Description:

“Each track on this album is taken from a recent Trojan release by the artists and DJ’s (sic) performing at the upcoming Boss Sounds reggae festival in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on November 18th - 19th 2006” is embossed in a red-for-dangerous font on the back of my review copy.

Which means?

This compilation features some of the biggest names from reggae music. The likes of Jimmy Cliff, Horace Andy, and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Along with that old favourite of Stamford Bridge, The Harry J All Stars who appear by virtue of a Trojan Sound Systems mix of their classic ‘Liquidator’.

Is it much cop?

As a taster, yes. For those who don’t know much about reggae, the sublimely ear-friendly duo of Horace Andy on ‘Sky Larking’ and Janet Kay on ‘Lovin’ You’ offers a gentle introduction. For those who know a bit more, they’ll delight in hearing rarer tracks such as Lloyd Robinson’s ‘Cuss Cuss’ and skanky closer ‘Ball of Confusion’ by Dennis Alcapone.

How many good tracks?

Those wise Trojan bods have got all bases covered. By offering a mixture of the familiar and the obscure, they don’t disappoint. As the About Us section on the Trojan site states: “Since its creation in 1968, Trojan Records has led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican sounds, from the Rocksteady and early Reggae sounds that dominated in the years of its launch, up to the modern styles of Dancehall and Jungle.”

And the worst?

As the About US section on the Trojan site continues: “The company has always taken pride in the quality of its releases, which has highlighted the cream of Jamaican talent, with the likes of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Toots & The Maytals and The Inner Circle all included on its illustrious roster. The output of the leading producers who have been instrumental in the developing sound of Jamaican music has also received due attention, with the works of such legendary figures as Arthur 'Duke' Reid, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd and Leslie Kong all featuring prominently on Trojan releases.”

Biggest disappointment?

That the “upcoming Boss Sounds Reggae Festival” is “Newcastle-Upon-Tyne”. A city at the other end of the country from the one I currently reside in. This taster just leaves you hungry for more.

Verdict:

An album that captures the spirit of Jamaican music. This is a compilation to turn a bad day into a good one. At the drop of a track.

(4½/5)