O Reggae Where Art Thou

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 26, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1971
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Morada Music
• ASIN: B000071JY0
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #419,090 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I Man Bitter - Pluto

2. School - Prince Jazzbo

3. No Portion A Gal - Sang Hugh

4. Rasta Stop No One - The Stingers

5. Boogie Bump - Pluto

6. Everything I Own - Ken Boothe

7. Ram Goat Liver - Pluto

8. Hold My Hand - The Starlites

9. Fire, Fire - Lloyd Robinson

10. Country Living - Eagles

11. A-So - The Willows

12. Johnny Reggae - Big Youth

13. Aily I - Cynthia Richards

14. Second Chance - Ken Boothe

15. Until It's Done - Delroy Wilson

16. As Long As You Love Me - The Maytones

17. Rasta No Born Yah - Sang Hugh

18. Westbound Train - Dennis Brown

19. Silver Words - Ken Boothe

20. Have A Little Faith - Nicky Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Formerly Known as DCC Reggae Classics., July 22, 2004

By 

MSCOMMERCE (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: O Reggae Where Art Thou (Audio CD)

I'm not sure why this little known but superb collection was re-packaged in such a clumsy fashion (the cover is really an insult), but anyone who is even somewhat acquainted with the Marley/Tosh/Bunny Wailer to present day repertoire of reggae standards (and sound) should get this extraordinary album.

It is a convincing demonstration (if reggae fans need any) that the scene in Jamaica was extraordinarily diverse and prodigiously talented. Overall, a lot lighter than the usual roots sounds we have all been saturated with, and very listenable. One wonders how many fabulous singles have sunk without a trace from those golden years about 3 decades or so ago, when reggae was born and ska began to fade.

Production values are high, generally, but some may find the sound a little bass light, compared to standard roots mixes.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great taste, July 12, 2011

By 

Comment Man "Comment Man" (Omaha, Ne) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: O Reggae Where Art Thou (Audio CD)

Ever so often, some reggae fan just decides to put a few of his favorite old roots reggae songs onto a CD, without any real theme or attempt to group them together. Why, they might even call the collection something really stupid like O Reggae, where art thou? and hire some comic book artist to draw a few unconvincing dreads (it certainly helps he didn't have to draw any faces!) A few years ago I met an old hippie who had owned a record store in KCMO and sold reggae, and it turned out we had both found the same eccentric supplier of roots reggae--some Jamacians in New York City who sent out sheet after sheet of paper listing available singles. (By the by, they went bye bye when the Feds discovered they imported other Jamacian specialities, but that is another story). I mentioned how I had NEVER (literally) been disappointed by anything I ordered from this firm. He said he wasn't surprised--that he would just tell them to send 500 dollars or a thousand dollars of whatever they had on hand--and that it was always fantastic.

The point is--during the golden age of roots reggae--there were so many great artists in such an exciting musical atmosphere (and remember, they used the same basic studio bands, so the musicianship was always excellent)--and with such social ferment--that almost any 20 random songs are terrific.

And when someone has excellent taste, as the compiler of this CD does, the results can be absolutely heavenly. This CD is a must for any roots reggae fan. Now, if only the compiler had had the good sense to call it Golden Hits of Roots Reggae and put a picture of a pretty girl on the cover, he would have had a solid seller!

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't judge this CD by it's cover, May 16, 2003

By 

Big Wheel "big_wheel" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: O Reggae Where Art Thou (Audio CD)

I almost put this in the "do not even consider pile" because of the cheesy album cover art: A lame attempt to cash in on the success of the "O' Brother Where Art Thou?" craze. But I reconsidered and am glad that I did.

A very strong and consistent collection of Roots style reggae from the early-mid 70's. A few familiar names in the group but most artists I'd never heard of performing songs I'd never heard before and most all of them high quality tracks.

Did they really need to include Ken Boothe's very fine but ubiquitous version of "Everything I Own?" Other than that, a real gem. Highly recommended. Shame about the cover. These songs deserve better.