Far from musics glory days in the 90's, we now live in a piracy filled, devalued, and subpar music era. Sounds a little harsh, but the reality is music isn't what it once was - both finicially and in terms of quality. While some may be able to argue that music is better than ever in terms of quality, no one can deny the diminishing market for album, and single sales. The main culprit contributing to this fast pace declining music world is "Al Gore's" internet. Blame Al Gore! Ok, that is a joke, but the internet is hands down the number one reason why music has plummeted into an abyss of Justin Beiber ring tones.  Since the internet, people have wanted things faster, easier, and all of the sudden cheaper. You may be raising your eyebrows...

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Tags: Music, Music Industry

When traveling away from home, soothing reggae rhythms can comfort you on your trip. Whether on a teen tour or a mid-life adventure, try these rhythms to soothe you foul on the way. The music will lift your spirits and put you in a happy state of mind. If you like Bob Marley and reggae music from that time period you will like these selections while traveling. 1. Lee “Scratch” Perry Audio CD: Sipple Out Deh: Best of the Black Art This is a two CD collection of Perry’s music along with other Jamaican singles from the mid-to-late 1970s. Many consider this an essential reggae collection from the golden era. Lee Perry was a musician and a record producer. He built the “Black Art Studio” in his backyard in 1973. He produced musicians like Bob Marley...

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Tags: Reggae Artists, Travel Tips

Ken Boothe was born in the Denham Town, Kingston in 1948.  He was the youngest of seven children. Ken came from a musically talented family and he attributed his musical interests and abilities to both his mother and older sister.  When he was only eight years old, he won his first singing contest. After then, he has never lost his focus, and continued to practice. To sing and perform to the best of his ability are his aim in life.  Mahalia Jackson, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, The Temptations, and The Drifters became his musical influences. His career started in the late 1950. At the same year, he formed a duo with his neighbor Stranger Cole. Their duo is known as 'Stranger & Ken'.  Both of them released several...

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Tags: jamaican, Ken Boothe

In 1975, Steel Pulse, a roots reggae band, was formed in Birmingham, England, in the inner city area of Handsworth. The founder of this band was schoolmates David Hinds, the song writer, lead singer and guitarist, Basil Gabbidon on guitars, and Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen on bass. All of them came from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience.  They had been nominated in Grammy and won only once but they were the only band to play a Presidential inauguration (Bill Clinton's in '93). Formed in 1975, their first album was “Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku” under a small independent label, Dip.  It was then followed by “Nyah Love for Anchor”.  At first, Steel Pulse had difficulty finding live gigs,...

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Tags: reggae band, Steel Pulse

Sheldon Campbell, popularly known as Turbulence, was born on January 11, 1980.  He is a Jamaican artist and a self proclaimed Rastafari member.  This 31-year-old Sheldon Campbell also known as Turbulence is fast becoming one of Jamaica’s leading conscious dancehall deejays.  His influences range from the great Bob Marley, Sizzla Kalonji, Jah Cure, Luciano, Mikey General and his older cousin Norris Man.  With these influences from great artist, he has developed a unique singing and deejaying style. Turbulence first discovered his talent while still attending classes at St. Andrew’s Technical High School in Kingston, Jamaica.  He started beating up the desk, testing his tunes on classmates. His talents were well received,...

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Tags: jamaican, Reggae, Turbulence

Inner Circle is a Jamaican reggae and Alternative Hip Hop group formed in 1968 by the brothers Ian and Roger Lewis.  Joining them is Jacob Miller, their front-man and lead singer.  This Jamaican- bred, Grammy winning quintet is one of the world’s most famous reggae groups of the 70’s.  Inner Circle’s pop Jamaican beat and energy- filled live performances made them transcend the traditional reggae niche.  They have performed alongside with pop and rock music legendary icons like John Elton, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel and Jimmy Page among the few.  Its first debut album was released in 1974 under Trojan Records label.  In 1978, the band achieved a major breakthrough when the group was signed to Island Records...

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Tags: Bad Boys, Inner Circle, Reggae