Muzik City, The Story of Trojan (V/A, Trojan Records) I am absolutely in love with this collection of cds. This blows the box sets out of the water! Each CD has a theme, I think the first album is definitely the best (because I think the older the music, the better). Has the songs we all know, and a LOT of unusual songs that haven't been released for years. A must have for collectors. Booklet included with an astounding amount of information and photos.
	Desmond Dekker-Rudy Got Soul 1963-1968 (Trojan Records) Two Album set including all of Desmond Dekker's greatest tracks. I swear, the first album never leaves my stereo! Great set of albums hits all the highlights and all the more unusual unreleased tracks from this difinitive Jamaican artist. Product line 1 Product line 2
	The Debonaires-S/T (Rivercidal Records) I was so upset when I saw this band live because almost EVERYONE left and missed one of the greatest live bands I have ever witnessed. Just unbelieveable talent!! This album is completely solid and displays the talent of the band very well. Everything from ska to dub, and everything in between, even a cover of The Paragons' "Left with a Broken Heart". You can get this album on their website or if they play a show near you, but make sure to give them a bit extra, this album is worth MUCH more than $10!
(No Picture Available)	Vic Ruggiero-Alive at the Lady Bug House If you're a fan of The Slackers and Vic Ruggiero's solo work, this is great. Vic Ruggiero doesn't seem to play a solo act much outside the coasts, so this is a good taste of what he's like solo. Personally, I like his first album a lot more, because all the studio effects he used, but this album is definitely one of the most listenable acoustic albums I've ever come across.
	Jackie Mittoo-Keyboard King of Studio One (Studio One) As an original member of The Skatalites, I don't think it let Jackie Mittoo reveal how well rounded he was. This album is definitely my personal favorite of his, just pure organ goodness, to put it stupidly but truthfully (are those even real words?) Most of my favorite tracks of his are on here, "Killer Diller" (one of the best solos in history) and "A Darker Shade of Black". Completely solid. A must have for everyone who has a weakness for organs.
	Trojan Rocksteady Box set (V/A, Trojan Records) This is by far my FAVORITE box set trojan has released by far. In my opinion, I think rocksteady was the golden era of jamaican music. This collection of some of the best cuts from the rocksteady era is basically flawless. I've had this collection since it first came out and I can honestly say I've listened to it AT LEAST once a week since. At least! I reccomend that everyone should go out and buy this collection right now. No other rocksteady collection will ever beat this one!
	Skatalites-guns of navarone (Trojan Records) basically a newer compilation of all the skatalites favorites. nothing super new, although it is really nice to have all your favorite skatalites tunes put onto one album. Has songs like "latin goes ska", "cornerstone", "lucky seven", and "university goes ska". This is a great first cd for someone just getting introduced to the skatalites, or someone who must collect every single skatalites album ever! However, I also think this is one of those great albums to keep in your car or to put on with friends over, since it has all the songs everyone has come to know from the skatalites.
	Trojan Rude Boy box set (V/A, Trojan Records) I think this is another one of my favorite box sets, minus the third album in this collection (lots of the "rudy in court" songs, so its kinda boring) However, I think the first two albums are great. Hits from Alton Ellis, Joe Black,  The Heptones, The Pioneeres, Derrick Morgan, Baba Brooks...Need I go on? This is probably the most comprensive collection of songs about the rude boys in the early days of independent Jamaica. Songs that are pro-rudeboys and anti-rudeboys (which I find to seem kinda whiney.) All in all, this is yet another box set you should add to your collection.
	Trojan Ska box set Vol II (V/A Trojan) For some reason, I never got too fond of this collection. I mean, its a good collection in my opinion, but the songs dont seem to meld together and unify like the other box sets, if that makes any sense. Lots of pure musical numbers, lots of tracks without vocals, (for those of you who don't like music without lyrics, I don't think this would be your cup of tea). It does however have some cuts from Baba Brooks, who is one of my all time favorite composers. Good Follow up collection for the first volume, but seems kinda thrown together. Doesn't really live up to the first box set.
	Skavoovie and the Epitones-fat footin' (Moon Ska NYC) One of the best releases from moon ska ever! This is one of those albums I bought when it first came out and couldn't stop listening to. These guys were just kids when this was recorded, but by listening, you would never know! These guys are so talented, this is my favorite album by this enormous band. This is a great mix of swing and ska, with occasional bluesy solos. Great dance album, I would always throw this on when I would DJ and just leave it and people would go nuts for it and would always ask me who it was. This album is like musical prozac. You can't NOT move while listening to this.
	The Slackers-Better Late Than Never (Moon Ska NYC, Special Potato Records) First release by the NYC legends, later repressed by their own label, Special Potato with unreleased tracks. For some reason, this and wasted days are probably my favorite slackers albums. I think I love this album so much because it definitely is a portrait of the ska scene in NYC and along the east coast in the 1990's. Jazzy, well-written, young, and definitely shows that the slackers have always "had it". Songs that get stuck in your head for days on end, but you don't mind, cause they're that good. I think the best track is definitely their cover of "Our Day Will Come" featuring Doreen Shaffer. I have heard from many people that they don't like this album, and I can see where they can say that, but, I love it. A must for any slackers fan.
	The Slackers-Wasted days (Hellcat Records) Can you say "break up album"? I think just about everyone who's had this album has played it over and over and over at one time or another. The album has an all-around somber tone to it with songs like "Old days" and "Information error". Even the upbeat songs have somewhat somber lyrics, such as "The Nurse". How can you not love an album that starts out with "what have I done wrong that I should be sorry?" Go out and buy this right now. ALSO! if you can find this album on vinyl, BUY IT! The vinyl version is known as "wasted days dub" and has different cuts of the tracks on the cd version, as well as songs like "just fifteen" (one of my favorite slackers tunes). I prefer the vinyl version of this album to the cd, but that is if you can find it!
	The Slackers-The Question (Hellcat Records) Many people call this the slackers' most "thrown together album with lots of filler". I can see where they can get that from with songs like "the mummy" and whatnot...However, I think that the good songs definitely outweigh the bad. Coming in at a hefty 19 tracks, you definitely get your money's worth. Filled with the slackers' trademark songs of woe, heartache, alcoholism, and getting ladies. How can you go wrong with this band?
	The Slackers-Redlight (Hellcat Records) I was once told "Nothing is better than 'Redlight' on vinyl"...Boy, oh boy, is that true! Something just sounds better...I can't put my finger on it. This is probably the most "traditional" (as some people say) the slackers get. Lots of instrumentals with solos (my favorite!) and lots of steady beats. Features their best known songs such as "Married Girl" and "Rude n Reckless".
	The Slackers-Live at Ernesto's (Hellcat Records) The Slackers' official bootleg, although it doesnt even really capture how great this band is live. The band is actually working on volume two of this album right now! I can't wait! This album only gives a small taste of how they SOUND live, but not how they act live. Its too bad. this should've been a video. Nothing can really capture how great and energetic they are live, so buy this album, set yourself up for it, then go see them live...but make sure to have the next day off work, you'll be sore.
	The Slackers-Close My Eyes (Hellcat Records) Most recent LP by the slackers, where they try to get to reach out to the issues going on in the world today and kind of "come of age". I've heard mixed things about this album. I thought it was okay, but the songs I like on this album, I REALLY like. I don't like the songs like "real war" and "lazy woman", however, I love songs like "axes", "old dog", and "i'll stay away" (which strangely sounds like Roland Alphonos's "youre too bad"...am I the only one who thinks that??) I would reccomend this album to someone who is already well-acquainted to the slackers, but not someone who has never heard them. I think this album wasn't their best, but shows them working to please themselves, not their fans, which I find better.
(No Picture Available)	Two and a Half White Guys-Live at ABG's (Gringo Productions) If you haven't heard of two and a half white guys, where have you been? This is my favorite album by them, I love live albums! If a band has enough confidence to release a live album, then you know they're a great album. That's how I've always rated it! Parts of this album make me laugh, though, because these guys are based in Provo, Utah and do a cover of Peter Tosh's "legalize it". Part of me finds that kinda funny. These guys are great musicians and great guys. If you have a chance to see them live, please do. You won't be let down. These guys have been around for years, but aren't well known, even though they should be.
	Ska Island (V/A Island Records) This is one of my favorite compilations! Covers of old songs by modern day bands/artists with occasional step-in roles from some of the legends of ska. The inlet of the cd has TONS of information on the backgrounds of the bands, which I've always enjoyed reading. Great tracks to sing along to. Highlights of this album include "Shame and Scandal" with Dr. Ring Ding and The Senior All-Stars, "King of Kings" featuring Prince Buster, and Hepcat's rendition of "Penny Reel". Pick this up if you're in the mood for some good covers.
(No Picture Available)	This are Two Tone (V/A 2-Tone Records) Doesn't everyone have this already? If you have the "hit" 2-tone albums, then there's no need to pick this up, since you've probably heard all the songs as it is, except maybe a few tracks by the not-so-popular 2-tone bands that seemed to dicinigrate as soon as they formed. Basically all the hits you've known for years. I would reccomend picking this up for maybe a simple party cd, just put it in and its sure to please just about everybody.
	The Specials-S/T (2-Tone Records) I've had this album for years, and its definitely not my favorite Specials album, since its mostly covers that everyone thinks that the specials originated (i.e, "monkey man", taking the tune from "al capone" to lay it to "gangsters", and "too much too young" being based off of "birth control"..and also "Stupid Marriage" being based off of those numorous "rudy in court" tunes) However, I think this album is crucial in just about any collection. I think the sound, the beat and how it's done is a great picture of how the early 2-tone era was. The best examples of the showing the political tenseness of this time are "(Dawning of a) New Era", "Little Bitch" and "Do the Dog". A must have, but not one of my favorites.
	The Specials-More Specials (2-Tone Records) This album definitely shows The Specials transition to maturity and heading toward the "muzak" sound that Terry Hall wanted. I actually like this album the more out of their two full-lenghs. Songs like "Sock it to em J.B" and "Man at C&A" constantly get stuck in my head. I've heard people argue that this album was "a terrible attempt" at a musical transition for the band, but I beg to differ. I think in comparison to their self-titled album, this one shows a lot more creativity and breaks away from the same old songs that they covered.
	Madness-One Step Beyond (Geffen) I've never been too fond of Madness (what can I say? I'm very very very picky when it comes to 2-tone era music..) but I think this album is okay. Has all their hits that everyone has come to know and love, such as "Our House" and "One Step Beyond". This one hasn't got a ton of play on my stereo, I could never get too into it. However, with me, I either get obsessed with a band or just kind of leave them in the dust. Sadly, I never got too into madness, but I do respect them for them sticking around so long.
	The Toasters-D.L.T.B.G.Y.D (Moon Ska NYC) Here's another one I wasn't too fond of. To me, a lot of Toasters songs sound alike on their albums, but they sound so much better live. It's like they take away all their energy while recording and put it into their live performance..I guess I'll never understand. This album has a lot of fun, upbeat songs that are mostly about their touring life, music, and a few about girls. My favorite songs on this album are "I'm running right through the world", "Rude Rude Baby" (its so cute), and of course, all the instrumentals. (I'm an instrumental girl, what can I say?) However, I found myself skipping over a lot of songs.
	100% British ska (Captain Mod Records) There were other bands involved in the 2-tone movement other than the ones on the 2-Tone label!! This 2-album compilation features the unsung heroes of that era. I actually found myself liking some of these bands a lot more than the more publicized bands from this time. Some of the songs are cheesy, others great. Each band gets a few songs on each cd, and you can easily tell the good from the bad. I think this is neccessary for anyone who loves 2-Tone but doesn't know much about the scene in the U.K at that time. This is quite possibly one of the most interesting compilations I've ever come across.
	Ska (V/A Trojan Records) Kind of the same old hits and the same old songs on a different cd from trojan. Great for someone first getting into Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae, but the same old songs for people that have been into it for a long time. I just bought this album for the picture on the cover, because I liked it so much, and also, it was VERY cheap. Stay away from this if you're a collector (I'm sure you already have if you've seen the tracks) but if you're looking for a gift for someone who's curious about music, this would be a great pick.
	The Skatalites and Friends-Hog in a Cocoa (Orange Street Records) I absolutely love this album to DEATH! I'm surprised I haven't worn this thing out yet! Let me go over a basic overview of this album...The Skatalites were the back up band for TONS of singers and other groups who needed their help in 1960's Jamaica. This album is a great compilation of The Skatalites and their Friends. Artists include The Maytals, Stranger and Patsy, Baba Brooks, Eric Morris, Derrick and Patsy, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes....All star line ups! Fabulous! Even includes Marguerita (Don Drummonds girlfriend, which he murdered) on the track "Woman Come". I guarantee that if you buy this, you'll play it over and over and over!
	Derrick Morgan-Time Marches On (Heartbeat Records)   An all-around look at Mr. Morgan's carreer. This album has 6 songs in his ska years,  8 in his rocksteady years, and 7 in his reggae years. I was quite surprised that "forward march" isn't on this compilation of his hits, but it does have songs like "Fatman" and "Tears on my Pillow" which I think are probably some of the most well-known Derrick Morgan songs. I like this album cause you can just put it on for someone who's never heard of the man and they can get a good feel of how talented he is and how he can sing to just about any genre of music.
	This Is Jamaica Ska (V/A Studio One)   Great nostalgic look back on the first hits of ska. My favorite thing about these old compilations from such labels is the artwork on the albums. I absolutely love it! They're so simple and bright. This album and its counterpart are probably the most widely recognized, with the word "ska" on the cover copied numorous times for pins and patches. Anyway, back to the music. Regualar early days line up of Alphonso, Drummond, Jackie Opel and The Wailers.  The back makes me laugh a bit.."Take the dynamic new group, "The (Simmer Down) Wailers". This inimitable group has been on the scene on record less than three months, yet has captured the hearts and fancy of the majority of music lovers in the West Indies. This group's styling and delivery has made it the most popular singing group on stage and on recrord, currently zooming through and through the Caribbean. Everyone who has seen and heard this group has predicted a bright and properous future for them."
	Ska Authentic Vol. 2 (V/A Studio One)   I think that this album definitely outshines volume one. A lot more variety and shows the maturing from the first which was mainly Roland Alphonso and other skatalites members. Great tracks, but nothing super super rare. These albums are becoming easier to come by thanks to labels repressing them, which is great for the regualar joe who can't afford a $300 original pressing. Aside from the music, my favorite thing about this album is a picture of a young, clean-cut Lee Perry on the back! Lee Perry BEFORE he claimed he was moses, that is..
	Prince Buster-She was a Rough Rider (Prince Buster Record Shack)   Everything you'd expect and love about Prince Buster all on one album! I'm quite partial to Mr. Cecil Bustamente Campbell-since I first heard him at the tender age of four! So of course I love almost everything by him...Every track on this album is solid, and now this is easy to find due to its current repressing! Keep a look out for these awesome, very authentic repressings, they're about as close to the real thing you'll get.
	Phyllis Dillon-One Life to Live (Treasure Isle)   I HONESTLY think that this has to be one of the best albums ever released from Jamaica. Argue if you want, but you should have some very valid points! Phyllis Dillon's talent is unsurpassable in my eyes. Anyways, on to the tracks. Opening with "Don't Stay Away" and closing with "Close to You", you won't want to skip a track anywhere in between. Her well-known tracks like "Perfidia", "Nice Time", and "Right Track" are included on this, as well as my personal favorite, "Something". If you don't own this album, ask yourself why you're not in a mental institution.
	Jamaica's Greatest (V/A Melodisc/Prince Busters Record Shack)   This is probably the best compilation I own. No kidding. Some of the best tracks from Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis, John Holt, and of course, Prince Buster. I think most compilations are mostly thrown together mindlessly by a producer with tracks from several bands and musicians with different sounds and different feelings going on...Not this one, hence me calling it my favorite compilation! The songs all hit more on a rocksteady note and are easy and don't swing from one feeling to the next. Again, another album that's currently being repressed. Find it!
	This Are Two-Tone (V/A 2-Tone Records)   I'm not very fond of the 2-tone era, and I think this album is only mediocre. It seems like since the label had to release so many singles and LP's a year, all their final products seemed rushed or were re-hashings from other artists. This is no different. The same old songs, the same old walt jabsco logo, the same old trick...Nothing new. However, if you're unfamiliar with 2-tone, this would be good for starters. For more experienced listeners who don't want the same old songs on a different album, I suggest getting "100% British ska" which I also reviewed.
	Ska-Au-Go-Go (V/A Studio One)   Do you like compositions by Roland Alphonso? That's what most of this album is. These aren't his best, in my opinion...Call me crazy, but I'm just not too fond of songs like "Something Special" and "Sugar and Spice". BUT! Songs like "Cut Munu" and "Hey Seniorita" are on here. Those are some of my favorites of his. I'm 50/50 with this album. Well..hmm...Now that i'm looking at the pictures on the back..Shit, you gotta have this. Seeing a very very young Bob Marley sans dreadlocks in a tonic suit with a tragically large plaid shirt is great. Same with seeing the Gaylads looking like they're doing back stretches. I love the pictures of artists on old jamaican albums..They all look so damn happy..So scratch I said 50/50, with the pictures and say I said 75/25. Is that better?
	The Paragons-My Best Girl Wears My Crown (Trojan)   I lucked out on this album and found it for a buck. Most definitely worth it! A compilation of supposedly The Paragons' greatest hits of the rocksteady era. I can't argue though, they do have some of their best songs on here! I wish they put a few extras though...They do have their best known hits like "Wear you to the Ball" (one of my favorites of theirs), "Island in the Sun", "Riding on a high and windy day" (another favorite of mine), and "My Best Girl". It is pretty much all their hit songs, but if you're not familiar with the paragons, its a good starter album to form an opinion of them.
	Simaryp-Skinhead Moonstomp (Trojan)   I absolutely cannot listen to this album anymore. I've heard the songs so many times I cant listen to them one more time!! Is that bad? Nahh, I'm sure in a few years, I'll be able to throw the needle back on it, maybe...However, it is a really catchy good album that shows a good portrait of music of that era, which I love-Music that takes a photograph of time. The songs aren't super creative or witty, its all about skinhead this or skinhead that, or something...Its fun music, though, whether you're a skinhead or not. I think the highlight track off this is their "sort-of cover"-"these boots are made for walking" okay, now I'm expecting hate mail for not saying that I love this album....
	The Selecter-Too Much Pressure (2-Tone Records)   I've mentioned that I'm not too fond of the 2-Tone era, but this band is my only exception, only because most of their songs weren't covers. Though, I must say there ARE covers on here. I tend to skip over "carry go bring home" but I absolutely love their cover of "James Bond". Anyways, back on track, this is another one of those albums that seems to capture the era well, and it DOES age the album, but definitely not in a negative way. Most of the band has parted ways, but Pauline Black still performs one of the most passionate, angry shows I've ever seen. This album started it all- that agressive, sarcastic sound that I think defines the 2-tone era MUCH more than The Specials and Madness ever did. You must get this album. Right now. NOW. Seriously.
	The Harder they Come (V/A Mango/Island Records)   I kinda lucked out on this one and found a flawless copy for $4.20 at my favorite record store (yeah, a lot of the albums are that much on purpose). I just kinda bought it for the sake of having it, since all the tracks are easy to find and almost anyone who's been into Jamaican music for even a little while has heard them. HOWEVER! Buy this album, because on the inside, there's a picture of that chick that Ivan did in the movie-NAKED! She's got bologna areolas to the max, seriously, its soooo awesomely funny. Its worth it just for that, and also, while listening to "You can get it if you really want" you can drive around on a golf course or decide to sell weed. (is it me or did they put that song in about 157 times?)
	The Specials-Ghost Town (12" single, 2-Tone Records)   I know I seem like I've been bad mouthing 2-tone a lot, but I think this single in itsself is a wonderful artistic accomplishment. The Specials breaking away from covers and working into what sounds like dreary muzak. I love it. On side 1 is a 6 minute long extended version of "Ghost Town" which is absoulutely wonderful. Flip the record and you've got "Why?" and "Friday Night, Saturday Morning". "Why?" is about Lynval being attacked outside of a night club due to his race, and I think this has to be one of the best, most honestly written Specials song that they ever recorded. The next song, "Friday Night, Saturday Morning" is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Specials song. I know its not one of the most widely known Specials songs, but the way the organ plays reminds me of how your mind sounds when your sloppily drunk and depressed (don't ask). The lyrics are so true, even to this day about youth that get nothing but smashed and don't look forward to anything but. Pick this up if you can find it, Its the best release from The Specials, in my opinion.
	Alton Ellis-The Best of Alton Ellis (Studio One)   I think almost every girl I've ever met that's into Jamaican music has listed this man, Alton Ellis, as one of their all-time favorite musicians. No wonder, either, because it seems all Alton sings about is love and what he'd do for a girl to make her happy. This album sums that up well! Pretty much all love songs, typical for Rocksteady, I think that these are some of the most golden hits of that era. If you're on this site and you're a girl (or you want to be, c'mon, admit it) Find this STAT! You'll wish Alton would teach your boyfriend a thing or two...