Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King - Lloyd Bradley

"The people that reggae was being made for never separate it into this style or that style. This is music that's come down from slavery, through colonialism, so it's more than just a style..." - Rupie Edwards

A well written and thoroughly researched book on the origins and development of reggae by music journalist Lloyd Bradley. Starting from pre-independence of Jamaica which gave life to ska, then evolving to rocksteady, which took a turn to dub and finally giving birth to reggae; he explores the origins and the factors behind the creation of this musical art form. The book gives a detailed account on the political and social factors that influenced the development of the music through it's many forms.

Another perfect companion to this book is Steve Barrow and Peter Dalton's Reggae: The Rough Guide which gives a detailed history and story behind each of the records. Essential for all reggae lovers!