by Steve HueyThird World is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaicas most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. While the band was long capable of authentic roots reggae, they usually preferred to mix in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock (and, later on, dancehall and rap). Purists often criticized their music as tame and polished, overly beholden to commercial concerns. Indeed, they were regular visitors to the American and British charts during the 80s, but the best of their output was undeniably satisfying on a creative level as well.Third World was originally formed in 1973 by keyboardist Michael Ibo Cooper and guitarist/cellist Steven Cat Coore. Both had received formal training at music schools in Jamaica, and both had played around the Kingston reggae scene before joining the original lineup of Inner Circle around 1968. When they left to form their own band in 1973, they took...