Roots Archives Forum

hi all!

I am interested in learning more on the development of UK reggae scene, particularly artists who get called Lovers Rock and how that came about (from UK perspective in particular). (artists like Deborah Glasgowe, Carroll Thompson, Jean Adebambo but also Sandra Cross, Maxi Priest, Susan Cadogan and others not mentioned of course - your favourites PLEASE!)

There seems to be little out there in book form on this subject - any magazine articles would be cool, and any websites other resources! thanks. I am just trying to research it with a view to putting out a little mini-history myself.

what do you think the key songs and albums were in Lovers Rock?

Hi battez, You could do a little search here and read some of the threads that have already covered this topic.
A good compilation series is RELAXIN WITH LOVERS which covers artists by the labels they recorded on like the DEB label.( Dennis Emmanuel Brown )
Also there are the 2 the LOVERS ROCK STORY cds which have some info about
DENNIS BOVELL and the beginings of LOVERS etc.
GOOD LUCK

There's quite some information in Lloyd Bradley's book "Bass Culture" if i recall it right..

Rough Guide to Reggae has a section on UK

unfortunately not much info and website about this genre of music.discovered lots of killer obscure tunes being played on radio.sadly these artists were never supported and lots of stuff even unreleased....

I would recommend checking this book

Tighten up!: The History of Reggae in the UK

It's an official publication of Sanctuary Music (so heavily leans toward Trojan) but it's an excellent read and has a detailed discography of singles and LPs. My copy came with a CD that has at least one Lovers Rock tune--'Keep It Like It Is' by Louisa Marks.

I throw in "Peter Hunningale" and "Mike Anthony"

Definitely Peter Hunnigale. They don't call him Mr. Honey Vibes for nothing. Peter Spence, Nereus Joseph, Roger Robin, Barry Boom, etc.... are some more wicked UK Lovers Rock singers in the male category..... also Klearview Harmonix.

Nobody mentioned Bitty McLean so far??