Library Rock's Backpages

When Two Systems Clashed at Club Four Aces: A snapshot of London reggae culture in the early '70s

Penny Reel, Deep Down With Dennis Brown, 9 February 2002

Penny Reel was the pre-eminent reggae writer of reggae's '70s heyday, contributing regularly to NME, Black Echoes and other publications. His Deep Down With Dennis Brown - Cool Runnings And The Crown Prince Of Reggae traces the busy years of the Jamaican boy star's early rise to prominence in the 1970s, when he developed his distinct style and also made the majority of his best and most famous recordings. Told as a short story in Reel's highly personal style and set against the backdrop of the London underground reggae scene during these turbulent times, Deep Down... provides a fascinating insider's insight into an otherwise hidden world. "Atmospheric, poetic, impassioned and respectful of arcana which would otherwise be lost to knowledge," wrote Jon Savage in Mojo. "Fans of Penny Reel’s writing on London and reggae have a double treat here. Leaves you wanting more."

Total word count of piece: 1196

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.