Hit The Road Jack by Big Youth

Hit The Road Jack by Big Youth is just one of those songs... No matter what my mood, when I hear it, it makes me feel just great. I picked up a well worn Jamaican jukebox 45 of it about a year ago, and its by far one of my favorite songs by Big Youth. It was released in 1976 and recorded over the riddim "Love Me forever" originally by Carlton & The Shoes... Big thanks to the YouTube comments for clueing me into that. That said, I don't believe Big Youth is toasting over the actual original recording, but someone else's version. If anyone knows who's version this is, Please post in the comments.

The Tune:

The Original Riddim:

Soundclash in Austin, Sunday Sept 21st.

I have been spinning Reggae with Heart & Soul Soundsystem for over 2 years in Austin. This coming Sunday we are having a FREE Soundclash at Lovejoy's in Austin, and are expecting at least 10 DJ's. Here is the flyer:

Jah Shaka on YouTube

In 1998, at the now long-gone Austin club Liberty Lunch, I got the chance to interview Ryan Moore from Twilight Circus. One of the things he talked about was the amazing soundsystem run by Jah Shaka in the UK. I knew about Jah Shaka's records, but didn't know about his soundsystem. Not long after, a member of French T.V. crew that was visiting town also asked me if I'd ever seen the Jah Shaka Soundsystem. Both of them swore that seeing Shaka spin live was a near life changing experience. I tried for years to locate video of his performances, but only found links to Japanese web sites with VHS tapes... then came YouTube. Now, I can't say its changed my life, but the video clips are some of my favorites on YouTube. Maybe one day I'll get to see Shaka play in person.

The clip called THE MIGHTY JAH SHAKA - AT THE ROCKET LONDON(1990s)has overblown bass that you can almost taste.

JAH SHAKA - IN THE DANCE 70s RUFF! features some of the coolest fashions seen this side of Rockers. And is also a testament to just how long Shaka has been rocking the bass bins.

JAH SHAKA - LIVE IN THE DANCE 83 shows the art of DJing with only one turntable.

Thanks to badbwoysoljah for sharing the clips!