Reggae Gold 1999
Whereas some labels put together collections that, at best, offer second-rate tunes from first-rate artists, theReggae Goldseries stands for just that, track for track. The music's mainstream U.S. profile may be low, butGold '99's 18 selections from Jamaica's steaming club turntables suggest that reggae creativity is running fever-high. An interesting attribute of this compilation is the partnerings between otherwise solo acts, including established reggae kingsBeres HammondandBuju Banton, joining their huge talents for "Pull It Up," and youngbloods Mr. Vegas and Sean Paul, scorching dancehalls with "Haffi Get Da Gal." The shape-shiftingBeenie Man's dead-serious "Better Learn," a warning to a certain fanatical and fractious element within the reggae fraternity, is another highlight, as is Trinidad's number one soca rude boy, Machel Montano, celebrating curvaceous ladies in a reggae dancehall style with "Big Phat Fish."--Elena Oumano