some reggae……

After popular demand (from Luis actually) here is a list of reggae favourites. I don’t claim these are the best reggae records out there, that would require me owning and having listened to all reggae records ever produced. This also is limited and doesn’t touch upon all sub genres of what is collectively referred to as “reggae”. Moreover, I am a relative newcomer to reggae like some of you. Having said that, these are records that I own and greatly appreciate and I think you guys will appreciate too and can serve as a starting point for further explorations. I don’t like lists like this so much, especially when they make claims to be definitive, which this list certainly does not. Most records here are considered classic and I make no claims to having rediscovered the wheel. This is not a definitive “best of” or “greatest of all time” list so please no “I can’t believe you left so and so out etc”, ok elia? Of course comments and suggestions for other records are welcome. That's the point. This list is heavy on the roots side. Links are to allmusic reviews. By the way I love allmusic, however I have to say that at times I disagree with their reviews and sometimes they’ll give a low star rating on records that they actually write great things about, so beware. Anyway, here they are in no particular order. Enjoy.

Culture - Two Sevens Clash



A catchy and beautiful record full of apocalyptic lyrics and haunting melodies. No need to say more.

Israel Vibration - The Same Song



As you know I saw these guys live perform a number of songs from this, their first album and it was magic. A classic example of roots reggae trio harmonies with some really deft playing thrown in. Note the tiny but very important drum solos that open a lot of the songs on the album.

Max Romeo and the Upsetters – War In A Babylon



In my opinion probably the finest album produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry, though of course it owns a lot to the versatile Mar Romeo as well. A lot of reggae tunes are pleasant to listen too but will fade out of mind as soon as they end. This album’s tunes will just stick with you and you’ll be singing along in no time. Perfect.

Wailers - Burnin’



Try to approach as a fresh listen, especially the songs not included on legend etc that are less well known. The last album of the original Wailers, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer quit soon after its release.

Congos – Heart Of The Congos



Considered by many real experts, possibly the best roots reggae record ever. For good reason. Produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Linton Kwesi Johnson - Bass Culture



A fine example of English Reggae, complete with strong social messages, great melodies and Johnson’s deep bass voice.

Dr. Alimantado – Best Dressed Chicken In Town



This is heavy on the dub side but not in the expense of melody. It takes a few listens to appreciate but that only makes it more compelling. Some of the songs are funny, others just weird but it grows on you. Definitely on the psychedelic side and made famous by its endorsement by Johnny Rotten.

Various - The Best Of Studio One Vol. 3 Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals



Since this is my own take of great reggae albums I feel no problems in including a compilation here. This is a great album that introduces us to that great “subgenre” of instrumental reggae. Not too dense but not too simple, just right

Augustus Pablo – Original Rockers



I have to agree with the allmusic reviewer that most of Pablo’s records sound similar. Having said that however this is a great album, as close to acoustic reggae as you can get Luis. I mainly include this because Pablo’s instrument is the melodica and I think one of you out there at least will greatly appreciate this.

Johnny Clarke - Rockers Time Now



Not only a classic of the roots era but an amazing record on its own. From the spirituality of the lyrics to the flawless delivery I simply can’t get enough of this record.

Peter Tosh – Legalise It



Well known and close to perfection. Purists may cringe but who cares.

Peter Tosh – Live and Dangerous. Live In Boston 1976



I normally wouldn’t include a 2nd album by the same artist but I’ll include this because it’s a live one. This is one of those instances where I have to disagree with the allmusic review. This album is great and can be placed next to Marley’s “Babylon By Bus” album which I assume you already own. (I can be a little annoying, no?) When a reggae album opens with a 9 minute live jam session then, that’s that.

Toots and the Maytals – Funky Kingston



Keith Richards used to walk around with this album and play it anywhere he could. The influence of American soul is evident, but that’s a different story. See also “Reggae got soul” by the same artists.

Ok I’ll stop here but we will return to this subject cause there’s just a lot more records that are worth mentioning. This has been hard and totally unsatisfying. Have fun.