How to Build Your Reggae Collection Beyond Bob Marley

So, you've played your copy of Bob Marley's "Legend" so much that you've worn a hole in it. What now? First, buy a new copy. Then, expand your horizons a bit and discover new reggae artists that you might like just as much as Marley. Not many people recognize the depth of talent in reggae music, but with a little work, you may become a certified reggae-head.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reggae albums
• Money to buy reggae albums

1. Learn about the different reggae styles--roots, lovers rock, ska, rock steady, dancehall and dub--and decide which one(s) you like the best. Note that Bob Marley sang roots reggae.
2. Find artists that suit your taste. If you like Bob Marley, other roots artist that have a popular appeal include: Steel Pulse, Third World, Inner Circle, Jimmy Cliff, Aswad, Black Uhuru, Ziggy Marley, John Brown's Body, Morgan Heritage and Nasio Fontaine.
3. Listen to song samples online or in music stores to get a sense of the artists that you might like.
4. Buy compilations to get a taste of different artists, like a musical buffet. Lucky for you, the reggae industry has always been driven by singles, so there are plenty of albums that collect hit songs. Some of the most popular current series are: "Reggae Gold" and "Strictly the Best" on the VP Records label, "Greensleeves Sampler" and "Ragga Ragga Ragga" on the Greensleeves Records label and "Reggae Hits" on the Jet Star label.
5. Understand that most of the mainstream reggae hits in the 21st century--from the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Elephant Man, Wayne Wonder and Beenie Man--are dancehall, which has a very different sound from traditional reggae. Dancehall is more like Jamaica's equivalent of hip-hop.
6. Read reviews of reggae albums to find out what the best current releases are and what classics of the past you should listen to.
7. Attend reggae festivals in the US, like Reggae on the River, or in Jamaica, like Reggae Sunsplash. They're a great way to introduce you to many different acts for the price of one admission. There are tons of reggae festivals around, so chances are there's at least one near you.
8. Shop carefully. Average music stores don't have a large reggae section, so you'll have to be selective about where you shop. Plus, since reggae is not the most popular music in the US, it doesn't go on sale very often, so used CD stores come in handy. Online reggae specialty stores have the best selection and typically offer a better price than brick-and-mortar stores.