How about the fact that he's probably the first artist from a developing country who achieved massive, and mainstream international fame and acclaim?

I'd say that's a pretty big deal, whether or not you like reggae.

fuxi wrote: Snow Dog wrote: fuxi wrote: Snow Dog wrote: I'm not a huge fan of Marley myself but your generalisations are annoying. I just leave people who really enjoy him to do just that.  1. Where did I generalise and why is it annoying? 2. Any artist ought to be open to criticism. 1. For a start, the one I highlighted in bold type and Its annoying because it annoys me. 2. Its not your criticism that bothers me. Okay, I'll agree that my remark may have been facetious, and that Marley fans might take offence, because Bob was actually trying to make a Major Statement here. On the other hand, I'm convinced that the perceived exoticism of Marley's music is actually part of his appeal. Otherwise, how could you explain that acts like the Police sold millions of records appropriating reggae and singing in cod-Jamaican accents? Acts as different as Kevin Ayers, 10cc and the Rolling Stones imitated the accent. One can only conclude that many Westerners found (and still find) a Jamaican accent endearing. No offense!

I don't remember The Police singing in cod-Jamaican accents - what song(s)?

Think I sort of know what yer drivin at here Fuxi. It's not some of Bob Marley's music or lyrics you find irritating but some of his 'terminally right on' fans and pale imitators championing of his seemingly untouchable and anointed status. And what difference does it make where he originated from anyway? - musical appreciation ain't index linked. Bowie fans 'rip my knitting' for many of the same reasons (and I like a lot of Bowie's music)
But yer right, no-one is above contempt 

As far as this site is concerned he isn't rated at all.  He was still good.  Peter Tosh also comes to mind in the Reggae genre.

Snow Dog wrote: chopper wrote: Snow Dog wrote: chopper wrote: I don't remember The Police singing in cod-Jamaican accents - what song(s)?   I assume you're referring to 10cc's awful reggae cricket song? That is definitely not endearing! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! You would. Thats the lyric you berk. And its not about cricket. Its a true story of a mugging.

yes

I'm a huge reggae fan and used to play professionally with ex-pat Jamaicans in Northern California. Bob Marley is not one of my favorites, but his popularity has a lot to do with what a huge cultural icon he is to many people all over the world. His message may not resonate with everyone, but to a lot of people his call to 'get up stand up' was a battle cry that really connected at a time when such a message was timely.

As far as the music goes, his rhythm section is incredible, the syncopated contrapuntal interplay between his percussionists and guitarists is extremely difficult to replicate, even amongst reggae veterans.

Having said that, my favorite reggae artists are Prince Jammy, Scientists, King Tubby and Mad Professor. Bob's music can be kind of dreary and repetitive to me, but I am not particularly relevant to the cultural message he was bringing to the world.

P.S. On a related note, did you know that some of the keyboard parts on some of Bob's most famous albums were played by prog-rock session keyboardist Rabbit Bundrick.

Edited by Easy Money - September 15 2010 at 12:01

Lady Gaga is overrated. She's doing the same thing that Dale Bozzio was doing back in the 80's.

Marley's cool. He brought Reggae to the mainstream.

Isn't Bob Marley overrated?

Edited by Ronnie Pilgrim - September 15 2010 at 19:46