Sister Nancy: Bam Bam and Gwan A School
From: One Two (Techniques, 1982)
One of the great bonuses of hip hop sampling is that it introduces you to artists you might otherwise never ever hear. As my knowledge of Reggae doesn’t stretch much further than the works of Lee Perry, Yellowman and a childhood obsession with Musical Youth there is little doubt in my mind that were it not for the prolific sampling of Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam I never would have come across the artist and her 1982 album One Two.
However, thanks to Large Professor and Pete Rock it’s become one of those simple pleasures I’ll return to from time to time – a quality pick me up of an album.
The track Bam Bam itself is a masterpiece in early eighties reggae minimalism. From the moment those heavily sampled horns come in the track rolls along as smooth as you like with the obligatory dub bassline over the Stalag rhythm. It’s Nancy’s vocal that holds it all together though, her voice the melody accompanying the production.
Gwan A School has some of my favourite production on the album, Winston Riley keeping the sound tight as Sister Nancy espouses the necessity of school to the youth of today. I love the multiple breakdowns in the track, the beat returning each time with an extra layer of complexity. Great tracks and a great album to get you in the mood for the weekend.
Follow Us On Twitter 
nice! gwan a school is the *best*. aside from the production the lyrics – everything really – just perfect.
Thank you for this. 'Bam Bam' is one of those songs I've wanted a copy of for years and years but never got around to acquiring. Gwan is hot too.
Nice tracks…
If you like Sister Nancy, I'd recommend picking up some Sophia George. Her song "Girlie Girlie" reminds me a lot of "Bam Bam".
that bam bam song is originally by horace andy – love is the light
'Bam Bam' is a classic in my opinion. It has also been sampled by Groove Armada (Fogma) & Olav Basovski (Waterman).
yea bam bam is one of those songs thats been redone to death by jamaican artists but sister nancys was pretty good.
Actually the original was Toots and the Maytals who won the 1966 Jamaican Festival Song contest with that song if their anthology notes are to be believed.
Well it look slike my knowledge of Reggae has been expanded slightly. Cheers for the tips, will try to check them out.
mirage hotel casino <a href="http://lookacz.thehostcity.com/mirage-hotel-casino.html">mirage hotel casino</a> mirage hotel casino // terribles lakeside casino <a href="http://lookacz.thehostcity.com/terribles-lakeside-casino.html">terribles lakeside casino</a> terribles lakeside casino