CHUNE

Riddim: N/A

Producer: Jack Ruby

The man born Winston Rodney turns 80 today, and he looms just as large over the music today as he did 50 years ago, when the landmark album Marcus Garvey came out. Burning Spear was still a trio then (Rodney would go solo under the name later in the ’70s), and their first recording with producer Jack Ruby spawned the title song, which is among the singer’s best-known tracks. However, it’s “The Invasion” that we’re highlighting here today, a plaintive tune that conveys pain and longing without theatrics—and does so despite Island Records’ attempt to make the album sound cheerier than its original recordings. Thank you, Mr. Rodney.

Additional Listening:

• Burning Spear, “Black Wa-Da-Da” (1975): The dub version, as released on Marcus Garvey‘s dub companion, Garvey’s Ghost.

• Jackie Edwards, “Invasion” (1976): A cover version that really lays bare what a singer brings to a song.

• A live performance from Burning Spear (1981): “The Invasion” isn’t on the set list, but its emotion is on full display throughout on tunes like “Slavery Days” and “Columbus.” Captivating.