Burning Spear - Rasta Business '1995/2013

Tracks list

       "Talking, reasoning, about some constructive things"; this line from
"Every Other Nation" nicely sums up Rasta Business, whose songs act as a launch
pad for a series of insightful discussions. And who better than Winston Rodney
to lecture and educate; it's a role the Burning Spear has always held, although
he remains somewhat unsure if others respect it. "My diploma is from his
Majesty, never recognized by society," he insists. Jamaica is in need of a
voice, a recognized speaker, another of "Every Other Nation"'s observations.
However, the island's real national voices are lost in the din of PR and spin,
and even Rastafarianism has found itself marketed, a development that meets with
Rodney's disapproval, forms the theme for the album's title track, and is
further explored on "Legal Hustlers." Rodney may no longer be the impassioned,
searing Spear of yore, and while he still scathingly condemns on occasion, it's
evident his true aim is to educate and raise consciousness, a point that the
anthemic "Subject in School" makes clear as the singer campaigns for lessons in
Garvey-ism. The sublime "Africa" is a crash course in repatriation, while "Not
Stupid" adopts his classic "Slavery Days" to current events. Like all great
ambassadors and teachers, Rodney puts his views across with clarity while
simultaneously reaching out to those who have yet to grasp his points. He makes
all learning enjoyable, all discussions pertinent, and his insightful views
continue to intrigue. As always, his band cooks merrily along behind him, but
the music, strong as it is, is not the focus here, merely an auditory tool to
enhance the lecture. ~ Jo-Ann Greene

Tracklist:
1.01 - Burning Spear - Africa (4:47)
1.02 - Burning Spear - This Man (3:37)
1.03 - Burning Spear - Not Stupid (4:18)
1.04 - Burning Spear - Creation (3:41)
1.05 - Burning Spear - Every Other Nation (4:49)
1.06 - Burning Spear - Burning Reggae (4:29)
1.07 - Burning Spear - Rasta Business (4:19)
1.08 - Burning Spear - Old Timer (4:38)
1.09 - Burning Spear - Subject In School (3:46)
1.10 - Burning Spear - Hello Rastaman (4:46)
1.11 - Burning Spear - Legal Hustlers (4:49) 

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