Rasta Dub ' 76 : The Aggrovators

This disc is from the Attack record label 2006, the original LP release is from 1976. It's 12 tracks of solid roots dub from producer Bunny Lee. The Aggrovators lay down the tracks that later got mixed at King Tubby's. Along with The Aggrovators, the Attack label is also known for working on releases from Errol Dunkley (Darling Ooh) and Johnny Clarke. This album contains dub versions of Ites Gold and Green and None Shall Escape. Other notable tracks on this one are #10 (No woman No Cry) and #11 ( Small Axe). Overall this is a pretty good listen. You can go straight through it and not have to skip over any sour tracks. This is a dependable, solid, roots dub CD usually found at a reasonable price.

My Number One : Gregory Isaacs

This disc is from the Heartbeat label released back in 1990, all tracks were recorded in the seventies. 13 tracks total on this one, the last three tracks of the disc have dj work by Barnabas and U-Brown on reprise versions of earlier tracks on the album. Trinity has a brief verse at the end of the title track "My Number One". This is by far my favorite Gregory Isaacs disc of all time, these are the legendary rhythms and grooves; the type that helped make reggae an international music powerhouse. Gregory Isaacs displays his relaxed yet emotional delivery with solid roots backing. Besides the title track, my other favorites on this one are: #1 (Philistines), #7 (No Speech, No Language), #9 (Border w/ U-Brown), and #12 (Lonely Teardrops). All materials were produced at Channel One and Harry J's, a straight-up Jamaican product. Musicians include The Revolutionaries and Soul Syndicate Band among others. There are so many Gregory Isaacs discs and albums out there and I think this one is a great example of some of the best he's got to offer.

Fire Down Below : Scorchers from Studio One

This is a great compilation of classic roots performers released from Heartbeat in 1990. The CD has 14 tracks from the late sixties and early seventies, showcasing artists like: Winston Jarrett, Jackie Mittoo, Burning Spear, and many others. Although the tracks are older recordings, the sound quality is nice and clear. My favorites on this disc are: #1 (Fire Down Below - Burning Spear) and #11 (Sweet Talking - Heptones). This collection was produced and compiled by C.S. Dodd and features such legendary musicians as: Ernest Ranglin, Cedric Im Brooks, Leroy Sibbles, and many more. These are supposed to be all Studio One recordings and the set list features a good cross section of reggae types. This disc has early and classic roots recordings, instrumentals, and even a little dj and nyahbingi chants - a little bit of everything.