Roots Archives Forum

I wonder if there will ever be a huge Reggae revival of proper reggae (ie: that recorded before 1985) in the same way there was (in the UK at least) for Rock and Roll in the UK in the early 70s (prior to Punk).

Me and my bredren were walking the streets in Teddy Boy and Rockabilly outfits and the sistren were wearing full circle skirts and stockings. We were listening to Buddy Holly and Elvis and dancing the Jive and Hell ad Toe. We were in our early teens, like 12 - 16.

I think this happened partly because the music our parents listened to had been 'seeded' into us as very young children. Our parents listened to music, rather than watch TV - because TV in the UK was still very immature with only 2 or 3 channels in Black and White and no late night, morning or early afternoon TV at all.

My theory is that even if, as a growing kid, you think you don't like this music you are hearing, when you mature you also find yourself enjoying the music from your roots.

So what can we do to make Reggae great again?

You're doing it!

Just keeping the music playing so others can discover it for themselves is the best way I can think of. Not fast, but it's certain. The sounds speak for themselves.

Peace,

James

Thanks James

Sometimes I think modern youthman can never appreceate reggae, being too materialistic. Then I think of GunoSantos. Young he is at 23 (I think), and yet he knows his stuff and he's a definite reggae fan. So there is hope...

Hi Leggo

I agree, you guys keep doing what you`re doing and people will discover the music for themselves.

But a revival in a big way, is that a good thing ?

There are precious few quality original vinyls about for you collectors to fight for as it is.

However, for some one like me who, these days only buys on CD, then a revival may be a good thing.

When I sold all my vinyl back in the early nineties I never imagined that 15 years so much of what I had would not be available on CD.

So for me a revival may lead to many classic recording seeing the light of day on CD re-issue in a package that does them justice.

So I guess, there is an argument for both sides of the coin.

Dave.

A revival would be really great, even on a big scale.

And it would also increase the worth of my collection, so not such a bad thing!

I would also be very vey happy to have more listeners to my show!

And I feel rather lonely in my love of reggae here in Lincoln where reggae lovers are very few and far between.

So bring on the revival!

I'd like to think the current materialistic trend is temporary. The pendulum swings both ways, just wait. This too shall pass.

Hmmm. Maybe I finally have something for the Proverbs thread.



Peace,

James

I am usually the optimist in the group. But...

I think this particular pendulum is on one very long swing indeed and it ain't coming back until after we've left this place!

I remember living in Glastonbury in the 80s, the hippy types were still insisting the age of aquarius was upon us, that light was going to reach into every corner and reveal truths. That the world was about to become a happy, peaceful place.

I think the Hindu view is more likely. That we are now in the age of quarrel having passed through the golden ages long long agao. And we're only just a few thousand years into a few hundred thousand years of this mess before it all ends, and starts again (as is the way of life).

Sad, but I feel it's true. If you read the texts that describe this age and its development, there are some very striking truths, stuff that even 100 years ago you would have doubted were going to come to pass but now have done.

The texts paint a frightening picture of the future world. One that global greed and global climate catastrophe looks set to bring about!

Oh well, we just have to listen to reggae music and make the most of what we have, while we have it.

LEGGO , Reggae, and all that falls under that umbrella word, is the FASTEST growing genre in Japan the land of the rising MATERIALISM.....

I was there 88~2000 and it was booming and has not stopped,,,especially SKA an DANCEHALL, some nice roots acts too such as CULTIVATOR and DUBSENSEMANIA

so I cyann explain why it isn't bigger in the lesser materially inclined countries (compared to Japan that is)

Except to say it's got a lot to do with DRUGS.
The choice of drug of the day directly influences the popularity of the music of the day.

You and I didn't grow up in the era of ecstacy and therefore cyann identify with that culture.

GANJA is not popular anymore with young adults.
Reggae is associated with Ganja and so if you talk about a Reggae event people often instantly think of a chilled out, sit around, nod ya head evening

Get out there and put on a SKANKIN GOOD TIME NIGHT
at ya local and EDUCATE the people

No DUB just top gear skankin Reggae

and see wot happens

Maybe growth of reggae in Japan is a backlash against materialism?

I agree witht he drug = music arguement.

I do know of the E culture though, even though I have never taken it as manufactured highs don't interest me at all. I have children who have grown up through this era, and I am an involved but liberal parent. So I have some experience and knowledge of this culture. Also, in my work as a journalist, I became a friend of Bez from the Happy Mondays, and he showed me the House music world which was a real eye opener. Interestingly, when I played the House people reggae they loved it! Because, I think, the two musical strands are very close relatives. House music, is, I feel, a derivative of dub. Like they say Blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll, maybe Dub had a baby (or Grandchild?) and they called it House music.

I use the term 'House' loosely to cover all the genres of Modern Dance music.



As for playing out in my town, I may just try that. And not dub, but up-tempo 12 inch 45s!

Ska and Northern soul gigs already exist around here due to the scooter boys (Skegness is just down the road, a haunt of the Mods since the 60s.) But reggae hasn't got on the billings here -- yet...

Way to go !!! Get out there and do it!
I am, here in Brisbane Australia..but it is a small city in a sub tropical climate and people are a liitle too easy going and have too many choices for it too have a solid following......

Melbourne on the other hand is colder and has a greater population so they have a "Reggae" night there every other night.
BTW Apple poly oggies for assuming you know not of the E era. I ass umed you were as old as I from your other posts and so missed that era.

I did, fortunately, because I went to JAPAN 88 ~2000 otherwise I probably would have indulged.

as for backlash....I agreee totally..a lot of Japanese kid are fed up with the upwardly mobile style.......

Each one teach one and that one will go on.......