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Although there have been several Roots collections on Trojan, there has never been a compilation dedicated solely to Rastafari. In this writers opinion it was better to reserve the subject for a box set, so that the appropriate care could be taken over the selection of tracks, and due respect given to the presentation. With other releases in this series proving to be so successful, now would seem the perfect time for such a retrospective. And as symbolism has always been an important factor in Jamaican music, the use of three discs holds some significance here. Together they serve to remind us of the Trinity, the cycle of life, and the three colours of Rastafari (Red, Gold and Green). All tracks date from between the late seventies and mid-eighties, with the majority being recorded at Channel One Studio on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston. We open this collection with a trio of social commentary cuts, starting with a stinging criticism of society's leaders by Ronnie Davis. Formerly a member of The Tennors vocal group, Davis also features on the compelling Got To Go Home, and on a rootsy update of the Melodians hit Rivers Of Babylon. Winston Jarrett attacks the Jamaican establishment on Tired Of The System, whilst Don Carlos uses Back Weh With Your Mix Up to warn against division in the ghetto. The latter, one of several recuts, uses an updated rhythm track to Johnnie Clarke's Cold I Up. Others include Al Campbell's Free Up Rasta (Let Me Go Girl), and Hold On To Jah by Reggae George (Johnnie Clarke's Hold On rhythm). Collectively, the sequence of cuts on Disc One highlight the many trials and tribulations faced by Rastafarians, mostly brought about by society's ignorance, prejudice and injustice. Disc Two concentrates more on the spiritual wealth gained from worshipping Jah (God), and living an upright life. We open with Lincoln "Sugar" Minott's superb The People Ought To Know, on which Sugar outlines creation and man's fall from grace. Recorded in 1979, and taken from the album Ghetto-ology (TRLS 173), it captures the singer at his youthful best. Johnnie Clarke follows with a complimentary Give Thanks, over a Bunny Lee update on the rhythm to Ken Boothe's Freedom Street (a big hit for the latter whilst recording for Leslie Kong). Further rhythms updated include Don Carlos's Praise Jah With Love And Affection, which uses Slim Smith's Love And Affection, and Barry Brown's Natty Roots Man which rewinds Johnnie Clarke's classic Enter Into His Gates With Praise. The Royals continue our central theme with their own If I Were You, the second of three cuts from the group in this collection. Their final track, Peace And Love, may sound familiar as it was reworked by Boy George. The individual messages contained on this third disc, may seem varied at first sight. However, they are bound together by a central theme of Armageddon. There is also a rich sub-text, which warns the wicked to prepare for the aforementioned, and repent while they still have the opportunity. Al Campbell sets the scene with The Moment Of Truth, warning that a day will come when every man must stand up and face his judgement. Jimmy Riley compliments with Hard Headed Israelites, as does Michael Prophet on Evil Doers (a recut of the Glen Brown rhythm made famous by Prince Jazzbo's Mr. Harry Skank). Other tracks especially worthy of mention include Cornell Campbell's Fight Against Corruption, which updates Beat Down Babylon by Junior Byles, giving it new life, and a superbly heavy outing from The Maytones on Who can't hear Will feel. Not Surprisingly, the rhythm was laid by Sly (who gets a name check on the groups Throw Down Your Arms) & Robbie during their Revolutionaries mode at Channel One. Amongst the remaining tracks are an update of Alexander Henry's Please Be True rhythm (a Studio One original) in the shape of No Weak Heart by Ronnie Davis, plus Barrington Levy's Captivity, an adaption of Take Five. The sentiments expressed on all of these classic waxings have lost nothing of their relevance, or ptence. They sound just as powerful (and compelling) today, as they did when originally recorded. The intention of this set has been to provide a neutral platform for the tenets of Rastafari, allowing the artists to state their case in their own words. "Each one teach one" they say in Jamaica, and so it is hoped that this collection will help enlighten the curious, dispel some of the myths, and provide the already converted with a focus for meditation One Love. Chris Pete (Let's Catch The Beat) |
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DISC 1 |
DISC 2 |
DISC 3 |
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False Leaders |
The People Ought To Know |
The Moment Of Truth |
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Time - 60:22 |
Time - 54:59 |
Time - 61:26 |
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All material © Copyright Trojan Records |
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