Various Artists - Spirit of England / Various - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Over the past half century cannabis has provided a major source of inspiration for many Jamaican music-makers, as reflected in the sheer volume of tracks extolling it's virtues that have seen since the 1970s. Variously known as 'marijuana', 'herb', 'weed', 'collie' and 'ganja', the plant has long since been revered as a sacred herb by followers of the Rastafari faith, who believe it's meditative qualities opens the mind, cleanses the soul of impurities, and provides divine inspiration. Among those to literally sing it's praises was the legendary Bob Marley, but he was by no means alone, with almost every major Jamaican songsmith of note penning and performing material dedicated to the blessed herb. This is effectively demonstrated on this 2CD set, which brings together 46 of the best-known recordings championing ganja from the 70s and early 80s, with the first disc comprising vocal cuts from such Jamaican musical giants as Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Horace Andy, Linval Thompson, Dillinger and Johnny Clarke. In contrast, the second disc showcases some of the finest dub tracks from the period that reference the hallowed 'weed' in their titles. With numerous tracks new to CD, this joyous and compelling collection can be enjoyed every day or simply savoured for those special occasions

This fascinating journey through four centuries of Britain's musical history takes US from Henry VIII's 'Greensleeves' and Purcell's 'Trumpet Tune' to Handel's 'Harmonious Blacksmith' and the exquisitely nuanced work of Gilbert & Sullivan.

Gaetano Deloghu - Carmina Burana [COMPACT DISCS] date 08/05/2004