Roots Reggae
June 30th 2006 09:00
I am not concerned about criticism of a critical review. I don’t want everyone to agree with me. I do wonder whether the genre of this music is actually widely loved. Is roots reggae adored by many? If so I wonder whether I am missing something. The thing is I love Bob Marley, who I think perfect roots reggae, but he didn’t play his music in a style that was monotonous as I think many roots bands do. You can play reggae, but I think you still have to do interesting things and you have to make you music danceable. Reggae music is for dancing. Marley was so successful because he maintained this even when he went more and more conscious.
You look at Steel Pulse as another fine example of roots reggae. It was upbeat and danceable. Though their music spreads a message, they didn’t forget when producing their albums that they had to make people dance too.
Too many roots bands forget this. Many roots bands also forget that not all reggae is good reggae. Just look at the downfall of many a legend’s career. I have no doubt also that many roots artists receive a very good reception from their live performances, but this does not automatically transform into a well received album. People want a good time when they go out so of course they don’t dwell on the negatives, but when I am sitting here analysing an album, I am not always dancing around my home, I want to be impressed. So what am I saying? I know you are (all) trying to imitate Marley but still roots bands – make it interesting!
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Comment by rhys
Roots reggae bores the hell out of me unless I'm listening to great songs. I think it's the same case as ska. It's easy to play roots reggae, but it's not so easy to be exceptional with it.