While it’s true that Bob Marley, and to a lesser extent Peter Tosh, were the vehicles through which I became familiar with reggae music, it was the compositions of one Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney that catapulted my interest in roots from that of a casual observer to the lifelong obsession of a passionate acolyte---not to the religion or anything, just the music. If I’m having a rough day or find myself struggling with a shitty attitude, there is scarcely a better remedy to be found than some uplifting roots reggae, because you don’t have to be a Rastafarian to grasp the simple yet vital importance of an idea like, “…try my best to live good, yes yes yes; try my best to do right, yes yes yes...” dig?! The interplay between the horn section & that fluttering flute has such a calming effect on the listener, as does the slow tempo which Rodney is well known for employing, all of the elements encouraging you to take it easy, take the high road, make the effort, but all in due time, no hurry mon. Wishing Sus’ a very happy b-day today, here’s to many more years of living good!
