Roots Archives Forum

hey, so im really interested in learning more about reggae music and and im not really sure where i should start, does anyone have any suggestions? what are some good albums/artists?

Hey, what artists/albums you know already?
( Often i advice THIRD WORLD "96° In the shade" to the newbies who know only Bob Marley and very classic stuff, for me its a great album who are a good synthesis of what the roots reggae can do and easy to find in cd - Mango(Island)records )

good things to start-
the original reggae sound-

black uhuru- showcase

mighty diamonds- right time

wailing souls - firehouse rock

scientist- first lp

king tubby- dub from the roots

king tubby- dangerous dub

peace and love everytime

I would suggest most anything in Blood & Fire's catalogue. I've been listening to reggae for almost 20 years, but when I got back into heavy about 5 years ago I found the B&F and Pressure Sounds releases great starting points.

Great introductions IMO-

Yabby You prodructions:
Yabby U- Jesus Dread -a MUST
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/201#rel191
King Tubby's Prophesy Of Dub
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/547#rel448

Roy Francis-Phase 1 prodructions
Chantells & Friends- Children of Jah
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/32#rel31
We Are Getting Bad
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/2316

Glen Brown prodructions:
Sylford Walker & Welton Irie - Lamb's Bread International
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/106#rel103
Rhythm Master Vol 1
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/3824
Termination Dub
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/180

Keith Hudson productions:
The Hudson Affair-VA
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/3658
Keith Hudson - Pick A Dub
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/315#rel283

Lee Perry productions:
ARKOLOGY-va
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/304
Congos - Heart Of The Congos
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/168

NINEY The Obeserver productions:
Blood & Fire(1970-78)(2CD)-VA
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4112
Microphone Attack-VA (Niney DJ prods.)
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/463#rel394

Bunny Lee productions:
Cornell Campbell - I Shall Not Remove
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/143#rel137
Johnny Clarke - Dreader Dread
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/424#rel367
King Tubby - Dub Gone Crazy
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/321#rel287
King Tubby - Dub Like Dirt
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/320#rel286
King Tubby & Prince Jammy - Dub Gone 2 Crazy
http://www.roots-archives.com/release/616#rel513

I know its alot but I think any of these is a good place to branch of from.

Hope you enjoy,
PAPA D

Try these:

Don Carlos: Day To Day Living
Wayne Jarrett: Showcase Vol 1
Hugh Mundell: Africa Must Be Free By 1983
Hugh Mundell & Lacksly Castell: Jah Fire
Lacksley Castell:Morining Glory
Lacksley Castell: Princess Lady
Dennis Brown: Joseph's Coat Of Many Colours
Dennis Brown: Words Of Wisdom
The Congos: Heart Of The Congos
Yabby You: Jesus Dread
Keith Hudson: Flesh Of My Skin, Blood Of My Blood
Lee Perry: Build The Ark
Black Uhuru: Showcase
Garnet Silk: Music Is The Rod

And of course the indespensable bible of reggae so far: The Rough Guide to Reggae by Steve Barrow and Peter Dalton, great book

have to agree on the Rough Guide to Reggae. excellent book....worth every penny. now in it's 3rd edition.

also - check these albums out. as far as i know, all are still readily available.

aswad - showcase
black uhuru - liberation: island anthology
lee perry - arkology
aswad - live and direct (is there a better reggae live album ?)
dennis brown - revolution
steel pulse - sound system: island anthology
buju banton -'til shiloh
luciano - messenger
burning spear - social living