why did roots music become less complicated in chord structure during the 80s?

[greg]

going thru my roots collection i noticed that roots music became less advanced during the 80s. in the 70s it was very complex as far as chord structures and basslines are concerned. why was this? was it because of the dancehall style that emerged at that time period?

[6anbatte]

The **[Casio MT-40](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casio_MT-40)** maybe?

[picaraza]

Cocaine and crack.

That's my guess.

[Poorbeats]

maybe thats the music rule.

[MightyZ]

My belief is that during the seventies the songwriting started with the song and the music was based around that. In the 80's the music was more riddim based, so the bass line kicks up first and the chords are fitted on. When I write stuff like this it tends to yield simpler chord structures, if I want something more complex, I start with the chords to make sure I include loads. Another key factor is the style change, the simpler disco influenced beat of the 80's doesn't lend itself as well to longer musical lines, tends to give rise to shorter, simpler loops.

Go to the soundclick page mentioned in my signature, listen first to Robot Dub and Further Dub - written bass line first - simple chords
Then check out Journey Dub (and Jack Herer dub from the Myspace page) written chords first, hear the difference.

MightyZ

[jahganja7]

the roots radics sound which dominated the early 80's is very sparce and open. no horn usually, which will always add to the complexity of the music, plus less nyahbinghi drumming, which can introduce more complex rhythm patterns. IMO the production of jammy and scientist is pretty open and sometimes boring compared to tubby or far i etc. i suppose the structure of the music (chords, melodies, rhythms) turned more simple along with the stripped down instrumentation (ie lack of horns, drums, etc). peak years for me are 77 and 78. lots of heavy killer roots released this time yea.

[Quemster]

Why does music got to be complicated to be good?

Its about the mood/vibe.

[MightyZ]

Why does music got to be complicated to be good?

Its about the mood/vibe.

Indeed - Reggae is about vibe and feel - whether it is complex or simple is not the issue

I am a big fan of the Scientist/Prince Jammy dubs and the Roots Radics sound

MightyZ

[leggo rocker]

I agree. I love that 'empty space' sound of Scientist witht he Radics. They rock. I think the simplicity adds big impact to the dub effects. Listen to something like Wins the World Cup. Simple? Maybe. But still 100% awesome.

[MightyZ]

Wins the World Cup is a severely underrated and totally awesome album - the best of the Scientist Greensleeves LP's IMO, although it is strongly challenged by Heavyweight Dub Champion.

MightyZ