Roots Archives Forum

Roots albums are quite scarce those days and it's not everyday you can hear a great record which could have been recorded 30 years ago.

Until now, my favorite is :
*More Time* by **LKJ** out in 1998

Have it on CD for some months and I love it, really !

One of my absolute favourites is Michael Roses - African Roots. I must pick up a vinyl of it though. But it's already quite scarce I think?

burning spear calling rastafari

Misty In Roots- Roots Controller

Half the tracks are older but the new tracks are of the exact same quality. They all fit together seamlessly even though they were recorded 20 years apart.

Their song "Dancehall Babylon" is one of those songs that is both timeless and perfect.

Jason Allen wrote:Misty In Roots- Roots Controller

I forgot that one, this is my other number one .

are we talking about foundation alike albums or anything what is reggae??

if reggae in general i would say:
anthony b - universal struggle, so many things
sizzla - everything before 2000
capleton - more fire
doniki & steady ranks - come to give praises
derek lara - all about life
gregory isaacs - do lord
lady g - god daughter
and nuff more i could type for hours

DonDigital wrote:are we talking about foundation alike albums or anything what is reggae??

if reggae in general i would say:
anthony b - universal struggle, so many things
sizzla - everything before 2000
capleton - more fire
doniki & steady ranks - come to give praises
derek lara - all about life
gregory isaacs - do lord
lady g - god daughter
and nuff more i could type for hours

I have to say if you havent checked out Sizzla - I SPACE. Which is his most recent release you are missing out. Crucial work!!

DonDigital wrote:are we talking about foundation alike albums or anything what is reggae??

if reggae in general i would say:
anthony b - universal struggle, so many things
sizzla - everything before 2000
capleton - more fire
doniki & steady ranks - come to give praises
derek lara - all about life
gregory isaacs - do lord
lady g - god daughter
and nuff more i could type for hours

I don't really call it roots actually. I'm talking about real "roots" music sung by "roots" singers (young or old), sorry I don't have the vocabulary to describe what I mean but "fondation alike" might be the word .

If you listen to the albums you mentioned, you know immediatly it is 90's music.

I would check out Ossie Dellimore. I featured him on my podcast as is great new artist in a classic roots style. Backed by live musicians.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu ... d=87727292

Must haves and best albums are not always the same. For example I consider Anthony B's Real Revolutionary and Universal Struggle to be his 'must haves', because they contain his most famous songs, however I personally prefer some of his less renowned recent albums (namely Black Star and My Hope), because his singing improved rapidly and the riddims are more lively with real instruments etc. So if you want to pick up albums, that are crucial in terms of fame, the list must contain Tony Rebel-If Jah, Jahmali-El Shaddai, Ras Shiloh-From Rasta To You, Morgan Heritage-Protect Us Jah or Don't Haffi Dread and Luciano-Where There's Life. From roots cum dancehall dj's there is Buju-Til Shiloh, Capleton-Prophecy and some Sizzla as well, probably Praise Yeh Jah or Black Woman and Child. However, if you're looking for albums, that are not so honoured, but which are maybe even stronger, check out Bushman-Get It In Your Mind, Prezident Brown-To Jah Only, Luciano-Tell it From The Heart, Fantan Mojah-Hail The King, Lutan Fyah-Phantom War and Sizzla-Da Real Thing.

However, the best roots is coming outside Jamaica. There are so many names... I'm gonna send you some sampler with my favourite music:)