World of Reggae Music Collection: Vintage Reggae

Classic Reggae

This second volume of the World of Reggae Music Collection digs deeper into Vintage Reggae exploring some of reggae’s most classic tracks. For example, the Tamlin’s “Baltimore“ is a classic cut that typifies the soul of reggae music. From the unique vocal stylings of Barrington Levy and Susan Cadogan to supergroups like The Heptones, Israel Vibration, and the Gladiators, this era of reggae music forces hearts to pulsate and feet to dance. Furthermore, this genre includes melodic tracks like Bob Marley & the Wailers‘ “Do It Twice” and Ernie Smith’s “Duppy Gunman.”

1. Barrington Levy – Don’t Fuss Nor Fight
2. Roman Stewart – Hit Song
3. Errol Dunkley – Sad To Know
4. Susan Cadogan – Hurt So Good
5. The Heptones – Country Boy
6. Leroy Smart – I Am the Don
7. The Gladiators – Small Axe
8. Toots & the Maytals – Peeping Tom
9. Reggie Antonie – So Many Ways
10. Lee “Scratch” Perry – So Many Skanks
11. Clancy Eccles – Fatty Fatty
12. Mallory Williams – She Boom
13. Johnny Ousborne – Water Pumping
14. Jimmy Sommerville – To Love Somebody
15. The Pioneers – Time Hard
16. Dennis Brown – Sitting And Watching
17. Bob Andy – Feeling
18. Peter Tosh – Ketchy Shuby
19. Horace Andy –I Feel Good All Over
20. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Bus Dem Shut
21. Joe Higgs – Burning Fire
22. Ernie Smith – Duppy Gunman
23. Junior Murvin – Cool Out son
24. Eric Donaldson – Stand Up
25. Lee “Scratch” Perry – Dub Fu Ye Rights
26. Horace Andy – Man To Man
27. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Do It Twice
28. Desmond Dekker – Generosity
29. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Guava Jelly
30. Message – Rum-Bum-A-Loo
31. The Viceroys – River To Cross
32. Israel Vibration – The Same Song
33. Bunny Wailer – Rockers
34. Junior Byles – Fade Away
35. Theo Beckford – Easy Snappin’
36. Max Romeo – Wet Dream
37. Freddie McGregor – Joggin’
38. The Viceroys – Ya Ho
39. Marcia Griffiths – Melody Life
40. The Wailing Souls – Row Fisherman
41. Rupie Edwards – Ire Feelings
42. Jacob Miller – Love Is A Message
43. Denzel D. Dennis – Women and Money
44. The Upsetters – Cent Skank
45. Jacob Miller – Baby I Love You So
46. Johnny Clarke – Top Ranking (I’m the Toughest)
47. The Heptones – I’ve Got the Handle (First Aid)
48. The Cables – Baby Why
49. Dave Barker & the Upsetters – Shock Of Mighty
50. The Maytones – Money Worries
51. Freddie McGregor – I Was Born A Winner
52. The Wailing Souls – Back Out
53. Glen Washington – One Of These Days
54. The Congos – At The Feast
55. Cornell Campbell & Sound Dimension – What Kind of World
56. Derrick Morgan –  Forward March
57. Black Uhuru – Sponji Reggae
58. Johnny Clarke -  Move Out Of Babylon
59. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Waiting In Vain
60. Carl Malcom – Fatty Bum Bum
61. Gregory Isaacs – Top Ten
62. Desmond Dekker – Shing A Ling
63. Barry Brown – Stand Firm
64. Trevor Byfield – Burning Bush
65. The Gladiators – On the Other Side
66. Black Uhuru – Great Train Robbery
67. Carl Malcom – No Jestering
68. Cornell Campbell – Stars
69. Dub Specialist – Starring Dub
70. Lloyd Parks – Ordinary Man
71. The Impact All Stars – Ordinary Man Version 3
72. Lord Creator – Such is Life
73. Keith Poppin – Righteous Man
74. The Heptones – My Guiding Star
75. Leroy Smart – Wish You Good Luck
76. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Lively Up Yourself
77. Black Uhuru – Sun Is Shining
78. The Mighty Diamonds – Back Whey
79. Little John – All Over Me
80. Ruddy Thomas – When I Think Of You
81. Don Carlos – Hog and Goat
82. Tyrone Taylor – Heavy Waist Line
83. Prince Alla – Poor Man Feel It
84. Cornell Campbell – Press Along
85. King Tubby – Press Along (King Tubby’s Dub)
86. Dennis Brown – Cassandra
87. The Tamlins – Baltimore
88. Dandy Livingstone – Suzanne Beware Of The Devil
89. Zap Pow - This Is Reggae Music
90. Johnny Clarke - None Shall Escape The Judgement
91. Pluto Shervington – Ram Goat Liver
92. Tingo Steward – Play De Music
93. Denzel Dennis – Me Nah Worry

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 Andyand female artists Marcia Griffiths, Susan Cadogan, and my favorite Phyllis Dillon. Many of the musicians from the rock steady era like Derrick Morgan and Stranger Colerecorded 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 like “No No No (You Don’t Love Me Anymore)” and “Rainy Night in Portland.”

Here in the early reggae cuts you find amazing originality. Dennis Brown tracks like “Westbound Train” and “Man Next Door” encapsulate the raw power of reggae. And, Delroy Wilson’s bass heavy “Better Must Come” might be the greatest reggae song ever recorded. Plus the early Bob Marley & the Wailers’ songs forged music and message into a powerful punch. Together Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer recorded original classics like “Mr. Brown,” “Try Me,” and “Jailhouse.” These legends of reggae music would forever change the course of music history.

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 Fight
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 And Black
26. Delroy Wilson – Better Must Come
27. K.C. White – No No No
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/Version
33. Desmond Dekker – Fu Man Chu
34. Derrick Morgan – Tougher Than Tough (Rudie In Court)
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 Foots Steps Of Another Man
42. Lord Messam – Linstead Market
43. Alton Ellis – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
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 Bumper’s
49. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Try Me
50. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Try Me (Version)
51. Derrick Morgan – I Am The Ruler
52. Ronnie Davis – I Won’t Cry
53. The Tennors – 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

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]

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

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

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

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]

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 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 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.”