Reggae / Lovers Rock Recommendations August 2015

Review: The links between reggae and the Rastafarian religion are well known, though few compilations have celebrated this fact. Rastafari: The Dreads Enter Babylon 1955-83 charts the story of Rastafarianism in reggae music during the sound's golden period from the mid '50s to the early '80s. Featuring numerous contributions from the pioneer of "dread" reggae, Count Ossie, and clear African influences throughout (see the brilliant drum rhythms of "Say" by Mutaburaka), it's a surprisingly varied and engaging set. Compare, for example, the Melodica-laden dub of Winston & Ansell's "Zion I" and the calypso of Lord Lebby. While musically very different, their fundamental Rastafarian message is the same.