Reggae Christmas Collection, The - Various Artists

Advantages: High quality tracks, excellent sleeve notes and photos
Disadvantages: You may have most of the tracks

...Compiled by reggae experts Chris Lane, Noel Hawks and Dave Hendley (people who were actually there in '69 and love and know the music inside out), this CD is an absolute must if you enjoy the classic era of reggae. Even if you already have most of the tunes, this album is up there with other top-quality Trojan releases covering the same period, such as "Dancehall '69" and "Dawning of a New Era", and also includes a few rarities such as George Dekker's "Foey Man" to justify the purchase! The quality never lets up, with classic early reggae instrumentals, rocksteady, DJ cuts and fast skinhead reggae anthems. Just stick it your CD player and it'll never come out! Note: four of the advertised tracks are not on here, namely "Vampire" by The Upsetters, "Swan Lake" by The Cats, "Barbwire" by Nora Dean, and "Rooster" by Tommy McCook. Don't let... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Amazing track selection, value for money
Disadvantages: None!

...You might have stumbled into Skinhead Reggae in the shop and wondered what it is. It came along after rocksteady around 1968-70, with a fast beat, electronically doubled rhythm guitar stroke, and heavy organ lines. For many people it's the classic era of reggae. To get 50 top quality and well selected tracks for this price is so good it's almost a joke. A lot of effort has gone into this CD, and it shows, with tracks pulled from all sorts of rare reggae record labels. Amongt the amazing selections are songs such as "Mix Up Girl" by The Creations, "V Rocket" by The Fabions, "What Am I To Do" by Tony Scott, "Spread Your Bed" by The Versatiles, "Qua Kue Shut" by The Creations, "History" by Harry & Radcliffe, "The Burner" by Vincent Gordon & The Dynamics, "2,000 Tons Of T.N.T." by The G.G. All Stars, "Death In The Arena" by Rupie Martin... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Cost, Range of Tracks overall, Original layout
Disadvantages: Disc 1 length

...The Island Records Anthology Box Set is a must for any Reggae fans. The box set is divided into three eras; 1959-1973 Ska to Reggae, including artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Don Drummond & the Skatellites and Desmond Dekker. This section portrays the upbeat, happy rhythms of Ska changing to Reggae later in this CD. In contrast Disc 2 gives us the 'Party time, roots and dub' of the 70s with Third World, Dillinger, Steel Pulse and Junior Murvin featuring their work. This disc provides a ride through the classic era of reggae at it height of popularity. The Final disc gives a modern take of reggae from 1980-2005 in 'Jamrock' with electronic elements and different melodies from Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Damian Marley, showing a transition to a more upbeat tempo. In my opinion the structure of the Island Records... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful