| Product: |
Hail H.I.M. - Burning Spear |
| Date: |
18.07.01 (53 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: There's A Guy With Feathers In His Hat On the Cover, You Can Tell Your History Techer that you Don't Want to Learn About Columbus For Religious Reasons, You Won't Find This On Pure Reggae Vols 1- Infinty
Disadvantages: Jah Might Get Offended If You Laugh At The Cover, Columbus' Descendants May Bring A Class-Action Lawsuit Against You, Not To Be Ingested Internally
Burning Spear (real name Winston Rodney) is one of the most under-rated reggae performers of the 20th century, in my humble opinion. His brand of deep, soulful, message-laden reggae combined with his unique voice puts him, in my mind, on a par with Bob Marley. Not only that, but Mr Spear has managed to severely outlive Mr Marley by at least 3 decades. His music dates back at least as far as Bob Marley's, yet he is still making albums and touring to this very day. Hail H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty, referring to Jah, the Rastafarian word for God) is undoubtedly one of his most important works. It was recorded in the early 1980s with a rather famous band called the Wailers, minus they're slightly more famous frontman Bob Marley. This singular combination of Burning Spear's poetry, vocals and melodies with the Wailers' proven musical prowess makes for a powerful and extremely complete album. From beginning to end, the songs almost flow into each other. There is definitely a similarity between most of the songs on this album, which some might consider repetitive, but to me, it's just such a perfect formula, it never ceases to entertain me. Anyway, here goes with the track-by-track:
Hail H.I.M. is a great introduction - a solemn, almost regal organ and horn section with a funky little bass line for good measure. If I was ever crowned King of a country, I'd play this song, perhaps substituting Dave for Jah, and maybe getting Jennifer Lopez to lapdance at the same time. Call me picky, if you will.
Columbus is an interesting song defaming the famous explorer. "Christopher Columbus is a damn blasted liar" according to Mr Rodney, due to the fact that people had discovered Jamaica before him. Whilst his logic may be a little awry, he carries off the song with enough vim and melody to forgive the poor old sod. This song also gives heavy credence to a friend of mine's theory that the trumpet is the sexiest instrument on the
planet. If I could only find a woman trumpet player...
Road Foggy leads in with a nice murky bass line. His lyrics follow up, leading us forward to the light at the end of this foggy place - the light, to him, being Jah of course. Nice imagery and excellent vocal harmony - very catchy.
Follow Marcus Garvey is one of Burning Spear's many tributes to a civil rights leader from Jamaica. Marcus Garvey believed that black people should go back to Africa to rediscover their roots, and Burning Spear was a bit of a fan, to say the least. Not an album went past in his long and distinguished career on which he did not give you a little bit of Garvey propaganda. This song is very peaceful and mellow - following Marcus Garvey feels like the most natural thing to do when listening to this - how could someone be wrong when they sing so softly about it? I think the scientologists missed a great opportunity here - should have signed him up when they had a chance.
Jah See And Know is a little reminder that even if we forget our old friends or actions, someone upstairs remembers them. It's somhow comforting - no matter how much we forget it still remains in the memory of Jah. Very smooth track.
African Teacher is another track advocating the return to Africa - Africans being able to teach their Western counter-parts all about life, etc. Can't say I'm convinced, but neither am I black, so what do I know?
African Postman has a little Jamaican family visited by an African postman, presumably with an invite to Africa. Surreal imagery, if you ask me (I'd be scared to death), but interesting nonetheless.
Cry Blood Africans is an emotive track about all the injustice done in Africa. It's quite sad, with a staccato organ section that sounds very much like tears falling.
Jah A Guh Raid is a prophecy of Jah's vengeance on those who oppressed Africans. Not the cheeriest of topics, but I never said he wa
s a cheery guy.
I haven't focused as much on the music as I usually do here, because as I said before, the instruments and melodies are quite similiar throughout - not unimaginatively so, but more than enough to say that the album has a mood of its own. Whether or not you agree with Burning Spear's politics, there is no denying his skill at songwriting and natural singing ability. Even if you only download one track off this album - please, please, I beg you - try Burning Spear - you won't regret it.
Mind, it's just my opinion.
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