The Story of Misty in Roots - BBC Radio 6 Music

It may not be obvious but the words in the post above are a link to the programme 

Marvellous, thanks! Misty in Roots were the most wonderful reggae band ever. I saw them at Leicester Uni, when they didn't go onstage until 1am. 

Fancy Stu remembering, what a gent. 

Roots Controller!

Thanks Chris,

I for one will be turning on and tuning in.

Richard

That was a jolly interesting programme, and it was great to hear some Ruts tracks too. In these gentler times - in the UK anyway - it's incredible to be reminded of the way the SPG used to behave - I hadn't realised that Clarence Baker, who was clubbed by the SPG in the riots of Spring 1979, was the Ruts' manager. 

The wierdest thing about MIR is that their wonderful albums remain out of print. Somebody must have those master tapes. 

Very good programme, enjoyed that. MIR emerge as very decent people. The same cannot be said of the SPG.

I wonder what prog rockers think of MIR? It must be a worry for them.

They probably think it's still 1974, so won't be aware of Misty yet. 

Really enjoyed that, thanks for the tip & link.

I love a bit of reggae but never heard any MIR before, how did I miss them?

I guess coming from Birmingham it was always about Steel Pulse for me, but UB40 hogged the limelight (their first 2 albums were particularly fine though).

I also didn't know about the Ruts link. I know and love Jah War but also had no idea who Clarence Baker was until I heard the programme.

Just had a look in the South American River Shop, see what you mean HH about their back catalogue being out of print/press - an absolute fortune to buy into.

Have you got much of their stuff? Maybe you might be able to retire sooner than you think!

Sorry I missed this,any news of a repeat? Live at the Counter Eurovision is one of my fave live albums. Not only hard to get a CD version but not yet on Tidal/Spotify

Sorry just checked out BBC radio I player and we all have a few weeks to check this out

MIR are playing Bristol BBC Radio 6 music festival this weekend - and it can be watched online and on BBC Red Button from Friday.

Thanks Chris,

thinking about live at the counter Eurovision led me to thinking about other great reggae live albums. In terms of SQ, live in Paris by Burning Spear and live at Notting Hill by Aswad (surely the best album ever recorded on the back of a lorry) came to mind. What a pity that another fave, live at the Lyceum by BM&tW, is not so well recorded or that there is no live album from the early days of UB40. What I really regret is not recording any of their Moseley practice sessions in 1979/80, which took place just round the corner from my student flat. Heady (and I mean heady) memories

Really enjoyed listening again to them again last night.....still spin their albums from time to time, think it would have been '82 when I saw them live. I was just thinking that British Reggae scene seemed to be in pretty good shape back then to name a few (I know they weren't all born in the UK but certainly a big influence):

• MIR
• Aswad
• Steel Pulse
• LKJ
• UB40
• Matumbi
• Dennis Bovell
• The Beat (Ska)
• Cross Section

I'm sure I've missed loads! Any thanks for flagging this!

Was a huge reggae fan back in the late 70s early 80s.  This album in particular, by Aswad, I thought was outstanding - lost my vinyl version in a flood years ago and the CD is now difficult to get hold of.  Had to resort to an MP3 download version some time ago .

and the associated movie Babylon, covering the British Reggae scene at the time.

Borders Nick

Showcase was indeed a good album but IMHO not their best. For pure energy and enjoyment the Live at Notting Hill is great but for pure sq then I recommend "To the Top" which unfortunately is very hard to get now in any format.

Sorry just to add the correct title of the live album I mentioned is "Live and Direct" and is on Island records. The "To the Top" album was released in 1986 (OMG that's thirty years ago!) on the little known Simba record label.

I used to have Live and Direct. It was ok, but very tinny sounding. There are lots of vinyl copies of To The Top on the usual auction site if anyone wants one - no CDs though. 

I don't remember hearing "To the Top", but also used to have Live & Direct on vinyl (lost in same flood unfortunately).  Giving "Rockers Medley" from that album an outing via Tidal now prompted by these posts.  Nostalgia ....

Nick,

Showcase is definitely my favourite Aswad album......they did some good stuff in the early days

Wow.....thank you for this......in my youth I used to work in a recording studio that did a lot of reggae; MIsty in Roots and Aswad were there alot. LIve and Direct was overdubbed in the studio and and I was at the Meanwall Gardens gig where it was recorded. I am now 55 not 25 so thank you all for a blast from the past. Great memories....except I cannot remember them....I wonder why that would be!

Anyway working in the studio is what brings me here to day....the love of music and the experience of a good recording.

Thanks again

I'm just listening to Roots Controller by MIR. OK so Reggae is not my bag really, but a work mate from way back used to get music straight from the Caribbean recorded in those beach huts and this had a raw and live feel to them. MIR on my brief encounter sounds very "nice and polished" which is not what I think of for this genre.

I'll leave it playing as it's quite pleasant, as to how influential they were/are I'll leave to others to comment. 

I saw MIR in the ULU on Malett street in 1980. I had never heard of them then but it was a special gig. Massive, trouser flapping bass and the air full of a distinct "tobacco" aroma. Glad it was only a 2 minute walk home. 

Just managed to catch up with this program, very enjoyable and informative. 

One would hope that the advent of streaming services will make more of this music readily available. 

SJB