Let's take a trip back to the Jamaica of 1967. Way before Reggae became a thing, but not long after Ska started taking on different forms. Slower rhythm with melodies inspired by pop songs from from American radio stations. I know, I have written about Rocksteady before. It's a style that I keep going back to... or should I say, it keeps coming back to me?
So for today's #TTT challenge, created by @ablaze I would like to present three songs that once they become firmly embedded in my mind, they simply refuse to leave. Not that I want them to, to be fair, since they are truly awesome tunes. And to imagine that it's been soooo long since they came out, and the world has changed so much, I kinda think it's important to remind ourselves - and each other - how beautiful music can be.
The Paragons - The Tide Is High
Of course you will probably know Blondie's version of this song, which became a famous hit in the New Wave craze of 1980. So let's treat ourselves to the original version by the rocksteady trio The Paragons. Characterized by its slow pace, we get to appreciate the violin backup by "White Rum" Raymond.
Dandy Livingstone - Rudy, A Message to You
Anyone who was present to the Ska revival of the 1990's is familiar with Rudy, and the famous message to them, whatever it was... Whether Propagandhi's Ska Sucks, or Los Fabulosos Cadillacs' Rudy, Un Mensaje Para Vos, this song, this rif, or simply this message to Rudy is bound to ring a bell. But what's the message, really?
Dandy Livingstone, the original creator of this very famous theme, takes it back to the attitude of the OG Rude Boys, a youth culture from 1960's Jamaica (which itself had a number of revivals). As you could guess, just like in so many other youth cultures those guys were known for not taking shit from anyone. Hence the name Rude Boys, or Rudies. However, in the end it doesn't matter if you're a skater-punk or a death-metaller, it's important to keep in mind that your rudeness has its place and its limits, and that in the end you really don't want to be a jerk. And that's precisely the message to Rudy.
Desmond Dekker & The Aces - 007 (Shantytown)
This could easily be my top favorite Rocksteady hit. In its lyrics it also discusses the Rude Boys and their protest to a beachfront development... But what I find much more impressive is the accompanying music video. (Or should we call it film?) First we see The Aces (along with Desmond Dekker) on stage, being cheered by their fans. Then we see them walk up to their car, which has been fitted with an outside loudspeaker, connected to a reel-to-reel tape player. We can only assume that it is precisely this track they are playing, to the everyday folks in downtown Kingston, who apparently get a huge kick out of the music. The move and sway and take steps to the rhythm, it's amazing to see. Especially contrasting to today, when any fool can easily play anything on a cell phone, for these folks this was something truly special.
ThreTuneTueday Challenge
This post is my entry to this week's #TTT challenge, created by @ablaze . Thank you very much! To see more of my music related posts, please visit my ongoing Monday Music collection.
