Burning Spear: Dry And Heavy - 1977

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Even more full of ganga-inspired, bucolic bliss is the bright and optimistic sound of this excellent album. 

Once again, musically, it is top notch and while the bass is deep, dubby and heavy (as of course it should be) it doesn't vibrate your speakers and move the pictures on your wall. It seemed as if Spear had settled down considerably by now, a lot of the righteous ire of Marcus Garvey had been diluted, no doubt by more time in the hills grinding coffee and enjoying the invigorating qualities of the sacred herb. 

It was an album that showed that roots reggae, even within its stylistic limitations, could be sonically attractive and at times deceptively beautiful. This is a fine-sounding reggae album. 

Highlights are Black Disciples, Dry And Heavy, Shout It Out, Throw Down Your Arms, Any River and The Sun.

Secondary, 2 of 3

Also mighty crucial from Burning Spear are Marcus's Children from 1978 and Living Dub from 1979.

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