Customer Reviews

Social Living

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This cd is a true work of art. It contains enchanting beats in true Spear fashion. These songs will allow you to recall a captivating stage presence and true reggae ambasador. I always include tracks from this cd on tapes for friends!

This album shows Burning Spear at his peak. The music is very intense and dark, where the expressive vocal style matches the repetive grooves perfectly. Listening to e.g. "Institution" or "Jah No Dead" there can be no doubt that BS is serious regarding the lyrical messages.

This is one of my favorite Burning Spear albums of all time I just finally got a hold of this album the other day (T.Y. Jah LOL)and believe me it wasn't easy since this album has never been issiued for release in the United States any ways this album is tied for 2nd best Burning Spear album of all time (on my list) of course "Marcus Garvey/Garveys Ghost" is First but, "Burning Spear"(self titled Studio One realease is very excellent and also impossible to get), Then you got "Hail H.I.M." a excellent album, then of course you got "Social Living" another excellent album so buy all the Burning Spear albums I just mentioned cause they all rule.!!!!!!!BURNING SPEAR RULES!!!!!!!!!!!Winston Rodney For President in 2004

"Marcus Children" (aka Social Living) is another prime example of everything that is great about Burning Spear. The grooves created by Sly & Robbie and Chinna Smith are first rate, as always. Also of top quality are Burning Spear's vocals. Listen to "Social Living," "Mister Garvey," "Marcus Children Suffer," and "Institution," and you will know that Spear is all business, as he always is.

Another in a long string of excellent lps, "Social Living" is highly recommended.

Any rough edges that were pesent on previous Burning Spear albums have been completely smoothed out for this classic 1978 release along with any doubts as to the artists intention and ability to bring his music to the international stage which would happen with his next album, the succeeding masterpiece, "Hail H.I.M."

This is Burning Spear's most technical achievement up to this point. Thanks, in part, to Sly and Robbie, the instramentals are tight and crisp ("Marcus Children Suffer" and "Civilize Reggae" are particularly intricate) and the ever focused Winston Rodney is at the cutting edge of his skills, his strong sharp voice prominent through out.

The set seems to lose some of it's punch after the first four tracks shifting to a more mellow tone (almost to the point of being boring) but is still on top form and doesn't bring the standard down any.

Digitally remastered with the cover sleeve including an extensive commentary, but the bonus track of "Social Living extended mix" is the best addition to this 2003 rerelease by Island.

Beautifully produced, with very strong grooves and melodic material- every song a stunner. Recorded mostly in 1980, with 2 extended versions from 1978. Familyman and Sly and Robbie share riddim section duties with other great session players. The dub version, Living Dub Vol 1, is absolutely recommended as well.

In a career filled with many highs this album must rank as one of, if not his best. It represented a shift in musical direction from a highly charged roots sound to a more 'open' jazzy sound. However, this is Burning Spear and his rootsiness is not dimished, merely infused with other influences.

The feel by comparison to earlier works may in places be more subdued even mellow, but the extensive use of horns and a more sympathetic production employing a dubby, breezy approach brings a wonderful contrast to his powerful gravelly voice. Spears' commentary is typically focused on Marcus Garvey and issues of identity and social consciousness. His vision burns as bright as ever, the songs are strong and delivered with the passion you expect from Mr. Rodney. Consistent from start to finish. Right up there with his Studio One output, Marcus Garvey, Man In The Hills, Hail HIM and People Of The World.

Great to have the two extended versions added here. Not surprisingly, this album spawned a great dub version in Living Dub Volume 1.

Spear fans and reggae fans alike MUST own this, and to music fans in general I recommend you BUY THIS.

just picked this one up. the music is good and the voice of burning spear hits the mark with a little experimentation. "mister garvey" is one of those gems.