Third World-Like them or leave them?

[Jason Allen]

I used to HATE Third World. I thought they were overly slick and a bad representation of Reggae's roots. I have known a lot of roots lovers who also couldn't stand the band and considered them "sell-outs" or thought they were a "pop" band pretending to do reggae.
While they are still not one of my favorite groups. I find myself buying and listening to their albums in the past few years. Namely: Third World, 96 Degrees, Rock the World, and Journey to Addis. And, i have to admit i do like a lot of the tunes on these albums(maybe I am just getting older).
I don't think I'll ever like their mid 80s and up material but am wondering what people on the forum think about the band. Are they:
Sell outs?
Posers?
Underrated?
Overrated?
Chime in if you have an opinion.

[leggo rocker]

I think they were better live than on vinyl...

[Lion]

The ambassadors of REGGAE.
Live one of the best bands out of Jamaica.
One of the foundations of Jamaican music.

Lion

[leggo rocker]

The ambassadors of REGGAE.
Live one of the best bands out of Jamaica.
One of the foundations of Jamaican music.

Lion

Agree with all that. And they *ARE* very very good live.

[Dadi Digi]

Although I do not have much of their stuff on wax they are a class act and should never be dissed.

Many many real good tracks to be heard from these guys. In addition they are fantastic skilled musicians.

[Litelet]

I personnally share the impression you had, Jason... *Weak and commercial uptown reggae*... But with this impression, I certainly have a limited knowledge of their work... And have never heard them in concert. Guidance

[Bellyman]

If you want to know what could have become of Third World (if they had not decided to go international) then have a listen to this...
http://www.roots-archives.com/search/?q ... &mode=song

[Alhazred]

Definitely excellent live, check the Prisoner on the Street movie and you'll hear. Some wicked drumming extravaganza and a wicked version of Satta Masa Gana played in someone's garden. Excellent musicianship.

Their live at Hammersmith in 82 is very funky, too.

[Lion]

A lot of people say the same thing about Toots & Maytals,Bob Marley,Inner Circle,
Lucky Dube to name a vieuw.

It's all JAH MUSIC.


Lion

[Jah Chicken]

Leave Them.. Not my style, for all that I've heard.

Roots,
Jah Chicken