LA’s Princeton first gained attention with Bloomsbury, a concept EP about the Bloomsbury Group (Leonard Woolf, Lytton Strachey, Virginia Woolf, and John Maynard Keynes). This playlist examines some of Princeton’s influences, including Arthur Russell and Serge Gainsbourg. Grab Princeton’s latest album Cocoon of Love here for only $6!
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy your day off with this work-themed playlist, topped off with Madonna’s “Holiday.”
Here are some fun and obscure Jamaican gems for you, in today’s installment of the Songza Reggae playlist. These tunes are guaranteed to please the close listener, so sit back, relax and enjoy!
We asked college-loving rapper Asher Roth what’s on his iPod- and he came back with this selection of stoned out jams. For those of you who need to celebrate 4/20 on the daily- here’s another installment of irie tunes that aim to please.
Each year, there comes a time when spring is budding, and you just want to kick back with some good tunes and enjoy life. Here are a collection of songs guaranteed to help you out along the way. Highlights include Luniz’ classic “I got 5 on it”, The Byrds’ ‘ “Mr. Tambourine Man”, and Eek-A-Mouse’s “Ganja Smuggling”. Enjoy!
Ska originated in the late 1950’s in Jamaica- bringing together R&B and Doo-Wop influences into a distinctly new Jamaican sound. To get your Reggae Friday started, we have compiled a collection of early Ska tunes- including songs from the Skatalites and the Folkes Brothers, as well as rare tracks from the Wailers. Dig it, it’s Friday!
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Island Records has produced an incredible roster of talent since Chris Blackwell first founded the now-iconic record label in Jamaica. Blackwell not only introduced Bob Marley–and the sound of reggae–to mainstream audiences across the world, he also signed iconic names like U2, Cat Stevens, and Roxy Music.
Rudeboy! Get ready to rock steady! This groovin’ style of Jamaican music evolved out of ska in about 1966, and was a precursor to the reggae that was to come. Rocksteady is slower and more relaxed than ska with a doo-wop influence, and has a decidedly chilled-out vibe. Check out some essential hits from Alton Ellis (pictured), who defined the dance and coined the term, as well as from Jamaican greats Bob Marley and Phyllis Dillon.
Dancehall was born in 1970’s Jamaica, as Deejays began to “Toast” over dubbed instrumentals of popular songs. Compared to Roots Reggae, which deals more with religion and politics, Dancehall tends to focus upon conditions of the ghetto, humor, and partying. In the mid-80’s, dancehall went digital, and its sound and lyrical content changed: Known as Ragga, a derivative of Raggamuffin, modern dancehall has continued to be immensely popular. Here for your consideration is a selection of Dancehall gems- both new and old, known and obscure. Boom!
