Trojan Ska Revival Box Set - Various Artists

Advantages: Amazing songs, great packaging
Disadvantages: NONE

...You might have seen this CD before and been miffed at the measly 17 tracks on offer, especially compared to the 50 track box sets that Trojan offer for less money, and so left it on the shelf. However, this CD is simply the best ska compilation I've ever seen, so go back to the shop and buy it! I'll tell you why you should: This compilation contains original ska recorded at Brentford Road in the early sixties by the then-superstars of Jamaica, and the quality of the selection is awe-inspiring! As the house band, The Skatalites pretty much play on all of these tracks, with the artists forming a who's who of Jamaican music - Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, Jackie Mittoo and Roland Alphonso play in various arrangements alongside The Maytals, The Ethiopians, Delroy Wilson, Joe Higgs and The Wailers. The scorching ska instrumentals - Exodus... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

...'s All Stars, "Skinheads A Bash Them" by Claudette & The Corporation, "Skinhead A Message To You" by Desmond Riley, "Skinhead Revolt" by Joe The Boss. These tracks might be unknown to you now, but a few days after listening to them they'll be your new favourites and you'll be making tapes for your mates! If you like this CD you should also check out the Trojan CD's "Dancehall '69", "Skinhed Revolt" and "Dawning of a New Era", and you'll soon have an amazing Skinhead reggae selection that would cost you around £5,000 on the original vinyl. The CDs come in paper sleeves with some notes, but for the money the music is all you need! Seriously, buy this. NOW.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Timeless classics; 50 tracks for £7
Disadvantages: Recording quality of older tracks

...brought out of receivership by Saga who concentrated more of albums rather than singles and consequently the 7" single under the Trojan banner was phased out. 30 of the 50 tracks on this album appear on CD for the first time given their previus rarity. This box-set is one of many themed sets currently on the market. Others include UK Singles, Dub, Instrumental, Reggae Sisters, Soulful Reggae, Reggae Brothers, Lovers, Ska and Calypso. There are many others coming onto the market. Trojan is enjoying something of an Indian summer with their reissuing of nearly every track from their vaults. I estimate there are around 30 of these themed box-sets on the market and occasionally songs from one set does overlap onto another, but with such a wealth of material available to the compilers, it does happen too much. ---WHAT DOES IT SOUND... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful