Roots Archives Forum

Hi,

I was talking to a friend today, who is not into reggae, about the music and in particular Bob Marley. He asked me to recommend a couple of albums for him to try. I found that quite difficult as he has made so much good music which I love. In the end I suggested African Herbsman, Rastaman Vibration and Exodus as a fairly broad spectrum.

I was wondering if you guys were asked the same question what albums would you recommend and would it be as difficult choice as I seemed to find.

Respect

Dave

Legend has all the mainstream hits, probably good for a first timer.

At the same time, I'd also recommend an artist that newbies have little chance of knowing about, who in the end surpass even Marley's skills. For example, Johnny Osbourne's "Nightfall Showcase". To me the Roots Radics are on a much higher plane than the Wailers.

catch a fire is probably my favourite one of his albums.

I agree with Papa Ahmz, tell him to forgo Marley pop music and get Nightfall Showcase !
Of course I like & respect Marley but I don't consider his music roots by any stretch of the imagination. If I had to chose I would recommend Kaya or Exodus.

On topic...Natty Dread and Survival.

Well, Bob Marley is roots but he sing vibes for the people, he is a great roots singer for me, but his way is a bit "easy", its as if we compare the Beatles (Same way that Marley) and the Pink Floyds, we cant compare them! Their ways are very differents, its why personnally i prefer another singers than Bob, as Burning Spear for the popular ones cause i like more dark roots more that light roots...
Advice to your friend Third World "96° in the shade" + A Bob Marley album (Legend compilation, as Papa_Amhz) for have 2 different large visions of what roots reggae mean!

"Confrontation", the album that turned me into reggae seventeen years ago.

Tell him to go pick up the Songs of Freedom box set, it has four disc's and it has tracks from the begginning of his career to the end of his days, I like the early days myself, but all in all you get some tracks from many of his albums, and it comes with some reading material too. It will run about 30 to 40 dollars. A must for a first timer.

Catch a Fire.



Jah Bless

FOR ME:

RASTAMAN VIBRATION.
EXODUS.
CACHT A FIRE - THE UNRELEASED SET (KILLER)

ANYWAY IS VERY DIFFICULT THO CHOOSE A BOB MARLEY FAVOURITE ALBUM ALL OF THEM HAS AWESOME TRACKS BUT I HAVE TO MENTION THAT CONFRONTATION IS NOT THE ONE.
SORRY NO HARD FEELING