#15 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“Joseph Hill prophesied apocalypse on July 7, 1977. Kingston shut down that day — people stayed home. The album's prophecy didn't come true. Its music remains eternal.”
Culture was a roots reggae band formed in Jamaica in the mid-1970s, consisting of lead vocalist Joseph Hill, bassist Albert Walker, and drummer Kenneth Substance. The trio emerged from Kingston's vibrant reggae scene and became known for their conscious, spiritually-infused lyrics rooted in Rastafarian philosophy. Their debut album 'Dos' (1976) established their signature sound, followed by the critically acclaimed 'Culture' (1978) and 'Harder Than The Best' (1978). The band achieved their greatest commercial success with the album 'Two Sevens Clash' (1977), which is considered a masterpiece of roots reggae. Culture remained active through the 1980s and beyond, maintaining their commitment to socially conscious and spiritually uplifting music, with Joseph Hill continuing the project until his death in 2006.
Style
Culture performed roots reggae with deep Rastafarian spiritual themes, characterized by tight vocal harmonies, prominent bass lines, and conscious, poetic lyrics. Their sound was grounded, earthy, and stripped of commercial production flourishes, emphasizing the purity of traditional reggae instrumentation.
Significance
Culture is essential for serious reggae vinyl collectors, representing the height of 1970s roots reggae authenticity and consciousness. Their albums, particularly 'Two Sevens Clash,' are cornerstone records in reggae's canon and highly sought after in both original and reissued vinyl formats.
Two Sevens Clash, released in 1977, was Culture's second studio album and marked a creative peak for the Jamaican roots reggae trio. The album was recorded at the Harry J Studios in Kingston during a period of intense political and social turmoil in Jamaica, with the band channeling these tensions into powerful, spiritually-driven music. The title referenced Rastafarian numerology and the clash between competing cosmic forces. Working with producer/engineer Enos McLeod and arranger Don Mais, Culture created a cohesive body of work that blended conscious lyricism with sophisticated arrangements. The album solidified the vocal trio's reputation for delivering deeply spiritual messages alongside compelling reggae grooves. Key tracks like the title song became anthems within Jamaican culture, resonating particularly during the volatile 1980 elections that followed just years later.
Historical Context
Two Sevens Clash arrived during reggae's golden era, following closely on the heels of Bob Marley's international breakthrough. The late 1970s saw roots reggae dominating Jamaica's music scene as a vehicle for Rastafarian philosophy and social commentary. Jamaica itself was experiencing significant political polarization between the PNP and JLP parties. The album achieved substantial success within Jamaica and the Caribbean reggae market, earning respect from critics and musicians for its spiritual depth and uncompromising artistic vision. While not reaching mainstream international audiences like Marley's work, it became hugely influential within reggae circles and established Culture as essential artists of the roots reggae movement.
Pressing Notes
The original 1977 pressing on the Frontline label (distributed by Island Records) is highly sought after by collectors. Early pressings feature the classic orange and yellow label design. The album has been reissued multiple times on vinyl, including later Frontline reissues and digital-era reissues. Collectors should seek original first pressings from 1977 for optimal sound quality and historical authenticity. Condition is variable depending on storage; well-preserved copies command premium prices. The album has also seen CD and digital reissues, but vinyl remains the preferred format among serious reggae collectors for its warmth and the album's intended sonic presentation.
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