Well, the record score of my last post has pushed me into where we all probably knew this blog was going, which was into my love of music, and here is a place for me to move that forward. In the past few weeks, the reggae world (which is the whole world) has lost two great pioneers and giants of roots music, producer extraordinaire Joe Gibbs and radio DJ turned reggae superstar Michael Campbell aka Mikey Dread the "Dread at the Controls."
First things first, I'm going to be doing a musical tribute to these greats on my radio show, Reggae Vibrations, today from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern on WTJU 91.1 FM in Charlottesville. Listen live online here.
I won't attempt to write their obituaries, as more capable and suitable people have done that already (for Gibbs here, and Campbell here). However, I would like to share a bit of their work, and what they've done for reggae music. You would do well to check out all of this stuff, but at least look at the first clip for each of these guys. And do yourself a favor and turn the volume UP.
MIKEY DREAD
Mikey Dread - at the controls live in the dancehall, London 1981:
Mikey Dread - "Natural Roots"
JOE GIBBS: the Youtube tributes to Joe Gibbs consist mostly of record-play videos; sooner or later, I'll be making these myself, but for now you should enjoy the following:
Junior Murvin - "Cool Out Son" produced by Joe Gibbs:
Joe Gibbs & the Professionals - "Runnings Irie" (Money in my Pocket version)
If you want to hear Mikey Dread in action you can download one of his JBC radio shows on Rapidshare here. Shit's ridiculous: "Michael, you make me feel so good!"
Also, I'll be DJing tonight in Harrisonburg at Clementine if you'll be around the area or know people there who might enjoy it.
