Prince Buster: The Voice Of The People

it hardly gets better than this. The Half Has Never Been Told about the musical innovations of Cecil Bustamante Campbell. he used his fists, but found his voice... and his studio skills... and kept his ears open for original Jamaican music.

and then there was Ska.
and rocksteady.
and breakthrough dub.

"...by the inspiration of I... Prince Buster."

the baddest bands, ever.

"Al Capone" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Gun The Man Down" - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]
"The Baddest" - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]

"Oh Carolina" - Folkes Bros - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Hard Man Fe Dead" - Tougher Than Tough [Mango]
"Cincinnati Kid" - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]

"Blackhead Chinee" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Blazing Fire" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
"Hey Leroy" - Sam Jones - Geratest Jamaican Beat [Treasure Isle LP]
"No Raise No Praise" - Derrick Morgan - I Am The Ruler [Trojan]
"You Just Can't Win" - Versatiles [Wild Bells_7"]

"Ten Commandments" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
... of MAN, given to woMAN, from I...

...Prince Buster.
"Ten Commandments" - Joya Landis (?) - ...Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments [Prince Buster]
..of woMAN, given to MAN.

payback time.
"Big Five" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
Prince Buster...

... NO, you DIdn't.
"Big Seven" - Judge Dread - The Big Twenty Four [Trojan]
"She Was A Rough Rider" - She Was A Rough Rider [Prince Buster]
"Wash Wash" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]
"Happy Reggae" - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]

"Burke's Law" - The Outlaw [Prince Buster]
"The Scorcher" - She Was A Rough Rider [Prince Buster]
"Black Power" - 7" Wild Bells
"Taxation" - She Was A Rough Rider [Prince Buster]
"Too Hot" - Specials - The Specials [Crysalis]
"Too Hot" - Buster - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]

"Here Comes The Bride" - ...Sings His Hit Song Ten Commandments [Prince Buster]
"Madness" - FABulous Greatest Hits [Sequel]

Friday, May 24th, Prince Buster, "The Voice Of The People"

on Friday comes the much-anticipated presentation of the genius of Prince Buster as part of our Rock Marathon Fund-Raiser.

Cecil Bustamante Campbell, AKA "Prince Buster" is an unsung innovator of music on the little Island of Jamaica, promoting homegrown stylings long before Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's supply of R&B records from America (for his soundsystems) slowed to a trickle. with his skills in the ring, he was chosen by Coxsone to "protect" his sound systems... recorded the almost-Nyabinghi rhythm of The Folkes Brothers, revolutionizing the syncopation of ska to come... created his own label... founded his own record store... embraced the muslim faith... and gifted the world with wildly popular music which resonated globally for decades. And, he's still with us. a man of many facets.

my favorite Prince Buster story involves a later tour of the UK, just as such bands as The Specials and Madness were busting out with covers of his tunes: once learned about by the Vespa/Lambretta mod-types, they would escort his tour bus to the venues. what a spectacle that must have been.

for two hours on Friday, we give the Prince of Blue Beat our own virtual motorcade to the airwaves.

from MOJO magazine, and The Specials' Jerry Dammers.

and, YouTube:




last week's Che impression?
slightly ahead of the curve.

World 'A Reggae

our first offering for the 2009 Folk & Rock Fund-Raising Marathon. five days of Folk-five days of Rock.

there are two world-recoginzed icons in these days and times: the graphic renderings of Che Guevara, and any image of Bob Marley. we recognize how the images influence the world spirit.

From all points of the compass, reggae music erupts. here are two hours to illustrate.

"Hamady Boirot/Yelle" {Mango} - Macka B/Baaba Mal - Yam Toro
UK DJ, Malian maestro
"World 'A Reggae" {Island} - INI Kamoze
"Piste" {MP3} - Israel Foundation
Haiti
"Strong Will" {Sacred Sounds} - Midnite/Youssoupha Sidibe - For All
St. Croix/Mali
"Three Little Birds" {Island} - Bob Marley & the Wailer - Exodus

"All Good Things" - Pacha Massive - MP3
from Brooklyn... by way of Brazil
"el Matador" {SONY Latin} - Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - Vasos Vacios
Argentina
"Padre Nuestro" {Nacionale} - Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - Luz Del Ritmo

>"Ouelli el Darek" {Barclay} - Khaled - Sahra
via Algeria...with the Wailers, I-Threes
"Orphan's Cry" - Taj Weekes - Deidem
St. Lucia
"Until We Burn In The Sun" {Side One Dummy} - Bedouin Soundclash - Street Gospels
Canada
"Riot" - Wyclef Jean - Memoirs Of An Immigrant
Haiti... The World.

"Qem Avisa" - Djambi - Keep This Feeling Brazil
"PÈrolas Aos Povos" {Putumayo} - Rita Ribiero - PÈolas Aos Povos
Bahia

"Marilou Reggae" {Sunnyside} - Serge Gainsborough - Aux Amres, et cetera
Gauloise-saturated French...with the Wailers Band, I-Threes (1979)
"Big Man" {MOONSka} - Dr. Ring Ding - Dandimite
Deutschland Horns!
"Dub The Frequencies" {Side One Dummy} - Golgol Bordello - Super Taranta!
Ukraine
"Slave Driver" {Island} - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Catch A Fire

"Fish & Poi" {Fat Katz} - Sean Na-Auao - Fish & Poi
Hawaii!
"Seti" {MP3} - I-LASKA
Russia

2009 Folk/Rock Marathon Fund Raiser

From Friday, April 17th to Sunday, April 26th, WTJU/Charlottesville embarks upon its semi-annual solicitation of support from its listeners with ten days of special programming from the Folk and Rock dpeartments. A non-commercial station (accepting nor broadcasting commercials, in keeping with our philosophy of independence in content and quality), except for a minimal paid office staff, all announcers are volunteers bringing their depth of knowledge and love of music to their programs. no perks. rarely a ticket to a free show. It has to be love, right?

WTJU is only partly supported by the University of Virginia, therefore the remaining funds necessary to continue operation (electricity, transmitter, equipment, upgrades) come from the listeners during this time. And, aside from some amazingly inventive programming, "premiums" (specialized t-shirts, CDs, Gift certificates, etc.) are provided as "enticements" (though, sometimes worth more than the monetary pledge of support). it's almost crazy.

Even as varied as our weekly programming already is, this is when it gets really interesting. Our programming schedule for the Marathon can be downloaded , but there are offerings from Hawaiian to latin to African... from the Velvet Underground to the Beatles... gospel to Bob Dylan to Can to Bonnie "Prince" Billy. It's a sound riot, not to be missed. when employed, I'd take a vacation just to take it all in.

I'll be active, as well. this Friday (17th) from 2-4PM (easten/US) i'll be offering (taken from our program guide):

World 'A Reggae
The seeds sown from Bob Marley's legacy continue to sprout around the world. Our effort to support the Sound Choice in Central Virginia travels globally to witness reggae from the UK, Africa, Germany, Madagascar, Japan, Hawaii and all points in between.

this means Lucky Dube, the Mandators, Majek Fashek, Golgol Bordello, Bedouin Soundclash, Kreyol Syndicate and many others.

...and, on Friday, 24th, 2-4PM(eastern/US):

One Step Beyond: Prince Buster
boxer, self-promoter, and the man who created original Jamaican music with ska:
that's what he tells us--Goldfinger verifies. From his Soul Shack to pioneering experimentation with dub, Cecil Bustamante Campbell is still a force to be reckoned with... support WTJU's Spring Fund Drive, or he'll send "Al Capone" after you.

in keeping with the opportunities for our announcers to flex past their traditional shows, i also present on Thursday, 23rd, from 8-10AM:

Roy Orbison: Dark Star
From Wink, Texas to Sun Records, solo stardom to Traveling Wilbury, welcome to Goldfinger's contribution to the Spring Folk Fund Drive as we musically trace the theatrics, tragedies and triumphs of The Other Man In Black.

i told you it was "varied".

check out our program guide, enjoy music at its best... and pledge your support, if the spirit moves you.
it can be done, all online.

it's gonna Rock, Folks.

Money Worries... setlist, 3 April 09

it's a poor man's worry. 633,00 unemployed in March, alone, here in the US.
"when you've got nothin', you got nothin' to lose", quoth Bob Dylan.

but, oh, yes... it can always be worse.

Be Thankful for the circumstances of the place of your birth.



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

"Money Worries" - Maytones - Their Greatest Hits [Heartbeat]
...with DJ I-Roy
"30 Pieces" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [Irievibrations]
"No Matter What The Crisis" - Lutan Fyah - Africa [2B1]
"Crisis" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Kaya [Tuff Gong]
"Together Dub/Green Light" - Dub Specialist - DUB [Heartbeat]

"How Can I Be Ungrateful" - Fanton Mojah - Sronger [Greensleeves]
"Roots" - Etana - The Strong One [VP]
"Selassie Bring It On" - Midnite - For All [Sacred Sounds]
(St. Croix)...with Youssoupha Sidibe

"Look Pon You" - The Conquerors - Musical Feast [Heartbeat]
"Be Thankful/Dubbing In The Backseat" - Bunny "Ruggs" Clarke - Shocks Of Mighty [ATTACK!]

"Words Of Divine" - Sizzla - MP3
"Stay With You" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]"Start All Over" - Clinton Feareon - A Love I Can Feel [Mossburg]

"Reflections of Don D" - Johnny "Dizzy" Moore - MP3"Reincarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald - MP3


"Blood Of The Prophets" - Max Romeo - Open The Iron Gate [Blood and Fire]
"Harbor Shark" - Wailing Souls - Calling Rastafari [Nighthawk]
"I Shall Be Released" - Heptones - Sea Of Love [Heartbeat]
"The Earth Dies Screaming" - UB40/Ken Boothe - Fathers Of Reggae [Virgin]
"The Earth Dies Screaming" - UB40 - UB40 Files [Virgin]
(vinyl)

"Tomorrow" - Ken Boothe - A Man And His Hits [Studio One]
(vinyl)
"Home, Home, Home" - Ken Boothe - Mr. Rock Steady [Studio One]
(vinyl)
"If I Follow My Heart" - Dennis Brown - Foul Play [A&M]
(vinyl)

Upcoming Shows (in the Virginia area)

Outback Lodge 917 Preston Ave, Charlottesville
Reggae Night with Stable RootsEvery Wednesday through April

Canal Club Shockhoe Bottom, Richmond
Jah Works/I-ternals
Sat 4th

Nightclub 9:30 815 V. St, Washington, DC
UB40
Tues April 5th

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
Fri/Sat April 8th-9th

Ben Harper & Relentless7
Mon May 4th

when one door is closed, another is opened

Goldfinger is off, this week... leaving the slot to the inestimable talents of DJ Ras Rizla.

a victim of the US recession, i am amongst the unemployed, after 26 years at the same printing company. print may be dead, but the music goes on.

here is last weeks broadcast, submitted for your approval.

the beat goes on.

To the Pirates of Finance

i just finished reading John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath, two days ago.

desolate. diseased. dissolute. that described America's castoffs.
Caucasians sacrificing Caucasians. lower-class ethnic cleansing.

courtesy of The Banking System.
History Repeats Itself. the crows come home to roost.



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

"Them Belly Full" - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Natty Dread [Island]
"This City" - Perfect - Born Dead With Life [IrieVibrations]
"Have Mercy Mister Percy" - The Termites - Six The Hard Way [Heartbeat]
"Ghetto Defendant" - The Clash - Combat Rock [Epic]
...with Allen Ginsberg
"Offshore Banking Business" - The Members - MP3
"Reflection Of Don D" - John "Dizzy" Moore - Trojan Instrumental Box Set

"Jolly Joseph" - Jacob Miller - MIxed Up Moods [Top Ranking Intl.]
"Lion's Paw" - Tarrus Riley - Parables [VP]
"Don't Forget" - Etana - The Strong One [VP]
"Start All Over" - Clinton Fearon - Love I Can Feel
"Tribal War" - George Nooks - MP3
"The Earth Dies Screaming" - UB40 - The UB40 File [Virgin]

"Ball Of Confusion" - A Darker Shade Of Black - Trojan Motor City Reggae Box [Trojan]
"People So Evil" - Busy Signal [VP]
"The Plane Land" - Richie Spice - Gideon Boot [VP]
"Words Of Divine" - Sizzla - MP3 [VP]
"Version Dread" - Sound Dimension - Version Dread [Heartbeat]

"Let Me Down Easy" - Derrick Harriott - MP3
"Compliment To Studio One" - Michigan & Smiley - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"How Long Do I Have To Wait" - Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
...Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod Remix
"Mad Mad" - Alton Ellis - When Rhythm Was King [Heartbeat]
"Reincarnate" - Ras Tesfa McDonald - MP3

"Queen Majesty" - Dennis Brown - Another Day In Paradise [Trojan]
"Chalice In the Palace" - U Roy - Original DJ [Caroline]
"Good To Be There" - Chalice - Up Til Now [RAS]

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.