Greensleeves 12" Rulers : Jah Thomas

This is my favorite disc of three "Greensleeves Rulers" that I have found. The other offerings are from Gussie Clarke and Junjo Lawes. This Jah Thomas showcase features 11 tracks by various artists such as: Triston Palmer, Toyan, Little John, Michael Palmer, Billy Boyo, and the DJ skills of Jah Thomas himself. My copy of this CD is from 2008, but the material was originally recorded back in 1981-1984. A great time for reggae - the transition from deep roots of the 70's, in to the hard conscious dj scene the early 80's. My favorite tracks on this one are: #3 (Joker Smoker - Triston Palmer), #4 (Loafter Smoker - Papa Bruce), and #11(Scandal - Billy Boyo). The standout track to my is #1 (Entertainment) with an extended DJ version featuring Jah Thomas and Toyan. The booklet for this disc completes this nice package. It's about 10 pages equally split between information on Jah Thomas and studio/dancehall photos. Some interview question with Jah Thomas round out the booklet nicely. Overall this is a great disc and I highly recommend adding it to your permanent reggae collection.

Zim Zim : Billy Boyo

You might not have ever heard of Billy Boyo, but this dj was heavy on the dancehall scene when he was just a teenager back in the early eighties. Zim Zim is his most popular compilation studio work and the material was recorded in 1983. My CD copy of this album was released by the Silver Kamel label out of London in 2002. There are 12 tracks total on this disc. Six straight-up dj vocal tracks alternating with their dub track counterparts inna showcase style. My favorite tracks on this one are: #1 (Jamaica Nice), #2 (Dub Freeze), #6 (Dread Skank), and #12 (BB's Posse). The sound quality on the 2002 cd release is very clean and sounds excellent with the dub tracks cranked up. Billy Boyo was not as famous as some of his contemporaries like Little John, Ranking Trevor, and Dillinger but his youthful voice and flow are true and his message is clearly heard.