Caribbean Popular Music: An Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall

It could be argued that all musical genres carry with them wider cultural baggage, but Caribbean music is an integral part of the history, politics and culture of both its geographical area of origin and its wider sphere of influence and dissemination. Even the skinhead movement in Britain has been hugely influenced by Ska and Rock Steady, with the legendary Trojan Records a totem for the true skinhead movement. Reggae, of course, has infiltrated and inspired contemporary music throughout the world, most notably through Bob Marley.

David Moskowitz has not only succeeded in producing a beautiful and accessible reference work,...