Rub A Dub Style: The Roots Of Modern Dancehall - Now Available (Free Download)

[davek]

Rub-a-Dub Style: The Roots of Modern Dancehall
by Beth Lesser

With the release of their 1979 hit 45, Rub-a-Dub Style, deejays Smiley and Michigan announced to the world that reggae music was undergoing a major change. Dancehall-based and inspired music was moving to the forefront, leaving roots and rockers behind. A new sound was taking over Jamaica. Rub-a-Dub Style: The Roots of Modern Dancehall, Beth Lesser’s latest book, covers the emergence of this “Dancehall” music in Jamaica in the 1980’s. Despite the vibrant scene that was emerging in Jamaica, the 80’s has remained an obscure, often neglected period in the examination of reggae’s development. Yet, it was this period of creativity and growth that not only set the stage for everything that is happening in reggae music today, but played a significant role in influencing hip-hop and rap music.

In her new publication, Ms. Lesser fills in the gap between the passing of Marley in 1981 and the dancehall explosion in the early 90's, leading the reader through ten years of changes that brought dancehall music from the ghetto to international acclaim. This is the story of the 80’s as told through the eyes of the participants - the artists, musicians, producers, distributors, sound owners, radio jocks, engineers and fans. Rub-a-Dub Style covers this innovative period in Jamaican music that saw the introduction of pre-programmed instruments, the rise of sound system ‘specials’, the battle of ‘slackness’ v. ‘culture’, the emergence of female dancehall artists, the development of the sing-jay style and the domination of the market by deejays.


Rub-a-dub Style is being offered as a free download as an appreciation of Jamaica- its people and its culture, for the 2012 celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence. Ms. Lesser’s goal is to reach a wider readership and thus promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the efforts that these artists and musicians put into creating such a powerful and dynamic expression of Jamaican culture.
Because there is no cost involved in obtaining the Rub-a-Dub Style, Ms. Lesser hopes that those who are able will consider contributing something to the artists and organizations mentioned in the publication, to help keep them active and working, and the music flowing.

http://www.bethlesser.com/books/PDFs/Ru ... Lesser.pdf

[flashman]

Very cool! Can't wait to read it.

[Balughetto]

Very nice thank you, a free, dense book about a specific part of reggae history, what else can you ask for!

I started reading a few pages randomly, and read the chapter on singjay. It's really detailed and comprehensive. I hope the rest of it is of same quality, well it definetly looks like it. Big up to the author(s) for her hard work.

Peace

[blakbeltjonez]

yep, it's pretty darn good - i noticed one or two things that didn't seem to be correct as far as dates, or similar trivia, but that is minor quibbling as there is a wealth of information there.

she did a great job.

[sonic]

Hi, I'm new subscriber.

The Beth Lesser book puzzles me.

She already released a book (The Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture) about exactly the same topic a few years ago published by Soul Jazz Records.

So why another book?

Still I'm going to buy it.

Greetings

[Papa Ahmz]

Much love! Looks like a nice reference, thanks for sharing.

[flashman]

Really enjoying this. It could use a copy edit, though. Not complaining, I'm grateful to be reading. Just a suggestion for the print version

[davek]

Hi Flashman

Details for a "print on demand" version will be posted soon....we're just finalzing a few details

[flashman]

Thanks Dave,
I look forward to a print copy. The book is fascinating. It brings nuances of the scene: politics, daily life and other cultural details into the mix along with the music in a way no other book I've read has done. Or at least that I can remember! It really paints a vivid picture of the life.

Also, though.....I hope I can say this without sounding like a jerk, but I did want to just point out 100% in the spirit of constructive criticism that the book has quite a lot of typos and a final proofread might be a good idea, if possible. Such a work deserves to have the form match the standards of the content.

[davek]

Thanks Flashman

There are actually two versions - one got released in advertently, without a propoer proof. You must have downloaded it within the first day or two.

Self-publishing is.....fun!