Ultimate Reggae Album, The - Various Artists

Advantages: loads of tracks
Disadvantages: some seem quite dated

...A six CD box set which showcases a huge selection of tracks from the drum and bass scene. Drum and bass has gained huge popularity over the years and has gained alot of followers thanks to its breaknecks speeds of drums, bass and sample ridden madness. These tracks show you what is all about and my gosh there is alot of them. The tracks span right back to the early nineties and some can sound very dated but interesting nether the less. Producers which stand out on the album are the big heavy weights such as 'Dillinja' with his awesome track 'Grimey' with its huge pitch bending bass synth and the unforgettable vocal sample, this one will keep you going till the early hours. Then there is J-magik, with his equally powerful but more jazzy power rhythms. If your a fan of this hi speed music you will defenitely find this box set... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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