ASWAD – Showcase

I’ve never really raved about reggae. Sure, I thought Musical Youth was amusing in the ’80s, and I’ve owned all the H.R. albums. But alas, H.R. was in the Bad Brains (’nuff said), and there are more thoroughly amusing ’80s records (Jefferson Starship, the ‘Footloose’ soundtrack, etc). Every tie-dye wearing, Birkenstock-having college hippie I’ve known has revered Bob Marley, but I’ve never understood him as anything more than a pothead icon. So, it should come across as no humble endorsement that Aswad’s ‘Showcase‘ (1981) is the only true reggae disc I still enjoy.

I believe it was the simplicity of the cover art that attracted me to this release, as a cartoonish Lion of Judah would surely lure in any true Bad Brains fan. And I should point out here that the band name is pronounced ‘US-wood’, and not ‘ASS-wad’. It was around 1990 (10th grade, for me) when I came around to buying this on cassette, and the whole thing had this ethereal, meditative sound; with very tasteful dub elements. As I explored later Aswad stuff, it seemed they became more commercial/dancehall in tone, leaving behind this uniquely soothing/spacey record. The standout track? Here it is:

Perhaps next time an hirsute, peace-loving aquaintance flippantly advises that the songs of Bob Marley are “spiritual”, one might be inspired to mention this band, and their particular brand of vespers. Oh, and check out Steel Pulse and Burning Spear while you’re in the reggae section, also.