Customer Reviews

Tougher Than Tough: The Story Of Jamaican Music

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even a crazy baldhead like me feels the intensity of spirit and groove coming off this unmissable set! How on earth do you compress such an unbelievably diverse and rich musical heritage onto 4 CDs? By going for the absolute, no-arguments stone-cold classics, that's how. In truth, some categories (especially dub and ragga) are barely covered, but this was inevitable given the restrictions. For a definitive dub excursion, you'd probably be better off with Lee Perry's "Arkology". Regarding these limitations though....so what? What you get is awesome, vibe-packed SONGS fom end to end, and every smokin' riddim you ever skanked to in one version or another. I play this a LOT when visitors are over - frequently I return to theirs weeks later and find they've picked up their own copy. 'Nuff said. An awesome set. Roll up ;-)and check it. You won't be disappointed.

I was a little worried when I got this that it was going to be slanted more in the direction of Island records contributions to distributing reggae music. However, I'm pleased that this collection is very well rounded and covers everything from the time before ska to 1993 ragga.

Really, there isn't a bum track on anyone of the 4 cds. Almost every track was an importaint Jamacian 45 and listening to the set all the way through, you can hear the progression of Jamacian music from the Folkes Brother's more traditional "Oh Carolina" to Shaggy's ragga revival of it in the 90's.

This set was a huge eye opener to me and has exposed me to a lot of artists I knew little about. The only thing I can find wrong is there really isn't any dub represented. Also, why not one Peter Tosh tune? Other wise, you have an essential set which will help any newbie figure out what to check out next.

Bought this CD in 1994 as a birthday Present to myself and buying it again because I had to give mine to a friend, who would not leave my house without it. A definitive collection, an absolute cannot do without, for cozy gatherings, subtle for background and in your face for a party mix. A must have for any home sick Jamaican far from the Beautiful shores of the origination of this mix. Yes Iyah.

Tired of the let down of 90'S Ska scene aka "SKA IS DEAD"., this box set will serve to inspire those who were first attracted to SKA & this box set will teach you to appreciate the brothers & sisters of SKA: Rocksteady, Reggae, Dub, & Dancehall.

This box set gives you an idea how all of Jamaica's music & her muscians are all weaved & linked together. Even if your not a hard core traditionalist Ska fanatic(or if you are) this excellent box set serves as an awesome reference that shows the link from 60's ska to the 70's & 80's of early dancehall! Whether your into Punk SKA(Bosstones) or roots revivalist(The Slackers) this box set is worth being part of your collection!

This is my favorite box set of all time. I don't think a week goes by where at least one of these four CDs doesn't get a workout in my player.

Too many highlights, but here's a few:

My Boy Lollipop: Millie Small's big hit was also Rod Stewart's debut record (that's him on Harmonica);

Here I Come: Barrington Levy. what a great song! And I don't even know what the hell he's saying...

The beautiful voice of Gregory Isaacs. The "rude boy" attitude of Desmond Dekker. The first recordings of the Wailers, Toots, Dennis Brown, just amazing.

No Eek-a-Mouse, but other than that, I can't quibble. I LOVE this record. And you will, too.

I bought this set when I was in the infancy of my interest in Jamaican music and Jamaica. Every song is truly special in a historical and musical sense! I started off listening to Bob Marley and then found this gem.
I first listened to this set one night, soon after I came back from Jamaica, whilst sipping Blue Mountain coffee and burning incense(only!)---I was back in Jamaica... I still love the set even after listening to it a hundred times. If you are looking for sappy, cheesy generic reggae music you're looking in the wrong place. Once you buy the set, you will keep it forever--A real classic. Enjoy, Mon!

... is the fact that this set has been allowed to go OOP. Read the other 23 reviews; this is the ABSOLUTE best collection of Jamaican music on (or now, off) the market. People would come to my home and hear this set, and the next day, buy it.

What a shame.

This box set really opened my eyes, my ears and my mind to the infinite possibilities within Jamaican music. It is without a doubt the most important set of discs I own. As the title suggests, it is the history of Jamaican music in one handy box. Music for the body, the mind, and the soul. The liner notes are exceptional, invaluable even. If you have the money, by all means get this set. Classic songs by essential artists. VERY HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.

This set is the best of several sets I have collected with early ska and reggae music. Read the list of songs: early Maytals, Wailers, Bob Marley, and more. This collection has historical value and all that. But most importantly it is very listenable and danceable.

I bought this CD set on a whim in 1993. It is one of the most amazing impulse purchases I have ever made!!! You hear the development of a nation's music. Great written info and pics accompany the 4 CDs - it adds color and background. But to fully appreciate the roots of ska and reggae, you just kick back and listen to the cds, from song one on cd one. Truly a journey.