Within the reggae music genre, “lovers rock” is England’s biggest contribution. First and second generation Jamaicans who made Britain their home recorded accessible, pop-influenced love songs that connected to the hearts millions of young music fans. This is the first of a four part, chronological special to compile the most influential British and Jamaican lovers rock music. And some of them are just my personal favorites. To leave an audio comment, call (617) 297-2557.

Playlist:
Errol Dunkley - Letter To Myself
Wayne Wade - Black Is Our Color
Brown Sugar - I’m in Love with a Dreadlocks
Bunny Maloney - Baby I’ve Been Missing You
15-16-17 - Just My Imagination
Delroy Wilson - I’ll Never Hurt You
Blues Busters - Just Don’t Wanna Be Lonely
Janet Kay - Silly Games
Webby Jay - In the Rain
Marie Pierre - Choose Me
Capital Letters - Runaway

On #7, I explain the differences and benefits of subscribing to a podcast vs. listening to a show on an online radio station. Podcasts are all about syndication and listening when you choose. If you like a podcast, you can subscribe so that you’re notified whenever a new episode is available. Hint hint. Podcasts are archived so you can listen or download on demand. The program begins with several tunes on the Wailing Souls’ “Fire House Rock” rhythm and finishes with a John Holt cover and Lily Allen’s “Friend of Mine.”

Playlist:
Richie Davis - I Can’t Afford
Ambelique - You Were Mine
Wailing Souls - Fire House Rock
Scientist - Fire House Rock Dub
Toyan - Big Showdown
Tristan Palmer - Joker Smoker 12″
John Holt - For the Love of You
Lily Allen - Friend of Mine

It’s the “Undying Love” rhythm with new, unreleased music from lovers rock veteran Peter Spence along with a great lineup of new talent. Don’t turn up your nose just because I said new talent. These artists can sing so give them a chance! Dymz (the production company) calls it the “Most High” rhythm and it’s a very slick production. Check out Jah Marnyah (from Montserrat) when he sings the chorus, “And I wanna be your man.” The bass and drums drop out of the mix while Marnyah and computerized harmonies soothe your soul. Some of my favorite cuts of the “Undying Love” rhythm are here as well.

Playlist:
Peter Spence - Every Little Thing
Benny Cruz - Love Me
Lytie - Wine of Violence
Jah Marnyah - Wanna Be Your Man
Vixen - His Love Is Like
Mr. Diamond - Your Love
Ernest Wilson - Undying Love
Freddie McGregor - Wine of Violence
Sugar Minott - Saving My Love
Fredrica Tibbs - Undying Love
Spanner Banner - You Gotta Be
Santana - Tenderness

Running time: 28 minutes

One of my favorite rhythm remakes is Fashion’s update of Alton Ellis’ stylish love song, “Alton’s Official Daughter.” On #5, I play two different Fashion remakes from Al Campbell and Debbie Gordon. This is a rhythm that I never got around to playing when I was doing college radio, so I’m happy that I can present it today. British singer, Peter Spence, sent me his new song, “Every Little Thing.” I love that through Myspace, I can keep in touch with these lovers rock pioneers. I still wish that the scene was as popular as say, the late ’70s through the early ’90s. A few mid-’80s tracks from Aswad, Undivided Roots, and UB40 round out #5.

Playlist:
Alton Ellis - Alton’s Official Daughter
Bongo Herman - Aquarius Dub
Al Campbell - Try My Love
Debbie Gordon - Jah Jah You’re My Guiding Star
Peter Spence - Every Little Thing
Aswad - Need Your Love (Each and Every Day)
Undivided Roots - Party Night
UB40 & Chrissie Hynde - I Got You Babe
UB40 & Chrissie Hynde - I Got You Babe Dub

After hosting a reggae show on college radio for many years, it’s a joy to be inspired and then have the opportunity to walk into the Golden Touch studio, work out a show idea, and then record right away to my Sony MZ-RH1 Minidisc recorder. A little while later, it’s available to you…right here! On #4, you’ll hear me express my enthusiasm for podcasting. I play a smoking new tune from Collie Buddz and then dig up the original song that inspired the new version, a 1978 Zap Pow song called “Last War” featuring Beres Hammond on lead vocal. From there it’s all ’70s music–a lot of minor key stuff but nothing depressing.

Playlist:
Collie Buddz - Come Around
Zap Pow - Last War
In Crowd - Mango Walk
Dennis Brown - Live After You
Phyllis Dillon - Woman of the Ghetto
Tommy McCook - Stupid Doctor
Archie McKay - Pick Up the Pieces
Lloyd Parks - Ordinary Man
Errol Thompson & Bingy Bunny - Ordinary Version Chapter 3
Third World - 96 Degrees in the Shade