The first disc of this generous compilation features 20 songs by 14 or 15 singers, some of them well-known (Sanchez, Jack Radics, Delroy Wilson, even Gregory Isaacs) but many of them relatively obscure (Willow Wilson, Mercedes, Shelene). The second disc is a deejay program, again featuring a mix of the famous (Mega Banton, Lieutenant Stitchie, Bounty Killer) and the unknown (General T.K., Ninja Kid). Predictably, some of these artists are obscure for good reason: on "Go Out in the Rain," Mercedes sings in a completely ...
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The first disc of this generous compilation features 20 songs by 14 or 15 singers, some of them well-known (Sanchez, Jack Radics, Delroy Wilson, even Gregory Isaacs) but many of them relatively obscure (Willow Wilson, Mercedes, Shelene). The second disc is a deejay program, again featuring a mix of the famous (Mega Banton, Lieutenant Stitchie, Bounty Killer) and the unknown (General T.K., Ninja Kid). Predictably, some of these artists are obscure for good reason: on "Go Out in the Rain," Mercedes sings in a completely different key from that of the instrumental backing; Quench Aid, whose inability to stay on pitch has been showcased on a number of ill-conceived compilations, demonstrates it again on "Don't Throw It All Away." But Shelene and Sanchez both deliver excellent tracks (Shelene's "Too Experience" is one of the best performances on the album), as does Willow Wilson. Disc two is stronger overall. General Degree's "People Business" is built on a nicely chugging dancehall rhythm over which he chats virtuosically; General T.K.'s "Jail House" is a fun cautionary tale. There are also several nice singer-deejay combo tracks, including a wicked collaboration between Delroy Wilson and Bounty Killer entitled "Have Some Mercy." The clunkers shouldn't dissuade anyone from seeking out this compilation -- with such a low list price, it doesn't have to have a great batting average to be a solid bargain. ~ Rick Anderson, Rovi
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