Irieness, bredren and sistren! For those of you who don't know the word known as 'Irie' or a lick of Rastafarian. It refers to a term of greeting, or de coolest! Most excellent! Or di highest. Either way I'll go back into normal lingo when I can but that's beside the point.
There is a lot of reggae out there, but not all of it is classic. Some things are worthy of debate, but some reggae artists are classic no matter what. So herein I decided why not share a piece of my memories as well as a piece of culture that's been passed down to me. Now first off, the background I speak from is Trini, known as Trinidadian and not Jamaican. But the similarities as very much close. So dis Trinigyal (Trini-girl) hails from a lineage with East Indian blood but I don't know a fluent ounce of Hindi, Urdu or Punjabi because my fathers family was settled into the Caribbean a long time ago. Wherein I see my heritage.
You may learn sometings from dis, you may not. Either way feel good music is feel good music and I wish to share. I'll also share things within the reggae genre, as we put it 'Dub' or 'Rockas' for example. Or simply other island music.
I'm hoping to make this a bi-monthly thing, where I post something akin to this twice a month. That's not set in stone but heck you never know with these things.
The title simply means, What's going on with the Music? If anyone really wants to know. Chunes = Music, Songs or obviously tunes. We say teuwns too but really, tis all good.
A warning to all of you, Reggae music is definitely not for everyone. It's an acquired taste that some or most of you are better off not indulging in. And the language that is spoken is all English but with really hard slang. So I figured that since it's the first Island Music blog that I'm ever doing, I'll start off by connecting the bridge. So basically classics that are easy to follow and you'll instantly like or have already heard. Well I know at least for the first video I will show today most will be recognizable in some way of form. If anyone really bothers to hop in for the ride, I'll get to some doubly hardcore stuff later on.
So without further ado. Ere' we go!
Jimmy Cliff - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Regardless of the legend Bob Marley left behind, Jimmy Cliff will always be my favorite Caribbean Reggae singer of all time. His voice is pure silver with silk lining when I listen to him, and I'm sure most of you will relate to this song thanks to Disneys' The Lion King. This is by far the best cover of the song that's originally called Mbube or Evening Birds in South African. The symphony of African and Caribbean influx is superb. I listen to this song when I want to feel calm and serenity, always with a gently sway to Cliffs amazing voice.
Perfect Time to Listen: Driving in the car late at night with surround speakers, the volume turned up really high. The music just takes you away everytime. One of my favorite things to jam to. This song is my second favorite Reggae song of all time.
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
But then again, what IS a Classic Reggae blog without Bobby? I for one adore this piece, it's nice slow but makes you happy. I'm quite certain that the majority of my lovely followers have heard this song before and that honestly make me happy. If not then enjoy.
Perfect Time to Listen: Right in the morning, it's just perfect. I love making breakfast imagining that there are three little birds by my window sill waiting to eat.
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry, Be Happy
This 1980's song is such a hit many of us have probably sung without realizing who really sang the song. Whether your life is screwed due to some inexplicable situation or you're just procrastinating, this tune is great. And the advice is really straight and to the point, pretty much anyone can relate to.
Perfect Time to Listen: Any time. Because c'mon, you've gotta smile no matter what you're doing when listening to this.
And so ends the journey for now. I hope you all enjoyed them or at the very least played half of each piece.
Word of the Week: Dingolay = To Party, or when someone is being lazy through wasting time.
As In: Aye boy, Johnny must be dingolayin all half of de tyiime man. Mih eyesight dun lye boy!
Assassinita, Mary Ann or simply Nita for short is your average Canadian lady incognito who loves hockey, traveling and a good laugh. With a playful personality and capricious hobbies, it's not hard to keep this one satisfied. But watch out for the blade, the bloodlust can make even the sweetest go mental...