Bass Culture: Rocksteady Rewind Mix

Rocksteady was born in Jamaica around 1966, during a time of musical and cultural transformation. It was the bridge between the fast-paced, brass-heavy ska era and the deeper, bass-driven sound of reggae that followed. Lasting only about two years (1966–1968), its short lifespan had a massive impact.

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How Rocksteady Came to Be

• Slower Tempo: Musicians began slowing down ska to create a more laid-back, cooler rhythm. This gave singers more space to express more profound, more emotional lyrics.

• Youth Influence: Jamaican youth, known as rude boys, played a significant role in the scene. Rocksteady reflected both their swagger and their struggles. (Listen and download my Rude Boy Mix)

• Key Studios: Legendary studios like Studio One, Treasure Isle, and Federal Records were hotbeds for Rocksteady hits.

• Studio Innovation: With a greater focus on basslines, harmonies, and vocal melodies, producers began stripping down arrangements and experimenting with rhythm sections.

Why It Gave Way to Reggae & Roots

• Social Shifts: As Jamaica’s political climate became more turbulent in the late '60s, the music evolved to reflect the struggle. Lyrics shifted from love songs to messages of revolution, spirituality, and identity.

• Rastafari Movement: With the rise of Rastafarianism, music began incorporating its themes and rhythms, pushing toward roots reggae.

• Dub & Studio Experimentation: Producers like King Tubby and Lee Perry began using echo, reverb, and dropouts—setting the stage for dub and roots reggae.

PLAYLIST

1. Hugh Malcolm – Good Time Rock (1969)

2. Leon Dinero – Version (2017)

3. Sid Bucknor, The Slickers – You Can't Win (1969)

4. Audrey – You'll Lose a Good Thing (1970)

5. Stranger Cole, Gladdy Anderson – Just Like A River (1968)

6. Dave Barker, The Upsetters – Shocks of Mighty (1970)

7. The Pioneers – Long Shot (1967)

8. The Kingstonians – Lion's Den (1969)

9. Alton Ellis – Can I Change My Mind (1970)

10. The Jamaicans – Love Uprising (1968)

11. Joya Landis, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Moonlight Lover (1968)

12. Count Machuki & The Destroyers – Movements [The Joe Gibbs Way] (1967)

13. Dennis Alcapone – Wake Up Jamaica (1972)

14. Ken Parker, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – I Can't Hide (1967)

15. The Uniques – A Yuh (Hey You) (1968)

16. The Termites – Love up Kiss Up (1967)

17. The Versatiles – Push It In (1968)

18. Phyllis Dillon, Hopeton Lewis – Boys and Girls Reggae - Take 3 (1970)

19. The Ebony Sisters, The Rhythm Rulers – Let Me Tell You Boy (1970)

20. Delroy Wilson – Put Yourself in My Place (1968)

21. The Ethiopians – Hong Kong Flu (1969)

22. Keith & Tex – Don't Look Back (1967)

23. Ken Parker – True, True, True (1967)

24. Clancy Eccles – Fattie Fattie (1969)

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