Linton Kwesi Johnson

[selecta bing]

http://www.myspace.com/rasizaba

If you like LKJ check IZABA
he has an album called OVERSTAND LIFE
on PICTUS label Japan

[ACEtone]

Back the original post - got to remember that Barrow and Dalton sometimes can sound dismissive or 'catty' but I have always done a double take on some of those 'off' sounding entries and assume that humour was intended.
I have nothing but respect for Barrow and Dalton and also LKJ.

Now in terms of listening to LKJ - some of the first reggae I ever heard was LKJ tracks like Sonny's Letta. In hindsight, it depends very much on the music backing the voice - in LKJ's case mostly Dennis Bovells outfit which could be great or just functional.
I was a big fan of the Michael Smith album at the time. The musical backing is not wonderful by any means but there is a power to the entire album that sometimes verge's on disturbing. And why not?

But to my ears some of the best and real poetry that may as well be called dub poetry is by the likes of Big Youth, Trinity, Prince Jazzbo, I-Roy etc.
To call it poetry might make it uncool? Bourgeois?
To me this is some of the best wordsmithery ever.
Just listen to the poetry of Three Piece Suit.

It certainly takes some skill to 'read' or 'perform' a poem over music - the music has to be in the background, but not so weak and limp that it doesn't have a life of it's own - yet can't swamp the reading. The poet has to keep it interesting but his part is not to incite dancing and fun but understanding and introspection. It's a tricky proposition. Most reggae is for dancing to. Stop dancing and listen. And by the way, while I'm reading this the band will play some riddims. But listen, now. Don't get all carnal and start dancing!

Just my impression at this moment!

DJs are a totally different thing of course

[j j]

Not sure if the rasta elder RAS SAM BROWN, could be called a dub poet, but he had an album on RAS Records which were kinda like him reading declarations out over the track.

j j

[darewon]

LKJ was and still is great. In addition to his albums he published a number of books including Inglan Is A Bitch (1980), Tings and Times (1991) and most recently Mi Revalueshanary Fren (2006). Most of these are compilations of lyrics. If I remember correctly, Inglan Is A Bitch has some pretty cool drawings from the period.

LKJ captured social unrest beyond the black white binary by being the first reggae artist to cover the NF attacks on Asian immigrants in the song "Fite Dem Back." At the time there was an alliance made between black and Asian Britons indicative of reggae's power to rally the people (although class disparities won in the long run).

Asian Dub Foundation cites LKJ as a prime influence.

As for middle class social workers digging him, LKJ was (and I believe still is) a Marxist.

[samboerou]

I also like the the re-mixes Dennis Bovell and LKJ have done recently of Manu Chao's Politik Kills.

[sean]

Yes Darewon
Not often you finfd Marxist influenced reggae, but is very good I have to say. Even his song Lorraine about a girl rebuffing a man, is very good.Linton can cover a whole heap of topics, hes very good on matters such as anti racist protests and police brutality too.

[Snow Leopard]

My understanding of Michael Smith's death was that it had something to do with the Jamaica Labour Party, but I may be wrong (usually am)!

Mutabaruka's early stuff was brilliant IMO, backed with hardcore roots rhythms.

[James]

I defy anyone to listen to "New Craas Massahkah" and not be moved. The version on "LKJ In Concert with the Dub Band" (1985, Shanachie Records) is amazing.

I got more news of what was happening from LKJ than any number of "real news" outlets at the time. Was even lucky enough to see him twice between '79 and '81, for which I am truly grateful.

Peace,

James

[selecta bing]

I have a nice CD compilation called BLUE BEAT BOP that has

TEK CHANCE 12" B1
FUNNY DUB B2
ACTON LINE 12" B1
ACTON LINE DUB B2

wicked !

[rokkimake]

This thread made me listen to LKJ's music and I find it very powerful, of which we have to give thanks to Dennis Bovell and the players, for I don't know how much LKJ participated into music side.

I don't want to offend, but those backing tracks of LKJ's first three seem to be toughest Britt reggae, though I am not much aware of it having only some Steel Pulse, Aswad, Cimarons.

The 'Don't Call Us Immigrants' was a bit disapointment for me, because it sounds so nice 'n' easy, little light, not tough. Pablo Gad is great, but didn't he immigrate in 1975?

So are there any tuff cookies in the UK?