The original British edition. Snagged me a copy cheap from Amazon.
The version sold to Americans. I guess the publishers figured we would confuse the title, Bass Culture, with Hillbilly fishing.
and finally... inna Latin (Italian) tongue. I believe all three to be the same book. Different covers and titles for different demographics.
LLoyd gives us the tricks in politics that shaped the sufferah's music. He gives us the number crunches in economics that kept the ghettos dry. Unless you were a street corner salesman, money was not flowing. Sports or big upping the dancehall was your only exit out. Lloyd is obvious. He starts the story at the beginning. Lloyd reaches even further back into history than 1962's Independence Day. Remember mento? He chronologically reveals the truths without playing favorites. Lloyd tells of the music's pioneers. The Skatalites and Prince Busters. He writes about stateside Detroit and Memphis Soul influences. Lloyd writes inna wordy way but not enough to clog up your eyes. Paragraphs read easily. He doesn't waste words or fluff facts. At times he gets a bit British centric, the place of his coming of age; but it is true... London youths bought Reggae records, not Jamaica's poor. So yeah, back then, the reggae market/music bizz was tailor fitted for the English wallet. Trojan, Greensleeves or Island Records anyone? Attack or Jetstar Records? Yep, point proven.
This book only glances at the newer sounds. up till this point, this is some strong story telling. He fan favors the classic 70's roots and 80's dancehall era. Luciano does factor in plot wise during the last chapter but Lloyd by this time is only reporting the news of a younger generation. This one is for reading. Only a few photos decorate the pages. Although a little weak at the finish, this book contains massive substance. Mandatory for Reggae knowledge. Possibly tie with Reggae Bloodlines for the second best book on all things Reggae. Oh... his next book in conjunction with the BBC steals the top honor.
This book is sun ripened fruit. This book is why our brains perform sensory comprehension. This book is the reason carpenters craft coffee tables. I don't care how you furnish your home, if this book is not in your possesion, your living space is empty! A well worn copy of the Old Testament should also be bedside. More on this later....
No comments:
Post a Comment