sherman "Love Forever" Tribulation (Pressure Sounds)
Carlton & the Shoes "Better Days" A Live Injection (Trojan)
Bad Manners "That'll Do Nicely" Global Ska (MOON)

Beres Hammond "No Disturb Sign" 12" (Elektra)
Pato Banton "Life Is A Miracle" (Surfdog)
Dillinger "Leggo Violence" Rebel Music (MOJO)

next week, 2008 in the rearview.

Greetings... and Seasonings, Part II

Merry Christmas.

Joyeux Nöel.

Feliz Navidad.

Merii Kurisumasu.

Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia.

Fröhliche Weihnachten.

however you say it, wherever you are, whatever your religion... Peace, Perfect Peace, is the Reason for the Season.

Greetings... and "Seasonings"

this, the last show before Christmas, is devoted to all of the downpressed.
consider those less fortunate in this crisis time.

Bob Marley & The Wailers "Coming In From The Cold" Uprising (Island)
Dub Specialist "Runnings" DUB (Heartbeat)

the RAS Posse: Freddie McGregor, Peter Broggs, Don Carlos, J. C. Lodge, Michigan & Smiley, (and the inimitable) Eek-A-Mouse "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" A Reggae Christmas (RAS)
Delroy Denton/Lee Perry "Give Thanks" A Live Injection (Sanctuary/Trojan)
Slim Smith "A Place In The Sun" Motor City Reggae (Trojan)
Burning Spear "Rocking Time" (Studio One/Forward Records vinyl)
Silvertones "Bling Bling Christmas" Christmas Greetings From Studio One (Heartbeat)
Mikey Dread "Operator's Choice" African Anthem (Dread At The Controls)

Toots & The Maytals "Light Your Light" (Fantasy)
Richie Spice "The Plane Land" Gideon Boot (VP)
Barrington Levy/Trinity "I Saw My Mommy Kiss A Dreadlocks/Sinsemilla Man" A Yard Style Christmas (EKO)

Fanton Mojah "How Can I Be Ungrateful" Stronger (Greensleeves)
Bob Marley/Wailers "Johnny Was" Rastaman Vibration (Island)
Luciano "Trod On" Biggest One Drop Anthems 2008 (Greensleeves)
Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe "Selassie Bring It On" For All (Sacred Sounds)
Alton Ellis "Thank Jah It's Christmas" Christmas Greetings From Studio One
Kiddus I "Love Child" Natty & Nice (Rhino)

Granville Williams Orchestra "Santa Claus Is Ska-ing To Town" Natty & Nice

Sleng Teng Extravaganza:
Wayne Smith "Under Mi Sleng Teng" Tougher Than Tough (Mango)
Tenor Saw "Pumpkin Belly" Hey Punk! Get Riddim! (Victory)
Johnny Osbourne "Buddy Bye" Sleng Teng Extravaganza (VP)

Scottie "Draw Your Brakes" The Harder They Come Soundtrack (Mango)
Clint Eastwood/General Saint "Stop That Train" (Greensleeves)
Dub Specialist "Starring Dub" DUB (HB)

Delroy Wilson "Oh Holy Night" A Blue Mountain Christmas (Blue Mountain)
Yellowman "Morning Ride" One In A Million (Shanachie)
John Brown's Body "Give Yourself Over" Amplify (Easy Star)
Jacob Miller "Twelve Days Of Ismas" Natty Christmas (RAS)
Bob Marley & the Wailers "Jah Live" Songs Of Freedom (Tuff Gong/ Island)

playlist 12 December... Season of the Upsetter

Big Youth "S-90 Skank" Tougher Than Tough (Mango)
Mikey Dread "Operator's Choice" African Anthem (DATC vinyl)
Lee Perry/Sandra Robinson "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" Natty And Nice (Rhino)
Carlton & the Shoes "Better Days" A Live Injection (Sanctuary/Trojan)
Maytones/I-Roy "Money Worries" Best of the Maytones (Heartbeat)
Untouchables "Tighten Up" A Live Injection
Bill Laswell "Clean Escape" ...Meets Roots Tonic (ROIR)

Prince Buster "Al Capone" Tougher Than Tough
...for the errant Governor of Illinois
Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe "Selassie Bring It On" For All (Sacred Sounds)
Upsetters "Drum Rock" Dub Massive Vol. 1 (Trojan)
Scientist "Scientist/Stalog 17(sp)" Dub Massive

...another Train set:
Junior Murvin "Roots Train" Police And Thieves (Island)
Ethiopians "Train To Skaville" Engine 54 (Jamaican Gold)
Toots & the Maytals "Freedom Train" Toots In Memphis (Mango)
Ethiopians "Train To Skaville" (version) Engine 54

all i want for Christmas:
African Brothers "Want Some Freedom" (Easy Star)
Richie Spice "Wrap Up A Draw" Gideon Boot (VP)
Jacob Miller "All I Want For Ismas" Natty Christmas (RAS)
Yellowman "Morning Ride" First Family Of Reggae (Shanachie)
Overtakers "Girl You Rough" Explosive Rock Steady (Heartbeat)
Etana/Amborosie "Blessing" The Strong One (VP)
Jimmy Riley "A Woman's Got To Have it"(Bobby Womack) A Live Injection

Rico Rodrigues "Sea Cruise" Dawning Of A New Era (MOJO)
Equators "Baby Come Back" Dawning Of A New Era

Midnite/Sidibe "Strong Will" For All
John Brown's Body/Vaughn Benjamin (Midnite) "Speak Of The Devil" Amplify (Easy Star)
Busy Signal "People So Evil" Loaded (VP)
Noiseshaper "Bushmaster" Real To Real (Quango)
Jacob Miller "All Night 'Til Daylight" Dread, Dread (Liberty)
Upsetters "Liquidator" Tougher Than Tough

Amen, New York Times

College Radio Maintains Its Mojo

and, as soul is universal:

Soul Reviver.

beats reading the comix, even.

Goldfinger gives you a train set for Xmas.

Given the militaristic/jihad trends, wishing for World Peace is more than a "stretch".
all i can give is Roots, Culture... and a "train" set.

"Keep Your Seat," adviseth Leonard Dillon.



Hopeton Lewis "Sounds And Pressure" Roots of Reggae/Rock Steady (Rhino)
Dubmatix "Dub In Me Hand" Renegade Rockers (Dubmatix)
Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe "Selassie Bring It On" For All (Sacred Sound Records)
Bob Marley/Wailers "Work" Uprising (Island)
Lucky Dube "Crazy World" Retrospective (RYKO)
Ethiopians "Come On Now" Rock Steady Box (Trojan)
Soul Vendors "Things A Come Up To Bump" Version Dread (Heartbeat)

Richie Spice "Wrap Up A Draw" Gideon Boot (VP)
John Brown's Body "Push Some Air" Amplify (Easy Star)
Michael Franti "Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong" All Rebel Rockers (ANTI)
Busy Signal "People So Evil" Loaded (VP)
Noiseshaper "Me Done" Real To Reel (Echo Beach)

A Train Set:
Ethiopians "Engine 54" (Jamaican Gold)
Ken Boothe "Train Is Coming" Tougher Than Tough (Mango)
Bob Marley/Wailers "Zion Train" Uprising (Island)
Don Carlos "Zion Train" Just A Passing Glance (RAS)
Culture "This Train" Reggae Train (Heartbeat)

Big Youth "Hit The Road Jack" Ride Like Lightning (Trojan)
Basil Daley "Hold Me" When Rhythm Was King (HB)
Dennis Brown "Cassandra" Best of... The Niney Years (Heartbeat)
Gaylads "It's Hard To Confess" Musical Feast (Heartbeat)
Yellowman "If You Should Lose Me, You Lose A Good Thing" King Yellowman (RAS)

Linton Kwesi Johnson "Seasons Of The Heart" More Time (LKJ)
Kingstonians "Singer Man" Sufferer (ATTACK!)
Midnite/Sidibe "Still" For All
Slim Smith "Time Has Come" This Is Reggae: The Golden Years (Trojan)