During the week I became aware of a compilation that deals with the fusion of punk and reggae at the end of the 70s. And yes, it includes the essential bands such as The Clash, The Ruts, Stiff Little Fingers and The Specials, but also The Piranhas.
The Piranhas were a band that originally emerged from Brighton's punk scene in 1977 and became famous when they covered Tom Hark, a South African folk standard that made it into the charts.
They've only released one album, but it's filled with ska-inspired new wave, which was absolutely danceable and was a favorite of mine when I was still occasionally on the road as a DJ. Looking back, I have to say that they wrote more good songs than the rest of comparable bands at the time and have been unjustly forgotten.
4 Kommentare:
I assume you are referring to the new Cherry Red compilation Roots Rock Rebels. There have been some other fun "punky reggae" compilations over the years, like Spiky Dread, Wild Dub, and Snuffin In A Babylon. Great stuff!
Looks like everyone is on the same page with these. Mooz 0ver at Moozler Music posted up some post-punk/reggae clashes. I recommended this very compilation. Then he suggested several more, the three that jonder listed & this additional set:
And a quick google search should direct you to these fan made comps, which are equally excellent:
-DIYDUB
-Babylon Breakdown
-Sleeping in Hammersmith Palais
That should be plenty o' fun for all. Thanks so much, Walter.
Thanks, Walter, great choice. I'm extremely lucky enough to be seeing one of the bands you mention live in concert this evening. No spoiler to say that it won't be The Clash (!) but I'm thrilled to say the least.
A band I haven't thought about in decades. I saw them in 1980 when they supported The Jam at the Glasgow Apollo. Other than 'Tom Hark', their set was met with huge indifference as they weren't very good in the live setting.
Kommentar veröffentlichen