|
If you really want to get into reggae, be sure to approach its roots properly. Check out the ska movement for a bit (e.g. The Skatalites) because it along with jazz was a big influencer.
But if you just want to jump into it, be sure to approach Bob Marley at his heart: he was a rebel. His popularity is upheld by his love songs (of which he only did like 13 or so), but his core music is that of protest for human rights and equality. He tackled racism, poverty, and government strife. You can also trace his influence well into hip hop and the various punk movements. Punk itself was also influenced by ska and took up similar themes as Marley did.
If you are listening to Marley "properly," it shouldn't only be relaxing, it should also be inspiring.
__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön
Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot
|