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Burning Spear: Man In The Hills (Island)

Vivien Goldman, Sounds, 1976

Spear’s album is a staggering success. It's a big challenge to follow up Marcus Garvey (I don't count Garvey's Ghost), which from the instant of release was rightly acknowledged as a classic of Jamaican music. Certain Marcus Garvey's tracks, like 'Slavery Days' and the title track, became anthems overnight, since they provided a focus and definition for reggae, putting two of its most crucial themes (Rastafari and Africa) in a strong, roots musical context.

Total word count of piece: 599

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