What makes a perfect album? Is it the way it takes you away from your everyday life? Is it the fact that you press play and cannot walk away until it's done? Or is it the fact that you know every word every nuance of the music and every drum break? A perfect album, CD or whatever media you use encompasses all of these elements and more. A perfect album is timeless; it moves you and engrains itself in your life and becomes a touchstone for personal histories.
This week I'll be looking at the 1981's Black Uhuru album Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
A wave of reggae washed over the world in the late 70's, led by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. This wave would carry to the shores of our continent the amazing Black Uhuru. A band that has had as many line up changes as any band can tolerate and still keep the same name.
On its third incarnation Black Uhuru consisted of Michael (or Mikal) Rose, Ducky Simpson (the only original member) and the late American born Puma Jones. These three singers were backed by the mightiest bass and drum duo ever to emerge from Jamaica Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. The infamous Sly & Robbie, kings of the dub.
Affectionately known to their fans as the singer, the swimmer (for Jones' dancing style) and the Ugly Duck, Black Uhuru would become one or the most influential reggae bands of the 1980s.
The first album by this version of Black Uhuru was Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? This work would foretell the direction Black Uhuru would take their sound and the whole of reggae. An infusion of electronic sounds and heavy bass and drum would revolutionize the sound coming from Jamaica.
The album starts off with "Shine Eye Gal," an ode to unrequited love infused with one of the most unforgettable bass lines ever. This is followed by "Leaving Zion," a cry for a more spiritual life.
Then comes "Geranial Penitentiary," the only song about prison that makes you want to shake your butt. I won't even go there, but you may if you choose to.
This is followed by the title track, the answer to which is a Nappy Dreadlock. Next is an anti-abortion song called "Abortion," great music; can't say I agree with the lyrics though.
"Natural Reggae Beat" has a great riddim' and soul. The album closes out with "Plastic Smile," decrying hypocrisy with the immortal lyric, "Don't show I your teeth, plastic smile coward."
This album is soulful, rhythmic and will tell you where reggae began its evolution into the worldwide phenom we all enjoy today.
This incarnation of Black Uhuru would part ways with Michael Rose in 1985. Rose would pursue a solo career.
Sandra "Puma" Jones would leave after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She would die a year later.
By that time Black Uhuru had won the first Grammy for Reggae in 1984 for the album "Anthem."
Ducky would continue with many other personnel and would reunite with the original members Ervin "Don Carlos" Spencer and Rudolph "Garth" Dennis in 1990. They would release Now and continue to tour in this configuration through the early 90's. This lineup would change time and time again after. But, you may still catch a Black Uhuru show and regardless of the configuration, it's bound to be unforgettable.
So, sit back, roll some ganja, and get carried away by some of the best music Jamaica was kind enough to give to the world.
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