OldGit Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I've got a new reggae band possibly happening in the New Year so I'm looking for tracks to play that really work. We have the "floor fillers" thread for pop/rock etc [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?s=&showtopic=8685&view=findpost&p=90010"]here[/url] but I'm looking for the reggae ones. Complete sets for reggae bands would be good as well. Chuck in your ska top tracks too if you like though this project is decidedly more reggae than ska Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 are you familiar with riddims etc.... Ba Ba Boom Riddim is cool...which version you follow is up to you. Picture on the Wall by various.. Rat in my kitchen, ub40's Johnny to bad Riddim, various Declaration of rights riddim Master Blaster Stevie Wonder...great bass, i always loved playing the bass solo in this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Money In My Pocket Night Nurse Never had the fortune to play in a reggae band but put some very popular compilation albums together many years ago. These two were always on the "must have" lists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 ask Rasta he plays in a very good reggae band that i know..knows his stuff.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) Probably a bit obvious but any of Bob Marley's singles. Suppose it depends on the kind of reggae band it's going to be. If for general audiences, you might consider 'reggae-influenced' stuff like (ahem) Dreadlock Holiday, Bed's Too Big Without You, I Can See Clearly Now, I Got You Babe (UB40 / Hynde), etc. If this band is aimed at a more -er - 'knowledgeable' audience (is there a Reggae police?) scratch the above. Edited December 23, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 Great, Thanks, keep 'em coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) Brethren Redstriper is also a great reggae player too...calling ya in bro Well...lets talk reggae haha....the belly of the riddim! My humble opinion on this is probably somewhat fragmented as I believe that any 'irie' reggae played well will get the people on the dance floor...but the reggae covers band i play with has opinions that are divided on this viewpoint. So we generally go for a mixture of classics peppered with the odd modern version take on a classic riddim. For example we play BMW's 'Waiting in Vain' but we also play it through to General Degree's version 'Almighty God' on that same riddim. Now i guess most of crowds will know the BMW original but not heard the General Degree one...but the people still dance and like the tension of difference...and at the same time we give a reggae education in little chunks...kinda shows we like our reggae too- and its always a good sign to see a Rasta or two on the dancefloor... seen . But equally the set is balanced by crowd pleasers to associate the crowd with the dance floor for example Madness, UB40 , BMW etc, so guaranteed floor fillers is a bit more strategic than simply playing our favourite tune. To be a good reggae covers band appealing to all audiences can often require a spectrum of reggae genre's to include Dancehall, Ska, Dub, Roots, Ragga, Lovers etc etc but i guess that also depends the venues your seeking (nothing like a Sunday morning hangover dub set at a Southwest sunshine festival with farting speakers and good Colly ...but perhaps thats another band-irie ). I play with a few reggae band set ups, all very different , catering for different venues from Weddings, clubs, recording sessions to European reggae festivals. But typically weddings, pubs, clubs etc i would say having a good Ska contribution is a must... people like to dance and like that upbeat to get them started...i'm not a big fan of the 'modern ska' covers I play but they do go down well such as Madness 'Night boat to Cairo' or Bad Manners 'Lip up fatty' (dedicated to my beer belly) and one the crowd really love is Ghost town (interesting bass on that one). As my good buddy Bubinga said checking out some riddims is also a good place to start for some real education...classics like Stalag, Sleng Teng, Answer riddim, Real Rock are a good place to start.....but don't get too bogged down with riddims unless you want to play real classics, versions or modern sets (i.e. Capleton, Sizzla etc)...i occasionally play with a Rastaman called MC Goldman and will get through about 20-30 riddims in an hour....equally i can be playing the Answer riddim for half an hour with him having done several versions.......Puuuuullll uuuuppp & rewind.... depending what mood he is in Our destroyed version of Taxi riddim (very easy) i did with him, bass is a bit pants though (bloody keyboard player-nuff said-choirs eh?) [url="http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2165105"]http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2165105[/url] This is a good riddim finder site: [url="http://www.riddimbase.org/riddimbase.php"]http://www.riddimbase.org/riddimbase.php[/url] Here also is a reggae tab site, sometimes a pointer in the right direction but often the tabs are totally wrong-ears are best unless your deaf like me, in which case big speakers & loud rig is a must...... [url="http://www.broz-reggae-tabs.com/tablatures/liste_artiste-en.php"]http://www.broz-reggae-tabs.com/tablatures..._artiste-en.php[/url] Here is a an example of some tunes we do in the covers band....its not exhaustive by far.....we have something like 100's in the repertoire....but it may help a little. These tunes are generally played to pubs, clubs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, Childrens parties etc I'm sure people will think of loads of commercial tunes...but me....I'm roots man...but its all reggae! Great thread....more reggae discussion!!!! Edited December 23, 2009 by Rasta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil.i.stein Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 hi, i've enjoyed this thread so far, some great suggestions ! on the non-commercial / lesser-known tip, i c an recommend 'prophecy' by Fabian. the bassline in this tune could make an audience mess their underwear in unison. check it out.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) @rasta That's great, thanks. That riddim database is brilliant. Edited December 23, 2009 by OldGit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Too much Too Young by the Specials. Not exactly reggae, but it fills the floor every time. Excellent list from Rasta, that's given me some food for thought too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='Rayman' post='692120' date='Dec 23 2009, 09:55 AM']Too much Too Young by the Specials. Not exactly reggae, but it fills the floor every time. Excellent list from Rasta, that's given me some [b]food for thought[/b] too.[/quote] Hummmmmmm Not sure I want to do UB40 ones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='OldGit' post='692167' date='Dec 23 2009, 10:41 AM']Hummmmmmm Not sure I want to do UB40 ones [/quote] Ha I know that feelin, some good B lines though, jus can't stick Ali C's voice-good crowd pleasers though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='Rasta' post='692201' date='Dec 23 2009, 11:30 AM']jus can't stick Ali C's voice-good crowd pleasers though.[/quote] Me too - it makes me feel positively ill every time I hear that horrible whine of his! I'm very much a 70's roots / dub / lovers man so a lot of the stuff I like is going to be quite obscure - how about Junior Murvin, Police & Thieves? Helps that you can use the Clash version as a start point as well - in fact, check any of the Clash reggae songs for simple 'white boy' arrangements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balcro Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='OldGit' post='691875' date='Dec 22 2009, 09:36 PM']I've got a new reggae band possibly happening in the New Year so I'm looking for tracks to play that really work. We have the "floor fillers" thread for pop/rock etc [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?s=&showtopic=8685&view=findpost&p=90010"]here[/url] but I'm looking for the reggae ones. Complete sets for reggae bands would be good as well. Chuck in your ska top tracks too if you like though this project is decidedly more reggae than ska Thanks[/quote] "Return to Django" by the Upsettters. Oh, I'm old. Balcro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='OldGit' post='692167' date='Dec 23 2009, 10:41 AM']Hummmmmmm Not sure I want to do UB40 ones [/quote] my wife found a copy of the best of UB40 in my CD collection and filed for divorce the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='Balcro' post='692236' date='Dec 23 2009, 12:08 PM']"Return to Django" by the Upsettters. Oh, I'm old. Balcro.[/quote] Ha ha Oh yes! I have about 4 yards of reggae CD's and the first half are the UK hits from that era 'cos I'm old too So the Trojan boxed sets, Young Gifted and Black series and various Ska hits compilations are already providing set ideas. However I am not that confident that what gets my hips moving is what will work on a contemporary general audience so this is the point of the post; Actual empirical research results from working bands I'm hoping to jump over the "I wonder if this will work" part to the "this works fine for Rasta so should be fine here too" stage.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='Rayman' post='692237' date='Dec 23 2009, 12:11 PM'] my wife found a copy of the best of UB40 in my CD collection and filed for divorce the next day.[/quote] Quite like chasing back up to the orginals of their stuff though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) I forgot this by Marcia Aitken - I just luuuuuve this song! I was in JA a couple of years ago and just about every band we saw played this & it filled the floor every time Obviously this riddim has been used a hell of a lot - I guess for the UK it's most remembered for Althea & Donna's Uptown Top Ranking. This is the long version with someone toasting at the end (I'm guessing Trinity?). I always wondered what a pair of "earthman shoes" was and how they looked with some "diamond socks", lol Of course - with the advent of the interweb I've just looked them up: Edited December 23, 2009 by molan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) Or some Culture? Ok - so this probably wouldn't work but I love Gregory as well Listen through to the dub section at the end: Talking of dub, my favourite reggae drum sounds are here. . . One of my other favourite 12"ers. This cost me £4.25 from Daddy Kool when I moved to London in '78. Pretty much all of my student grant found it's way into Mr Kool's coffers, lol. Africa is a land of love, we don't have to wear no boxing glove. . . Anyway, I'll get me coat now Edited December 23, 2009 by molan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubby Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I've never been in a covers band, but if I did I would consider the following as floor fillers : Good thing going - Sugar Minott OK Fred - Errol Dunkley 54-46 - Toots and the Maytals Money in my Pocket - Dennis Brown Johnny B Goode - Peter Tosh Could you be Loved - Bob Marley Jammin - Bob Marley Get up Stand up - Bob Marley I Shot the sherrif - Bob Marley I can see clearly now - Jimmy Cliff Born for a purpose - Dr Alimantado No No No - Dawn Penn 007 - Desmond decker Israelites - Desmond Decker Gun Of Navarone - The Skatalites (Brass / Instrumental) Beds too Big Without you - Shiela Hylton Red Red Wine - UB40 Easy - Jimmy Lindsey Girlie Girlie - Sophia George Im in a Dancing Mood - Delroy Wilson Under Mi Sensi - Barrington Levi Pass the Kutchie - The Mighty Diamonds 2-Tone : One Step Beyond - Madness Gangsters - The Specials I could go on ........ One Love Dubby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubby Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='molan' post='692264' date='Dec 23 2009, 12:37 PM']I forgot this by Marcia Aitken - I just luuuuuve this song! I was in JA a couple of years ago and just about every band we saw played this & it filled the floor every time Obviously this riddim has been used a hell of a lot - I guess for the UK it's most remembered for Althea & Donna's Uptown Top Ranking. This is the long version with someone toasting at the end (I'm guessing Trinity?). I always wondered what a pair of "earthman shoes" was and how they looked with some "diamond socks", lol Of course - with the advent of the interweb I've just looked them up: [/quote] Oh yes a Hotty ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) Uptown top ranking = 'I'm still love with you' riddim - Classic King Tubby Rockers uptown, great riddim too (original Jacob Miller-Baby i love you so [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eahey6oHst0&feature=PlayList&p=0D2F0B1B521440F0&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=29"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eahey6oHst0...PL&index=29[/url] ) Good list Dubby, I've played a lot of them tunes - Could you be loved is great fun, great to jam out on too...in fact i'd recommend learning the entire Legend album to anyone and many others BMW tunes...Familyman is a great melodic player indeed. Culture......a must...one of my favs! Great B-line, Legalization [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX176vIJyKM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX176vIJyKM[/url] Bless up Joseph Hill every time Edited December 23, 2009 by Rasta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 [quote name='Rasta' post='692082' date='Dec 23 2009, 09:15 AM']I believe that any 'irie' reggae played well will get the people on the dance floor[/quote] There's the truth right there and I think the same goes for Ska too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) Any of the the Trojan Records stuff is always a winner. [go to You tube] Garry Edited December 23, 2009 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 (edited) [quote name='dubby' post='692324' date='Dec 23 2009, 01:38 PM']I could go on ........ One Love Dubby[/quote] Oh please do .. How do you handle the riddim thing? For the general public I guess you have to stick to the versions that are well known or do you pile in and hope they catch on and don't think you are playing it wrong There's lots of my favourites on your list (and the others) No no no and uptown top ranking are certainly in (even though at this point we don't anticipate having a female singer.) Planning to play someof the Easy Star All Stars re-visioning tracks too, Dub Side of The Moon but probably not the Sergeant Pepper ones which I don't think work nearly as well. What about reggaefied contemporary hits? Do you do any of that? Edited December 23, 2009 by OldGit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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