This monumental survey of the 1980s output of legendary producer
Lloyd "King Jammy" James continues with another two-disc set featuring a handful of classic
Jammy rhythms voiced by a who's who of early dancehall reggae:
Little John,
Admiral Bailey,
Frankie Paul,
Josey Wales, and
Gregory Isaacs are all represented here, and the classic rhythms include "Magic Moment" (the rhythm behind
Shelly Thunder's hit "Kuff," which is sadly not included), "Head to Toe," and "China Town." That last features
Shabba Ranks in an early tour de force titled "Get Up Stand Up and Rock," as well as a fine combination track featuring
Anthony Malvo and
Daddy Lizard.
Admiral Bailey unburdens himself of some bewildered commentary on the United States in "X Rated Country," and the great Chaka Demus puts in an early appearance with "Bad Bad Chaka" on
Steely & Clevie's soca-flavored "Duck Dance" rhythm. And there's a fine entry from the now-forgotten DJ Dominic, Jamaica's first white dancehall DJ (who, on his track, adamantly denies that he looks like
Boy George). Like the other three volumes in this four-volume, eight-disc series, this one is essential. ~ Rick Anderson