This month we're facing a hot, Summer lineup highlighted by several offerings from none other than VP Records. Along those lines, something that will double your listening pleasure is VP's recent release, REGGAE GOLD 2001. First of all, you get a CD bearing a dozen and a half of reggae's finest. "Finest" artists? "Finest" hits? Take your choice! It is all primo. Lots of good stuff here. Beres Hammond teams up with Buju Banton for "Ain't It Good To Know." A very familiar play is Cecile's "Changez." What we find delightful is Lady Saw & Marsha's answer to Shaggy's globally embraced song, "It Wasn't Me." The ladies get serious with "Son Of A Bit@h!" If you're not familiar with it, this snappy duo lays down "get in your face" lyrics to the background music of Shaggy's comeback hit. This is actually the crown jewel of the CD's tracks. You'll also find Beenie Mans’ "Girls Dem Sugar," "Pretty Girl" by Sanchez and "Kushungpeng" - an interesting work from Shabba Ranks & Mikey Spice. What cements this compilation for us is the inclusion of soul-searching inspiration from Morgan Heritage with

SANCHEZ

BACK AT ONE
(VP Records)

"Take Up Your Cross." However, VP is generous here. They give you a bonus CD that offers lots of party-time fun. It's a continuous mix of reggae hits played by a spirited selector.

Then there's a great release from VP - THE BEST OF SANCHEZ: BACK AT ONE. Sanchez emerged during the dancehall era of the late 80s. He has proven his knack for pitching the right song as his numerous #1 singles on Jamaican radio has shown. The

fan attraction can be attributed to Sanchez's ability to express youthful innocence and teen angst in his songs - like no other in reggae. This CD is a collection of sixteen Sanchez classics and includes number one hits, "Praise Him," "I Care For You," "Rearrange My Life" and title track, "Back At

One". There's no doubt that what's included in this compilation are top of the line. However, this CD follows up on another "best of" album. For some this might present mixed signals, while others might wonder how does an artist or label follow up after two "best of" albums released in tandem. Just an observation.

THAT'S LIFE is the new album release from VP artist, Anthony B. It's his fourth for the label. Anthony B has carved out a unique place for himself through reggae music by combining the charisma of core artist, Peter Tosh and the dancehall sensibilities of contemporary artists like Buju Banton and Capleton. Not a bad combination! THAT'S LIFE reflects Anthony B's growth nurtured by continuous work while recording and performing over years. His songs deal with subject material of major importance and concern for Jamaicans: religion, pride, violence, poverty, love and the celebration of life. Here you'll hear sixteen tracks addressing such subjects - reported through the eyes of one of Jamaica's more credible lyricists.

Greensleeves Records offers such a product in their GREENSLEEVES REGGAE SAMPLER 22. Wow! We haven't seen a series release number this high in quite a few years! Simplicity . . . we suppose. Well, in this release we hear wonderful music from the likes of reggae legend, Garnett Silk with "What Do You Say?" Now that's a plus for sure! The stars are out. Capleton, Mr. Vegas, Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Sanchez, Buju Banton, Sean Paul and Mad Cobra are just a few of the artists featured here. The series might be aging a bit, but the contents here are great!