old culture curiosity

[chemmy]

I went to a record fair in leeds a few days ago and on my way out bought an old copy of the NME from 1978. I chose it because I was amazed that Culture were the cover stars... understandable as it was the late 70's when punk was in it's hayday and reggae held a huge influence over the scene... anyway, my scanner is pretty rubbish so I can't scan the interview but there is a live review which I've transcribed:

'Culture get ready to storm the south'
live in Edinburgh

Marred only by the thickening spectacle of the police charging anybody selling Anti-Nazi League stickers outside, Culture's first big British visit opened here in - to borrow a phrase from Ranking Trevor - fine style borrow a phrase from Ranking Trevor - fine style.

In a brave attempt to bring reggae to a bigger audience, the promoters had hired Edinburgh's vast Usher Hall, and their bravery seems to have been well rewarded. The hall was filling out admirably when UK reggae band Tradition opened proceedings, with a 40 minute set, much of which came from their recent 'Moving On' album.

Despite a lack of vocal clarity, they were warmly received by the crowd.

In an almost unbelievable feat of organisation as far as Jamaican musicians are concerned, the Revolutionaries took the stage at exactly the time appointed, and performed a rousing intrumental prior to the evenings heroes taking the stage, resplendant in very sharp military uniform. The audience treated the trio like stars and they loved every second of it.

First observation was the greatly energetic dancing of leader Joseph Hill and Albert Walker - the more... uh, laidback Kenneth Paley lacking the energy of his companions.

During a fairly long set the trio sang, jumped, danced and ran through many of their JA and UK hit singles, opening with 'See Them A Come', and performing favourites from their two official albums as well as surprising many of us by playing their old Joe Gibbs disco 45 'Baldhead Bridge'.

For me the highlights were the diamond-heart and ice-cool renditions of 'Stop The Fighting' and 'Natty Dread Take Over', which brought even the most self-concious of punters to their feet to dance in the aisles, a rare sight indeed in this staid, bland wedding cake of a hall.

Another highlight was 'I'm Not Ashamed', during which a woman leapted out of the audience to play Sticky's bongos.

The trio's harmony work was almost as stunning as their foot work, although it must be admitted that the PA was a little too small for a 2,500 seater hall, not that the dancing masses seemed to mind.

Another storming instrumental break closed 'Natty Never Get Weary' before Culture reurned for their sole encore, 'Work On Natty'.

The gig was over too soon, but every left happy. On this form Culture will be unstoppable by the time they reach the south, so if can, see them soon, seen? Catch the beat.

- Written by Dougie Thomson



Also of interest, the issue also included an enthusiastic review of 'Handsowrth Revolution' by Steel Pulse and a whole section in the singles reviews dedicated to the latest reggae releases. Oh, if only music mags were like that today!!

[Thomas]

Hi Chemmy,

Thanks for posting the review. I was at that gig and the review brings back great memories. (tu)

[Return of Jesco]

Me too, and went backstage and met them afterwards!

[Thomas]

Hey Jesco,

What a gig! It was like a wave of euphoria when Culture emerged on to the stage. Were you at the Mighty Diamonds gig recently? - they were superb.

[Return of Jesco]

Hi Thomas

No I missed it due to bad (ie no) planning but I did see them in London a while ago supported by Frankie Paul and they were great then. Did you see Culture at Tiffany's the 2nd time around still proudly wearing their Scotland the Brave t-shirts? Do you know if Dougie Thomson is still around? Had a few conversations with him at the Ital Club way back when...

[Cultureman]

Check out podcast
http://rootsmanx.podomatic.com/entry/eg ... 0_09-08_00

[Thomas]

Hi Jesco,

I wasn't at the Tiffanys gig but I saw them again at the Glasgow Plaza in the early 80's. Not sure about Dougie Thomson.