Michael Smith - John Peel Session

Michael Smith - John Peel Session

A live studio recording from British poet Michael Smith

Recorded by the legendary John Peel at 04-05-1982,

Produced by Dale Griffin (hi Dale!).

LINE UP Michael Smith (vocals) and Tony Uter (percussion)

Big Thanks to Ras *Israel for providing the artwork!

MILITANT POETRY

Long Time/Black And White
Roots
It A Come/Stuck/Picture Or No Picture
Me Can't Believe It
Trainer

Michael Smith - Mi C-yaan Believe It

Black And White
Feel It
Mi Cyaan Believe It
Long TimeTrainer

Picture Or Picture
Roots
It A Come
Give Me Little Dub Music

Michael Smith (September 14, 1954 - August 17, 1983), usually referred to as Mikey Smith, was a Jamaican dub poet. Along with Linton Kwesi Johnson, and Mutabaruka, he was one of the most well-known dub poets.
He had left-anarchist leanings and Rastafarian sympathies. Smith was allegedly murdered by political opponents associated with the right-wing Jamaica Labour Party after heckling the Jamaican Minister of Culture at a political rally on August 17, 1983.

In 1982, Smith released this debut album and performed extensively in Europe supporting such acts as Gregory Isaacs. Smith recorded a session for John Peel which was broadcast by the BBC on 4th May 1982. He continued to work as a social worker representing prisoners in Gun Court. His outspoken commentary on the “isms and schisms of ‘politricks”’ in Jamaica led to his life being cut short. Michael Smith was stoned to death following that clash at the political rally, which sadly occurred on Marcus Garvey's birthday.

There has never been a CD release of "Mi C-yaan Believe It" and the LP is long out of print, which is a pity, since it's a fascinating album, musically and lyrically, that grows on you the more you listen to it.