Heartbeat Reggae

Track Listings

1. Gone Already - Albert Griffiths

2. Jah Say - Burning Spear

3. Set the Prisoners Free - Mutabaruka

4. Break Down the Walls - Mikey Dread

5. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner - Black Uhuru

6. Time Alone Will Tell - Big Youth

7. Holy Moses - Lee "Scratch" Perry

8. Wicked a Go Fight - The Mighty Diamonds

9. Step Ina Dance - Papa Finigan, Junior Ranking

10. Top Ten - Gregory Isaacs

11. Dread Times

12. Queen of the Mountain - Burning Spear

13. Aid Travel With a Bomb - Breeze

14. Good Thing Going - Sugar Minott

15. Luta Continua - Big Youth

Heartbeat Reggae

Average customer rating:

Not much to say...
terrific roots
Buy this album now
THE BIBLE IN MUSIC FORM
You have to listen closely...

Satta Massagana
Abyssinians
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Heart of the Congos
Who Say Jah No Dread
Two Sevens Clash
Blackheart Man
Trench Town Mix Up

ASIN: B00000042Q
Release Date: 1993-03-01

Tracks:

Declaration Of Rights
The Good Lord
Forward Unto Zion
Know Jah Today
Abendigo
Y Mas Gan
Black Man's Strain
Satta Massagana
I and I
African Race
Leggo Beast
Peculiar Number
Reason Time
There Is No End

Customer Reviews:

Not much to say..........2007-01-03

Not much to say about this album, in my opinion the best roots reggae album ever done.
Necesary for anybody who likes reggae.

terrific roots.......2006-11-06

I learned about the Abyssinians watching Rockers. When I got this album I had to listen to it two or three times in a row. Great!!

Buy this album now.......2005-07-06

This is simply a wonderful piece of music. I have had the honor to see The Abysinnians twice in the last four weeks after many years of listening to their music and especially this CD. They are great. Spiritual, roots to the core, no BS. Judge for yourself-it's a classic!
Jah be praised.

THE BIBLE IN MUSIC FORM.......2005-05-08

LET'S FACE IT THIS IS THE GOSPEL IN MUSIC FORM, EXPLORE THE NIV AND OTHER NEW VERSIONS AS THERE IS A LINK. GOD USES WHAT AND WHO HE CHOOSES TO GET THE SEEDS OF THE GOSPEL SOWN.

LISTEN AND ENJOY,

OPEN OUR EYES!

FEED YOUR MIND

You have to listen closely..........2005-05-04

Yes, the songs are all the same tempo, and they all start with a variant on the classic reggae drum roll. But in order to truly appreciate this album, you have to listen closely--not only to the lyrics, but to the inflection of the voices. This album is, in a way, sad; the songs are wrought with a sense of pain that other albums don't convey. Listen to the WAY that "Black Man's Strain" is sung, and the pain in his voice when he sings the word "Why..?" Or the sweetness in his voice in Reason Time, when he is pleading with others to just "walk and talk" so as to reason with each other rather than fight.

This album is filled with subtleties like this that make it unique and a pleasure to listen to. And we can all feel and learn something if we listen close enough.

Average customer rating:

Jah Man! Good Ganja!
A rather comprehensive compilation, Top Star
Spotty, hit-driven collection

Reggae Pulse: The Heartbeat of Jamaica
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Trojan Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Reggae Pulse 2: Hit Songs - Jamaican Style
Reggae Pulse, Vol. 3: Love Songs
Reggae Pulse, Vol. 5: Protest Songs
Reggae Gold 2006
Reggae Pulse 4: Christmas Songs

ASIN: B00006BHKY
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

Soul Shakedown Party - Bob Marley & The Wailers
Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Wonderful World, Beautiful People - Jimmy Cliff
I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
Pass the Dutchie - Musical Youth
Red Red Wine - Tony Tribe
Tomorrow People - Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers
Montego Bay - Freddie Notes & The Rudies
Bad Boys - Inner Circle
Young Gifted & Black - Bob & Marcia
My Boy Lollipop - Millie Small
Let Your Yeah be Yeah - The Pioneers
Baby I Love Your Way - Big Mountain
You Can Get It If You Really Want - Desmond Dekker & the Aces
Lively Up Yourself - Bob Marley & the Wailers
Double Barrel - Dave & Ansel Collins
Rivers of Babylon - The Melodians
Now That We've Found Love - Third World
Uptown Top Ranking - Althea & Donna
Black And White - Greyhound
Pressure Drop - Toots & the Maytals
Hurts So Good - Susan Cadogan
Money In My Pocket (1978 Hit Version) - Dennis Brown
Train To Skaville - The Ethiopians

Customer Reviews:

Jah Man! Good Ganja!.......2007-04-17

I ordered this looking for old school reggae and some of it is & some isn't. The stuff that is rocks. The other stuff I skip. I'll end up ripp'n the disc & downloading my favs. It was a great deal for the price & the large number of tracks, at least 20. I've been to jamaica twice & this disc brings back some great memories. Bob Marley is and will always be the king of Reggae. No Contest! Great tunes, Ice cold Red Stripe & . . . well you know. Party on mon! Ciao

A rather comprehensive compilation, Top Star.......2005-03-04

This is similar, in fact, to some compilations but it has a very generous 24 tracks, usually not found on those others such as something by the Ethiopians, "Train to Skaville" or even Althea and Donna's "Uptown Top Ranking" where I read in other parts of amazon, this song receives glorious reviews.

"Pass the Dutchie" people say, pop, but I spent extensive amounts of time in the 3rd world when this came out, "'Ow does it feel when you got no food", it hits the nail on the head, a bit poppy with a higher consciousness.

And any collection is heralded by me, if it includes Millie Small's "My boy lollipop", with unrest & strife in the USA; it still amazes me, this is SKA and it peaked out at #2 on the billboard charts, #1 in the UK; such a fantastic beat, easy going SKA trumpet, SKA on American AM in 1964... an alltime top of the pops great...recorded in London, very polished production, sold over seven million copies worldwide, originally an R & B hit for Barbie Gaye in 1957. that harmonica is purported to be none other than Rod Stewart; Chris Blackwell later promoted Bob Marley in part thanks to the funds that this single brought in for his fledgling company or something like that; copies of the single and extended play discs are now collectors albums, I wonder if she ever made it to any of those dance shows they had back then.

If some of the more recent classics are included, Inner City's well known "Bad Boys" and the great partying song "Montego Bay" by Freddie Notes and the Rudies let alone Ziggy and the Melody Makers fine "Tomorrow People", then Big Mountain's contributions and others should make the grade;

Tosh and Marley's ol' time Wailers songs, "Soul Shakedown" and "Lively Up Yourself" are excellent additions to this collection. That's more Ska like, those who know Bob Marley's Tuff Gong songstry are in for a nice surprise.

In the past, I had to hunt down Toots and the Maytals "Pressure Drop", classic, Clash & Robt. Palmer did it, but it's on this compilation as well as some other perenial classics, "By the rivers of Babylon", "Israelites", Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown sings on this as well as Jimmy Cliff's Wonderful "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" too and of course, on of my personal favourites Third World, what a positive message they have and still at it. A well rounded collection. Often I don't find renditions of American hits to my taste, but Greyhound doing 3 Dog Night's "Black and White" becmes a grand civil rights statement; track 22 from 1974, "Hurt so good", check it out, the opening sounds much like the opening of Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey"; If you don't already have these songs, this one is very well done.

Spotty, hit-driven collection.......2002-08-30

This is a nice, if spotty, anthology of reggae (and related) tracks 1964 or so into the 1980s. Most of these were significant hits and are easily found on a number of collections, but not so easily found all together in one place. Essential listening : tracks by Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Nash, Desmond Dekker, Dave and Ansel Collins, Melodians, Toots and the Maytals. Disposable : Big Mountain, Musical Youth. Not in the same league as "The Harder They Come", one of the great albums of all time, but a nice sampler if your interest in the genre only goes as far as the hits.

Average customer rating:

Sweet Talking
The Heptones
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Don't Tell Columbus
Coming Home
Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD)
Shrunken Heads
Preludes

ASIN: B000P6R7Y6
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Equal Rights
Pretty Looks Isn't All
Sweet Talking
We Are in the Mood
Let's Try (Extended Mix)
How Can I Leave You
One Love
Tripe Girl
It's Like Heaven
Only Sixteen
Every Day and Every Night
Baby
Message from a Blackman (Extended Mix)
Give Me the Right
Sad Songs
Glory Land
Why Did You Leave Me to Cry
In Love With You

Album Description

The Heptones were the top reggae group at Studio One and they recorded countless hits for the label. The group's sublime harmonies coupled with some of the greatest Studio One rhythms ever recorded made the Heptones one of Jamaica's most beloved and popular acts.

Sweet Talking contains eighteen of the Heptones' most legendary songs and many are presented on CD for the first time. Included are rare stereo mixes as well as hard to find extended versions that make this release a virtual treasure trove of top Studio One hits. But it is the music itself that makes Sweet Talking an essential part of any reggae collection.

Average customer rating:

Foundation is right!
Skatalitesmyfire
Ska-tastic...
Right
More entertaining than Mike Young's (Chicago IL.) reviews.

Foundation Ska
The Skatalites
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Jamaican Ska | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Guns of Navarone: The Best of the Skatalites
Prince Buster - Fabulous Greatest Hits [Diamond Range]
Trojan Ska Box Set
Rockin' Steady: The Best of Desmond Dekker
Specials

ASIN: B00000045F
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

Christine Keeler
Fidel Castro
Simmer Down
Alley Pang
Exodus
King Solomon
Eastern Standard Time
World's Fair
Two For One
I Should Have Known Better
Hot Cargo
Black Sunday
Ska La Parisienne
Don D Lion
Dick Tracy
Hanging Tree

Tracks:

Scandal Ska
Occupation
Old Rocking Chair
Third Man Ska
Ringo's Theme Ska
Ringo's Theme (Version Two)
Nimrod
Woman A Come
Cleopatra
Beardsman Ska
Addis Ababa
Silver Dollar (Original Version)
The Vow
Dr. Kildare
Killer Diller
Naked City

Amazon.com

It's not often that nearly four-decade-old music manages to be both seminal and cutting edge, but these 32 hits from Jamaica's--and the world's--greatest ska outfit are just that. Early ska blended R&B shuffle with mento (Jamaican calypso)--Jamaica's antic response to stateside boogie-woogie. Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, the late Tommy McCook, and the other Skatalites injected the swinging sophistication of jazz-honed chops, and this set captures the band just starting out, during their '64-'65 tenure at Coxsonne Dodd's legendary Studio One. Ska's buoyant appeal has never died, merely gone underground now and then, and it's raging at an all-time high today. Foundation Ska shows why the Skatalites still dominate. Every track's a burnished gem, and fans will get extra kicks from the band's backing turns for Bob Marley and the Wailers ("Simmer Down") and Stranger Cole and Ken Boothe's "World's Fair" duet. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

Foundation is right!.......2007-07-06

The title fits. This was the birth of reggae with Jamaica's Jazz and R&B supergroup the Skatalites in the 1960s. Hear them back up Bob Marley dn the Wailer's first record "Smmer Down" and you will do just the opposite. Enjoy "Exodis," Cool Smoke," and their lovely rendition of "I Should Have Known Better" (aka Independent Anniversary Ska).

But the real bonus here is the late great genius Don Drummond's wailing trombone in "Eastern Standard Time." Why more people in the uSA aren't familiar with this is a mystery. But in either case, this is one of those happy Cds that is recommended listening after a hard day.

Skatalitesmyfire.......2007-01-10

This is an excellent collection of songs. Can't really find a single poor track on either CD. These guys somehow combine a mastery of their craft with the primeval feeling of true ska. If I was to subdivide the many flavors of ska even further, I'd say this was "Big Band Ska" - a category the Skatalites own. While I'm generally not too keen on instrumentals, this album is way too good to pass up - and with 32 songs is also a bargain. Can't imagine a lover of ANY type of ska not enjoying this... 4.5 stars.

Ska-tastic..........2006-09-01

I caught a whiff of this great music late at night on the left side of the dial where the public sponsored stations all hang out in a small, little huddle trying to remain fiercely independent. Most of these stations play incredible music of all types and this was one of the records the midnight DJ spun....

Oh, man...this is great stuff. I've always liked ska music, mostly English Beat and General Public, but that music almost sounds contrived compared to the "real thing"...

This music has a jumpy, happy beat...I mean, if you can make the song "Exodus" into something you want to dance to, you're onto something.

I have very eclectic tastes ranging from the conventional to the obscure. To me, music has the obligation to move the soul. If the soul is happy then the feet will be happy and if the feet are happy the hips will be happy until pretty soon your happy soul will unite with your happy body and you have what we call dancing and as Nietzche said in one of his essays, "I can only believe in a God that dances..."

Well, God does dance, friends, so let the spirit/the soul within you come out to play and buy this fantastic collection. It's a little pricey for something that's over 40 years old, but it still beats a lot of the stuff that's currently "out there".

Right.......2006-01-23

I agree with Skibz here. The Bosstones, RBF, LTJ, FIF (ok, enough acronyms), et al. are not traditional ska - they are their own thing. There's connections and influences, but stepping up onto your pedestal and proclaiming that the heathens listening to these lowly recent bands should listen to 'real' ska does not make any sense. If someone likes ska-punk, they might absolutely hate traditional ska, and your admonitions will do nothing to change that. They'll just be given one more reason not to at least try to like it. If someone disdainfully reproached you for your musical interests, would that really inspire you to look into that person's musical interests?

Of course, the reviewer comparing them to the Bosstones was most likely just trying to stir up crap, and has succeeded. There's more than a few people doing that on here. Don't take every review as if the person was perfectly serious: I think there is great humor in such facetious posts, as long as you are able to see it for what it is.

Now for another realization. Some of the first few bands I got into were Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. The Bosstones were, and still are, one of my favorite bands. They are exceptional at what they do. I *also* like more traditional ska, but I've had enough with the naming of names, and trying to one-up everyone by being more 'pure' in their selection. I don't feel it's any more 'real' - it's a totally different style, for a totally different mood.

Anyway. The Skatalites are great. Goodnight.

/steps down from own pedestal

More entertaining than Mike Young's (Chicago IL.) reviews........2005-09-23

If your looking for the Skatalites then you know what to expect...buy this! If you've stumbled accross this album because your interested in the roots of various musical gendres then you have found this one for a reason...buy it! I also HIGHLY recomend checking out Mike Youngs other reviews, very entertaining.

Of particular note are Mr. Youngs reviews of -

The movie Showtime, quote: "DeNiro's best movie"

The Fleet Adult Enema Twin Pack, quote: "The two pack is an idea whose time has come."

The movie Air Bud, quote: "Disturbingly relevant in today's post 9/11 climate" (He's down with Air Bud 1 and 3 but not 2)

The Skatalites Ball of Fire album, quote: "Ska, which was primarily invented by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Operation Ivy has gotten so big that they're now going back and calling earlier bands, like the Skatalites, "Ska" as well." (read the whole review and try not to make a HUH?!?!?! face)

I urge you to take time out to peruse all of Mr. Youngs reviews, nuggets of wisdom in each and every one of them.

Average customer rating:

cutting down the ribs

The Best of Studio One Collection
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Love Is All I Had: A Tribute to the Queen of Jamaica
Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals from Studio One
Deliver Me from My Enemies
One Love at Studio One 1964-1966
I Shall Not Remove: 1975-1980

ASIN: B000FZEST4
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

A Love I Can Feel - John Holt
Music Like Dirt - The Lyrics
Baby Why - The Cables
Can I Change My Mind - Alton Ellis
Just Another Girl - Ken Boothe
The Answer - Lone Ranger
Oh Mr.DC - Sugar Minott
Jah Promise - Johnny Osbourne
Declaration Of Rights - The Abyssinians
Roots Natty - The Gladiators
Rub A Dub Style - Michigan and Smiley
Party Time - The Heptones
Throw Me Corn - Larry Marshall
Melody Life - Marcia Griffiths
Born To Love - Slim Smith
My Last Love - The Termites
Rastafari Tell You - Judah Tafari Eskender
Row Fisherman (Extended Mix) - Wailing Souls

Tracks:

Love Me Forever - Carlton & The Shoes
Always Together - Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths
What Kind Of World - The Cables
Mister fixit - Winston Francis
Danger In Your Eyes - Don Evans/The Paragons
Rougher Yet - Slim Smith
Love Bump - Lone Ranger
Armagideon Time - Willie Williams
Full Up - Sound Dimension
Behold The Land - Culture
First Cut Is The Deepest - Norma Frazier
Look Who Is Back Again - Delroy Wilson/Slim Smith
Open The Gate - The Ethiopians
Fire Down Below - Burning Spear
Pick Up The Pieces - Burning Spear
Desperate Lover - Bob Andy
I Don't Want To See You Cry - John Holt
Big Mistake - The Bassies

Tracks:

Rockfort Rock - Sound Dimension
Real Rock - Sound Dimension
Swing Easy - Soul Vendors
Mojo Rock Steady - Sound Dimension
Heavy Rock - Sound Dimension
Freak Out - Jackie Mittoo
Tunnel One - Tommy McCook
Moon Ride - Brentford All Stars
Race Track - Brentford All Stars
Throw Me Corn - Brentford All Stars
Baby Face - Sound Dimension
Love Again - Jackie & The Invaders
Darker Shade Of Black - Soul Vendors
Banana Walk - Dub Specialist
Heavy Beat - Sound Dimension
Return Of The Scorcher - Sound Dimension
Popcorn Reggae - Soul Agent And The Soul Defenders
Death In The Arena - Soul Vendors

Tracks:

A Love I Can Feel - John Holt/Dennis Alcapone
Baby Why - Cables/Dennis Alcapone
Love Me Forever - Carlton & The Shoes/Dennis Alcapone
Mr. Fixit - Winston Francis
Death In The Arena Extended - Roland Alphonso/The Soul Vendors
Rebel Disco - McCook/Tommy & The Brentford Road Disco Set

Customer Reviews:

cutting down the ribs.......2006-08-03

it's the most entertaining collection ever put together. I will love to give it a try.

Average customer rating:

Great collection of EARLY material
NOT THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION
Smooth Vocals over Excellent Music
Another Marley

The Best of Gregory Isaacs, Vols. 1-2
Gregory Isaacs
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Greatest Love Songs
Night Nurse
Ultimate Collection
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Gregory Isaacs
Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B00000041R
Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

Special Guest
Willow Tree
Breaking Up
Double Attack
My Number One
No Speech
Tear Drops
Cool You
Freedom
Look Before You Leap
No Footstool
A Riot
Once Ago
Jailer
Each Day
Something Nice
Tumbling Tears
Village Of The Under Privileged
Payroll
Border

Amazon.com

Of the many "Best of" Isaacs collections on the market, this 20-track round-up is the finest, showcasing reggae's Cool Ruler at his most sublime--before innumerable busts and battles with that pesky two-decade-long drug habit chipped away at his huge talent. As a writer of love and social protest lyrics, Isaacs rivals Bob Marley and Bob Andy; as a vocal stylist, he's Jamaica's Sinatra, always doing it his way. "Special Guest," "Breaking Up," "Double Attack," "My Number One," "Tear Drops," "Tumbling Tears," "Border," that unforgettable cover of Hortense Ellis's "Weeping Willow"--they're all here, interpreted with Mr. Isaac's signature laid back sensitivity, and without a single filler to break the mood. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of EARLY material.......2006-05-07

Please take "A. Hansraj 'Music Lover'"s review on this page with a grain of salt (or disregard it altogether). If this critic was, indeed, a music lover, they would have known that this a collection of early Isaacs hit singles that predate many of his album releases (i.e., "Night Nurse" and "Cool Ruler"). This does not make these tracks inferior nor does it disqualify them as "the Best." As a matter of fact, an argument can be made that these songs are better than many of those found on those later, though still quality, releases. This is Gregory at the peak of his vocal powers with class-A material backing him up. ALL of these numbers were massive hits on the Jamaican charts, before he went international in his fame. As good Reggae as you'll find. Anyone even mildly interested in the genre needs to have some Isaacs in their collection (as well as Dennis Brown, Culture, Gladiators, Wailing Souls, Mighty Diamonds, Lee Perry productions, etc.). You may as well start here... it doesn't get much better than this!

NOT THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.......2006-02-20

The name of this album is misleading. I barely knew most of the songs on this album and I have three albums of this artist at home. Bought it as a gift for my husband and was gravely disappointed.

One huge song which would be one of Gregory's biggest hit is night nurse. This song was not even on the album.

I hope the music section at Amzon could look into this and ensure that customers get exactly what they are promised by posting a list of the songs on the album along with a short sample of the songs to play so people know exactly what they're getting.

Smooth Vocals over Excellent Music.......2001-04-28

This is actually 2 LPs on 1 CD, great value. Aside from that frugal fact - this is some of Gregory's best tunes. Known mainly for his lover reggae this mainly contains sufferer's songs. Vocals, backing, production, and sound quality are all excellent.

Another Marley.......2000-08-16

Same smooth style as Bob Marley. Lot of music for the money.

Average customer rating:

Roots Man Dub
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx)
The Police (2CD Anthology)
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Snakes & Arrows

ASIN: B000PAU2US
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Let Me Dub
Midnight Dub
Don't Worry Dub
Rock My Dub
Get You Dubbing
Tell Me the Dub
See Me Dub
No Yo Yo Dub
You Want a Dub
A Warning Dub
Run Come Dub
Each Day Dub
Soulful Dub
Stand By Dub
Mad Dub

Album Description

In the dance music world, the term "dub" is used to describe a remix where the mixing engineer takes the role of the artist. He emphasizes different vocal and musical elements by selectively dropping those elements in and out of the mix and by adding effects to the isolated tracks. Less widely known is the fact that these engineering techniques were developed and perfected in Jamaica during the early '70s and throughout the decade. This two disc set is centered around the Roots Man Dub album, originally released in 1978 on GG's Records Hit label. The set is enhanced by Alvin Ranglin-produced dub sides from the Maytones, the Starlights, and Al Brown, plus an entire album of previously unreleased dub selections. Remastered from the original tapes.

Average customer rating:

Most consistently brilliant LP
My, My, My
Ultra-tuff reggae
The best of all Black Uhuru!
Ok I give up...Who's coming to dinner?

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Black Uhuru
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Sinsemilla
Red
Chill Out
Anthem
Black Sounds of Freedom

ASIN: B0000003Y1
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Shine Eye Gal
Leaving to Zion
General Penitentiary
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Abortion
Natural Reggae Beat
Plastic Smile

Customer Reviews:

Most consistently brilliant LP.......2006-10-14

Depending on what mood I'm in, I may think Sensimilla, Red, or even Brutal, Positive, or Mystical Truth (don't hate) are what the doctor ordered. But more often than not, what I'm after is this one, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. I just find it combines all of what makes early Uhuru great. Start with the heaviest rhythm section you can imagine with Sly and Robbie, throw in perfect backing harmonies with Puma and Duckie (plus give Duckie ups for writing some of the lyrics), and then top it off with what may be Michael Rose's best lyrical and singing effort on balance in his career. Sure, he had other great songs all over the place, but cuts like shine eye gal, plastic smile, abortion, and the title track are serious social commentary, not just endless praise to weed and jah (though we get a little of that too, natch :)) Some of the lines he delivers still send shivers down my spine, like in Leaving to Zion, when he says "I&I the happy warrior stay / returning with good news today / from my Jamaican people / To my AAAfrican Nation, whoooaaoaaoa yeaahhh." And you get free dubs at the end of each track, basically the whole song over again minus the lead lyrics. You can provide your own, use the music as an irie backdrop for some project (with permission, of course), or do what I do and just sit back with the headphones on and chiiiiillllll to those sections. You know what I'm talking about. This album is short but has not a single bad track. 5 stars without a single doubt.

My, My, My.......2006-10-03

I was playing this CD on my way home from a road trip and I musta let it run 3 times straight before popping in something else. This CD is soooooooooooooooooooooo on point it's not even funny. Every song on this CD is a perfectly perfect masterpiece. I can't even pick a favorite. If you even like reggae a little bit, this CD should be in your collection.

Ultra-tuff reggae.......2002-10-24

This album, along with Sinsemilla and Red, is one of the best of the Michael-Duckie-Puma glory years....the first four songs in particular are wonderful, they set a mood that gets you outta whatever lame one you were in prior....soulful vocals augmented by Sly and Robbie's great riddims! Fans of real reggae must have!

The best of all Black Uhuru!.......2002-08-30

I have owned this album for a decade now and I don't ever see myself parting with it. This is my kind of reggae! This album has thick and heavy bass lines with mystic grooves, righteous lyrics and beautiful vocals! It isn't your typical reggae. It is original and creative. The best thing to happen to reggae since Bob Marley. If you like reggae but are tired of all that cheesy reggae music that sounds the same then look no further! Buy this album! And get ready for one heavenly journey!

Ok I give up...Who's coming to dinner?.......2001-12-24

Here's an example of really good reggae release. I would give it 5 stars except I have to rate it against my own opinions about reggae. I can listen to this cd all day and I love it. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is a great song as are the other 6 songs on the cd. Why only 3 stars? Easy...it is not MY favorite. I think that a roots reggae novice would probably shy away from this release because the only thing by which to measure reggae might be Bob Marley. Bob is undeniably more on the mainstream in the world of reggae and a bit easier to listen to if you don't have an ear for reggae roots. With that said Black Uhuru will add flavor to your tastes in roots reggae and this release will make you happy you added the extra spice. I would recommend that you start with the ULTIMATE COLLECTION if you are just beginning to venture past Bob.

For those of you who understand roots a bit better...Pick this one up. It will rank high on your list of roots releases. I, for one, just love to hear this band's take on roots reggae. Just had a thought...This was released in 1981 which shows how timeless reggae is really! Can't say that about most 80's music. One Love!

Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals from Studio One
Average customer rating:

THE GOLD STANDARD of Jamaican Instrumental Music

AWE-and-then-SOME

Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals from Studio One
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Studio One

Studio One Scorcher (Instrumentals)

Full Up: More Hits from Studio One

Alpha Boys' School: Music in Education 1910-2006

Studio One Scorcher Vol. 2 (Instrumentals)

ASIN: B000ASDGC6
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Tracks:

Rockfort Rock - Sound Dimension
Real Rock - Sound Dimension
Swing Easy - Soul Vendors
Mojo Rock Steady - Sound Dimension
Heavy Rock - Sound Dimension
Freak Out - Jackie Mittoo
Tunnel One - Tommy McCook
Moon Ride - Brentford Road All Stars
Race Track - Brentford Road All Stars
Throw Me Corn - Brentford Road All Stars
Baby Face - Sound Dimension
Love Again - Jackie and the Invaders
Darker Shade of Black - Soul Vendors
Banana Walk - Dub Specialist
Heavy Beat - Sound Dimension
Return of the Scorcher - Sound Dimension
Popcorn Reggae - Soul Agent and the Soul Defenders
Death in the Arena - Soul Vendors

Album Description

Killer Instrumentals from Studio One No other producer in Jamaica can ever claim the legacy or challenge the supremacy of Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Studio One label. For over 50 years until his recent death, Dodd ruled over the Jamaican music scene by the very force of his personality, and by the breadth of his musical accomplishments. Downbeat the Ruler is filled with the instrumentals that galvanized the public, and brought the label to the top of its popularity. Other producers, unable to compete against this onslaught, began to copy these instrumentals for their own usage and a new profession was born, the copy-cat. But here on this release anyone can own the original versions that made it all happen. The top sounds by the top bands at Studio One.

Filled with 18 crucial selections, this is musical murder. Heavy scorchers like "Real Rock" and "Swing Easy" abound, and this is the real thing, so copy-cats and weak hearts, take notice. These are the killers from The Scorcher.

Customer Reviews:

THE GOLD STANDARD of Jamaican Instrumental Music.......2006-05-11

This is not only a killer disc, but is arguably the greatest "various artist" collection of instrumental Jamaican music available. Ask the connoisseurs, and they will most likely place "Downbeat The Ruler" firmly at the top of the heap (Soul Jazz's "Studio One Scorcher" being the only disc which could threaten to tie). Not only does "Downbeat The Ruler" feature truly phenominal music; the actual sonic quality of the set is nothing short of miraculous. These tunes, recorded from 1967-1971 at Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's famed Studio One, are full of delicious beats, deep tropical grooves, brilliant horn lines, skanking guitar, swirling organ, percolating percussion, and all-around inspired musicianship. The tunes fuse a transcendant mixture of jazz, funk, and soul with the timelessly fresh skanking rhythms of ska, rocksteady, and early reggae. Aside from offering one of the greatest marvels of sound remastering in classic Jamaican music, Heartbeat has also added a whole mess of extra killer tunes to expand this release from the original edition. You will not believe how vibrant, fresh, and colorful these recordings sound...this music is timelessly hip.

Be it a deep, slow-grooving skank or a jumping uptempo hop, every track delivers an undeniable intensity of passion, feeling and GROOVE. Like that joyful intoxication at the beginning of summer, this music will make you want to jump into your car and drive to the beach, have a barbecue, get up and skank, or indulge in some blissful relaxation.

Featuring the absolute creme de la creme of Jamaican musicians, including the great Jackie Mittoo, Vin Gordon, and Tommy McCook, this can't help but be anything other than 100% killer. I cannot stress how very, very highly I recommend this disc. "Downbeat The Ruler" is a classic for the ages. Prepare to be amazed.

File "Downbeat The Ruler" with discs such as:

*Studio One Scorcher Instrumentals (volumes 1&2 - Soul Jazz)
*Alpha Boys' School (Trojan)
*Trojan Instrumentals Box Set (Trojan)
*Jackie Mittoo - Keyboard King At Studio One (Universal Sound)
*Rico - Man From Wareika (Blue Note)

AWE-and-then-SOME.......2006-04-14

1. Rockfort Rock - Sound Dimension
2. Real Rock - Sound Dimension
3. Swing Easy - Soul Vendors
4. Mojo Rock Steady - Sound Dimension
5. Heavy Rock - Sound Dimension
6. Freak Out - Jackie Mittoo
7. Tunnel One - Tommy McCook
8. Moon Ride - Brentford Road All Stars
9. Race Track - Brentford Road All Stars
10. Throw Me Corn - Brentford Road All Stars
11. Baby Face - Sound Dimension
12. Love Again - Jackie and the Invaders
13. Darker Shade of Black - Soul Vendors
14. Banana Walk - Dub Specialist
15. Heavy Beat - Sound Dimension
16. Return of the Scorcher - Sound Dimension
17. Popcorn Reggae - Soul Agent and the Soul Defenders
18. Death in the Arena - Soul Vendors

Average customer rating:

Tight band
Very nice Spearsman very nice
Hanging on
Very Very Good
still going strong

Calling Rastafari
Burning Spear
Manufacturer: Heartbeat / Pgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Our Music
Free Man
Creation Rebel
Hail H.I.M.
Mystic Man

ASIN: B00000JMCM
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

As It Is
Hallelujah (Extended Mix)
House Of Reggae
Let's Move
Brighten My Vision
You Want Me To
Calling Rastafari
Sons Of He (Extended Mix)
Statue Of Liberty
Own Security
Holy Man (Extended Mix)

Amazon.com

It's been a long time since Burning Spear released an album as thoroughly rootsy as this--the opening track even quotes from his own classic "Slavery Days." And rarely has his music, which has always been locked into a hypnotic groove, sounded so upbeat, punctuated with bouncing horn lines--it's almost as if he's announcing that he's back, and happy to be here. While his voice isn't quite the instrument it was in the late '70s, it's still strong and supple, and there's plenty of vocal support--almost a return to the days of Burning Spear (the band) in the use of call-and-response singing. Even his writing seems to have taken a rootsier turn (as evidenced by the album title). All in all, Spear's best in years. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Tight band.......2006-02-21

Simply put, this cd is good. Great songs with a great band. Tight drums and bass with a nice horn section. This gets 4 stars from me because I'm sure everyone would agree that his older stuff is where it's at.

Not a classic, but by all means, a tight album.

Very nice Spearsman very nice.......2005-08-17

Ahhhh "Calling Rastifari" is but a refreshing misty breeze that will uplift and crack any cold face with a smile. Do yourself a favor and add this to your Spear collection. If new to spear, although this album is rightious, I would recommend strongly first getting "Fittest of the Fittest" or "Hail H.I.M." for Spears finest work of rocksteady riddims. Just saw Spear at the O.C. Reggae Fest, he was hot! Keep the Spear burning man! One Love. Peace.

Hanging on.......2000-12-30

Legends never die, and Winston Rodney is one of the finest. However, they sometimes fade, such as is the case with Burning Spear. I hold this band second only to the Wailers in terms of all-time Reggae Greats. However, see if you can find the original self-titled album and you will agree there is no comparison in quality. "Marcus Garvey" and "Harder than the Rest" are also some of the finest reggae albums ever put forth. In my opinion, Burning Spear has become t0o focused around pleasing the pop-culture base and mass-touring and has lost some of the emotion and force its ealier music contains. "Calling Rastafari" is still better than 90% of the reggae on the market, but is not up to Burning Spear Standard. Three Stars.

Very Very Good.......2000-10-09

This cd is a classic. This is a must have. I loved his last cd but in my opinion, this is even better.

still going strong.......2000-09-18

Every time I see a new Burning Spear release, I have to smile and get it, as Winston Rodney is still the heartbeat of roots reggae, and it appears he has no intention of quitting any time soon- nor should he. His voice, still pure and beautiful after all these years, is still a staple in my apartment, and will always be as such.

This new release is quite good, with Winston's voice in good form, and using the call and reply method he uses so well. For me "Hallelujah" and "House of Reggae" are the best tracks on here.

This cd is not a bad introduction to the Prophet for the uninitiated, but he/she would be better served finding the classic lps "Marcus Garvey," (one of the greatest reggae lps ever made) "Garvey's Ghost," "Man in the Hills, " "Dry and Heavy," and "Social Living," all of which are readily available and are must listens.

Rap Music:

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Lords Prayer II

The Peoples Guide to Opera 1 [Box set]

Sergei Prokofiev: Piano Works, Volume VI

When You Lie Next to Me

This Time [Hybrid SACD]

Top Ten Baritones & Basses

The Collection

Solid Gold Strauss: Greatest Waltzes and Polkas

Tomorrow's Sounds Today

The Best of Word Jazz, Vol. 1

Soulful Anthology: Philips Years [Import]

Romance Direct from Cuba

Spray on Sound

Louisiana Love Call

The 25 Year Collection, Vol. 2