Moll-Selekta, 2003
This sampler is an exquisite collection of remastered roots reggae tracks (some previously unreleased on CD) from 1972-1984. On the title track, Flick Wilson’s falsetto entreaties are truly moving, and the wicked bassline is moving as well. Other high points are Johnny Clarke’s soulful “Don’t Know Who to Trust,” Wayne Jarrett’s haunting “All I Want to Do,” and Horace Andy’s catchy “Free Africa.” Actually it’s hard to pick highlights, since the entire collection is great. Other splendid tracks are “Pop Style” by Linval Thompson and “Dread Inna Babylon” by Jacob Miller. With production by Rodguel “Blackbeard” Sinclair and King Tubby and riddims by Ring Craft Posse, Roots Radics, and The Aggrovators, this compilation is a veritable who’s who of roots music. It’s an essential release for the new year.