From Jamaica with Love - Island Vibes Compilation - VP Records/Hardwax (2007)
Australia's Hardwax Label show their enthusiasm and keen knowledge of Reggae with the From Jamaica with Love collection. Compiled form the VP Records catalogue, there are seven compilations showcasing some of the great diversity of this genre. The Island Vibes disk puts together some fundamental classics and some of the more commerical tracks from well established artists.
Island Vibes has a heavyweight selection of vocalists and the compilation begins with up-tempo, good tunes. Aptly kicking off with Half Pint's Greetings, and Buju Banton's Feeling Groovy, then flowing into Jump Around, the first of three mass appeal tracks by Morgan Heritage (also on the compilation are Down by the River, and Caribbean Party). I found myself forwarding through some of the
'mellow' sections of this CD in eager anticipation of the more solid sections, such as Johnny Osbourne - Water Pumping, Freddie McGregor - Big Ship, Don Carlos - Natty Dread Have Him Credentials, Llyod Parks - Officially, and Sizzla - Good Ways. These are all standout tracks from some of Reggae's master vocalists, which would have been nicely balanced by some representation of female vocalists to give a more rounded picture of the 'island vibes' sounds of Jamaica.
Other highly recommended tracks to check out are Bangarang by Freddie McGregor, the awesome combo of Beres Hammond and Buju Banton on Pull It Up, and for those after some smoothness, check out Olivia, by the underated New Yorkian honey-sweet vocalist, Shinehead. I rediscovered tunes that I hadn't listened to for a long time in this really accessible compilation, and I am really buzzing on Sizzla's, Good Ways.
The 'good old reggae' compilation has stepped it up a notch and the Island Vibes disk has outstanding selections and sections which make it a good listen for most people. Bring on the blue skies of summer - these 19 tracks will livin up the place, brighten up the day, and help get you into that cruisy mood.
Grizzly Smooth
Comments
There are no comments.
Add a comment