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Various Artists - The Best of Studio One
- Perhaps no brand of modern popular music has remained so enigmatic for me as Reggae. An eclectic mix of Caribbean themes with African rhythms and the language of the colonizer, Reggae is the sensational concoction that brings a voice to a search for an identity. It is a musical heritage infused with the specific experiences of artists whose collective roots lay scattered across several continents, a people forcibly transplanted to the sub-tropics by another people who themselves were not natives of the islands. Reggae emerged at a time when the communities, thinkers and artists of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands began a renewed concerted effort to deal with the many social and ethnic contradictions that haunted the area in the wake of the post-colonial mess.
A simplistic way to describe these tunes would be to dub them “Caribbean folk” and be done with it. However, for many, Reggae music is not just a cultural artifact or ode to all-pervading social dilemmas, but a deeply spiritual harmony meant for a specific following. Megalithic superstars such as Bob Marley became to some not just examples of highly-talented performers, but the epitome of this new sense of spiritual identity, imbued with the aura of a true religion. Rastafarians, who are often clad in dreadlocks and the colorful island clothing that are innate aspects of Reggae culture, continue to gather in great numbers in Ethiopia, their promised land, bearing banners with Marley’s visage.
To me it is somewhat strange that a music so immersed in its own locality and seemingly dependent on a certain shared cultural background to generate feelings of solidarity with its meaning would have found enough admirers in the states to support such a strong niche market. However, this is a music that excels in addressing contradictions, and while the purported message of many of these songs was addressed to a particular community, there were also many aspects of the music that are undeniably universal. A call for an end to violence, an end to misunderstandings, and a general demand for rights and respect can be appreciated by any being that has ever felt alienated or stepped upon.
Even if you’re not a Rastafarian, you’re sure to appreciate this collection of songs from some artists who, while not of the stature of Mr. Marley, were some of the most gifted groups out there during the golden age of Reggae. The Studio One referred to in the album title was owned by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. Almost all the major Jamaican Reggae artists, including Marley, made their first recordings at Studio One. This rich collection of original goodies was first released over two decades ago to great acclaim. This first CD release, which comes with six additional hits, is a long time in coming. So, whether you’re sporting the dreads, are all about social justice, or just like to chill on weekends with a Margarita in hand, then this collection is for you, mon!
Reviewer: Alexander Rogers
new
Reviewer's Rating: 8
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0
Added: 6-May-2006
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