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REGGAEMANIA
THE ULTIMATE REGGAE EXPERIENCE
JAMDOWN Records
Making every effort to
cement its status as a top class reggae label, Jamdown Records has
been releasing new compilations with a vengeance over the past few
months. The latest, Reggaemania, is one of the best yet. Unlike
previous releases which showcased two riddims each, ReggaeMania
hosts five new ones. The rootsy and driving Sela Riddim kicks off
the cd, and is blessed by Half Pint, Anthony B and Bling Dawg among
others. The Endorsement Riddim slows things down a bit with its
moody and reflective rocksteady, perfect for the album’s more
spiritual and sermonizing tracks. The pace picks right back up again
with the dubby and old-school Thunderstorm and Spin Yu Roll riddims
which feature big players such as Shabba, Beenie and Sizzla before
settling to a close with the Hemp Riddim. Adding to the album’s
appeal is the fact that it is a mixed compilation as opposed to
a cd’s worth of standalone tracks. Each tune flows steadily
into the next, the mix punctuated by sound-effects and fancy cutting.
Easily one of the more energetic and varied releases of the year,
ReggaeMania will be perfect for the long days of summer soon ahead.
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REGGAEMANIA
THE ULTIMATE REGGAE EXPERIENCE
JAMDOWN
Records
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RHYTHM ALBUM
# 22
MARTIAL ARTS
Greensleeves
There are some riddims
which have the privilege of appearing on multiple cds, and apparently
Martial Arts is one of them. Produced by Cordel “Scatta”
Burrell, the riddim is a militant assault of a beat and is featured
on Greensleeve’s latest album. The danger of releasing a double
set is the possibility that you might bore your listeners. However,
Greensleeves avoids this by packing it to the brim with top DJs.
Over the course of the two discs we are treated to the sonic fighting
styles of Merciless, Anthony B and Hawked among others. Standout
cuts include “Give Deem DI Shabbier” by Mr. Ranks himself
and “The Bombing” by Elephant Man. CD number one is tight,
but the second one is the real keeper as it’s the home to the
feuding tracks from Bounty and Been. For those who treasure their
ridded collection, this one is a keeper.
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RHYTHM
ALBUM # 22 Compilations:
Martial Arts
Greensleeves
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