First up is DJ's Choice, 15 tracks produced by King Jammy, the originator of computerized dancehall riddims. While these riddims aren't exactly innovative, they do show a strong return for Jammy, who has had some spordic hits as of late, but not as many as Tony Kelly, for instance. The tracks here are pretty much hit-or-miss depending on the DJ. Making good showings are dancehall veteran Capleton ("Who Dem?"), Elephant Man and Wayne Marshal (on the surprise of the disc, "Start a War"), and conscious chatter Anthony B ("In a It"). Not so successful are newcomers Ward 21 ("Bezel") and Lexxus ("Straight Up"). Fellow haters of Goofy will be glad to hear he's dropped his weak gimmicky voice on "Nah Hang Out" -- it's not a stand-out, but it's so much better than his last LP. I dig the overall package; DJ's Choice is a solid dancehall collection.
Next is the third in the Triple Spin series. While the graphic design of the series continues to be strong, the content within is a mixed bag. While all of the riddims are produced by Ton "CD" Kelly, The "Warriors" riddim is by and far the strongest of the trio represented on this disc. Unfortunately, only four songs are featured on this well produced cut: nouveau-Soca duo Machel Montano & Xtatik's "Powder Puff," Prento Kidd's "City Kid," Degree's excellent "From Mi Say Woman," and Chico's "Dem Nuh Like Yu."
The "Doctor" riddim is sounds like a muffled, subdued version of the "Warriors" riddim and does not open itself up for the dynamic sound of "Warriors." Tony Curtis' "Sexual Attractions" is probably the best version.
Though the "Kiki" riddim isn't exactly outstanding, it does produce the most disturbing, yet interesting cut on the disc. The version (with the same name as the riddim) is by Soca singer Xtatik, young DJ Lexxus, and long-forgotten emcee CL Smooth (!). Combine the off-kilter line-up with a hook from the Backstreet Boys' "I Want it That Way." Just plain odd. There are 6 additional versions of this riddim.
Overall, Triple Spin 3 is not a bad listen, especially the first four cuts, but for a series so based on riddim variations, you'd think they'd make some more dynamic choices.
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