Shanachie just dropped Roots Radics Revolution (1978 – 1984), the definitive collection of pre-digital reggae dancehall. The compilation revisits the era when the heavy, sparse rhythms of the Roots Radics band took over the globe. While the international roots reggae of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh dominated the global stage in the 1970s, a raw, minimalist revolution was brewing in the streets of Kingston. Driven by the thunderous, sparse drum-and-bass grooves of the iconic Roots Radics band, this era bridged the gap between traditional roots and modern sound system culture. It was the ultimate “golden age” of live-instrumentation dancehall, right before computers and digital production redefined the genre forever.
This essential compilation packs the absolute biggest hits of the pre-digital era, featuring foundational pioneers like Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, Sugar Minott, and Barrington Levy, alongside Sister Nancy’s timeless, internationally sampled anthem “Bam Bam.”
For the collectors and purists, the tracklist also unearths hard-to-find, rare gems—including the original version of “Dem A Lick Shot” by Michael Palmer, Anthony Johnson’s “Gunshot,” and Wayne Jarrett’s smooth “Saturday Night Jamboree.”
