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]

The Mediterranean Ring Of Fire

Watch the middle east.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae [Rhino]
"Collie Stuff" - Chosen Few - Darker Than Black [Blood And Fire]
"Buggy And Horse" - John Snowball
"Equal Rights" - Peter Tosh - Equal Rights [Columbia]
"Pound Get A Blow" - The Wailing Wailers - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Dash It Pon Him" - Watty Burnett
"Young Bud" - The Ethiopians
"Pit Of Snakes" - Burning Spear - Raiders Of The Lost Dub [Island]

"Well Of Souls" - Wailing Souls - Raiders Of The Lost Dub [Island]
"Watch The Middle East" - Israel Vibration - Strength Of My Life [RAS]
"Don't Try To Rob I" - Lynval Thompson - Rid On Dreadlocks [Blood And Fire]
"Up Park Camp" - Winston Jarrett & the Righteous Flames - Survival Is The Game [Young Tree]
"Mas Charles" - Easton Clarke

"Tantual Youth" - Laurel & Hardy - What A Bargain [Upright]
"Why Can't We Live Together" - Tinga Stewart - Darker Than Black
"Baltimore" - the Tamlins - Darker Than Black

"Jamaica God Bless You" - Max Romeo
"Sea Of Love" - the Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
"Irie Festival" - Turnell McCormack & the Cordells
"Cottage In Negril" - Tyrone Taylor - Cottage In Negril [Lovetime]
"Reicarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald

"You'll Never Find" - John Holt &The Aggrovators - Trojan 12" Box Set
"I Trust You" - Delroy Wilson - Holy Ground: Alvin Ranglin's G. G. Records [Heartbeat]
"Love Don't Love Nobody" - Ken Boothe - Trojan Singles Box Set [Trojan]
"Walking Through Jerusalem" - The Corporation - Solid Gold From The Vaults [Trojan]
"My Best Girl" - the Paragons - Treasure Isle's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]

Bob Marley... Live Forever

Friday, February 4th, as part of our annual Bob Marley Celebration, we will be presenting Bob Marley... Live Forever, a one hour syndicated program that features interviews with Rita, Damien and Rohan Marley, as well as Marcia Griffiths, biographer Vivien Goldman, and Doug Gebhard (a music journalist) present at Bob's last concert performance at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

That particular concert is the crescendo of the program, from Pittsburgh's Stanley Theater in Sep 1980, which includes "Exodus," "Could You Be Loved," "Redemption Song," "No Woman, No Cry," "Jamming" and more, from the pinnacle of his career.

The show is produced by Joyride Media (Paul Chuffo and Joshua Jackson) and hosted by Punk icon Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers, WXRT's Eclectic Company) - the same team behind the popular Iggy & the Stooges Raw Power special and the Joe Strummer's London Calling radio series.

The rest of the program, as always, will present the mighty sound of the Wailers... not only the "classics", but rarities, as well.

This sound from the Little Island continues to reverberate around the globe. You don't have to be a big man to make things happen.

Science

"Science" is magic. Dark or Benevolent.

Obeah or Myal.

Fighting it out, for-I-ver.


"Listen To DJs" - Long Beach Dub All Stars - Wonders Of The World [Skunk]
"King Alpha In School" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
"Darkness" - Black Uhuru - Chill Out [Island]
"Writing On The Wall" - Ronnie Davis - African Museum [Heartbeat]
"Serious Thing" - Bunny Wailer - Liberation [Shanachie]
"Don't You Know" - Pioneers - 45 [Amalgamated]
"Steppin' Out In Babylon" - Marcia Griffiths - Steppin" [Shanachie]
"Oil In My Lamp" - Ska Kings - Roots Of Reggae: Ska [Rhino]
"Sidewalk Dub" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
"Walking Through Jerusalem" - The Corporation - Solid Gold From The Vaults [Trojan]
"Jokerman" - Bob Dylan - Infidels [Columbia]
"Fu Manchu" - Desmond Dekker - Rockin' Steady [Rhino]
"John Jones" - Rudy Mills - Tighten Up! 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"Freedom" - Krucial - From Babylon To Zion [Nasheed]
"Never Give Jah Up" - Sugar Minott - Hotter Than Fire [AO!]
"I-Spy" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Get On Up! [Joe Gibbs]
"Weather Umbrella" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
"Six And Seven Books Of Moses" - Toots And The Maytals - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Obeah Book" - The Ethiopians - Slave Call [Rohit]
"Duppy Conquerer" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Burnin' [Island]
"Hell Driver" - Lone Ranger - Barnabas Collins [Wave]
"Mr. Brown" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Soul Revolution [Trojan]
"Mosman Skank" - Aswad - Countryman (soundtrack) [Mango]
"Dr. Ring Ding" - Skatalites - Intensified! Vol 2 [Trojan]
"Big Man" - Dr. Ring Ding - Dandimite! [MOON]
"Win Your Love" - George A. Penny - Tighten Up! 1 & 2 [Trojan]
"Collie Stuff" - The Chosen Few - Darker Than Blue [Blood And Fire]
"Word Girl" - Ranking Ann - 12" 45RPM [Virgin]

Badness 'a Madness

Poverty and Gun Violence...

...welcome to Third World America.



"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"Escape From Hell" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
"Badness A Madness" - U-Brown - 45 [Hit Sound]
"Badness A Madness" - Little Roy - 45 [Hit Bound]
"Rudies All Around" - Joe White - Rudies All Around [Trojan]
"Throw Away Your Gun" - Prince Far I - Beyond The Frontline [Caroline]
"Rough Out There" - Noiseshaper - Rough Out There [Echo Beach]
"Terminator Dub" - Dubmatix - Mp3 [Dubmatix]

"People Funny Boy" - Lee "Scratch" Perry - The Trojan Story Vol. II [Trojan]
"Jah Glory" - Itals - Calling Rastafari [Nighthawk]
"Harbour Shark" - Wailing Souls - Calling Rastafari [Nighthawk]
Pipe Matthews, vox
"Run Come" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics [Nighthawk]
"A Man Who Knows" - The Maytals - 45 [Studio One]
"Tables Gonna Turn" - the Clarendonians - Mojo Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
"Rock By Sir Dee's Scorcher" - Tommy McCook - MP3

"Lady Lady" - Tommy McCook - MP3
"The Whole Wide World Is A Ghetto" - Michigan & Smiley - Sugar Daddy [RAS]
"Give the Children a Helping Hand`" - Michigan & Smiley - Sugar Daddy [RAS]
"Dreadlocks In Moonlight" - Lee Perry - Arkology [Island]
"Wolves & Leopards" - Dennis Brown - Wolves & Leopards [Weed Beat]
"The Law" - Andy Capp - 20 Reggae Classics [Trojan]
"Live It Up" - the Natives - Trojan Rocksteady Box Set [Trojan]
"Afrique" - Sistah Mam - Afrique [DOM]

"Strong Will" - Midnite - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"Refoulement" - Demba Sacko - Refoulement [DOM]
"Crazy Baldheads" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
"Refoulement Dub" - Demba Sacko

"More Time" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - More Time [LKJ]
"Moodorama" - Roland Alphonso - Solid Gold From The Vaults [Trojan]

Zak Brings The Vibe

1. "I'm Still In Love" - Marcia Aitken - Trojan Records Comp
2. "Carry Go, Bring Come" - Justin Hindes and the Dominoes - Ska After Ska After Ska
3. "Climbing Up the Walls" - Easy Star All-Stars - Radiodread
4. "Carbine" - Black Uhuru - Red
5. "Can't Stop Now" - Major Lazer - Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do
6. "Walking On the Moon" - The Police - Regatta De Blanc
7. "Can't Stand Losing You" - Steel Pulse - Reggatta Mondatta
8. "Zungzunnazungzung" - Yellowman - Most Wanted
9. "Afriki" - Alpha Blondy - Apartheid is Nazism
10. "Ghost Town (Extended Version" - The Specials - Ghost Town EP
11. "Higher Than The Sun" - Primal Scream - Screamadelica
12. "Let Me Down Easy" - Derrick Harriott - Jonny Greenwood is the Controller
13. "Miss Jamaica" - Jimmy Cliff - Anthology
14. "Beautiful and Dangerous" - Desmond Dekker - Jonny Greenwood is the Controller
15. "Bionic Rats" - Lee "Scratch" Perry - Scratch The Upsetter Again (Deluxe)
16. "Blackheart Man" - Bunny Wailer - Blackheart Man
17. "Why Must I Cry" - Peter Tosh - Legalize It
18. "This Life Makes Me Wonder" - Delroy Wilson - Sarge
19. "Shall Be Free" - Toots and the Maytals - Rhythm Kings
20. "Addis Ababa (By Request)" - Culture - One Stone
21. "Clint Eastwood" - The Upsetters - Return of Django
22. "Could You Be Loved" - Bob Marley And the Wailers - Legend

MMXI

"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
"Generation Time" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Iration]
with Mikey Dread
"Love Not Money" - Solo Banton - MP3
"Rain Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
"Promise Land" - Alborosie - From Babylon To The Kingdom Of Zion [Greensleeves]
"Money Maker" - Cedrick 'Im Brooks - Money Maker [Studio One]

"Track One" - Locomondo - 12 Days In Jamaica
"Paper Planes" - M.I.A. - MP3
"Queen Ifrica" - Calling Africa - Montego Bay [VP]
"Amerimacka" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Download The Revolution" - Rocky Dawuni - Download The Revolution
"79 Rock" - the Revolutionaries - Babylon Central

"el Pussy Cat" - Roland Alphonso - 45 [Tuneico]
"Just Me" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever
"Snake In The Grass" - Larry Marshall - 45 [Tuneico]
"The Big Takeover" - the Overtakers - Get On Up!
"Pain In My Belly" - Toots & the Maytals - 45 [Prince Buster]
"Come Together" - Freedom Singers - Another Scorcha From Studio One [Studio One]

"African Zulu" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Studio One]
"Creation Rebel" - Burning Spear - Creation Rebel [Heartbeat]
"Sala Keba" - Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort [Crammed Disc]
"Jahtiguiya" - Manjul - Jahtiguiya [DOM]

"Rain Again" - Toussaint - Black Gold [I-Grade]
"Red Rose For Gregory" - Gregory Isaacs - Red Rose For Gregory [RAS]
"Buy Off The Bar" - Sugar Minott - Slice Of The Cake [Heartbeat]
"Pick the Beam" - Yabby You - Deliver Me From My Enemies [Blood and Fire]
"Cool Night" - the Jamaicans - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]

I-smas Eve

In a climate when the "Haves" have so much more than those who do not... everyday people... I, Like Sly, am Everyday People.

I think it's better. Those that "don't got", see past the hype... to the reason. For The Season.

Merry Christmas, Y'all.


1. "At The Christmas Ball" - Bessie Smith - Empress Of The Blues [Columbia]
2. "Santa Claus Is Skaing To Town" - Granville Williams Orchestra - Natty & Nice [Rhino]
3. "Real Christmas Rock" - Tennessee Brown & the Silvertones - Reggae Christmas From Studio One [Heartbeat]
4. "Christmas Stylee" - Johnny Osbourne - Reggae Christmas From Studio One [Heartbeat]
5. "Merry Christmas" - the Kingstonians - Natty & Nice [Rhino]
6. "Bling Bling Christmas" - the Silvertones - hristmas Greetings From Studio One [Heartbeat]
7. "This Feeling" - Carlton & the Shoses - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
8. "People" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
9. "Thokozile" - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens - Kwaanza Music [Rounder]
10. "Mituna" - Eric Kototanjah - Mituna [DOM]
11. "O Holy Night" - Delroy Wilson - A Blue Mountain Christmas [Blue Mountain]
12. "Poor Man's Prayer" - Mighty Diamonds - The Roots Is There [Shanachie]
13. "Jah Promise" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
14. "Nice Time" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
15. "You Have Caught Me" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
16. "Want More" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
17. "Stealing" - Max Romeo - War Ina Babylon [Island]
18. "A Man Who Knows" - Toots & the Maytals - 45 [Studio One]
19. "Vanity" - Sugar Minott - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]
20. "I Saw Mommy Kiss A Dreadlocks" - Barrington Levy - Yard Style Christmas [EKO]
21. "All I Want For Ismas" - Jacob Miller - Natty Christmas [Rhino]
22. "Happy Land" - the Gaylads - 45 [Studio One]
23. "Christmas Feeling Ska" - Toots & the Maytals - Christmas Greeting From Studio One [Heartbeat]
24. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" - John Holt - Natty Christmas [Rhino]
25. "Christmas In Jamaica" - Brent Dowe - Reggae Christmas FromStudio One [Reggae Christmas From Studio One]
26. "White Christmas" - The Wailers - Christmas Greeting From Studio One [Heartbeat]
27. "Peace Perfect Peace" - Toots & the Maytals - Mango Greats: Toots & the Maytals [Mango]

Pre-Xmas Vibes

1. "S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
2. "Rock By Sir Dee's Scorcher" - Tommy McCook - 45 single [Big Shot]
3. "Dip And Fall Back" - Justin Hinds and the Dominoes - Jezebel [Mango]
4. "Give Me Power" - The Stingers - This Is Reggae Music: The Golden Years [Trojan]
5. "Turn On The Power" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
6. "Me And You" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
7. "Sidewalk Dub" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Studio One]
8. "People" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
9. "A Man Who Knows" - Toots & the Maytals - 45 single [Studio One]
10. "Can't Buy Love" - Johnny Osborne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
11. "Love Not Money" - Solo Banton - MP3
12. "Love To Share" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
13. "Marching To Zion" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Studio One]
14. "Night Nurse" - Gregory Isaacs - ougher Than Tough [Mango]
15. "Jah Rastafari" - Culture - Nuff Crisis [Shanachie]
16. "O Holy Night" - Delroy Wilson - Blue Mountain Christmas [Blue Mountain]
17. "Pressure Drop" - Toots & the Maytals - Funky Kingston [Island]
18. "Pressure Drop" - the Clash - Black Market Clash [Epic/NuDisk 10"]
19. "Ghetto On Fire" - Jacob Miller - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
20. "Richest Man In Babylon" - Thievery Corporation - Richest Man In Babylon [ESL]
21. "Satta Massagana" - Abyssinians - Satta Massagana [Heartbeat]
22. "Terminator Dub" - DUBMATIX - MP3 [DUBMATIX]
23. "All I Want For Ismas" - Jacob Miller - Natty Christmas [RAS]
24. "I Saw My Mommy Kiss A Dreadlocks" - Barrington Levy - Yard Style Christmas [EKO]
25. "Here Comes The Sensi Man" - Trinity - Yard Style Christmas [EKO]
26. "Burn" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
27. "Rude Boy Prayer" - Alton, Peter, and Zoot - 45 [(blank) Coxsone]
28. "Swing And Dine" - the Melodians - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]

...with a special emphasis on AIDS/Domestic Violence Week

1. "Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
2. "What Is Life?" - Black Uhuru - Anthem [Island]
3. "Solidarity" - Black Uhuru - Anthem [Island]
4. "Nellie Belly Swelly" - Lillian Allen - Revolutionary Tea Party [Verse To Vinyl]
5. "Time Gawn/Arising" - Sister Breeze - Tracks [Shanachie]
6. "All Good Things" - Pacha Massive - All Good Things [Nacionale Records]
7. "Jah Promise" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
8. "Escape From Hell" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
9. "Ganja Farmer" - Marlon Asher [MP3]
10. "Crazy Baldheads" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
11. "Time Tough" - Toots & the Maytals - Funky Kingston [Island]
12. "Border Line" - Mystic Revealers - Jah Works [RAS]
13. "He Who Laughs Last" - the Clarendonians - The Best of the Clarendonians [Studio One]
14. "Marching To Zion" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
15. "Gye Nyame" - Queen Majeeda - Conscious [Heartbeat]
16. "Afrique" - Sistah Mam - Afrique [DOM]
17. "Lioness On The Rise" - Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay [VP]
18. "A Place Called Africa" - Junior Byles - A Live Injection [Trojan]
19. "Losambo/Dub" - Eric Kototanjah - Mwimbe [DOM]
20. "Until You Come Back" - Just Dale/Robotix - Roots Daughters [RAS]
21. "Don't Let Me Down" - Marcia Griffiths - Put A Little Love In Your Heart [Studio One]
22. "All The Way" - Willie Williams - Armagideon Time [Studio One]
23. "Red Eyes" - Israel Vibration - Spliff Relief [MESA]
24. "Coming In From The Cold version" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Tuff Gong]

Jah Mali

Music to Avoid "Retail" by.

Vendredi Noir. It means "Africa", for this show.

Malian reggae sounds... ancient. It resonates in the spine. Be sure to listen.



1. "S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]
2. "Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]
3. "Groovy Little Thing" - Beres Hammond - Beres Hammond [VP]
4. "Rockers Galore" - Western Roots - Babylon Central [ESL]
5. "Heads Up High" - Rocky Dawuni - Download The Revolution [Aquarian]
6. "Trinity Dub" - Daryl Jenifer - In Search of Black Judas [ROIR]
7. "Masacra Dub" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
8. "Blackman's Foundation" - Hugh Mundell - Blackman's Foundation [Shanachie]
9. "People Make The World Go Round" - the Chosen Few - Trojan Suedehead Box Set [Trojan]
10. "September 13" - Deodato - Prelude [CTI]
11. "Jah Libere et Purifie" - Sistah Mam - Afrique [DOM]
12. "Africa" - Salif Keita - 12" [Mango]
13. "Jahtiguiya" - Manjul - Jahtiguiya [DOM]
14. "Rain Again" - Toussaint - Black Gold [I-Grade]
w/ Youssoupha Sidibe
15. "Session Man/Doctor Sure Shot" - Rico & The Rudies - Blow Your Horn [Trojan]
16. "Diaradieuf" - Dreadlam Fallou - Bouldem [Humble Ark]
17. "African Roots" - Johnny Clarke - Dreader Dread [Blood and Fire]
18. "Ngoma Ngairire" - Robson Banda & the New Black Eagles - JIT soundtrack [Earthworks]
19. "Refoulement" - Demba Sacko - Refoulement [DOM]
20. "Dreamland" - Marcia Griffiths - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
21. "La Route de la Paix" - Alpha Blondy - Jah Victory [Phantom Sound & Vision]
22. "Mituna" - Eric Kototanjah - Mwimba [DOM]
23. "Streets In Africa" - Big Youth - The Chanting Dread Inna Fine Style [Trojan]
24. "Loving Pauper" - Dobby Dobson - The Story Of Jamican Music [Mango]
25. "Rude Rude Rudee" - Prince Buster - The Roots of Reggae: Ska [Rhino]
26. "James Bond" - Rolando Alphonso - Musical Communion [Culture Press]

The Master Mixer Chants To The Foundation

(Goldfinger takes a break to pay the rent... the Master Mixer comes to represent)

Featured... the music of Dennis Emmanuel Brown, the late Crown Prince of Reggae.
The clip comes from Heartland Reggae. If you haven't seen it... you Must. Archival footage of a concert in MoBay (and the One Love Peace Concert, filmed just after the vicious assassination attempt on Bob Marley and band on Hope Road... and his bringing the warring political factions onstage to quell the violence).

Dennis Brown segues between "Whip Them Jah Jah" and "From The Foundation".
Check the crowd... they were having fun. Check the podcast, too.

A Tribute to Mrs. P... and Emmet Boaz

I had a conversation with my alternate, The MasterMixer, who lived in JA back in the day... about Sonia Pottinger. She ran a tight ship: not the ganja-smoking 'yard-style studio, very buttoned-down, dignified.
The polish and perfection of her productions are amongst the best of rock steady and reggae. She was a positive force to be reckoned with.

As you will hear.

This program is not only a tribute to her, but a fellow DJ who passed, unexpectedly, at the microphone last Saturday morning, Emmett Boaz. A true original, uncompromising, dedicated to radio and the music he presented. A huge loss to our programming, and our hearts.

1. "That's Life" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
2. "Rule The Nation" - U-Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
3. "On The Beach" - U-roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
4. "I Shall Be Released" - The Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
5. "Behold" - Culture - Harder Than The Rest [Shanachie]
6. "Rough Old Life" - Sugar Minott - Heartbeat Reggae 2000 [Heartbeat]
7. "The Riddle" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
8. "Riddle I This" - Dennis Alcapone - Forever Version [Heartbeat]
9. "Dr. No Go" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]
10. "Dreamland" - Marcia Griffiths - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
11. "Natty Dub In a Dreamland" - Bojangles - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
12. "Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Tuff Gong]
13. "I'll Take You There" - Deltones - Trojan Singles Box Set [Trojan]
14. "Solomon" - Junior Murvin - Police And Thieves [Mango]
15. "Forward Up" - Brent Dowe - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
16. "The Liquidator" - Harry J's All Stars - Tougher Than Tough: The Story Of Jamaican Music [Mango]
17. "Roots In A Modern Time" - Toussaint - Black Gold [I Grade]
18. "Leaving Babylon" - Bad Brains - Babylon Central [ESL]
19. "Serious Times" - Horace Andy - SeriousTimes [Minor 7 Flat 5]
20. "Far Away" - Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay [VP]
21. "Road To Destiny" - Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For the Rebel Soul [Aquarian Records]
22. "Trinity Dub" - Daryl Jenifer - In Search Of Black Judas [ROIR]
23. "Escape From Hell" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
24. "Wipe Your Weeping Eyes" - Justin Hinds & the Dominoes - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
25. "Look Pon You" - the Conquerors - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
26. "Get Up" - Jackie Edwards - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
27. "Down By The Train Line" - Stranger Cole & Patsy - Musical Feast [Musical Feast]
28. "Be Thankful" - Bunny Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]
29. "The Land Where We Belong" - Culture - International Herb [Shanachie]

Farewell To Mrs. P

Sonia Pottinger, the first woman record producer in Jamaican music history, and a pioneer of Rock Steady and early reggae music, passed on November 3, 2010.

The legacy of stars that passed through her dignified studios is a who's who of Jamaican music history.

Thank you, Mrs. P.

The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum

Well... so much for keeping informed, and voting.

The USA is insane. One would think that admission to Congress would include a knowledge of the basics... and realizing that you represent everybody in your district, and not just your "base".

Ever the idealist, Your Selector.

Oh... and, Happy Guy Fawkes Day.

1. "S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough-The Story Of Jamiaican Music [Mango]
2. "Return Of The Scorcher" - Sound Dimension - A Scorcha From Studio ONe [Studio One]
3. "Bedward The Flying Preacher" - Prince Far-I - Sound Of The Beat [The Beat]
4. "The Lunatics" - Fun BoyThree - MP3
5. "Everything Crash" - The Ethiopians - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
6. "One Step Forward" - Max Romeo - War Ina Babylon [Island]
7. "That's Life" - Delano Stewart - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
8. "The Wild Bunch/Wishbone" - Sound Dimension - A Scorcha From Studio One [Studio One]
9. "Positive Vibration" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Vibration [Island]
10. "Bible Reader" - Macka B - Mash Up the Place [Rhino]
11. "That Light" - Horace Andy - Serious Time [Minor 7 Flat 5]
12. "Rain Again" - Toussaint - Black Gold [I Grade]
    w/ Youssoupha Sidibe
13. "Rain Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
14. "Session Man" - Rico & the Rudies - Blow Your Horn [Trojan]
15. "Doctor Sure Shot" - Rico & the Rudies - Blow Your Horn
16. "The Proud One" - Joe's All Stars - Brixton Cat [Trojan]
17. "Cali-HI" - Mystic Roots Band - Cali-HI [Stay Positive]
18. "Generation Time" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Iration]
    w/Mikey Dread
19. "Trinity Dub" - Daryl Jenifer - In Search Of Black Judas [ROIR]
20. "Don't Fight The Weed" - ?
21. "79 Rock" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central [ESL]
22. "Rasta No Born Yah" - Sang Hugh - Reggae Classics [DCC]
23. "Stoned out Of My Mind" - Mighty Diamonds - Hitbound.. The Revolutionary Sound [Heartbeat]
24. "Revelation Time/Hammer & Sickle" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood and Fire]
25. "A Love I Can Feel" - John Holt - The John Holt Reggae Collection [ESD]
26. "A Version I Can Feel" - Dennis Alcapone - Forever Version [Heartbeat]
27. "Time Has Come" - Slim Smith - This Is Reggae Music: The Golden Era [Trojan]

Wah Do Dem

A great little film created and starred by Sean Bones, indie rocker from NYC.

Stranded in JA on a misbegotten cruise, he encounters Buru Banton, Cedric Myton and the Congos... and the ever-present main man of Jamaican film, Carl Bradshaw. Norah Jones is in there, too.

It's free, only for a week.

Tek some time... It'll take you there:

http://pitchfork.com/tv/

Convergence

Many elements in today's broadcast: Halloween... elections... the passing of Gregory Isaacs and Ari Up.
And, the Commander-In-Chief comes to town.

1. "Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
2. "Escape From Hell" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
3. "Mr. President" - Heptones - Party Time [Mango]
4. "Right Time" - Mighty Diamonds - Tougher Than Tough [Island]
5. "Amerimacka" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central (soundtrack) [ESL]
6. "Rain Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
7. "Experience Dub" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
8. "Serious Time" - Horace Andy - Serious Time [Minor 7 Flat 5]
9. "Darkness" - Black Uhuru - Mango Greats [Mango]
10. "Slippin' Into Darkness" - Carl Bradney - Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown [Blood and Fire]
11. "Fade Away" - New Age Steppers - New Age Steppers [On-U]
12. "Me Done" - Noiseshaper - Real To Reel [MIracle Sounds]
13. "Miami Beach" - Garland Jeffries - Escape Artist [Epic]
    w/ Linton Kwesi Johnson
14. "King Alpha In School" - Tappa Zukie - Escape From Hell [Trojan]
15. "Barnabas Collins" - Lone Ranger - Barnabas In Collinswood [Wave/GG's]
16. "Zombie Jamboree" Harry Belafonte - The Essential Harry Belafonte [RCA]
17. "Hard Man Fe Dead" - Prince Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
18. "Duppy Conqueror" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Burnin' [Island]
19. "Mr. Brown/Dracula" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Soul Revolution I & II [Trojan]
20. "Night Nurse" - Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse [Island: 1982]
21. "Number One" - Gregory Isaacs - Willow Tree [Jamaican Gold]
    W/ DJ Trinity
22. "Willow Tree" - Gregory Isaacs - Best of... Volumes 1 & 2 [Heartbeat]
23. "Slave Master" - Gregory Isaacs - Mr. Isaacs [Heartbeat]
    
24. "The Village" - Gregory Isaacs - Reggae Legends III [Rohit]
25. "Waterfall Dub" - Gregory Isaacs - Gregory Isaacs In Dub [Heartbeat]

Jamaica Gleaner News - Gregory Isaacs said 'me a bat first' - Entertainment - Wednesday | October 27, 2010

Jamaica Gleaner News - Gregory Isaacs said 'me a bat first' - Entertainment - Wednesday | October 27, 2010

Soon Forward... Gregory Isaacs to Zion

Gregory Anthony Isaacs is gone, passing at the age of 59 at his home in London. Another tragedy for the reggae world, following Ari Up of the Slits and Sugar Minott, in close succession. In decline for some years, He stands as one of the great singers in Jamaican music history.



They didn't call him "Cool Ruler" for nothing.

Dub Mania... Rob'er Dub

With the Jazz fund-raiser in the books (but that doesn't mean you can't still contribute, here), Reggae Vibes resumes with guest host (and staffer), Rob: dub aficionado, Jah Wobble fan.
Much love to the Easy Star posse, this afternoon.




"Egypt by Air" - Bombay Dub Orchestra - 3 Cities [Six Degrees]
"Journey" - Bombay Dub - 3 Cities [Six Degrees]
"Strange Constellations" - Bombay Dub - 3 Cities [Six Degrees]

"Viking Funeral" - Jah Wobble - MU [Trojan Records]
"Universal Dub" - Jah Wobble - MU [Trojan Records]
"Kojak Dub" - Jah Wobble - MU [Trojan Records]
"New Mexico Dub" - Jah wobble - MU [Trojan Records]

"Airbag" - Easy Star Allstars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]
"Paranoid Android" - Easy Star Allstars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]
"Subterranean Home Sick Alien" - Easy Star Allstars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]
"Exit Music from a Film" - Easy Star All Stars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]
"Let Down" - Easy Star All Stars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]
"Karma Police" - Easy Star All Stars - Radio Dread [Easy Star]

"Dub Out" - Oku Onura - Essential Dub [Reachout Internaitonal]
"Truth and Right" - Ras Michael - Essential Dub [Reachout Internaitonl]
"Drive by Dub" - Dub Trio - Essential Dub [Reachout International]
"East of Jaro" - Bush chemists - Essential Dub [Reachout Internaitonal]

"Sgt. Peppers" - Easy Star's Dub Band - Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"With a Little Help Help from my Friends" - Easy Star's Dub Band - Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Lucy in the Sky" - Easy Star's Dub Band - onely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Gettin Better" - Easy Star's Dub Band - Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Fixing a Hole" - Easy Star's Dub Band - Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]
"Being for the Beneifit of Mr. Kite" - Easy Star's Dub Band - Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star]

The MasterMixer... pre-Jazz Marathon

It was homegrown roots, today... Jamaica-born Robert took the controls, with lots of Slim Smith... and took it home with Alpha Blondy.

Next week, "Reggae Vibrations" is pre-empted for our Jazz marathon fund-raiser.

Give them some love.

My House Is The Red Earth

Election time is soon upon us.

Yet, I see what we've done to this country, and continue to do, and think about the people that were here before us... who are the real "barbarians" and "savages", after all?


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

"Seasons Of The Heart" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - More Time [LKJ]
"Wash Wash" - Prince Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"This Feeling" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Joy In The Morning" - Alton Ellis - Sunday Coming [Heartbeat]
"Storm Warning" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
"Smoky Places" - Lynn Taitt & the Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]

"How The West Was Won" - Casper - Sounds Of Reality [Third Mesa]
"Because Of The Gun" - Reggae Cowboys - Rock Steady Rodeo [Tumbleweed]
"Gunshot A Cry" - Eek-A-Mouse - Assassinator [RAS]
"Waking Dreamer Dub" - The Fire This Time - Dancing On John Wayne's Head [Extreme]
"How The West Was Won" - Toyan - How The West Was Won [Greensleeves]

"Download The Revolution" - Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For The Rebel Soul [Aquarian]
"Calling Africa" - Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay [VP]
"Generation Time" - Iration with Mikey Dread - No Time For Rest [Iration]
"What Will Be Will Be" - The Green - The Green [SHD]
"Lifers" - Tommy T/Eugene Hutz - The Prester John Sessions [Easy Star]
"79 Rock" - the Revolutionaries - Babylon Central [ESL]

"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman (soundtrack) [Mango]
"Three O' Clock Roadblock" - Bob MArley & the Wailers - Countryman (soundtrack) [Mango]

"My Best Girl" - the Paragons - Trojan Originals Box Set [Trojan]
"Loving Pauper" - Dobby Dobson - Duke Reid's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"Can't You See" - Ken Boothe - Trojan Rocksteady Box [Trojan]
"I Like Your World" - Gaylettes - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]
"El Pussycat Ska" - Roland Alphonso - Trojan Instrumentals Box Set [Trojan]

"James Bond" - Roland Alphonso - The Skatalites: Musical Communion [Charly]

Reggae Aloha

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"For A Few Dollars More" - Upsetters - Trojan Instrumentals Box Set [Trojan]

"OK Fred" - U-Roy/Errol Dunkley - NOW [Tabou 1]
"In The Groove" - Heptones - New And Old Sounds [EMI]
"Crisis" - Culture - Culture At Work [Shaachie]
"What Is Life?" - Black Uhuru - Anthem [Island]
"A Little Way Different" - Erroll Dunkley - OK Fred: The Best of Errol Dunkley [Sanctuary]
"A Little Way Different" - Xplosions - A Little Way Different [Sound Pollution]
"Liquidator" - Harry J All Stars - Trojan Instrumental Box [Trojan]

"Blood Of The Prophets" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood and Fire]
"Amerimacka" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Prophecy" - Justin Hinds & the Dominos - Jezebel [Island]
"Richest Man In Babylon" - Richest Man In Babylon - Richest Man In Babylon [ESL]
"I & I Survive" - Bad Brains - 12" Single [Bad Brains Records]
"In The Spirit" - Lloyd Bennett - Trojan Instrumental Box [Trojan]
"Tons Of Gold" - Val Bennett - Trojan Instrumental Box [Trojan]
...with the late, Great Mikey Dread

"Generation Time" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Iration]
"Hi Town Ting" - The Heartical Crew - Jah Music [THC]
"Fish & Poi" - Sean Na'auao - Fish & Poi [Mountain Apple]
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Facing The Future [Mountain Apple]
"Do It Twice" - Robi Kahakalau - Tribute To A Legend [Putumayo]
"Cookie Jar" - Iration - No Time For Rest [Iration]
"Napoleon Solo" - Lynn Taitt & The Jets - Hold Me Tight [Trojan]

"Pretty Looks Isn't All" - Heptones - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Gypsy Woman" - Slim Smith & the Uniques - The Best Of The Uniques 1967-1969 [Trojan]
"S.W.A.L.K." - Mikey Dread - Best Sellers [RYKO

Uptown Top Ranking

Oh, It's ON.

Or, It's NOT.

These kind of crackpots in DC, I can get with.




"Listen To DJs" - Long Beach Dub All Stars - Wonders Of The World [Skunk]
"Love The Dread" - Mikey Dread - MP3

"Uptown Top Ranking" - Althea & Donna - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Poor Man" - Henry Turner, Jr & Flavor - Facing The Millenium [Hit City]
"Offshore Banking Business" - The Members - MP3
"Money Worries" - the Maytones - Rockers (soundtrack) [Mango]
"Money Worries" - Ernest Wilson - Treasure Isle 45
"30 Pieces Of Sliver" - Prince Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Reincarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald - MP3

"Good Thing Going" - Sugar Minott - Heartbeat Reggae [Heartbeat]
"Memories By The Score" - John Holt - Trojan Lovers Box Set [Trojan]
"I'm So Proud" - Joe White - Trojan Explosion [MOJO]
"Live It Up" - The Natives - Trojan Rocksteady Box Set [Trojan]
"Hold Me Baby, Pt. 2" - Basil Daley - Version Dread [Heartbeat]
"Train Is Coming" - Ken Boothe - Version Dread [Heartbeat]

"Rain, Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
"I Wish It Would Rain" - Techniques - Duke Reid's Treasure Chest [Heartbeat]
"Rastafari Anthem" - Alborosie - Escape From Babylon To The Kingdom Of Zion [Greensleeves]
"Fade Away" - Junior Byles - Rockers [Mango]
"Fade Away" - New Age Steppers - New Age Steppers [On-U]
"Yalla Yalla (Norro's King Dub)" - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros - Yalla Yalla (CD single) [Mercury]

"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman (soundtrack) [Mango]

"Amerimacka" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central (soundtrack) [ESL]
"Original Landlord" - Casper - Original Landlord [Third Mesa Music]
"Promise Land" - Alborosie - Escape From Babylon To The Kingdom Of Zion
"Tomorrow" - Ken Boothe - A Man And His Hits [Studio One]
"Say You" - Colourbox - Colourbox [4AD]

"Keep That Light Shining On Me" - Slim Smith - The Greatest Hits Of Slim Smith [Foundation]
"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" - Slim Smith - The Greatest Hits Of Slim Smith [Foundation]
"Time Has Come" - Techniques - MP3

A Highly Flammable Situation

Nothing Good comes from burning books. ANY books.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." _George Santayana



"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady [Rhino]
"James Bond" - Roland Alphonso - The Skatalites: Musical Communion [Culture Press]

"Power In A Union" - Billy Bragg - Talking With The Taxman About Poetry [Elektra/Asylum]
"Solidarity" - Black Uhuru - Anthem [Island]
"Amerimacka" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central (Soundtrack) [ESL]
"Justice To The People" - the Upsetters - This Is Reggae Music : The Golden Era [Trojan]
"Come Together" - Freedom Singers - A Scorcha From Studio One [Studio One]
"Tribal War" - George Nooks - Scorchers From The Mighty Two [Joe Gibbs]
>"The Wicked" - The Reggae Boys - 45 [Treasure Isle]
"Threat to Creation" - New Age Steppers - Threat to Creation [On-U]

"As Salaam Alaikum" - MONSOON - MP3
"Ouelli el Darek" - Khaled - Sahra [Fontana Island]
(with the Wailers & I Three)
"Riot" - Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant [Sony]
"Burnin' And Lootin'" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Burnin' [Island]
"Paper Planes" - M I. A. - Kala [Interscope]
"Earthwire Line" - New Age Steppers - Threat To Creation [On-U]

"Happiness" - Black Uhuru - Mango Greats [Mango]
"Mama Africa" - Chico Cesar - Chico Ccesar [Putumayo]
"Concrete Jungle" - Ceu - Ceu [Six Degrees]
"African Pressure" - Abassi All Stars - MP3 [Dubmatix]
"The Call" - Tommy T - The Prester John Sessions [Easy Star]
"The Response" - Tommy T - The Prester John Sessions [Easy Star]
"Take Five" - Val Bennet & the Aggrovators - Reggae Legends III [Rohit]

"Just Me" - Carlton & The Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Give Me Your Love" - Robert French - 45 [Mr. Tipsy]
"That Girl" - Dave Barker & Ansel Collins - Double Barrel [RAS]
"Break Your Promise" - Barry Biggs - 45 [TAXI]
"Crying In The Chapel" - Elvis/the Wailers - mashup MP3

"Swinging Feast" - Roland Alphonso - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
(with Aubrey Adams)

Stealing In The Name Of The Lord

Hey... it's how you win elections.


"Coming From The Top" - Thievery Corporation - Babylon Central [ESL]

"Don't Fight Di Weed" - (Unknown)
"Leaving Babylon" - Bad Brains - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" - the Pioneers - MP3
"Soul At Large" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Studio One]

"Stealing" - Max Romeo - War Inna Babylon [Island]
(there's a US soul song, "Stealing In The Name Of The Lord"... not the same song, written by Paul Kelley. Powerful, and prescient, nonetheless.
"Duppy Conquerer" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Songs Of Freedom [Mango]
"Vampire" - Black Uhuru - Sinsemilla [Mango]
"Dracula (Vampire version)" - Peter Tosh - Honorary Citizen [Columbia]
"Rebel With A Cause" - Govt Mule/Willi Williams - Mighty High [ATO]
"There's A Law" - Blue Riddim Band - Alive In Jamaica [Flying Fish]
"Thunder & Lightning" - Scientist - MP3

"79 Rock" - the Revolutionaries - Babylon Central [ESL]
"Blood Money" - 10Ft. Ganja Plant - Bass Chalice [ROIR]
"Download The Revolution" - Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For The Rebel Soul [Aquarian Records]
"Rain, Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]

"Love Me Forever" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Hell Is For Heroes" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning [Trojan]"Upsetters Dream" - Tomorrow Generation - A Scorcha From Studio One [Studio One]

"This Feeling" - Carlton & the Shoes - Love Me Forever [Studio One]
"Mad, Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"You'll Never Find" - John Holt/Aggrovators - Trojan 12" Box Set [Trojan]

"The Israelites" - Desmond Dekker - Tougher Than Tough [Island]

Katrina, Remembered... 5th Anniversary

Five years after the substandard levees broke... and it's still an unresolved disaster for many people who called it home. The opportunistic cockroaches who call themselves "politicians" and "public defenders" and "developers" are still scurrying when the light is shone on them... all after Bush 43 said that everything would be done to make the city whole again. Not on his watch, surely... and not even now.

We again recognize the influence and "necessity" of the city of New Orleans (and Lake Charles, victim to Hurricane Rita, weeks later)... to American and Jamaican life, music and culture, as well.

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae: Rock Steady
"Your Teeth In My Neck" - Scientist - Scinetist Rids The World Of The Evil Of The Vampires

"Indian Red" - the Golden Eagles
"Ethiopian National Anthem" - The Ethiopians - Slave Call [ROHIT]

"Let's Have A Party" - Amos Milburn - MP3
"Phoenix City" - Roland Alphonso - Best Of The Rest Of SKA [Action Replay]
"No More Doggin'" - Roscoe Gordon - MP3
"Muriel" - Alton & Eddie - Oldies But Goodies [Studio One]
"Snake In The Grass" - Larry Marshall - 7"/45 [Tuneico]
"Let George Do It" - Don Drummond - Greatest Trombone Player [Jet Set]

"Rain, Rain" - Taj Weekes and Adowa - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
"Babylon System" - Cool Riddims and Sistah Teedy - Pledge To My People [NYNO]
"Survival" - Bob Marley & The Wailers - Survival [Island]
"African Zulu" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Studio One]

"Louisianna" - Taj Weekes and Adowa - Deidem [Jatta]
"Pledge To My People" - Cool Riddims and Sistah Teedy - Pledge To My People [NYNO]
"Good Things" - Culture - Good Things [RAS]
"Slippin' Into Darkness" - Carl Bradney - Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown [Blood and Fire]
"No time To Lose" - Earth And Stone - The Reggae Train [Heartbeat]
"Reggae Is Tight" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Studio One]
"As-Salaam Alaikum" - Monsoon - MP3
"Road Is Rough" - Leroy Smart - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]

"Waiting In Vain" - Terence Simien - Tribute Sessions [AIM]
"Stay In Or Stay Out" - Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin' - Putumayo Presents Zydeco [Putumayo]

"Junco Partner" - the Clash - Sandinista [Epic]

Roots With Quality

"Comic Strip" - Mikey Dread - African Anthem [DATC]
(sample)
"Z90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]

"Roots With Quality" - Third World - Heartbeat Reggae Now! [Heartbeat]
"Nah Skin Up" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
"King's Highway" - Wendy Shaw - Sing Out [Issachar]
"Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" - Black Uhuru - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Woo Oh Oh" - Keith Blake - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady 67-68 [Trojan]
"Cat Nip" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]
"Cooyah" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]

"African Reggae Fever" - Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For The Rebel Soul [Aquarian Records]
"Sala Mosala" - Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort [Crammed Discs]
"Africa Land" - Ziggy Marley/Angelique Kidjo/Stephen Marley - Africa Land [Tuff Gong (cd single)]
"Streets Of Africa" - Big Youth - MP3
"African Zulu" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys [Trojan]

"Rain Rain" - Taj Weekes - A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen [Jatta]
"Robi Kahakalau" - Do It Twice - Tribute To A Legend [Putumayo]
"How Does It Feel" - The Green Band - Green [Shehandsomedevil]
"Don't Touch Me" - Nicky Thomas - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]
"Day By Day" - The Groovers - Get On Up! [Trojan]
"Dr. No Go" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]

"Reggae Is Tight" - Lloyd Charmers & the Hippy Boys - Psychedelic Reggae [Trojan]

"Legend In My Love" - Nicky Thomas - Images Of You [Horse]"Unitone Skank" - Dr. Alimantado - Best Dressed Chicken In Town [Greensleeves]
"Ghetto On Fire" - Jacob Miller - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Calling Africa" - Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay [VP]
"Rockers Galore" - Mikey Dread - Bankrobber 45 [Epic]"Big Takeover" - Overtakers - Get On Up! [Trojan]
"Upsetter Version" - the Upsetters - Explosive Rock Steady [Heartbeat]

Get On Up!

"Black Man Know Yourself" - Joe Higgs - Black Man Know Yourself [Shanachie]
"Money Maker" - Cedric "Im" Brooks - Money Maker [Trojan]

"The Big Takeover" - Overtakers - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady 1967-1968[Trojan]
"Promised Land" - Alborosie - Escape From Babylon To The Kingdom Of Zion [VP]
"Roots" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rebel Music [Tuff Gong]

"Zunguzungzunguzungguzeng" - Yellowman - The Reggae Box [Island]
"Five Nights Of Bleeding" - Linton Kwesi Johnson - Dread Beat And Blood [Virgin]
"Soul Brother" - Im & David - Money Maker [Trojan]

"Rain, Rain" - Taj Weekes - Advance Single
"Snake In The Grass" - Larry Marshall - 7" [Tuneico 45]
"Mortgage" - Hugh Malcom - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady [Trojan]
"Musically" - Keith Blake - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady [Trojan]
"Angie" - Winston Francis - A Scorcha From Studio One [Studio One]
"Black Is Black" - Im & David - Money Maker

"The World Is A Ghetto" - War - The Very Best Of War
"Streets Of Africa" - Big Youth - Chanting Dread Inna Fine Style
"Is It Because I'm Black" - Senior Soul - A Scorcha From Studio One [Studio 1]
"Higher The Monkey Climbs" - Justin Hinds and the Dominos - Intensified! Vol. 1 [Mango]
"Rough Ole Life" - Sugar Minott - Heartbeat Reggae 2000 [Heartbeat]
"Time Is Tight" - the Clash - Black Market Clash [10" Epic]
"Can't Buy Love" - Johnny Osbourne - Truths And Rights [Studio One]
"Love's Contagious" - Tarrus Riley - Contagious [VP]
"Tickle Me For Days" - the Pioneers - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady
"Shirley" - Larry Marshall - I Admire You [Heartbeat]
"Love Of Jah" - Annette Brissette - MP3
"Soul Glide" - Neville Hinds - Get On Up! Joe Gibbs Rocksteady

"Africa Land" - Ziggy Marley/Angelique Kidjo/Stephen Marley - CD single [Tuff Gong]
"Time Has Come" - Slim Smith - This Is Reggae Music/the Golden Era [Trojan]

Live And Direct

OK... so I've had to work on Fridays to make rent for the past two weeks. Thank You, Congress. Thank You, too, corporate assholes, for putting me in this position.

However, I'll be making up for it on this Friday evening, opening up the festivities at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar in Charlottesville, gladly adopted by The Grits-N-Gravy Soul and Funk Revue.
About 45 minutes of ska, rocksteady, and whatever I find in my baggatrix. Be There.

Also... there's a new bit of progress at WTJU: finally, all of our programming is available for streaming, for two weeks after the show dates. Whatever your passion, whenever you want, wherever you are.

The Tape Vault!

I've probably said it, many times before: I love this radio station. It has something for everyone... and everything for someone. Now it's available, 24/7, globally.

Too Hot

"Sounds And Pressure" - Hopeton Lewis - Roots Of Reggae/Rocksteady [Rhino]

"On The Beach" - Paragons - More Hottest Hits From Treasure Isle [Heartbeat]
"Another Scorcher" - the Tennors - Rock Steady Classics [Nighthawk]
"Live Wire" - the Gladiators - More Hottest Hits From Treasure Isle [Heartbeat]
"Wash Wash" - Prince Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Cool Down" - Silvertones - 45
"Too Hot" - Prince Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Champion In The Arena" - Jackie Mittoo - Champion In The Arena [Blood And Fire]
"Hot Milk" - Jackie Mittoo - Champion In The Arena [Blood And Fire]

"Good Things" - Culture - Good Things [RAS]
"Graduation In Zion" - Kiddus I - Rockers (soundtrack)
"Jah No Dead" - Burning Spear - Rockers (soundtrack)
"Promise Land" - Alborosie - MP3
"The Love Of Jah" - Annette Brissette - MP3
"Earth Rightful Ruler" - Augustus Pablo - Earth Rightful Ruler [Message]
"A Darker Shade Of Black" - Jackie Mittoo - Champion In The Arena [Blood And Fire]

"Life Comes And Goes (version)" - the Abyssinnians - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Ghetto On Fire" - Jacob Miller - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"Addis Ababba" - Culture - One Stone [RAS]
"The Word Girl/Flesh & Blood" - Scritti Politti/Ranking Ann - 12" [Virgin]
(1985... Ranking Ann spoke out against Police Brutality with "Kill The Police Bill")
"Feeling Fine" - Don Drummond - Greatest Trombone Player [Jet Set]

"To Be A Lover Have Some Mercy" - George Faith - Arkology [Island]
"Can I Change My Mind" - Alton Ellis - Best Of Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Let Me Down Easy" - Derrick Harriott - MP3
"Sea Of Love" - the Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
"I Trust You" - Delroy Wilson - Holy Ground:Alvin Ranglins GG Records [Heartbeat]

A Tribute To Sugar Minott

...and our supporters at the amazingly well-attended Town Hall meeting on Monday.

We live to fight another day.

"Legal Dub" - Black Slate - Rasta Festival [Alligator]

"You Can Get It If You Really Want" - Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come [Mango]
"Press Along Nyah" - Larry & Alvin - 45
"Strong Will Continue" - Damian Marley/NAS - Distant Relatives [Universal]
"Small Garden" - Zoot Simms - 45
"Level Vibes" - Sugar Minott - Slice Of The Cake [Heartbeat]
"Thunder & Lightning Dub" - Scientist - MP3

"Paper Planes" - M.I.A. - MP3
"Africa" - Dub All Sense - MP3 [Dubmatix]
"Promise Land" - Alborosie
"Joker Smoker" - Ziggi - MP3
"Pirate's Anthem" - Home T/Shabba Ranks/Cocoa Tea - MP3
"It Mek" - Desmond Dekker - This Is Reggae Music [Treojan]
"Your Teeth In My Neck" - Scientist - MP3

"Mary Ann" - Roaring Lion - Calypso: Best Of Trinidad [(Download)]
"Million Dollar Baby" - Roy Shirley - 45

"Rough Ole Life" - Sugar Minott - Heartbeat Reggae 2000 [Heartbeat]
"Mystery Of Nature" - African Brothers - Want Some Freedom [Easy Star]
"All Kind Of People" - Sugar Minott - King Son [Uptempo]
"Ghettology/Dub" - Sugar Minott - Ghettology [Easy Star]

"Ramble" - Rico Rodrigues - Countryman (soundtrack) [Mango]

"Herbman Hustling" - Sugar Minott - Roots & Rockers [Pow Wow]
"Vanity (extended)" - Sugar Minott - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Good Thing Going" - Sugar Minott - Heartbeat Reggae [Heartbeat]
"Oh, Mr. DC" - Sugar Minott - Best Of Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Buy Off The Bar" - Sugar Minott - Buy Off The Bar [Power House]

"You Never Know" - Corey Harris - Zion Crossroads [Telarc]

Today! Right After "Reggae Vibrations"!

Rest In Peace, Lincoln "Sugar" Minott

From Reggae United (online) Magazine:

"The rumour has been circulating on the internet for a few hours, but now it looks like Sugar Minott's death has been confirmed. The Jamaican singer had been suffering from heart disease for quite some time.

Sugar Minott had a great career that began with the group African Brothers then solo recording his first album for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. He also played a big role in the career of artists such as Junior Reid, Tristan Palmer, Tony Tuff, Yami Bolo, Garnett Silk and many more with his musical school Youth Promotion. RIP."

Rest assured, his gifts will be acknowledged on this week's Reggae Vibrations.

In the meantime, enjoy the vibe he left us:

T'ings 'A come Up To Bump

It's crunch time for community-based/college radio. Either we continue to broadcast the best that we know how, combining an obssessive love for music with the enthusiasm of our listeners... or disappear into the homogenized heap.

Music is information. Entertainment. New horizons. A new favorite song that you didn't know you couldn't live without. Support us at our Town Meeting, or Voice Your Choice, online.
Music can still make a difference. It's got the world by the short and curlies.

"S-90 Skank" - Big Youth - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Z-90" - Trinity - Shanty Town Determination [Blood and Fire]

"Ghost Town" - the Specials - 12" 45 [2 Tone]
"The Lunatics" - Fun Boy 3 - MP3
"Know Your Rights" - the Clash - From Here To Eternity [EPIC]
"Time Marches On" - Derrick Morgan - ...Sings Ska Rocksteady and Reggae [Heartbeat]
"I Should Have Known Better" - Skatalites - Respect To Studio One [Heartbeat]
"Things A Come Up To Bump" - Soul Vendors - Version Dread [Heartbeat]

"Love's Contagious" - Tarrus Riley - Contagious [VP]
"Promised Land" - Alborosie - MP3
"Ganja Farmer" - Marlon Asher - MP3
"Police In Helicopter" - John Holt - Police In Helicopter [Greensleeves]
"Why Oh Why Version" - Ernest & the Sound Dimension - Version Dread [Heartbeat]
"1865 (96 Degrees)" - Third World - The Reggae Box [Hip-O]
"Fire Version" - The New Establishment - Version Dread [Heartbeat]

"Africa" - Salif Keita - 12" 45 [Mango]
"Sala Keba" - Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort
"Selassie Bring It On" - Midnite Band with Youssoupha Sidibe - For All [Sacred Sounds]
"The Call" - Tommy T - The Prester John Sessions [Easy Star]
"As Salaam Alaikum" - Monsoon - MP3 [Dubmatix]

"Garden Of Love" - Don Drummond - Greatest Trombone Player [Jet Set]
"Feeling Fine" - Don Drummond - Greatest Trombone Player [Jet Set]
"Time Has Come" - Ossie Dellimore - Easy Star Volume One [Easy Star]
"Bongo Red" - The Gladiators - Studio One Singles [Heartbeat]
"Calling Rasta For I" - Culture - Two Sevens Clash [JEG]

"Fancy Makeup" - John Holt/Dennis Brown - Legend Vol 3
"Flashing My Whip" - U-Roy & Friends
"On The Beach" - The Paragons
"Swinging Feast" - Aubrey Adams/Roland Alphonso - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]

A Change Is Gonna Come

It is said that "all politics are local". Certainly, in these past few weeks it has clearly been so.
The administration that controls WTJU at the University of Virginia, as part of its fiscal concerns, has sought to redefine the nature of this so-called "freeform" radio station, and implement changes to see more "Return On Investment".
True, our attempts at self-funding through our marathon pledge drives has gotten tighter as the financial wreckage continues in the US. The "bottomline" rules everything.

But, instead of dissolving the station as was considered, we have until August to take our best shot at keeping our mission of providing msuic and information that can't be found elsewhere on the radio dial--not only in Charlottesville, VA, but nationwide as well. Our first real attempts at promotion have to bear fruit, or the writing is on the wall: DJ-powered, non-commercial radio is in the balance.

You can travel from shore-to-shore listening to the radio, and hear nothing but uniformity... no identity to inform you where you might be. That's something we have always risen above at WTJU. But it may not be enough.

Support and contribute to sounds and information that you can't hear, anywhere else... either with us, or that "special" radio station in your own area that not only entertains, but educates.

And might, just possibly, be one song away from presenting you with your newest, favorite, never-heard-before music.

"Better Must Come" - Delroy Wilson - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"JD3" - Bill Laswell - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell [ROIR]

"You Don't Love Me" - Dawn Penn - Heartbeat Reggae Now! [Heartbeat]
"Screaming Target" - Big Youth - Ride Like Lightning 1972-76 [Trojan]
"A Change Is Gonna Come" - Ken Parker - MP3
"You Never Miss Your Water" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
(with Patsy)
"Want Some Freedom" - African Brothers - Want Some Freedom [Easy Star]
"Promised Land" - Alborosie - Escape From Babylon
"Road To Axum" - Bill Laswell - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell

"Rebel With A Cause" - Gov't Mule - MIghty High [ATO]
(Willi Williams, vocals)
"Rat In Me Kitchen" - UB40 - Rat In The Kitchen [A&M]
"What We Gonna Do?" - John Brown's Body - Pressure Points [Easy Star]
"Healing Of The Nation" - Bill Laswell - Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell

"Betch By Golly Wow" - Cool Riddims & Sistah Teedy - Pledge To My People [NYNO]
(produced by Allen Toussaint)
"I Do Love You" - Heptones - MP3
"The Love Of Jah" - Annette Brissette - MP3
"Jerusalem" - Devon Irons - Life Goes In Circles [Pressure Sounds]
"We Got Love" - Freddie McGregor - Zion Chant [Heartbeat]
"Hold Me Baby Pt 2" - Basil Daley - Version Dread

"Garden Of Love" - Don Drummond - Greatest Hits [Jet Set]
"Feelin' Fine" - Don Drummond - Greatest Hits [Jet Set]

"Africa" - Dub All Sense - MP3
(produced by DUBMATIX)
"Curly Locks" - Lee Perry - Anthology [Island]
"Swing And Dine/Swinging Feast" - the Melodians - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]

Jimmy Cliff/Iron Lion @ Charlottesville Pavilion, 27 June (review)

Painfully close to 96 degrees in the shade, the oppressive heat didn't deter a healthy crowd to descend on Charlottesville's downtown Pavilion to witness a sublime evening of resonant reggae music on Sunday (27th).

Iron Lion opened the festivities (featuring longtime Harrisonburg roots-reggae rockers from Stable Roots, Chris "Peanut" Whitley and Greg Ward) with a bass-heavy thump of classics and originals... and two guests that brought the sound home, in more ways than one: Ras Mel on guitar and vocals, original member of Awareness Art Ensemble (whose reunion had just taken place in Richmond, the previous evening) and the sweet harmonies of Davina Jackson, (twin sister Davita, a vocal phenomenon in her own right, in support in the crowd). As the shadows gathered, the drums ignited.

Many local lovers of reggae had their appreciation begun by the seminal 1972 film, The Harder They Come, starring the evening's headliner, Jimmy Cliff. Amazingly, thirty-eight years hence, Mr. Cliff's vocal range delivered the favorites from that soundtrack in note-perfect tribute as he stridently commanded the stage with his crucial band of musicians. A wry update of his classic "Vietnam" morphed into "Afghanistan"... the force of years and change of venue, seamless in song and events. Dancefloor, sweaty and packed.

To my ears, though, the crescendo of the evening occurred when the musicians laid aside the electrified instruments and gathered at stage center to engage in traditional Nyabinghi drumming and chanting to personal favorite, "Bongo Man".

The booming syncopation and intricate harmonies of an ancient musical form echoed down those commercial streets across from the Pavilion in a call-and-response that reminded me that those doors were firmly closed... but Jimmy Cliff's grasp of the roots were wide open.