AboutGrant Miner Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions on reggae music, its history, and the religious and social factors that have influenced its development in Jamaica and elsewhere. I also have a similarly broad knowledge base for old school Punk Rock (circa 1976-1982).
Experience A performing musician for 20 years, I have traveled extensively in Jamaica and England as well as the USA, always with an eye and an ear for music.
Publications In the early 80s I conducted interviews and wrote for numerous underground music magazines: Paranoia, Flipside, etc. More recently I have written about sports for Bartcop.com
Awards and Honors American Academy of Poetry Award (1984)
Expert: Grant Miner Date: 9/7/2004 Subject: music suggestions
Question I have found that my taste in music is similiar to yours in that i have a great love of the musics of Bob Marley and The Clash. Apart from them I also like Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, The Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks and Jimi Hendrix to name a few. At the moment I am trying to expand my collection of music. Could you suggest any bands/artists that i might appreciate?
Answer Will,
It sounds like you're doing pretty well already, based on that list of artists. Here are a few records I am very fond of...
Reggae:
Blackheart Man-Bunny Wailer
In Concert-Linton Kwesi Johnson (or the very good Island Anthology...LKJ clearly influenced The Clash)
Anthem-Black Uhuru (although all the lps by the Micheal Rose/Sly&Robbie line up are strong)
War Inna Babylon-Max Romeo & The Upsetters
The Very Best Of-Toots & The Maytals
Black Woman-Judy Mowatt
Two Sevens Clash-Culture
Captured Live-Lucky Dube
Tribute To the Martyrs-Steel Pulse (Sadly, I must warn you away from anything they recorded after the mid-80s)
Rockers (Soundtrack)-Various
Older various:
Unknown Pleasures-Joy Division
Just Another Band From East L.A.- Los Lobos
Anthology- Sly and The Family Stone
Setting Sons- The Jam (or a "Best Of")
What's Going On- Marvin Gaye
Squeezing Out Sparks-Graham Parker
Horses-Patti Smith ("Easter" is strong, too)
Wild Gift/Under The Big Black Sun-X
10,9,8,7...-Midnight Oil (Anything from this through "Blue Sky Mining" is worth a listen)
Astral Weeks- Van Morrison
If I Should Fall From Grace With God- The Pogues
Newer Stuff (wish this list was longer):
Street Signs- Ozomatli (their records are never as good as their shows, but their shows are great)
Community Music- Asian Dub Foundation
40 Ounces To Freedom- Sublime
I hope this list gives you some ideas. I'm sure as soon I post it, I'll regret including some things and omitting others. If you have a specific artist or genre/era you'd like some suggestions for, I'll be happy to provide any assitance I can.
