Marcus Garvey / Garvey’s Ghost by Burning Spear

Winston Rodney AKA Burning Spear recorded this album in 1975 and brought it to Chris Blackwell of Island Records for international release. However, Blackwell took the controversial decision to remix it and tone down the bass heavy dub elements for a mainstream US/European audience, much to Rodney’s dismay. I can sort of see the point - most home listeners would not have had any way of playing this back as it was meant to be heard via a massive sound system. Listening on a little transistor radio just doesn’t cut the mustard.

The original version was released 4 months later as Garvey’s Ghost and that’s the one that you should listen to, preferably on the most bass heavy system that you have. It’s a powerful experience, sung from the heart with true emotion and the music will make you want to dance.