Studio One Rockers: Best of Studio One
Bringing together the original cuts of classic tracks such as  "Skylarking" and Dawn Penn's instantly recognizable "No, No, No,"Studio One Rockersshowcases not only the talents of influential  artists that were to become synonymous with reggae but also the styles,  sounds, and, above all, rhythms that were to dominate Kingston studios  into the 1970s and beyond. There are a number of rock-steady classics  (hence the name), with tracks like Hammond-Organ maestroJackie Mittoo's "Hot Milk" and the legendaryMarcia Griffiths's "Feel Like Jumping" highlighting the then-dramatic  change in style away from the faster beats of ska towards heavy,  bass-led tracks with a much slower tempo. ButStudio One Rockersis  not restricted to this. The semi-instrumental track "Phoenix City"  pounds along at a breakneck pace with trumpets belting and, along with  "Greedy G," shows the importance a faster beat, a funky take, or a  big-band sound also had within the Studio One fold. There are tracks from  DJs likeLone Rangerwith  his "Badder Dan Dem" vocal rhythms and dancehall sounds. Roots artists  include one of its biggest stars, Horace Andy, whose then unique  falsetto was later emulated by many looking for a similar pop success.  Then a preteen, reggae star Freddy McGregor also appears on "Bobby  Babylon." Freddy, like many of the artists here, was to produce some of  his best work under the watchful eye of Studio One's equally famous  producer--Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In many ways a tribute to Coxsone's  production skills and rhythms that continue to be rediscovered and  recut,Studio One Rockersis essential listening for anyone with  even a passing interest in Jamaican music.--Caroline Butler