The World of Reggae Music Collection–Vintage Reggae: The Early Years

World of Reggae Music Collection: Vintage Reggae

The Early Years

The Jam-Tex selector digs deeper into the reggae genre, focusing in on some of reggae’s earliest hits. Positive vibrations drip from songs like Dobby Dobson’s “Loving Pauper” and the Pioneers‘ “Let Your Yeah Be Yeah.”  Reggae legends Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots & the Maytals, and Delroy Wilson all laid down foundational tracks during this early period of reggae music.

This particular collection features early vintage hits from the well-known male artists like John Holt, Alton Ellis, Desmond Dekker, Johnny Clarke, Ken Boothe, and Bob Andy and female artists Marcia Griffiths, Susan Cadogan, Marie Bryant, and my favorite Phyllis Dillon. Many of the musicians from the rock steady era like Derrick Morgan and Stranger Cole recorded early reggae hits. Alongside the more well-known vocalists, this collection features lesser-known artists like K.C. White and Watty Burnett, who laid down infectious reggae tunes. Furthermore, Delroy Wilson’s bass heavy “Better Must Come” might be the greatest reggae song ever recorded.

1. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Mr. Brown
2. Errol Dunkeley – Ok Fred
3. Marie Bryant – Tomatoes
4. Delroy Wilson – (I’m in A) Dancing Mood
5. Don Evans & the Paragons – Danger in Your Eyes
6. Dandy Livingston – Rudy, a Message to You
7. Ken Boothe – Old Fashioned Way
8. Phyllis Dillon – Woman In the Ghetto
9. Toots & the Maytals – Monkey Man
10. Barrington Levy – Sister Carol
11. Desmond Dekker – Reggae Recipe
12. Dennis Brown – Man Next Door
13. Susan Cadogan – Nice And Easy
14. Horace Andy – Natural Mystic
15. Don Carlos & Roots Radics – Fight Fightt
16. Johnny Clarke – Don’t Trouble Trouble
17. Toots & the Maytals – Do The Reggay
18. The Pioneers – Let Your Yeah Be Yeah
19. U-Roy – Hold On
20. Derrick & Patsy – Housewives Choice
21. Lord Creator – Don’t Stay Out Late
22. Dobby Dobson – Loving Pauper
23. Roman Stewart – Try Me
24. Leroy Smart – Ballistic Affair
25. Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths – Young, Gifted, & Black
26. Delroy Wilson – Better Must Come
27. K.C. White – No No No (You Don’t Love Anymore)
28. Horace Andy – Do You Love My Music
29. Bruce Ruffin – Rain
30. Delroy Wilson – It’s A Shame
31. Johnny Clarke – Tears on my Pillow
32. Cornell Campbell & the Aggrovators – I Will Never Change
33. Desmond Dekker – Fu Man Chu
34. Derrick Morgan – Tougher Than Tough
35. The Wailers – Jailhouse
36. Dennis Brown – Westbound Train
37. Kingstonian – Nice, Nice
38. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Bend Down Low
39. Jacob Miller – Mr. Officer
40. Owen Gray – Midnight Track
41. Delroy Wilson – Living in the Footsteps of Another Man
42. Lord Messam – Linstead Market
43. Alton Ellis – Ain’t That Loving You
44. Bob Marley & the Wailers – One Cup of Coffee
45. Delroy Wilson – Run Run
46. Peter Tosh – You Can’t Fool Me Again
47. Lord Creator – Independent Jamaica
48. John Holt & Alton Ellis – Rum Bumpers
49. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Try Me
50. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Try Me (Version)
51. Derrick Morgan – The Ruler
52. Ronnie Davis – I Won’t Cry
53. Dobby Dobson – Ride Me Donkey
54. The Majesterians – If I Didn’t Want Your Loving
55. Alton Ellis & Phyllis Dillon – Why Did You Leave Me To Cry?
56. Delroy Wilson – Cool Operator
57. Al Barry & the Cimarons – Morning Sun
58. Watty Burnett – Rainy Night in Portland
59. Stranger Cole – Out of Many, One
60. Patrick Andy – Clarendon Girl

Top Albums of November 2009

This month’s music selection varies from twangy country to roots reggae to experimental jazz-hip-hop and dub. Robert Glasper’s Double Booked is chalk-full of creativity and musicianship.  Glasper, a pianist originally from Houston, Texas has performed with Erykah Badu, The Roots, Maxwell, and Mos Def. On this new album Glasper mixes hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music into a beautiful soundscape.

Conrad Crystal and Suga Roy have put together a fine album with help from some of reggae’s icons. The legendary Toots & The Maytals joins the duo on “God Bless You.” The singjay Gyptian performs “Jah Jah See Dem”  in tribute to Joseph Hill and Culture. The dancehall jam “She Call Mi Phone” features “king of the dancehall” Beenie Man and the amazing vocalist Barrington Levy. Deejays U Roy, Dillinger, and Big Youth join the fray while Reggae superstars Lee “Scratch” Perry, Max Romeo, Eek-A-Mouse, Marcia Griffiths, Dennis Brown, The Congos, and Inner Circle all lend their vocals. Even the amazing danechall duo Chaka Demus & Pliers makes an appearance on “Girl You Rock My World.”

The Stephen Marleyalbum Mind Control originally dropped more than a year ago. Now a newer acoustic version of the disc has been released called Mind Control Acoustic. The smooth beautiful track “Chase Dem” features Capleton layering rhymes through the original tune. Brothers Damian Marley and Julian Marley appear on the record as does rude boy Spragga Benz.

1. Robert Glasper – Double Booked [Blue Note 2009]
2. Conrad Crystal & Suga Roy – Suga Roy, Conrad Crystal and the Great Reggae Icons [Fire Ball 2009]
3. Stephen Marley – Mind Control Acoustic [Tuff Gong 2009]
4. Danny Barnes – Pizza Box [ATO Records 2009]
5. Corb Lund – Losin’ Lately Gambler [New West 2009]
6. Beres Hammond – Something Old, Something New [Penthouse Records 2009]
7. Morgan Heritage – The Journey Thus Far [VP Records 2009]
8. Drake – So Far Gone [Young Money/Cash Money 2009]
9. B.B. Seaton – Ready For The World [Soul Beat/Roots International 2009]
10. Various Artist – Joyful Noise [I Grade Records 2009]
11. Geoff Maldaur & the Texas Shieks – Texas Sheiks [Tradition & Moderne 2009]
12. James Hand – Shadow on the Ground [Rounder 2009]
13. Jack Johnson – En Concert [Brushfire Records 2009]
14. Serani – No Games [Phase One 2009]
15. The Soothsayers Meet Red Earth Collective – One More Reason [Red Earth Music 2009]
16. Del Tha Funkyhomosapien & Tame One – Parallel Uni-Verses [Gold Dust 2009]
17. Mike Zito – Pearl River [Eclecto Groove Records 2009]
18. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Speed Of Life [Sugar Hill 2009]
19. Various Artists – Riddim Driven: Clearance [VP 2009]
20. Lorenzo – Movin’ Ahead [Irie Ites 2009]

The World of Reggae Music Collection: International Ska

International Ska

Ska has gone global. Kids from around the world have heard the sound and are playing ska tunes in clubs from Texas to Africa to Malaysia to Russia. This addition to the World of Reggae Music Collection and the Ska series, International Ska, displays the best of ska music from around the world. From the Japanese sensations Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra to Europe with groups like the German band Seeed and the French artist Manu Chao to South America where Los Fabulosos Cadillacs hail from Argentina and Desorden Publico from Venezuela, ska has taken hold of the world music scene.

1. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra – Revolver 11 (Japan)
2. Skalariak – Luna De Barcelona (Spain)
3. Ska Cubana – Chango (UK)
4. Maldita Vecindad – El Cocodrilo
5. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – El Matador (Argentina)
6. King Changó – Latin Ska (USA/Venezuela)
7. Panteon Rococo – Reality Shock (Mexico)
8. La Vuela Puerca – Paren Hoy (Uruguay)
9. Seeed – Goosebumps (Germany)
10. Manu Chao – Me gustas tu (France)
11. King Django – Reason (USA)
12. Yeska – Fideo (Para Aqui)
13. Los De Abajo - War For Peace
14. Kana – Culture
15. Jim Murple Memorial – Jim Murple Memorial (France)
16. Roy Paci & Aruski - Non+ (Italy)
17. Kingtide – Kingtide (Australia)
18. Pannonia Allstars Ska Paradise – Paso (Hungary)
19. Babylove & the Van Dangos - Big Big Baboon (Denmark)
20. Persiana Jones – La Tua Vita Cambia  (Italy)
21. Satelite Kingston - Perdimos  (Argentina)
22. Kingston Kitchen – St. James Infirmary Blues (Germany)
23. The Kinky Coocoos – Digues que faràs (Spain)
24. Gerhana Ska Cinta – Legendary Sir Clement (Malaysia)
25. The Upsessions – Hooligan ‘69 (Holland)
26. Rudimentals – Love Riddim (Africa)
27. Russkaja – More (Russia)
28. Seeed – The Tide Is High (Germany)
29. Firebug – Barrel of Truth (Brazil)
30. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – Guns of Brixton (Argentiana)
31. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra – Paradise Blue (Japan)
32. Skalariak – Radio Ghetto (Spain)
33. Manu Chao – Bongo Bong (France/Spain)
34. Desorden Público – Skándalo (Venezuela)
35. Alborosie – Patricia (Italy)
36. Ska Cubano – Big Bamboo (Gran Bambu)
37. Inspector – El Dejado

World of Reggae Music Collection: Table of Contents

The Jam-Tex selector will post a study and organization of the essential tracks of reggae music. The selector invites others to join in on the organization of these tracks.  Thus Jam-Tex presents “The World of Reggae Music Collection.”

Please feel free to comment. The selector is open to suggestions and changes. Feel free to comment on the selections, categories, genre headings, and section headings. The selector will consider track additions and removals and even the renaming of categories, sections, and genres. Without further ado…

The Jam-Tex Selector presents…The World of Reggae Music Collection

REGGAE’S SUPERSTARS

1. Reggae’s Superstars: The Lions of Jah

2. Reggae’s Superstars: The Lion Youth

SKA MUSIC MOVEMENT

3. The Ska Originals

4. Two-Tone Ska

5. Third Wave Ska

6. International Ska

ROCKSTEADY ERA

7. Rocksteady

VINTAGE REGGAE

8. The Early Years

9. Classic Reggae

World of Reggae Music: Rocksteady

Rocksteady

The Jam-Tex selector offers a new chapter in the World of Reggae Music Collection entitled Rocksteady. The rocksteady collection contains over 100 of the best Jamaican songs from the Rocksteady Era (1966-1968). Rocksteady music represents the transition from the faster-paced ska music of the late 1950s and 1960s to the easy-grooving reggae music of the 1970s. The sounds of rocksteady are the soul of reggae. An excellent film that depicts this era is Stascha Bader’s Rockteady: The Roots of Reggae, which is narrated by Stranger Cole and provides an excellent historical account of late 1960s Jamaica rocksteady music scene.

As the precursor to reggae, many reggae and ska musicians participated in the Rocksteady Era including legendary Jamaican performers like Alton Ellis, Lee Scratch Perry, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Desmond Dekker, and Ken Boothe. Many well-known vocal groups including The Paragons, The Techniques, the Melodians, the Ethiopians, the Kingstonians, and the Maytals participated in the movement while bands like the Uniques and the Jets laid down the intoxicating rhythms. The great musicians of ska and reggae music played rocksteady tracks, including Tommy McCook, Ernest Ranglin, Jackie Mittoo, and Lynn Taitt.

Here are over 100 essential tracks of Rocksteady music…

1. Alton Ellis – Rock Steady
2. The Jamaicans – Ba Ba Boom
3. Hopeton Lewis – Take It Easy
4. Lee “Scratch” Perry – I Am The Upsetter
5. The Paragons – Wear You To The Ball
6. The Techniques – Queen Majesty (aka Minstrel and Queen)
7. Pat Kelly – How Long Will It Take
8. Slim Smith & the Uniques – People Get Ready, Do Rock Steady
9. The Melodians – Little Nut Tree
10. Derrick Harriot – Dancing the Reggae
11. Phyllis Dylon – A Thing Of The Past
12. The Paragons – Island in the Sun
13. Dawn Penn – Lonely Day Short Night
14. Errol Dunkley – I’m Going Home
15. Glen Miller – Rocksteady Party
16. Derrick Morgan– I Want To Go Home
17. Desmond Dekker – Beautiful And Dangerous
18. Ken Boothe – Can’t See You
19. Derrick Morgan – Hey Them
20. Roy Shirley – Hold Them
21. Desmond Dekker & the Aces – Bongo Gal
22. Delroy Wilson – Once Upon a Time
23. Derrick Harriot - Solomon
24. The Ethiopians – Reggae Hit the Town
25. Justin Hinds & the Dominoes – Carry Go Bring Come (Rocksteady Version)
26. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Hypocrites
27. The Kingstonians – Winey, Winey
28. The Melodians – I Will Get Along Without You
29. Phyllis Dillon – Don’t Touch Me Tomato
30. Honeyboy Martin – Dreader Than Dread
31. Joe White – Rudies All Around
32. Lynn Taitt & the Jets – To Sir With Love
33. The Tennors – Ride Your Donkey
34. Slim Smith – Let Me Go Girl
35. The Tartans - Dance All Night
36. The Paragons – On The Beach
37. The Uniques – My Conversation
38. Tommy McCook – The Shadow of Your Smile
39. Alton Ellis & the Flames – All My Tears
40. The Versatiles – Teardrops Falling
41. Derrick Morgan – Conquering Ruler
42. Errol Dunkley – You’re Gonna Need Me
43. Clancy Eccles – What Will Your Mama Say
44. The Melodians – Swing and Dine
45. Pat Kelly – Somebody’s Baby
46. The Gaylads – A.B.C. Rocksteady
47. The Ethiopians – Engine 54
48. Alton Ellis – Girl I’ve Got A Date
49. The Silvertones – Smile
50. The Techniques – You Don’t Care
51. Ike Bennet and the Crystalites – Illya Kuryakin
52. The Sensations – Right On Time – Original
53. Alton Ellis – Cry Tough
54. Desmond Dekker – Unity
55. Phyllis Dillon – Don’t Stay Away
56. Stranger Cole & Patsy – Down The Train Line
57. Justin Hinds – Save A Bread
58. The Three Tops – Do It Right
59. Derrick Harriot – Walk The Streets
60. Clancy Eccles – The Revenge
61. Alton Ellis – Loving Mood
62. The Gaylads – Over the Rainbows End
63. Errol Dunkley – King and Queen
64. The Techniques – Traveling Man
65. Desmond Dekker – It Mek
66. The Gaylettes – Silent River (Runs Deep)
67. Desmond Dekker – Intensified ’68 (aka Music Like Dirt)
68. Ken Boothe – Lady with the Starlight
69. Rudy Mills – Long Story
70. Stranger Cole – Just Like A River
71. Derrick Harriott – The Loser
72. Lester Sterling – Super Special
73. Johnny & the Attractions – Young Wings Can Fly
74. The Natives – Live It Up
75. The Versatiles – The Time Has Come
76. The Melodians – I Will Get Along Without You
77. Keith and Tex – Tonight
78. The Jamaicans – Things You Say You Love
79. The Gaylads – Hard to Confess
80. The Maytals – Just Tell Me
81. Larry Marshall – Please Stay
82. Beres Hammond – The Wanderer
83. The Tartans – Far Beyond the Sun
84. Alton Ellis – Feeling Inside
85. The Overtakers – Girl You Ruff
86. Lloyd Robinson – Death A Come
87. Dennis Brown – Things in Life
88. Lee “Scratch” Perry – People Funny Boy
89. Glen Adams – Hey There Lonely Girls
90. Phyllis Dillon – It’s Rocking Time (Rocksteady)
91. Dawn Penn – To Sir With Love
92. Errol Dunkley – Please Stop Your Lying
93. The Paragons – Only A Smile
94. The Melodians – You Have Caught Me
95. Owen Gray – Take Me Back
96. Sound Dimension – Mojo Rock Steady
97. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Rocking Steady
98. Eric “Monty” Morris – Cinderella
99. Bob Andy – Too Experienced
100. The Uniques – Gypsy Woman
101. The Sensations – Lonely Lover
102. Peter Tosh – Them Ha Fi Get A Beaten
103. Stranger Cole – Seeing Is Knowing
104. Big Youth – A So We Say
105. Nicky Thomas – God Bless the Children
106. The Dynamics – My Friends
107. The Mellotones – Fat Girl In Red
108. Keith Blake – Musically
109. Jimmy London & the Inspirations – Who You Gonna Run To
110. Alton Rock, Suga Roy, & Conrad Crystal – Rock Steady

The Top Albums of October 2009

“Never Give Up” with Screw Driverand Inner Circle is one of those uplifting songs that inspires and makes you want to take on all comers. It has the punch and message of the Jimmy Cliff classic “The Harder They Come.” This song is my new motto: “Never Give Up, Never Surrender.” Inner Circle’s State Of Da World deserves the attention of the world. This new album includes collaborations with reggae megastars Junior Reid, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, Bushman and Luciano.  Slightly Stoopid appears on “Mary Collie Weed” and Damian Marley and  Stephen Marley make guest appearances on “Smoke Gets In My Eyes.”

Texas musicians James McMurtry, Lyle Lovett, and Robert Earl Keen all released new albums this month. McMurty’s Live In Europe features rocking versions of “Ruby And Carlos” and “Just Us Kids.” Lyle Lovett’s Natural Forces has a beautiful cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Loretta.” And Robert Earl Keen has a Townes Van Zandt tune “Flyin’ Shoes” on his new album The Rose Hotel. The single “The Rose Hotel” is free and loose and classic Robert Earl.

On the rap/hip-hop scene Wu-Tang Clan Alumni Raekwon and Ghostface Killah released new albums. The sequel to Raekwon’s classic album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx has been released. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Part II features killer solo tracks like “Ason Jones.” Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and Ghostface Killah guest on “House Of Flying Daggers” and on ”The New Wu.” Old School maestro Slick Rick joins Raekwon, GZA, and Masta Killa on “We Will Rob You.”  And new school rapper Lyfe Jennings appears on the track “Catalina.” Ghostface Killah’s album Ghostdini Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City includes the notable tracks “Baby,” “Back Like That (Remix),” and “Do Over.” Also on the rap scene A Tribe Called Quest emcee Q-Tip released Kamaal The Abstract with the jazzy single “Even If It Is So.”

Greensleeves released two solid reggae compilations this month: The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2009 and The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009. Great songs on this year’s one drop anthems include Beres Hammond’s “Can’t Say I Never Tried” and Marcia Griffith and Busy Signal’s Automatic (Keeping It Real). The outstanding track is Romain Virgo’s tribute to the legendary Alton Ellis entitled “Alton’s Medley: Breaking Up / Ain’t That Loving You / My Willow Tree.” Also Peetah and Assassin’s “Hot A Road,” Mr. Williamz’s “No Cigarette” and Ziggi’s “Gonna Leave You” make this easy-going reggae collection worth the listen.

On the dancehall side of things with The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 Black Ryno’s “Bend Over” and Vybz Kartel and Gaza Indu’s “Virginity” induce the booty shaking while the catchy “Never Change (From Mawning)” by Chino will have you singing along. This newest addition to the dancehall anthems collection stocks up on heavy hitting dancehall singjays like Busy Signal, Demarco, Mavado, Jah Vinci, Laden, and Konshens.

1. Inner Circle – State Of Da World [Shanachie 2009]
2. James McMurtry - Live In Europe [Lightning Rod 2009]
3. Lyle Lovett – Natural Forces [Curb/Lost Highway 2009]
4. Monsters of Folk – Monsters Of Folk [Shangri-La 2009]
5. Various Artists – The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2009 [Greensleeves 2009]
6. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 [EMI 2009]
7. Robert Earl Keen – The Rose Hotel [Lost Highway Records 2009]
8. Various Artists – Jah Live Riddim [Joe Frasier 2009]
9. International Observer – Felt [Dubmission 2009]
10. Roseanne Cash – The List [Manhattan 2009]
11. Various Artists – Penthouse Showcase Volume 4 [Penthouse 2009]
12. Various Artists – Penthouse Showcae Volume 5 [Penthouse 2009]
13. Kiddus I – Green Fa Life [Makasound/Makafresh 2009]
14. Breakestra – Dusk Till’ Dawn [Strut Records 2009]
15. Danny Malone- Cuddlebug [Township Records 2009]
16. Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon: The End Of Day [Dream On/G.O.O.D./Universal Motown 2009]
17. The XX – xx [Young Turks 2009]
18. Various Artists – The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 [Greensleeves 2009]
19. Muse – The Resistance [Warner Brothers 2009]
20. Ghostface Killah – Ghostdini Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City [Island/Def Jam 2009]
21. Various Artists – 5: Five Years of Hyperdub [Hyperdub 2009]
22. Gossip – Music For Men [Columbia 2009]
23. The Avett Brothers – I And Love And You [Columbia 2009]
24. Chuck Fenda – Fulfillment [VP Records 2009]
25. Omar Perry -  Can’t Stop Us [Makasound/Makafresh 2009]
26. Tribal Seeds – The Harvest [Tribal Seeds 2009]
27. Toddla T – Skanky Skanky [1965 2009]
28. Masta Ace & Edo G – Arts & Entertainment [Traffic 2009]
29. Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons – Bend In The Road [Dualtone 2009]
30. Q-Tip – Kamaal The Abstract [Jive 2009]
31. Doveman –  The Conformist [Brassland Records 2009]
32. Dawes – North Hills [ATO 2009]
33. Kris Kristofferson – Closer To The Bone [New West 2009]
34. Mark Knopfler – Get Lucky [Rerprise 2009]
35. Takana Zion – Rappel à l’ordre [Makasound/Makafresh 2009]

The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic Jam Out in Dallas

On Friday, October 16th Widespread Panic opened for the Allman Brothers Band at the Super Pages Center at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Fair Park seethed with Texas State Fair attendees and jam band fans as the two audiences collided for a memorable night of festivities. I caught the end of Widespread Panic’s set. Derek Trucks joined Panic for rocking versions of “Second Skin” and “Blackout Blues.” Widespread Panic wound down their set with one of my favorite Panic songs “All Time Low”  and concluded with “Makes Sense To Me.” I like Widespread Panic, but I was glad the Allman Brothers Band filled the headline spot. I’ve seen Widespread Panic several times. And no doubt they impress everytime. And this time was no exception. Panic came with its A game to Dallas. But the Allman Brothers Band, I had only seen once and from a distance at a past Bonnaroo Music Festival. So I was pumped to see the creators of Jam Band music perform their craft for us North Texans, especially on their 40th anniversary.

Guitar phenoms Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks joined with original Allman members to pack a powerful punch of rock and roll as this new incarantion of the Allman Brothers Band. Greg Allman’s keys and voice anchor the band while Haynes and Trucks soloed atop the driving drums and percussion.  The musicianship was par excellence with fantastic versions of the instrumental masterpieces “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” “Midnight Rider” brought the crowd alive and a killer version of “Statesboro Blues” displayed the skill and timing of these musicians. The Allman Brothers Band concluded their brilliant performance with the sweet sweet “Melissa” and a in your face “Whipping Post.” Georgia has a lot of music to offer the world and I am a big fan of the music coming out of this state. From the Allman Brothers Band to Widespread Panic to R.E.M. Georgians make good music. The Allmans Brothers Band performed above my expectations. If you get a chance see this tour.

Sunday at Austin City Limits Music Festival!

Sunday at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2009 ended up being the best day of music that I have ever seen at the event. Pearl Jam and Michael Franti and Spearhead ripped my face off. Clear skies prevailed overhead, but underfoot the trodden earth remained in a state of mud. Indicative of the diversity of the Austin music scene, the day progressed from dance pop to Texas rock to country to hip-hop-jam-band fusion to pure grunge rock.

The day began with the light-hearted dance pop of the Atlanta-based group the The B-52’s. From past punk pop classics like
”Private Idaho” to the new electronic dance hits like 
”Funplex” the The B-52’s covered tunes from all eras of their musical catalog.
The pop ballad “Roam” electrified the crowd, while fun songs like
”Strobe Light,”
”Hot Corner,” and
”Love in the Year 3000″ kept the crowd dancing. The The B-52’s pleased the audience capping the set with their mega-pop-hits
”Love Shack” and
”Rock Lobster.”

From the pop of the 1980s and 199s I transitioned to the alternative and grunge rock sounds of the North Texas-based rock band The Toadies. The sounds of the rock music of the 1990s and 2000s elicits memories about my teenage years. The new album No Deliverance has some chops like the tune “No Deliverance,” but I really like the tunes from the early album Rubberneck, such as “Backslider,” “I Come From The Water,” and
”Tyler.”
 And of course the song that took the cake at ACL was “Possum Kingdom.” The north Texas rockers played a very nice version of this hit song about murder behind a boathouse.

The Miami-based Raul Malo brought American roots music and the wonderful power of multiculturalism to ACL. Western Swing, Jazz, Country, and Latin rhythms collide in Raul Malo’s music. If Frank Sinatra, Bob Wills, and Freddie Fender had a baby, then it might look and sound a lot like Raul Malo. The former Mavericks front man opened with
”Every Little Thing About You” and played
the beautiful track “Lucky One.” The song
”Dance The Night Away” had people of all ages dancing in the mud. And finally
”It Only Hurts Me When I Cry” displayed the crooning ability of Raul Malo’s marvelous voice.

Michael Franti & Spearhead brought the house down. The set list included several songs from the new album All Rebel Rockers, which in my opinion is one of the best albums of 2009. New songs like “Say Hey (I Love You)” and
”A Little Bit Of Riddim” have been reggaefied and funkdafied and make for amazing live music. Franti pulled songs from earlier albums too like the fun song
”Hello Bonjour,” but the new tracks like
the “Rude Boys Back In Town” rocked the house.

The bass got louder with “Everybody Ona Move” and then Franti rocked us from the
”East to the West” before having us
”Yell Fire!.”
Michael Franti showed his sensitive side with two different heart-felt version of “Hey World (Don’t Give Up Version).” Then Spearhead set the stage on fire with the powerful message tune “Everyone Deserves Music” and the soul power ballad
”I Got Love For You.” The band concluded with their popular new dancehall track
”Say Hey (I Love You),” which little kids and old people alike sang together at the top of their lungs. People danced, sang, and cried. It was kind of like a spiritual revival. Michael Franti and Spearhead are a must see live music act. Their musical power cannot be understated.

After being awed by Spearhead I turned around to see Pearl Jam open their set with the 1990s power ballad “Why Go” from the legendary album Ten. We raced to the front of the main stage as the spectacular day of live music continued. The Pearl Jam set list included many well-known songs like “Corduroy” and my favorite tune “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter in a Small Town.”
From newer tracks like “World Wide Suicide” to old-school favorites like
”Even Flow,” Pearl Jam wailed and rocked and kicked out the jams. I had heard a lot of hype about Pearl Jam and it seems to all be true. These guys a true blood rock and rollers.

The set continued with sing-a-longs to “Daughter” and rip-roaring guitars over the
”State Of Love And Trust.” The new single “The Fixer” from the album Backspacer sounded as fresh as the older tunes, driving hard guitars over quality vocals and lyrics. Pearl Jam’s music making and song writing have stayed crisp and hard hitting. 
”Go” and then
”Red Mosquito” featuring special guest  Ben Harper on pedal steel kept the crowd in a constant state of awe. 
The hard rockin’ continued with “Do The Evolution” and The Who cover with
”The Real Me.”

Pearl Jam’s grand finale killed. “Alive” brought the crowd to a fevered pitch when Eddie Vedder invited a very special guest to the stage. Perry Farrell came to the stage in front of an astounded crowd for a rip-roaring cover of Jane’s Addiction “Mountain Song.” The kings of alternative rock aligned for an energetic cover a classic grunge-era tune. The boys from Seattle capped the night with an amazing version of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

Saturday at Austin City Limits Festival 2009

Saturday at Austin City Limits the rain came down and drenched Zilker Park. Festival goers went undeterred as the puddles turned into seas of mud. The first band I saw was Mute Math, who played a mean version of 
”Spotlight.” MUTE MATH mashes electronica and hard rock. These New Orleans musicians are excellent entertainers putting on quite the show. Lead singer and keyboardist Paul Meany literally did flips while playing his keys. Also MUTE MATH has a wonderful collection of interesting instruments from space-age synthesizers to wild effects pedal boards. Following Mute Math, I caught part of Canadian singer-songwriter Sam Roberts’s set under the tent. I heard someone describe Sam Roberts as the Canadian Bruce Springsteen and certainly the comparison seemed apt.

The rain really started to fall as Citizen Cope took the main stage. Despite the rain Citizen Cope served up some spectacular music. His laid back flip-flop rock lightened the mood with   “Back Together“
  and
  ”107°.”   And a mean version of the protest song “Bullet And A Target”  brought energy to the wet crowd.
 Clarence Greenwood aka Citizen Cope capped the set with the ballad  ”Sideways.”

Next Jamaican reggae superstar Eek-A-Mouse filled the Wildflower tent with reggae lovers and good vibes.  This unique singjay performed his smash hit  ”Ganja Smuggling”  to a most appreciative audience. Interesting enough the Mouse also performed a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic country song
 “Jolene.”  It was amazing. The Mouse soaked up the Texas outlaw sound dropping gun-slinging rhymes and rawhide whips.
 Eek-A-Mouse is quite the entertainer demanding crowd participation and ensuring sweet reggae grooves. With the crowd shouting “Irie” the Mouse dropped the reggae classic  ”Wa-Do-Dem” and closed with  ”Sensi Party.”

Mos Def performed on the AMD stage playing a red hot version of 
”Casa Bey”  from the new album The Ecstatic. The Brooklyn rapper also covered one of Bobby Brown’s love songs “Roni.”  The smooth voice and bass heavy beats of this young rhyme sayer leaves fans bobbing their heads.

Devotchka turned out to be the highlight of the evening. In fact, I consider Devotchka to be the nicest surprise at the festival this year. I knew certain bands would kick ass. But I wasn’t even planning on seeing Devotchka until some of my friends talked me into seeing them. The Denver-based band of gypsies rocked and rollicked. One amazing performing burlesque artist glided above stage on a giant red curtain. Devotchka includes multi-instrumentalists Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion), Jeanie Schroder (sousaphone, bass), and percussionist Shawn King. I highly recommend seeing this band. You will not be let down. Their music is beautiful and fun. One of my friends said she liked to listen to this band when she cleaned. I can see why. It doesn’t matter if your are cleaning or standing in the mud Devotchka deserves a listen.

The Dave Matthews Band headlined Saturday night. The group played my favorite song off the new album Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King entitled  ”Funny The Way It Is.” Also from the new album the boys kicked out “Shake Me Like A Monkey” and “Spaceman.”  The Dave Matthews Band played some classic tracks, including “Jimi Thing” and
 “Cornbread.”
 And after a brilliant cover version of the Talking Heads song “Burning Down The House,” launched into the crowd pleasers
 “So Much To Say,”  
”Ants Marching,” and  ”Two Step.”

Friday at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2009!!!

The rain fell as the music filled the park. Mud seethed underfoot and gushed between toes. Among the strong aromas and beautiful sounds, the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival came alive and offered another memorable year of music. Although environmental factors change from year to year, from stifling heat and dust to drenching rain and mud, the show never stopped. The music continued. And Austin proved itself again as the live music capitol of the world.

I caught Dr. Dog at the Dell Stage for my first show. I found these boys from Philadelphia to be quite harmonic, reminiscent of the psychadelia rock of the Beatles and The Byrds. Songs like “The Breeze” and “The Old Days” displayed that smooth 1960s sound. But my favorite song on the set list was “The Rabbit, The Bat & The Reindeer.”

I had heard of Phoenix, but I had never listened to their music. A friend convinced me to see this alternative rock band from Versaille, France. The comparisons to their French peers Daft Punk and Air interested me. Ultimately I understood the comparisons, finding the sound close to a New Order-like electronica pop. Phoenix pleasantly surprised me with tunes like “Lisztomania,” “Lasso,” “If I Ever Feel Better,” “Fences,” “Girlfriend,” “Run Run Run,” “Too Young,” “Rome,” and “1901.” Many of the songs appear on the new album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

The best show of the day came from the Somalian born/Canadian based rapper k’naan. Under the Wildflower Tent the slender Somalian rocked the crowd with political prose, heart-felt lyrics, and blistering beats. Appropriate adjectives include humble, inspirational, and talented.  k’naan had a broad appeal, drawing young children and old people, and all those between the young and old. An intimate performance captivated the crowd.

The track “T.I.A. [Explicit]” thundered bass as K’naan introduced the crowd to his unique brand of hip-hop. “T.I.A.” samples Bob Marley’s classic ska tune “Simmer Down,” layers it over heavy beats, and atop raps the brilliant young wordsmith. In Africa, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, 2pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. reign supreme. k’naan studied these great performers and his sound reflects those influences. Yet the sound is original. The music is gangsta but peaceful, hard but soft, and always chalk full of the contradictions and realities of life.

From Africa the Somalian took us on a trip to “America.” On the album, Mos Def and Chali 2Na join the track with their rhymes on the studio version of “America,”  but solo and live K’naan brought this song to its full potential without the help of these great lyricists. The song “Take A Minute” brought emotion to the tent. The following love ballad “Fatima” lightened the mood. And then the hardcore rap song “ABC’s” (with a Chubb Rock sample) rocked the and rolled with pure energy.

K’naan then sang a song about “Somalia,” which brought tears to the crowd’s eyes. The lyricist played two different versions beginning with an acapella and moving into a full band version. As K’naan says “his real will makes your real look like a rental.” This track talks about the perils of childhood in Somalia and the suffering of the people. K’naan harnesses the pain and realities of the world and turns them into amazing poetry. The rapper followed the tear jerker with “Bang Bang,” a nice jamming pop tune. And he ended his set with the a sing-a-long to “Wavin’ Flag.”

K’naan was the highlight of the evening. But the jams continued with Thievery Corporation. The dub electronica duo and band played on the main stage this year kicking out funky electronica with “.” The crew from Washington, D.C. also played the sitar heavy “Mandala,” displaying their unique acumen at world music.

In a testimony to the diversity of the music at ACL I caught parts of sets from the Texas country group Reckless Kelly and the hard-rocking new super trio Them Crooked Vultures. Them Crooked Vultures features bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer David Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, and Josh Homme the guitarist and lead singer from Queens Of The Stone Age. Kings Of Leon headlined Friday night playing their hits “Sex On Fire,”
”On Call,” and
”Use Somebody.”

The  music continued after the festival at the ACL after shows. I went to a Township Records showcase at the Ghost Room downtown on 4th Street in the Warehouse District. I caught the end of Danny Malone’s set. This kid has a beautifully haunting voice. My wife described him as a creepy James Taylor. His new album Cuddlebug features the eerie track “Basement.” Graham Wilkinson & the Underground Township played some of my favorite tracks from the new album Yearbook, including “Ragamuffin” and “Let It Go.”