Review of JamDown Records' ULTIMATE REGGAE MIX VOL. 1

While JamDown Records is better known for their dancehall compilations and mix CDs, their experimentation with roots and lovers compilations have also been successful. Their latest is The Ultimte Reggae Mix Vol. 1 and features well known singers and DJs like Tony Rebel, Yami Bolo, and Buju Banton, as well as some lesser-known (on a mainstream level, at least) artists like Anthony Cruz, Lion Heart, and Gimmy Reily.

The albums starts off somewhat slow with a series of modern lovers songs by Mikey Spice and Freddie McGregor, but kicks in especially strong halfway through. One of the top moments comes on Yami Bolo's outstanding "Children." Mark Hudson's production is a perfect compliment to Bolo's Waterhouse vocal style. It's unfortunate that this song gets cut short for the blend with the next track (the equally good "Spoken Words" by Tony Rebel).

Bushman and I Lue contribute the solid "On a Mission" and Limmy Paul's immensely popular "Can I Be the Only One" is included for good measure. Corba and A.R.P. contribute their take on Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" the entertaining "Baby Let's Do It." Richie Stephens and Degree offer their take on the same riddim on "Get it On." While Degree sounds little too Shaggy-esque, I still dug the track.

I was happily surprised by Goofy, who I frequently lambaste for his awful album I Don't Give a Damn!!. On "I Sit and Wonder," Goofy sings rather than chats, and he is infinitely more listenable. I only wish he had been introduced to the world as a singer before a DJ.

Among the lesser-known artists, I was impressed by Lion Heart on "Leaves of the Same Tree" (though Chad Simpson's production leaves a lot to be desired). I also really dug Mr. Steve, who joined the popular Elephant Man on "Wey Dem Ago Do Now." He has a very Rayvon-esque voice, and compliments Elephant Man as well as Rayvon compliments Shaggy. Gimmy Reily's "Never Give it Up" has gotten a lot of notice, and rightfully so. Though I haven't heard anything else by this vocalist, this track speaks quite positively for him.

The mix itself is smooth, but not flawless (even with tracks on the same riddim). Overall, though, I enjoyed this disc a lot more than JamDown's myriad dancehall discs. I hope they continue to offer up solid collections like this one as part of their catalog.

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