BLACK UHURU
The Millennium Collection (Island)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson


When the first Grammy for heavy metal was handed out, it was given to Jethro Tull. That they were even nominated was stunning enough. It was pretty clear that the voters didn't know anything about the subject. When the first Grammy for reggae music was finally handed out after years of industry deaf, dumb and blindness toward the genre, it went to Black Uhuru. Hey, whattaya know, they got it right. REAL reggae, deep roots, strong grooves, and songs that attempt to raise awareness. Conscious reggae.

This entry in The Millennium Collection, like all the others, is not intended as a definitive compilation, but rather a solid starting point for the beginning collector or a decent representation for those who just want a little of everyone in their collection. Uhuru went through several lineups over the years, but these songs are culled from the period of 1979-84, when Michael Rose was the front man for the trio. In Derrick "Duckie" Simpson and Sandra "Puma" Jones, Rose found voices that, in harmony with his own, moved people emotionally and spiritually. His solo career has been fine, but he's never made sounds like those since he left the group in 1984.

Several examples of those sounds can be found on this CD, in songs like "Mondays," "Chill Out" and "Darkness." Another classic sound present on all of these cuts is the bass and drum work, as well as production, of Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar, the best-known team in reggae, and with good reason. I know people who collect anything with Sly & Robbie on it, and I don't blame them, so I suppose I could safely recommend this disc even if it was The Best Of The Brady Kids, as long as those two were in the mix. This is much easier, though. Sly & Robbie, the trio in harmony, Rose's excellent songwriting and distinctive voice, and well selected tracks. If you're fairly certain you want to get into Black Uhuru, there are other collections that are pricier but packed with much more material. As an entry point at a budget price, though, this is worth picking up.

Track List:

Chill Out * Guess Who's Coming To Dinner * Spoonji Reggae * Push Push * Happiness * Youth Of Eglington * Sinsemilla * Mondays * What Is Life? (Original mix) * Darkness * Party Next Door (Original mix)

© 2002 - DJ Johnson