Microphone Attack 1974-1978
The Blood & Fire label set the standard for roots reggae compilations when it came on the scene in the mid-'90s, and it continues to do so even in a marketplace that has since flooded with rivals and imitators. The label has built itself an almost insurmountable reputation is two areas in particular: dub and DJs. Blood & Fire's dub compilations include some of the best King Tubby collections ever assembled, and the label has also issued such classic DJ compilations as If Deejay Was Your Trade and the monumental three-disc Big Youth anthology Natty Universal Dread. All of this is to say that a new Blood & Fire DJ compilation is cause for rejoicing amongst fans of 1970s reggae, and this one does not disappoint. Microphone Attack focuses largely on performances by the great I Roy and Big Youth, all of them produced by Winston "Niney the Observer" Holness. Some of the selections are legendary -- "Maggie Breast," I Roy's relatively unusual foray into slackness; Big Youth's "Wild Goose Chase"; Dillinger's brilliant "Flat Foot Hustling" -- while others are more obscure. But as always, all of the performances are perfectly selected and are remastered with loving attention to every sonic detail. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide