Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with reggae

What is this reggae song?

griphus — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:25:04 -0800

ReggaeFilter: What is this reggae song I heard on the radio? All I remember are the lines "For everything that I do/I give my praise to the emperor/For everything that I do/I give my praise to the king" or some permutation thereof.

Anyone?

If I like ska, rocksteady and funky reggae 60s-70s what American music would I like with a similar feel?

Not Supplied — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:10:12 -0800

If I like ska, rocksteady and funky reggae 60s-70s what American music would I like with a similar feel? For each sort of time period I always seem to prefer the Jamaican music that I hear to American music, but I've always wondered if US music exists with a similar feel.

For example, ska seems to be influenced by rhythm and blues, 'doo wop' jazz etc but to me a lot of the songs have more real soul and emotional intensity or sometimes just sheer wackiness.

Similarly with the rocksteady, funky reggae ala toots and the maytals etc. and other time periods.

I can't really analyse why I like one more than the other any better so hoping that someone will get what I mean and maybe recommend some American music with the same feel.

Help identifying reggae

crapmatic — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:04:36 -0800

Reggae question: What style of reggae is this and where can I hear more? Video inside. The video is here. Obviously the song is a joke and the video is too, but that's beside the point.

Nearly all reggae I can find is either all cheerful, mainstream-sounding, or has a hip-hop beat. This style sounds more deep, brooding, and smoky (maybe literally), and I kind of dig the solo at 1:30 in that video. So where do I find more like this, in regard to real artists and real albums? Is there a name for that style I can go by?

Vocal coach for 30-year-old male aspiring soul/reggae singer.

rubadub — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:23:46 -0800

Looking for a vocal coach for a 30-year-old guy (me.) Preferably one who is hip to soul, jazz, r&b. I love singing (been in several rock bands, sang on a few self-released albums) and have been on a massive soul/jazz/reggae/r&b kick lately. Like anyone else with blood cells, I sing along, but no way can I manage their precision/control. At age 30 and playing music as a hobby I will never be Curtis Mayfield, but I'm starting to wonder how well I could sing if I took lessons.

I'd like to find a vocal coach who is hip to this stuff instead of choral singing / opera or rock. I've thought about it on and off for years but I don't even know how much to expect to pay, much less who to check out.

If you know of any good online resources to get started, those would be much appreciated. Exercises/etc might save me a little dough and reinforce some basic skills up front.

Located in Columbus, OH if you have any specific suggestions.

J-Reggae compilations on iTunes?

splice — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:27:23 -0800

I am looking for suggestions for Japanese Reggae (preferably compilation albums) which would be available on iTunes Japan. I've fallen in love with J-Reggae (and J-Hip Hop) and all the music on my iTouch is currently one of those two styles. I received a Japan iTunes gift card and I'd like to add to my collection of J-Reggae. I am looking mostly for compilation albums because of the variety factor.

Currently I have been listening to the "Di Vibes" 2002 compilation way too much. Favorites include Ryo the Skywalker - Ikanimo, Ryo the Skywalker - From Distance, Maji-Man - Katana, Soul Eye - 電源 (Dengen), Home Grown (feat.Pushim,Moomin,Papa U-Gee,Ryo the Skywalker,Fire Ball,Keyco&Papa-B) - Oasis and Moomin (feat. Corn Head,Rude Boy Face) - 禁断の森 (Kindan no Mori).

Based on this, can anyone suggest similar J-Reggae available on iTunes Japan?

Hawaii Stand Up!

cashman — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:23:29 -0800

Looking for the best of Hawaiian Reggae - songs like those that get played on Q103 Maui. I'm looking for excellent Hawaiian Reggae songs to jam to - the kind that would play on Q103 Maui. They can be decades old or new as the last few years. Tempo of any sort is fine, I just want great, great sound. Classics, hard-hitting new stuff, uniquely vibrant sounds and beloved artists - give me the best.

If I could name a single song to help, I would. I just heard Q103 for a few hours last year and I want some more of that great music. I do remember one song that had something about "this island life" (something like 'what is it about this island life that makes it so great' and it wasn't teoman) MeMail me if you need more info, email's in profile if you need that.

What's this Obama song?

msittig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:45:24 -0800

What is the "Obama-themed reggae song" referenced in this New York Times article? And where can I download it?

Where to buy ska/reggae in NYC?

cyrusdogstar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:02:35 -0800

Where can I get relatively unknown ska/reggae music in New York City (or online)? The specific target of my search right now is a recentish album by a group called the Debonaires (a southern California band formed in the mid 90s, not the 1960s group with the same name). I've had such good luck with finding music on iTunes -- even stuff that's not really mainstream -- that this is the first time I've gotten an earbug that I couldn't immediately buy off the iTMS (boo hoo, I know).

As such, and because I've only lived here for a few years, I'm totally clueless about decent places to physically obtain non-popular music in New York, even though I imagine the place is teeming with indie music stores and the like. Does anyone know of such spots that would carry a decent amount of ska/reggae type music? I'll make the "lol Jamaica, Queens" joke now to get that out of the way.

Alternately, online music stores with a non-terrible ship time (the label for aforementioned album does have it but it's 2-4 weeks ship time) might work.

Oh my organic days

naju — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:13:01 -0800

What's the name/artist of the blissful reggae/surf/pop song in Funky Forest: The First Contact? This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. And now I'm obsessed with this particular song. It's a song from Takefumi's dream sequence, which features 8 yellow-suited dancers. I think it's sung in Chinese. It's featured in the second half of this trailer (0:56 on). Please :)

Anyone have a good and long reggae playlist that will have people up and dancing all night?

turkishLola — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:36:05 -0800

Anyone have a good and long reggae playlist that will have people up and dancing all night?

Mi a di stamina daddy fi all di gal pikini

isopraxis — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:57:03 -0800

What is that quintessential dub percussion sound and how do they make it? It is often the echoic 3rd beat that provides a nice counterpoint and texture to the rhythm of dub:
To me it sounds like the striking of an amp with reverb turned up, but I'm only guessing. Is it just a mic'd snare with the reverb cranked up, or is someone really smackin' an amp?

Example: A Hundred Pounds of Collie (Songza.com)
Dubheads, fill me in.

Dancehall Reggae Song ID filter

fire&wings — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:15:16 -0800

I've heard a song a few times now on Goldfinger's Dancehall show on Radio 1, but he hasn't mentioned a title and I can't find it in the tracklisting on the Radio 1 website. Info on this Dancehall/Reggae track -

- The guy is rapping very fast, it's hard to make out what he's saying and it sounds like someone is spooling forward through the track and missing out chunks of audio at regular intervals (best description I can give, it's a very distinctive style.) Vaguely similar to Busta Rhymes in speed and stop start phrasing?

- I did manage to make out and remember the word "crack" at the end of the first line

- There is a break and another guy sings about "when the dead come knocking"

- I've heard it a couple of times at least, and it's catchy. I'm sure it's a popular track.

I don't know anything about this music and have tried finding this track without any success.

What is up with these reggae lyrics?

agropyron — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:44:10 -0800

Question for Reggae fans, Rastafarians, or Jamaicans. What do the lyrics to Dr. Alimantado's "Johnny Was A Baker" mean? Here are the lyrics as I understand them. There is one place I just can't figure out what he says say, and then there are some things that just confuse me.

(Song starts with some incomprehensible speech)

I hear say Johnny was a baker
I hear say Johnny used to live in Jamaica
I heard he had three daughters,
one named Brown Paper
But that is all they know about Johnny Baker

I go to London town, I go to New York City
I go to Africa, trying to find Johnny
When I was in Africa someone say "This is Johnny"
I said, "Good day Johnny.
My name is Doctor Alimantado.
I hear say you are a baker.
I hear that you used to live in Jamaica
I hear you have three daughters,
one named Brown Paper.
But that is all they know about you Johnny Baker.
I hear you said something about Jah."

What would he say?

He say Jah are the maker.
He said, Jah, Jah, Jah are the maker.
And when they take him from the place called Africa
And carry(?) him to the place that (?) they ex-maker(?)
He say, Ja, Ja, Ja ja Jamaica
But they never know, know that he was no baker
Just ??? said Jah Jah Jah are the maker

Okay, the questions:
1. What's with the daughter named Brown Paper?
2. What is he actually saying in the third line from the end?
3. What the heck does that line mean?
4. Searching for the lyrics I found this incoherent analysis:
A song about Johnny baker apparently with Alimantado of course singing weirdly and telling his story of trying to find this guy Johnny the baker and he finds him in New York and Johnny tells him he was no baker because he was taken from Africa and they mistook him for a baker in Jamaica or something whatever, this is accompanied by organs, drums, and cooled out guitar skank.
I don't have much faith in this guy's analysis, but it made me wonder what the song was actually about, if it's anything more than just some reggae weirdness.

Identify this dancehall reggae song.

gummo — Wed, 09 May 2007 23:06:30 -0800

Does anyone know this dancehall reggae song? Right after the intro that Ali G gives, in the cut sequence before the interview starts, there is a dancehall sounding reggae song clip. Anyone know what it is?

(There is also an additionl shorter piece in the middle somewhere.)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yZ9o1KHi-mY

Thanks.

Where to buy reggae music in Jamaica

gummo — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:56:37 -0800

Where's the best place in Jamaica to spend my life savings on Reggae music? I am going to be in Jamaica for one day. My cruise lands in Ocho Rios. I have from 8:30am to 3:30 pm and I want to spend every penny I can spare on music I can't get anywhere else. Please help. Do I have time to drive/ride to Kingston? Do I need to go to Kingston? Or does Ochos have somewhere I can go? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. ps. I don't/can't do wax. I'm a child of the 80s/90s. CDs are where it's at. pps. Any jerk places not full of tourists I should stop at along the way to my music shop?

Does anyone know the lyrics to "Words" by Sangie Davis/ Lee Perry?

mistsandrain — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:33:16 -0800

Reggae fans- Please help me figure out the complete lyrics to "Words" written by Sangie Davis and performed as a duet w/ Lee "Scratch" Perry and the Upsetters some time in the 70s. It appears on several compilations. I have looked everywhere for lyrics with no luck. I have tried to muddle through the recording- no use..... please help. It is the most beautiful, haunting song......

Help me find this song please!

hihowareyou — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 21:50:29 -0800

During Tuesday Night's CSI:NY (the one with a girl stabbed by an ice-bottle), there was a song about midway through that had a catchy, reggae/hip hop beat to it. Vaguely remembered lyrics include something about people struggling, "my feet keep hurting," and "we have had enough." Despite those sort of downtrodden words, it had a very upbeat sound to it. Can anyone help me find it? Google searching has gotten me nowhere. It sounds new and like it would be popular, but I couldn't find it in iTunes top 100 songs either.

Help indentify this reggae song.

jlowen — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:39:43 -0800

reggaefilter: Can someone identify the old reggae song excerpt at the beginning of the video of Rancid's Ruby Soho? Its the song that is presumably playing on the boombox that Tim is carrying. Video is here on youtube. I have alot of old reggae but I cant identify this excerpt. Help me get my skank on.

what non-roots reggae do you enjoy?

Mayor Curley — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:53:41 -0800

I have come to be interested in classic reggae (in a suburban, lame-o, non-stoner fashion). Whose work should I look for? I generally prefer secular (not roots) songs (like most of The Maytals's songs) to religious stuff (like Junior Murvin's). Who else should I look into? Don't be afraid to be obvious, because I've covered about half of the artists that I am familiar with in the above comparison. The rest of the artists I'm familiar with: Jimmy Cliff (whom I like), Bob Marley (whom I don't), Desmond Dekker (like), Dillinger (like) and Prince Far I (don't).

Ragga song that the Black Eyed Peas were covering in "Get Original"?

rkent — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 23:10:42 -0800

Ragga song that the Black Eyed Peas were covering in "Get Original" (or vice versa)? OK, I'm not 100% sure which way the quotation runs with this one, but the way these songs sound to me, I'm betting the cover/quoting song is BEP's "Get Original," specifically the line "Stop now, get original, start practicing, master your flow." The other, I'm guessing original, song is dancehall/ragga, and its chorus uses exactly the same vocal melody and rhythm, and I think even some of the same words.

I heard the song on some random Reggae radio show and didn't catch the call letters for the station. I'm guessing it's older than Bridging the Gap just because it sounds like pre-2000 dancehall music, but then I've only heard it once. Thanks!

Reggaefilter

viama — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 03:31:19 -0800

Help me reach out to my new girlfriend. She's really into reggae, dub, dancehall and ragga. I am a relative neophyte when it comes to this area of music. I have the obvious Bob Marley compilations, and a decent Trojan box set, but can you help me pick out some more credible choices? (she calls my stuff 'pop'). Bonus points if it's accessible too.

What are the all-time great reggae albums?

agropyron — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 21:08:19 -0800

What are the all-time great reggae albums? I just watched The Harder They Come, and put the soundtrack in my Amazon shopping cart. I already have Bob Marley - Rebel Music. What else should I look into?

What are some good music blogs?

gummo — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:45:35 -0800

What are some good music blogs? (With a slant towards old skool hip hop or reggae would be best, but I'm open to give a listen to anything/everything.) I'm constantly on the lookout for more music. I'm looking for a place I can go every day or two and read a bunch of posts that say things like "Check out this dj mix of blah blah" with a link to a stream, or "If you like Blackalicious, take a listen to THIS and THIS" with links to mp3s on some band's site.

pps. This seems like it should be a double post, but I couldn't find anything in the search.

Help finding a Reggae song

MLIS — Tue, 11 Jan 2005 15:14:12 -0800

ReggaeFilter: Help finding a Reggae song. [MI] About a week before the presidential election I heard a reggae song – the line I remember is “Mr. Bush your weapons of mass destruction are a lie. . .” Or something to that effect. I have tried googling “reggae” and “wmd [spelled out]” but have been unable to locate it. It is not the song by Xzibit. Anyone know the song or have suggestions on how I could find it?

Starting an Online Radio Stataion

daHIFI — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 08:10:56 -0800

A friend of mine has a very large reggae collection of stuff that's unreleased and wants to start an online radio station. He swears it will be big and wants me to help him pull it off. He's talking thousands of listeners. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing who can tell me what the monthly bandwith expenses associated with streaming 128kbps to around 3000 listeners. The math I did comes out to about 384Mbps, which means we will need somewhere between an OC3 and and OC12. I can't get pricing without contacting a bunch of sales people that I really don't want to talk to yet, so if anyone knows what a monthly port charge for something like that with a petabyte of bandwidth each month would run please let me know. Also any advice from others that are doing such things currently would be great.