Simply The Best Reggae Album (40 Mighty Rocking Reggae Vibes) - 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: Fab compilation of all the hits
Disadvantages: None at all

...Wow! What a fantastic CD! I could tell when I listened to it, that every song had been carefully hand picked to create such a smooth album. The songs seem to intertwine into one another. All of the big reggae stars from the past captured onto two discs. Features such artists as: -Shaggy -Toots and the Maytals -Desmond Decker -Tony Tribe -UB40 Bob Marley Features such song as: -Boombastic -Mr Loverman -Welcome to Jamrock -Red Red Wine -Wonderful World, Beautiful People The makers of this compilation have done a really fantastic job rounding up these classic reggae hits. No need to such for odd songs in tens of CDs anymore. Everything I like about Reggae captured onto one CD. Excellent value and a great buy for the reggae enthusiast.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful