Roots Archives Forum

Hi Flashman

What they try to explain you, is that the people who spend time on this forum are especially fan of the 70s and 80s reggae, it's not a question of quality but a question of style.

There is so much reggae styles, it needs sites specialized for every reggae type.

I'm like both of you in that I've started to listen to more Jamaican music from different eras over the years. I still have a hard time with most music that promotes violence, gangs, pimping, whoring, etc. I listen to the vibes for the consciousness or fun of the sound. I don't have a problem with anyone picking their own style, though. It is interesting to notice that many roots artists (like Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Misty in Roots,etc) have expressed concern for where music in the dancehall is going for about 20 years now. That concern is the main reason that Bunny started doing that style- to bring conscious sounds back to the dance (he's had mixed results). So, it's not just reggae fans who have some reservations about newer artists some of the pioneers feel the same.
To each their own, though. We can all like what we like.

P.S. thanks for making this a newly interesting thread. I agree that the artists mentioned above should be considered "roots" even if they are new. They are doing a nice job of keeping reggae alive.