Third World - 96 degrees in the Shade - 1977

As diverse as one can get and still be true/tuned to reggae roots. They blend r&b, disco and rock into their mix and come up with a smooth sound that goes down easily. Purists may sneer at their output*, but I think they put together a readily enjoyable style of reggae that doesn't sell out to get you on the dance floor. Of course the title cut is about the execution of a Jamaican by the British colonizers and how his spirit inhabits those oppressed to this day. Not exactly booty shakin', thematically, but gorgeously conceived and arranged, and if one doesn't focus on the lyrics, danceable. Overall - middleweight reggae and light heavyweight fun.

* I have to temper my enthusiasm for Third World by agreeing with critics who think that their 80s & 90s output sucks. They blended and blanded the reggae into an over produced blob (I dig the tune "Sense of Purpose", though). I still highly recommend their first three albums to those who enjoy upbeat, positive vibes.


Tenor Saw - Fever - 1986

Early dancehall at the cusp of the digital age. This was Tenor Saw's debut lp but he had already cut some classic singles. Irresistible rhythms. Hypnotic delivery. Simply powerful. He only recorded for a few years before he tragically died (at 22) in a car v pedestrian accident in 1988. R.I.P.

Bunny Wailer - Rock n Groove - 1981

A good friend of mine went to Jamaica on his honeymoon 20 some years ago. He came back with a passel of righteous platters from a' yard. This LP somehow ended up in my collection (thanks, bro) and I'm not letting it go! This is a fantastic, danceable set with a great sound. The Roots Radics provide the music and Bunny Wailer lays out the soulful vocals. No heavy warnings from Jah, just sweet dance hall exhortations. Here is a youtube link to give you an idea of what Rock n Groove is like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nE9XEa1pJc

BUYER BEWARE: I am describing the LP version of Rock n Groove on Solomonic Records. There have been a couple CD reissues of this LP (one very recently) but neither one is worthy, IMO. Both truncate the songs and add other tunes from who knows what sessions. The LP has 7 songs that stretch out the groove and take you away. Plus, there is nothing like the big sound of an album mastered and cut in Jamaica. Hard to find, but find-able.