The Harder They Come

 

Just over 50 years ago, the German music magazine Sounds began promoting reggae more actively. I still remember a series by Teja Schwaner in which he explained the origins of reggae to German readers, going far beyond Bob Marley. Ska, and its gradual slowing down over several hot summers in Jamaica, evolved into rocksteady, characterized by it's dominant bass lines. 

This series also featured a film that depicted the era and the music scene in Jamaica quite realistically. The Harder They Come tells the story of Ivan Martin, a poor young man from rural Jamaica who seeks musical success in the big city and ultimately meets a violent end.

In these times it was impossible to watch the movie at my place and so I got the soundtrack instead. This soundtrack was my gateway to classic reggae and to Jimmy Cliff (who also plays the lead role in the film), The Slickers, many others, and later to dub. The soundtrack was released 54 years ago, and it’s time to revisit it.

Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come

The Slickers - Johnny Too Bad

Jimmy Cliff - Many Rivers To Cross

Jimmy Cliff - You Can Get It If You Really Want It

Jimmy Cliff

 

This morning, I received the sad news that Jimmy Cliff passed away yesterday at the age of 81 following a bout of pneumonia. He was the one who first got me into reggae in the mid-seventies and, over the years, led me to buy and enjoy a lot of this music.

Born in Jamaica, he set out at a young age to find his fortune as a musician in Kingston. The Harder They Come, in which he sang several songs on the soundtrack and also played the lead role of Ivan, shows that this was not something everyone was fortunate enough to achieve. I saw this film in its original version without subtitles when I was young and must admit that I often didn't understand any of the words spoken. But if ever a film has described the Jamaican music scene, it's this one.

The fact that he also denounced social injustices in numerous songs is most convincing in Vietnam, which Bob Dylan once called perhaps the best protest song ever written. Thirteen years ago, Cliff once again created a reggae album with Rebirth, which unfortunately is played far too rarely.

Rest in peace, Jimmy Cliff.

Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come

Jimmy Cliff - Vietnam

Jimmy Cliff - World Upside Down

Singles Released This Week Years Ago

 

This week shows some songs from the sixties, soul and mainly songs from the end of the seventies, where great songs were written.

1967: Dave Davis

1981: Soft Cell

1981: R.E.M.

1965: Sonny & Cher

1971: Aretha Franklin

1976: The Ramones

1965: Wilson Picket

1967: Bobbie Gentry

1970: Jimmy Cliff

1969: David Bowie

1963: The Crystals

1979: The Boomtown Rats

1979: The Flying Lizards

The Harder They Come

The first time I got in contact to reggae music was around 1974 when I saw The Harder They Come in a late night special repetory cinema in my hometown. I have to admit that my English wasn't that well at this times and I sat there reading subtitles most of the time. But it wasn't necessary because you will understand the story anyway even if you don't understand every word. The story is simple and based on the life of rude boy Vincent 'Ivanhoe' Martin adapted into the 70's life in Kingston. The Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff plays in it Ivanhoe Martin, a young man who comes from the country to the city of Kingston and dreams of a career as a singer. Finally, after different approach difficulties he finds a producer (who stands on behalf for the large part of the Jamaican producers at that time). After him this pays only extremely meagerly, Ivan starts to earn his money with trade of the marihuana which is also unlawful in Jamaica. Accordingly he gets during conflict with the system what makes to him the life difficult – he is shot in a battle with the police. A simple and credible story but what fascinated me most was the soundtrack to this movie. Me and me mates have heard that there was a very special music over in Jamaica but never listened to any song. Jimmy Cliff and this movie introduced me to reggae and made me investigate more of this. Still then from time to time a reggae or dub record will find the way to my turntable and I enjoy it.

Jimmy Cliff - Pressure Drop
Jimmy Cliff - Johnny Too Bad
Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come
Jimmy Cliff - You Can Get It If You Really Want

Ska Wednesday

During the past days I turned into Ska again and stumbled into The Skatalites once again. They were more than a band - they were an institution for Jamaican music. Formed in the early 60's they played for vocalists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff or Peter Tosh. For me they are the godfathers of Ska and had a huge influence to every other band playing this kind of style. I don't have to say more because I am sure a lot of you will know them and every one have a special song for your favourite.

The Skatalites - Guns Of Navarone
The Skatalites - Rock Fort Rock
The Skatalites - Al Capone