Review of EASY STAR VOLUME TWO

When I first met the guys from Easy Star five years ago, I was impressed by the vision they had for reggae music in the United States. They used many old recording techniques to help get that authentic old school sound and had a dedication to record the best reggae from both new and established artists. And that they did. Easy Star Volume One was an absolutely amazing collection, one of my ten essential reggae CDs. It featured new talent like Ossie Dellimore and Rob Symmeon as well as well-known artists like Sister Carol, Sugar Minott, and The Meditations.

Since 1997, Easy Star has steadily released some of the best reggae I've heard, consistent with their mission. They're not a label that puts out a disc a week; when Easy Star drops a CD, it's usually not to be missed.

So, for the last five years, as a reviewer (disclosure: and a friend) of the folks at Easy Star, I've gushed about each and every one of their releases. Let the gushing begin again.

Easy Star Volume Two is similar to the first volume in that it provides a disc full of wonderful reggae tunes with original riddims, but it's different in that there are a lot more familiar names this time around and this volume focuses on dancehall culture.

Luciano starts the album off with the oustanding "Hopes on High." Luciano is at his spiritual best and Michael G. and crew serve up a solid riddim. Following "Hopes on High" is a great combination of singers and DJs on "God Love." The track features Luciano, Triston Palma (who Easy Star has developed a good relationship with as of late), Beres Hammond, Michigan (but no Smiley), Marcia Griffiths, Delly Ranks, and—get this—Courtney Melody. Wow.

Anthony B serves up two tracks. "Third Eye Blind," on the "Thai Stick" riddim is mighty fine, with Anthony chatting in his reknowned conscious style. "Love So Divine" has Anthony toasting over the less-impressive (but more dancehall-friendly) "Hit Tune" riddim. Other DJs features are Mojah (with backing vocals from Pam Hall), Sister Nancy, Dollarman (imagine Mad Cobra as a singjay), and Minx (on the album's biggest surprise, "Jah Breathe Life Inna Me").

The singers get their fair shot, too. The Africans' Tony Tuff rides the "Cool Down" with a niceness on "Wanty Wanty", while the Meditations team up with Easy Star again for "Run Away Heathen." Half Pint works for the first time with Easy Star on the bubbling "Love Potion Number 9" and Rob Symmeon (who had the excellent "Anything for Jah" on the first volume) returns on the soulful "Keep on Trying."

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