Rating:
Genre:
Reggae
Release Date: 05/28/1996
Like the
RAS label out of Washington, D.C.,
VP Records has found success as a stateside label specializing in modern
dancehall reggae. Whereas
RAS focuses on more
roots-minded vocal and
DJ cuts,
VP keeps attuned almost exclusively to the digital
ragga sounds that came to the fore during the '90s. The label certainly has one of the most impressive rosters in this respect, including the likes of
Buju Banton,
Beenie Man,
General Degree,
Lady Saw,
Beres Hammond, and
Bounty Killer, among many others. This fourth installment in
VP's high-profile
Reggae Gold series offers up prime cuts from all these singers and
DJs, along with some updated
roots-
ragga from
Luciano as well as a fine
Gregory Isaacs and
Lady Saw duet on an update of
"Night Nurse." Other standout tracks include
Saw's ribald
"No Long Talk" (her infamous vocal gymnastics taking on
Diamanda Galas proportions),
Bounty Killer's tight bit of robotic
funk "Benz & the Bimma," and
General Degree's slinky rub-a-dub cut
"When I Hold You Tonight." Those in need of more traditional vocalizing can look forward to
Beres Hammond's sunny
"Love From a Distance" and
Mikey Spice's
"Showers of Blessing." And after getting the cloying taste of
Junior Tucker's abysmal
pop-lite side
"Love Somebody" out of your mouth, be sure to also check out more prime sides by both
Shabba Ranks and
Banton. Also featuring the stellar production work of studio luminaries like
Steely & Clevie,
Sly & Robbie,
Bobby Digital, and
Phillip Burell,
Reggae Gold '96 makes for a fine introduction to the world of digital
reggae.
~Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
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