This book describes what a podcast is and how its made, before guiding the reader through the history of the medium and the technical aspects of the equipment needed to podcast. It looks distributors, the 'movers and shakers' in the industry, the main corporate players and sources of media coverage about this latest medium for dissemination of news, knowledge, news and entertainment. 

 

tells the story of the world's most famous offshore radio station, from the viewpoint of those who managed and operated the station. Many previously untold tales and pictures. For details of this 538 page book click HERE.

 

A listing of all the voices heard on Caroline and her associated stations over the last six decades.  DJs and newsreaders are included, the first time that the Radio Caroline voices  have been fully listed. It covers broadcasts from all FIVE ships used by Caroline plus the recent shore-based versions.

 

As well as listing the many voices heard on the air over the eras, (see below) the book explains how Radio Caroline has recruited on-air talent, how they were paid and why so few used their own names. It also highlights the DJs who used more than one 'stage name'.  Click book for details

 

The new Online Radio book tells how radio developed to digital and how this made true 'global radio' possible.

 

It describes what's needed to launch and reach over 7 BILLION listeners worldwide - you will be surprised! Advice on revenues and operations, the routes of distribution and more, all in one place. 

 

Full details are on the Offshore Radio book website

 

The plain traditional version, most of the true ska bands are from the first and second wave.

Examples Include: Prince Buster, The Wailers, The Skatalites, and Eric "Monty" Morris.

 

Reggae may be used in a broad sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, including ska, rocksteady, dub-beat, Dancehall and Reggae. This beat is characteristically slower than in reggae's precursors, ska and rocksteady. Examples include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Matisyahu, Prince Far I, and Toots & the Maytals.

 

Rocksteady was a style of music that developed out of ska in the 1960s. In its simplest terms, rocksteady is half-speed ska with the trombone replaced by piano and prominent bass. Examples include The Techniques, The Termites, Phyllis Dillon, The Gaylads, and The Melodians.

 

Dub is a form of Jamaican music, which evolved out of ska and reggae in 1970s Jamaica. The dub reggae sound includes adding extensive echo and reverb effects to an existing music piece, sometimes accompanied by snatches of the lyrics from the original version. Examples include King Tubby, Augustus Pablo, Mad Professor, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Scientist

 

Coming from the second wave of reggae, Two Tone Ska became big in the U.K during the late 70's to late 80's. It combines European Punk with the traditional Ska sound usually with Horns and/or Keyboard. Examples include: The Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, Go-Feet, The Beat, and The Selecter.

 

Ska punk is a musical genre derived as a fusion of Jamaican ska and British and American punk rock. It can range from "Pop" Ska Punk to Hardcore Ska Punk (or skacore). It is a sub-genre of third-wave ska.  Examples include: Catch 22, Operation Ivy, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Flatliners, The Toasters, and Against All Authority, Reel Big Fish, The Aquabats & Less Than Jake.

The Reggae Songbook from Hal Leonard publications is a real treasure trove of reggae classic songs. This wonderful book, along with Ultimate Reggae (also by the same publisher: Hal Leonard) are a reggae lovers dream. The price to buy fifty of these songs individually would be up to 10 or fifteen pounds each. So, buying this book gives incredible value!

 

Almost every song is noted correctly with precise pronunciations from the original languages, although there are some glaring errors, but these will be easilly spotted by true afficionados, Uptown TopRanking being just one example. While the book is an academic's dream, it's the general reggae fan and performing musician who will get most use and enjoyment; a a great book!

 

Reggae Songbook is available HERE

Dave Rodigan is one of the most influential and best-regarded DJs, of any genre. The word "legend" is often sprinkled about too lightly, but when it comes to this man, he's simply beyond legend.

 

David is one of the world's greatest ambassador of Jamaica's musical heritage, whose enthusiasm and keen insight has enlightened and entertained millions internationally over the past four decades.

 

His autobiography is crammed full of exhilarating events and encounters behind the scenes. Dave has met most of the reggae world's finest creators, and he shares many of the professional insights to which he's been priviliged. This book is essential reading for every fan of ska, bluebeat or reggae.

 

With more opportunities for new radio stations via the internet and small scale DAB, more new stations majoring on reggae, ska, bluebeat and other genres, such as dub-reggae have opened up.  

 

In London, listeners can now tune to BNB London, KBit Internet radio and Roots FM. 

 

Bristol station UJIMA RADIO is now doing very well and has lots of soul too,  while reggae purists may prefer NEW STYLE RADIO, available online as well as on 98.7FM in Birmingham.

 

After a decade of short-term (RSL) licenses, New Style launched full time in 2002, since when it's been offering second city listeners a great mix of Caribbean Music,  Gospel, Reggae, Soul and R&B as well as some World Music. Pappa Jay is New Style's most popular DJ with his afternoon retro show playing the best of old-style reggae from the 60s and 70s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In London, listeners can now tune to BNB London, KBit Internet radio and Roots FM. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sound of Spitfire