Customer Reviews

Marcus Garvey

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some argue that the reputation of this release rests on the fact that it was created by the first Jamaican artist other than Bob Marley to compose songs that were written specifically for an album. Before Marley, Jamaican artists didn't have "albums" as a rule. If a singer had enough popular singles they might be rereleased together on an entire record later, but albums were rarley made.

The difference with Burning Spear (Winston Rodney and his back-up singers, Rupert Willington and Delroy Hinds) was that the strength of his music was never with singles. A Burning Spear song by itself didn't mean as much until you put it in a group of Burning Spear songs. It was with albums that Spear would gain his popularity and here was his first big breakthrough. It was a huge success in Jamaica and afterwords, Spear was signed up with Island Records until he gradually reached international fame.

This album may not be for everyone. The music is jerky and old sounding. The tracks are short and often repetitive. But there's something ethereally timeless about this set. The music seems to transcend space and time to make us beleive that it's always been there. As if Winston Rodney brought it with him from his premortal existance to be shared with the world in our present day. Perhaps I was going through a transitional period in my life when I first heard it, but anything Rodney ever did afterword (even if it was just as good or better) would never feel like this. It is truly a unique masterpiece.

P.S. The accompanying band, "The Black Desciples" also deserves mention in helping Burning Spear accomplish this unequaled acheivement.

Ever purchase an album, listen to it, and get totally blown away? For anyone exploring roots reggae, this is an absolute must album. Marcus Garvey embodies everything that roots reggae represents: great beats and powerful lyrics. Buring Spear created many fine albums, but this one is a statement. This is one of my top five albums of all time - no matter the genre.

I would also suggest The Congos "Heart of the Congos" as another must-have roots album. One of producer Lee "Scratch" Perry's finest works.

i happen to think that part of this album's greatness lies in the fact that it is not bob marley or jimmy cliff (not to knock these amazing artists, just to point out difference). the rhythms, song structures, and singing style are a real departure from pop/r&b/soul song structures that are found elsewhere among reggae's superstars. also, the horns on this album are superb.

That's how to describe this. An Album. In an era where lowest common denominator junk gets played on the radio, and anyone can review any piece of garbage on Amazon, giving it 4 or 5 stars when it deserves 1 or 2, this is a great change. Granted it's some 30 years old, but it's still as relevant today as it was when it was released, which is just one of the great things about it. This is the definition of an album in which the sum is greater than the parts. Thankfully, far greater. As individual songs, the 2 chord deals doesn't work out real well. They seem boring, repetitive, etc. However, when you listen to it from start to finish, they flow together, and blow you away. From start to finish, you feel revitalised, like you just learned a new life lesson, that maybe in the end, it truly is feeling that counts, and that is the essence of great music.

This is the quintessential reggae album. This is the epitome of roots reggae and it is so heartfelt and genuine. There is not a song on this recording that lacks inspiration or that can't transport you to a different world. What else can I say? A must own! The 100th Anniversary with Gharvey's Ghost Dubs is even one step better!

If you don't have this album and you love reggae (Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, etc.) then you should go ahead and buy it. It's essential reggae. There is no bad song. It's got a darker mood than Man In The Hills/Dry and Heavy, but it's definitely essential reggae. And see Burning Spear live if you get a chance!

I have listened to this CD probably close to 1000 times. It is one of the only albums I have ever bought that is perfect at calming the nerves enough to accomplish ridiculous tasks like doing taxes. THIS CD HAS HEALING PROPERTIES. How many records can that be said about? This is close to a perfect record. I prefer it to Marley, Peter Tosh or any other of the 80s reggae icons.

Listen for the drumming provided to you by Horsemouse. His "riddims" are far more superior to most during this time frame. Adding the traditional live recording vibe with accompanying lyrics by Burning Spear. Any reggae savvy listener can sit back and enjoy this album.

ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO ANY RECORD COLLECTION
powerful lyrics, great melodies, untouchable rhythm

Heaven forbid, but this album makes Bob Marley sound a little bit whitebread. It just sounds entrenched in root reggae. If you consider yourself possibly whitebread, I say that I probably am too, but I've had this album for about fifteen years and I still love it. It is melodious--it has catchy tunes--and it has a deeply authentic sound to match the heavy lyrics of "Marcus Garvey" or "The Invasion." There is no doubt this is bona fide reggae and musicianship, but you don't have to like anything besides good tunes to appreciate this album. It stands up over time.