When Punk Met Reggae in the '70s

There was a crossroads in the UK during the ’70s, as dub and reggae sound systems were spreading and building a wider audience. By mid-decade, the rise of punk began - a raw, gritty DIY ethos that opened the door for thousands of youth who wanted to play music. Anyone was welcome.

Don Letts is well known for helping introduce the sounds of dub and reggae to the punk scene at The Roxy, as both shared a like-minded attitude toward inclusion and anti-establishment values. It was only a matter of time before both styles began to appear in the same songs.

This mix pulls together late-’70s and ’80s tracks where punk and reggae came together.

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PLAYLIST

1. Stiff Little Fingers – Johnny Was

2. The Ruts – Jah War

3. The Clash – Bankrobber

4. Bad Brains – I and I Survive

5. Public Image Ltd. – Careering

6. The Slits – Instant Hit

7. The Members – Offshore Banking Business / Pennies in the Pound

8. The Specials – Little Bitch (2015 Remaster)

9. Generation X – Wild Youth

10. The Police – Peanuts

11. The Stranglers – Nice ’N’ Sleazy

12. X-Ray Spex – Germfree Adolescence

13. The Clash - Rudie Can’t Fail