Culture - Baldhead Bridge (1978) [LP Reissue 2011]

Culture's Joe Gibbs-produced sessions of 1976 not only resulted in Two Sevens Clash -- they also gave us the excellent Baldhead Bridge. A true reggae classic, Baldhead Bridge points to the fact that Culture was among the most distinctive reggae acts to emerge in the '70s. Although Culture was influenced by Burning Spear, treasures like "Them a Payaka," "Jah Love" and "Love Shines Brighter" point to the fact that Culture's music is quite recognizable itself. The group gets a lot of its sweetness from the northern soul and sweet soul of the '60s and '70s -- while hearing this LP, listeners are reminded of the impact that the Delfonics, the Impressions and other soul favorites had on reggae. But Culture's sound also owes a debt to Afro-Caribbean music and African pop. Put all those influences together, and you have a group that sounded incredibly fresh to the many reggae fans who discovered its music in the late '70s. Like Two Sevens Clash, Baldhead Bridge is among Culture's most essential releases.