Search - Michael Ras :: Rastafari + DUB

This is a shining star

Eugene D. Weaver | Oakland, CA | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is one of the truly great classic reggae albums. Before reggae became international protest music it was rooted in the liberationist, and yet orthodox, religiosity of Jamaica's least favored and most revered sons, the Ras Bredren, the truly Dread, ever reasoning lion-men. Ras Michael's recordings, here, were originally released as the "Rastafari" LP, and capture the molecular appeal and grounding nature of early Rastafarian music. The tracks are traditional hymns, for the most part (still sung in Baptist, Episcopal, and A.M.E. Zion congregations today), deeply religious, but without cliche and without saccharine overtones.Instead, each track establishes its groove according to the dictates of the drum circle, and overlays guitar work developed through ska and rockers styles. The LP was recorded in the mid and late sixties as series of 45's culminating in "Rastafari" Of particular note are the relentless and brilliant percussion accents. This record is a must listen for anyone serious about music, and a certain source of pleasure for the reggae devotee. To be honest, I am shocked to find you can buy this record on Amazon, because it hardly ever gets played and seems largely forgotten."