Roots Archives Forum

I just received Roger Steffens and Peter Simon's "Reggae Scrapbook" for Christmas. This book is wonderful! I haven't been able to put it down. Full of interesting memorabilia and packed with info and interviews. It is the best reggae book I've come across (and I've read quite a few).
I was very disappointed in the Rough Guide to Reggae. It told me nothing new and didn't include most of the Roots that I listen to. Because of that, I was surprised at how much I like this book. It still doesn't include a vast amount of the roots artists I like but does immerse you in the look and feel of Reggae music throught the pat 40 years. The story about Bob Andy and Alton Ellis is worth the price alone. The layouts and materials throughout the book are so well put together and perfect that I can't find a page that I can skip. Worth checking!

i don't agree with you re the 'rough guide', that is an excellent guide to all forms of ja music, a bible of stuff.

but this one looks like its definitely worth picking up, mr steffens has done an invaluable contribution to this music

fyi - reggae scrapbook videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50F6Yq97DF8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuilBFA ... re=related

Ites-
Most reggae lovers really love the Rough Guide. MAybe it was all the hype that had me expecting more. I personally could not get into it as much as I was hoping.
It has very very brief descriptions of each album that really don't illuminate much on the tracks contained therein. I'd love to know more about the artists and what was going on throughout their careers. The Rough Guide is not meant for that though. It gives a decent (albeit brief) description of the producer then list very short blurbs about a few albums that came out of each era and/or studio. I guess with all the hype I thought it would be much more informative. A good book but nothing that I'd consider definitive. To each his own I guess.
I'm hoping one day someone will put out a reggae album gude like the one Rolling Stone did for rock or the one Spin did for alternative. Producers would need to be included as wellbut I think something like that gives each artist's full discography and history would be great.

i've received this book also,haven't spent much time with it but i watched most of the dvd which was pretty good, postcards and stickers are a nice touch, and great rare photos

Jason Allen wrote:I just received Roger Steffens and Peter Simon's "Reggae Scrapbook" for Christmas. This book is wonderful! I haven't been able to put it down. Full of interesting memorabilia and packed with info and interviews. It is the best reggae book I've come across (and I've read quite a few).
I was very disappointed in the Rough Guide to Reggae. It told me nothing new and didn't include most of the Roots that I listen to. Because of that, I was surprised at how much I like this book. It still doesn't include a vast amount of the roots artists I like but does immerse you in the look and feel of Reggae music throught the pat 40 years. The story about Bob Andy and Alton Ellis is worth the price alone. The layouts and materials throughout the book are so well put together and perfect that I can't find a page that I can skip. Worth checking!

Jason-
Yes this is one of my favorite books too, It has alot of interviews and some awsome pics, I really enjoyed the DVD also, especially the interview Roger did with Joseph Hill. This is a must for all reggae fans.