LP – Culture – Harder Than The Rest

1LP

“The string of albumsCulturerecorded during the late ’70s contained some of the most reliably solid sets from the tail end of reggae’s roots era. These early releases for the production team ofJoe GibbsandErrol ‘E.T.’ Thompsonyielded the group’s finest work.

The typically excellent assembly of session men respond to such material with an appropriately light touch: the exemplary rhythm work of keyboardistsAnsel CollinsandEarl Lindoand guitaristWillie Lindois kept under close watch by the greatSly Dunbar. The drummer’s playing is effortless as he alternates the makeup of a particular pattern or subtly changes up the rhythm, heading into a chorus. Closer attention to the backing for tracks like ‘Behold,’ ‘Tell Me Where You Get It,’ and ‘Vacancy’ reveals the sort of strength, though subtle, that drives the best roots music.” —Nathan Bush,All Music Guide