Real Reggae, Mon…

I get some wonderful comments on this blog from time to time, and this, from Bruce, was a gem. Regarding WFMU out of Jersey City:

“… a terrific reggae show every Wed night, which, like all of the shows, is archived, so that you can listen any time you like. ‘The Pounding System with Clay: Five decades of roots reggae, dancehall, dub, and ska.’ – https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/PS

   This is SO good. Praise Jah. I just pledged to the station. My only reggae listening lately has been “The Joint” on Sirius Radio, and it’s pretty mediocre. Unlike other Sirius musical stations like B.B. King’s Blues, Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, Underground Garage, the ’50s, etc., all good quality.

   I knew nothing of reggae until 1973, when word was out about a band from Jamacia playing in San Francisco, so one night we drove into the city to Mother’s nightclub on Broadway. The place was packed. No chairs or tables, just a square room with a band at one end. People shoulder to shoulder. Well, pause for effect … it was the Wailers — the singer was Bob Marley, who was of course great — but it’s the band that I remember most. Just never heard anything like that. What power! (They were just about to transition from underground to mainstream.)

  In the ’70s I made friends with a guy at a reggae music store in DC and I’d call him to get recommendations, then order the (vinyl) albums.

   It’s good to be back on the reggae track again.

   “Praise Jah and all hees creations mon.”