Calling Rastafari

Calling Rastafari

performed by Burning Spear, 1949- (Rounder Records, 2004), 54 mins

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Details

Field of Interest
American Music
Content Type
Music recording
Duration
54 mins
Format
Audio
Sub Genre
Dub
Label
Rounder Records
Performer
Burning Spear, 1949-
Release Date
2004
Review
By this time Burning Spear's sound is well established: slow, smoky roots reggae grooves embellished by horns and featuring little or no melody; in its place is Winston Rodney's hypnotic speak-singing, a relatively tuneless chant that invariably delivers messages of spiritual uplift, political resistance and social discipline. On his latest outing, Rodney does not departs at all from his usual approach, which in lesser artists might be seen as a sign of stagnation, but in his case just sounds like virtuous consistency. The program opens with "As It Is," which recycles Spear's classic "Marcus Garvey" with new (and unfortunately self-referential) lyrics. Things improve immediately with the sweet and quietly propulsive "Hallelujah" and the surprisingly tuneful "House of Reggae." "Statue of Liberty" combines a biting criticism of American immigration policy with percolating guitar, a funky horn line, and a martial rockers beat. The album ends with an extended mix of "Holy Man," a horn-heavy paean to {%Haile Selassie}. The Burning Band is rock solid throughout. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
Subject
American Music, Music & Performing Arts, American Studies, African American Music, Música Afro-Americana, Música Afroamericana
Keywords and Translated Subjects
Música Afro-Americana, Música Afroamericana

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