Too Long in Slavery

Culture | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Frontline
• ASIN: B000000HUM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #342,437 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Behold

2. Poor Jah People

3. Stop the Fussing & Fighting

4. Cumbolo

5. Work on Natty

6. Tell Me Where You Get It

7. Iron Sharpening Iron

8. The International Herb

9. Too Long in Slavery

10. The Shepherd

11. Holy Mount Zion

12. Never Get Weary

13. Citizen as a Peaceful Dub

Editorial Reviews

This 13-track compilation is culled from Culture's three Front Line releases -- Harder Than the Rest, Cumbolo, and International Herb. All three date from 1978-79, and were overseen by producer Sonia Pottinger. Pottinger had risen in the rocksteady age and was famed for her straightforward, almost gentle, productions, which placed the focus on the singers, not the rhythms or studio effects. She remained a force into the roots age, even while she eschewed the dread sound so popular in the day. Thus, although thematically Culture was a deeply dread band, and were accompanied in the studio by some of the island's heaviest hitting roots musicians, all bolstered by the rhythms of Sly & Robbie, these albums had a much lighter musical feel than most cultural offerings from this time. But the lightness nicely counterpoints Joseph Hill's deeply dread lyrics and Albert Walker and Kenneth Paley's sublime harmonies, as the trio offered up cultural and sufferer's songs, fueled by their deeply held Rastafarian beliefs. The collection boasts a number of seminal tracks that went on to become popular singles in Jamaica -- "Stop the Fussing and Fighting," "Natty Never Get Weary," and "International Herb" (but sadly no "Trod On"). The rest of this is set is equally strong, and includes the highlights from this trio of high-quality albums. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A global message from the enduring Rastaman, August 7, 2004

By 

ceejazz "Jazzhead" (NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Long in Slavery (Audio CD)

Has slavery manifested and evolved itself into new more sublime forms? Culture's "Too Long Slavery" could start such a debate! We can all see today that the world needs prayer and a whole lot of it - as there really is so much trouble in the world.

Its almost strange and ironic that only rastamen and folk singers seem to be totally concerned with saving the earth and the soul of mankind musically! For decades Roots artists have been busy singing 'this message music' and only those who seeked englightenment and awarenes were basically buying this music.

Culture from 1979 where belting out tunes like "Fussing and fighting", "Behold", "Natty Never Get weary" and "Natty work on"...in 2004 maybe its time we all have a good listen to this spiritual and excellent musical roots message.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Roots, June 22, 2004

By 

Reggae Roots Fan (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Long in Slavery (Audio CD)

At first i liked just "international herb" and "Too long in slavery", but when I listened it more and more I started letting my friends hear how good the entire CD is. What more can I say when a all the songs are good. Plus the music is what got me more into it. The band plays spectacular. my favorite on this album since then is Behold & Stop fussing and fighting. Buy it if you are a roots rock reggae fan.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Culture, June 5, 2002

By 

R. Hannam (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Long in Slavery (Audio CD)

This CD is almost identical to a late 70's vinyl album called Vital Selection, and it still is a vital selection. This CD covers the best of their early work, and every track is a stunner. If you love reggae and you can only buy one more CD between now and the day you are gathered unto the Lord, make it this one, you will not be disappointed. Buy it now. Thats an order from Rob.