VA - Bushyard Telegraph [2000]

ROOTS REGGAE

VA - Bushyard Telegraph [2000]

Released by Tamoki-Wambesi-Dove, Bushyard Telegraph is a richly curated compilation that spans nearly a decade of Jamaican musical evolution, from the militant pulse of roots reggae to the lyrical fire of dub poetry and the early stirrings of dancehall. Though the title varies slightly across packaging (Bushyard Telegraph on the cover, Bushyard Telegram on the spine and disc), the content is unmistakably unified by its deep cultural resonance and sonic authenticity.

The compilation features towering voices like Prince Far I, Jah Stitch, I-Roy, Charlie Chaplin, and Baba Dread, each contributing tracks that reflect the social, political, and spiritual tensions of the era. Standouts include:

Prince Far I - “Stop The War” and “Survival”: stark, chant-like meditations on violence and resilience.

Jah Stitch - “Life In The Ghetto” and “Domino Tournament”: vivid snapshots of Kingston street life.

Charlie Chaplin & Don Carlos - “Unity Is Strength”: a call for solidarity amid fragmentation.

The recordings span legendary studios, King Tubby’s, Channel One, Dynamic Sounds, and Harry J’s, with engineering credits to icons like Sylvan Morris, Crucial Bunny, and Scientist. Backing bands include The Roots Radics and Forces of Music, grounding the compilation in heavyweight rhythm sections.

Produced and arranged by Roy Anthony Cousins, the set is also a tribute to Erwin Otto “Ben” Cousins, who passed in 1997. The liner notes and artwork reflect a spiritual and communal ethos, with dedications and prayers woven into the package.

In essence, Bushyard Telegraph is a sonic document of resistance, survival, and unity, capturing the heartbeat of Jamaica from 1974 to 1983. For archivists and fans of conscious reggae, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle (B)

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Track list

01 Prince Far I - Stop The War 4:27

02 Jah Stitch - Rising of The Sun 3:14

03 Baba Dread - Ethiopian Going Home 3:49

04 Charlie Chaplin and Jim Kelly - Stur-Gav Special 4:52

05 Prince Far I - Survival 4:58

06 I Roy - Coxsone Time 3:24

07 Baba Dread - Dread So Attractive 2:47

08 Jah Stitch - Give The Children What They Want 3:55

09 Charlie Chaplin - Jamaican Collie 3:31

10 Baba Dread - Roots Rock Reggae 3:32

11 I Roy - Sugar Candy 3:05

12 Jah Stitch - Life in The Ghetto 3:54

13 Charlie Chaplin and Jim Kelly - Trouble in A Earth 3:44

14 Prince Far I - Ask Ask 3:47

15 Jah Stitch - Domino Tournament 3:19

16 Charlie Chaplin - Chaplin Chant 3:41

17 Prince Far I - African Queen 3:37

18 Baba Dread - Life Boat 3:27

19 Prince Far I - Ejarsa Gora 3:22

20 Charlie Chaplin and Don Carlos - Unity is Strength 3:28

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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