Aswad - Three Babaylon

Those who know Aswad as the slick pop-reggae group responsible for such crossover hits as "Don't Turn Around" and "The Best of My Love" may not recognize them in this collection of early singles, which begins with "Back to Africa" (1976) and ends with "Babylon" (1980), the latter of which was recorded shortly before the band's big major-label break and their slow evolution from hardcore roots-reggae practitioners to pop-dancehall fave raves. Despite the militant lyrics of songs like "Back to Africa" and "Warrior Charge," the music here is very smooth and mellow, perhaps too much so. Brinsley Forde's jazzy vocals are clearly influenced by Steel Pulse frontman David Hinds, and the languid tempos and relatively complex chord progressions sometimes seem at odds with the songs' confrontational messages. An exception to that tendency is the bracing "Rainbow Culture," which proceeds at a brisk tempo and features an eerie background vocal chant. As the album title indicates, the songs are presented in "showcase" style, with a dub version following each vocal version without pause.

Recorded and Mixed at Marcus Studios,London Engineered by Mark J. Wallace
Produced by Michael Cambell and Aswad/Re-Mixed at the Fallout Shelter,London
Re-mixed by Michael Cambell and Aswad/Engineered by Godwin Logie
Island U.K. 12"single, released 1979/ this version from Island /Mango album SHOWCASE,released 1981

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Tags:

• Aswad
• Three
• Babaylon

[tftka]

Thanks RastaChaka for posting this great song, however Brinsley Forde was NOT influenced by David Hinds! Aswad is from Ladbroke Grove and was signed to a label (Island) from before Steel Pulse, in early 70s; also Brinsley started as an actor. Aswad is along with Matumbi (Dennis Bovell's early band), one of the earliest breakthrough reggae bands in Britain. George Oban plays bass on this.

[RastaChaka]

@tftka haha that's right

[chinangwa]

These guys came to Zimbabwe in 1982. 1st concert people wouldn't let them leave coz the music too sweet so after that they would loop the bass, disappear off stage and by the time we realised it they were driving out of the stadium. Laughed my ass off.

[NaturalProd007]

BIG TUNE!!

[joecrackass]

Still waiting for the dubstep cut of this.

Piano riff makes it perfect for a steppers track!

[OneWayDub]

legend tune 

[MsMarioroots]

big up.

[KevinJKtheman]

dread at the control!

[tftka]

Big Respect to man like..George Oban- wicked bassy! Easy, Tony, Zeb...