I have to say this is a great accomplishment on the part of Soul Jazz records. There have been numerous so-called greatest hits released for the Studio One label, but this is the closest thing to a comprehensive collection you will find. It features a masterful selection of instrumentals, vocal and dj cuts that made the label such a juggernaut. The strong point of the compilation is the mix of classic and unknown material. Take for instance the incredible Prince Jazzbo cut “Crab Walking,” a rarely seen or heard version on the Skylarking riddim. Interdispersed amoung rarities are classics such as Dawn Penn’s “No, No, No,” the original “Real Rock” riddim by the Sound Dimension band, Horace Andy’s “Skylarking,” Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Babylon,” and Marcia Griffith’s “Feel Like Jumping.” These are truly the foundational tunes and riddims of reggae music as we know it.
- music label: Soul Jazz 2001