Ras Haas Reggae - Tuff Vibes

Al compás del mundo

#193, 8-14-25 - Tuff Vibes, vol. 1 - reggae

01 Sons of Light - Land of Love

02 Devon Russell - Jah Hold the Key

03 Judah Eskander - Jah Light

04 Barrington Levy - Look Youthman

05 Al Campbell - Fight I Down

06 Barry Brown - Warmonger

07 Don Carlos - Plantation

08 Anthony Johnson - Hey Mr. Rich Man

09 Eddie Constantine - Tenement Yard

10 Burning Spear - Jah Jah No Dead

11 Desi Roots - Weed Fields

12 Johnny Clarke - Blood Dunza

13 Earl Cunningham - Jail House

14 Lacksley Castell - Guiding Light

15 Cornell Campbell - Hard Time

16 Noel Ellis - Memories

17 Prince Jammy - Throne of Blood

Here’s another contribution to the Al compás del mundo radio program from flesh and blood prodigy, Ras Haas. A long-time collector of Jamaican vinyl, Ras has claimed that honorific title due to an abiding interest and participation (as a consumer) in the island’s musical scene. For me it’s an entire playlist where almost nothing is familiar, aside from the basic concept of the reggae beat. Barrington Levy and Burning Spear are the only artists included that ring a bell for yours truly. Levy has been one of Jamaica’s best-known dancehall style performers for decades, rising to the top of that genre known for its realistic portrayal of sexuality and criminal activities. Burning Spear is both the stage name for Winston Rodney and that of his band. Coming from a politically engaged background, Rodney’s music has been a prime example of “roots” reggae, one whose lyrics spoke of inequality, religious mysticism and justice for all. Two artists at either end of lyrical expression, they serve as appropriate bookends for the remaining artists featured in this playlist.

p.s.

A note of interest is that most of the titles here have been edited down from 6-7 minute tracks. A feature of this music has been to reach a logical crescendo or resolution of the basic theme, followed by several minutes of electronic beats in a spare, head-nodding manner. I took the artistic liberty to leave out what I considered unnecessary doodling. So, sue me.

Comments

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