An index of Christ's allusions in jamaican roots reggae

[Inyaki]

Here we have some "Roots Gurus"...they can explain to all of us what "Roots" is!

Funny that the artists and musicians who create this "Roots" music don't have the same opinion! ( but what do they know anyway?)

[DonBanyan]

I wasn't saying that that particular song was completely secular, I was just illustrating that the definition of roots isn't a clearly defined one. I also wasn't trying to be the definitive word on what exactly constitutes roots; I was actually trying to avoid this exact scenario with my initial disclaimer. I really don't understand these defensive responses, but I guess I just should have posted my two cents and let everyone else argue on about what defines the myriad sub-genres of the music.

DB

[Inyaki]

@DonBanyan
My sarcastic answer wasn't address to you at all (it goes back to some old threads.....and me being censored in the past).
I re - read it myself and it does seem like I'm referring to you.
I apologize for that.

[Inyaki]

Since we are on the subject of what is really "Roots" and what defines it:

Well, Reggae artists don't agree on that! And of course is a very subjective matter. So is normal that we don't agree on this "Roots Archives" forum.

My own personal opinion: is not just Rasta lyrics, is not just an issue of religious/conscious vs secular lyrics.
For me it has to do with the the feel of the music and the production / arrangement / mixing.
For example, "Belly Lick" is 100% a "Roots" tune in my book: minor chords, slow tempo, heavyweight bassline, and typical JA ghetto production and ghetto type of vocal stylings.
( If they use an electronic Simmonds drumkit, some flashy 80s guitar pedal and syndrums overdubbed instead of a tambourine or a akete...that doesn't change anything...that's the sound of "Roots Reggae" in 85, which is different from Channel One in 77 or Randys or Studio One in 71)

"Baby I Love So" (Jacob Miller) or "Guiding Star" (Heptones) are what I call "Roots Reggae". Lyrical content doesn't change that.
Is the feel.
Loads of Sizzla, Luciano, Jah Cure, etc...is not "Roots Reggae" to me, is soft Reggae with Rasta lyrics.

Roots Reggae evolves too. "Victim of Babylon" (Admiral Tibbett) or "Report To Me" (G.Isaacs) are completely drum machine + synths + samplers...but still Roots Reggae in my book.


My 2 cents!

[DonBanyan]

Respect, Inyaki.



DB

[benjamin]

what about coming back to the Christ's roots reggae list now that "roots " has been discussed ?
Of course the definition on this thread is extensive and the belly lick tune fits in for sure.
Any additions to the tunes already mentionned ?

Here's another one : Max Romeo - Vow of Nazarene

[blessup]

Benjamin, there are two Keith Hudson produced songs by Earl Flute which is actually a young Chinna Smith.... the songs are "The Betrayer" & "Peter & Judas". Christ's name is sung in there obviously telling the thirty pieces of silver story!

[benjamin]

nice blessup, don't know these songs; I'll have to check the Hudson affair then

[Jah Chicken]

Greetings,
"Rejoice Jah Jah Children" by The Silvertones actually appears to be about Christ as well. I would suggest that any song where Yabby You references "Jah" is also about Christ as well. Yabby You, being a Jesus Dread, has previously noted that when he says "Jah" he is speaking of Christ. Nice thread Benjamin, very interesting.

Roots,
Jah Chicken

[Meshach]

Benjamin

Good project - I was going to get round to putting a similar playlist together myself.

Just discovered

George Nooks 'Eye on the Sparrow' - technically not roots but a wicked riddim with great lyrics.

I'm sure I've got a few more in the collection...