Jamaican rock bands

[H1n1]

i found this while investigating some other things.

http://www.stagerecords.com.jm/biography/downstairs.htm

anyone ever hear this? Or know of any other jamaican rock groups.

[skizm]

How about that for a serious wtf moment. Thanx for the link mate, well interresting reading. And no, I don't know of any other jamaican rock groups. =)

[fareast_77]

LOL @ "I was lazy, so I chose drums since I could sit down," (Alvin)

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/ ... /ent2.html


thers another band called "gas money" i guess.

but who gives a .....

[jb welda]

fab five can run rock tunes with the best of them. they are like ja's #1 cover tune party band.

one love
jah bill

[ACEtone]

I've always wondered about this whole notion of other music besides reggae in Jamaica.
We all know that jazz has been a big thing for many years with some of the best musicians starting out in the 40s and 50s in the island's big bands. Soul and R&B from the US were obviously a huge influence too from the 50s and 60s and then on to Funk and Disco in the 70s. But one hears almost nothing about rock influence at any time from the 60s onwards.
I find it impossible to think that Jamaica could somehow have been quarantined from 'white' rock music but that is often the impression I get. Surely much of the same music that was popular all over the so called Western World was also heard in JA - I say this because JA links with the former British Empire for good or ill ensured that there has always been a strong two way communication between JA and England and Canada and the more recent links with the US must have resulted in this rock music making it way to Jamaica too.

I'm not sure I really want to hear a Jamaican heavy metal / hard rock band but I am actually happy to know that there is one (if not more)!

Just my thoughts...

[skizm]

I saw an interview with Mutabaruka (on YouTube I think) where he says reggae music IS rock "just like Metallica". Probably he drew links between the loudness, rowdyness and juvenile delinquency stamp associated with the two (soundsystems and rock concerts).

Furthermore there was a dancehall rhythm about ten or so years ago recorded by Rancid (iirc) that was straight up punk rock. I remember hearing General Degree riding on it and me thinking Buju Banton would be an excellent metal singer.

Outside of Jamaica there's been lots of good crossover stuff by the likes of Dub War and H.R. to name a couple. Would be interresting really to hear crossover stuff like that from JA.

Most probably Jamaica is so deeply identified with reggae music that westerners like myself can't fathom people there actually listening to other types of music like rock or metal. And that is straight up prejudice if you ask me. I don't like that I think that way at all.

[ACEtone]

I think among certain, probably educated in particular parts of JA society there has been an awareness of 'western' music and all of the rest that is available to hear. whatever is played on the radio and what is played in the dance is another thing entirely.

I spent a week in Lima, Peru a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised that all I heard everywhere was Peruvian country music. Almost no 'western' music at all. But there was a complete lack of the Peruano Negro music to be heard anywhere without really trying hard to find it. And find it I did not!

It is indeed a great credit to certain cultures that they do what they do and like what they like and keep on doing it without succumbing to corporate pressure to be culturally one way or the other.

Just being themselves.

So, I'd say rock on to the rockin' dudes in JA but I'll be listening for the reggae vibes...

[jumbo]

country music is very popular in jamaica, also pop, dance and even some rock music can be heard on the radio and in the dances all over the island

last time i was at passa passa they played katy perry, no doubt and some more mid tempo rock in that vein.. each song receiving huge forwards..

U2 - still haven found.. can play at any dance at any time and get a forward

right now lady gaga is very hot in jamaica (sad but true)

[davek]

I'll never forget travelling in a Kingston mini-bus with primarily school kids, who were all singing along word-for-word with Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is" when it was a big hit in the mid-80s'. It may come across as corny when reading about it in print, but it was actually quite a touching moment at the time.

Music is music, and Jamaicans love all kinds. Jim Reeves and Marty Robbins probably still outsell a lot of current artists.

[Chino]

Ernie Smith - Pure Gold Rock & Roll
Jimmy Cliff-Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Rancid, Buccaner & Red Rat