Arise

Jamaican vocal trio The Abyssinians became legends with their seminal 1976 album Satta Massagana, which made an Afrocentric statement via the use of Amharic lyrics that went well beyond its catchy rhythms. Most of that album remains unknown to the digital generation, and expressing an appreciation for any song beyond the title-track warrants respect among roots reggae fans. Even more elusive is The Abyssinians’ second album, Arise, which was released by Front Line two years later without commercial success. This re-release, complete with five dub cuts and three good contemporary singles, proves that its obscurity was undeserved: the harmonies on ‘Wicked Man’ and ‘Jah Loves’ are as rich and tight as any track off Satta Massagana. Arise is also more lyrically diverse than the group's debut. ‘This Land is for Everyone’ is a heartfelt cry for peace featuring Tommy McCook on flute, while ‘South African Enlistment’ is a Peter Tosh-styled challenge to apartheid. The dub bonus tracks are fairly unadventurous, but ‘Praise Him’, the best of the contemporary singles, bursts open in a delicious flurry of hand-drum accompaniment. If you haven’t heard Satta Massagana, buy these two together for the ultimate roots package.