Customer Reviews

Studio One Rockers: Best of Studio One

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This copilation of reggae from the original label in jamaica is one of the best selections you will ever hear on one disc. With or without spliff you will enjoy the trip. Just sit back, listen with a cool drink in you hand and envision a warm beach sunset view. Remember to turn up the bass and be transported. You won't be disappointed. If you can convince others, than better, it is for all to enjoy.

This is a collection of storming classic's cut for Clement " Coxsone " Dodd's legendary Studio One record label ( the most important label in Jamaica's history ) . The Ska , Rocksteady , organ driven instrumentals , Roots Reggae , and DJ-ing that are represented on this disc will have you skanking around your living room floor , such is the dancability of all the tracks .
Any record that contains seminal tracks like Marcia Griffiths - " Feel Like Jumping " , Johnny Osbourne's - " Truth And Rights " , Michigan and Smiley's - " Eye Of Danger " , Dawn Penn's classic - " No , No , No " , and Cedric Brooks majestic - " Ethiopia " , has to be a must buy cd . It also comes with a nice booklet that has an interview with the great man himself , Mr C.S. Dodd .
I'd also recommend the Dynamite series of reggae compilations released on the Soul Jazz label , as they are also essential .

MMMM. After I had thought that I had acquired all the good studio one stuff, I took a chance on this and was duly rewarded.

Some familiar stuff (to me, at least), such as Johnny Osbourne, the Skatalites, but it mixes in nicely.

For those who aren't familiar, the best way I can think of to describe Johnny Osbourne's sound is Marvin Gaye singing reggae. That same silky smooth voice and enormous range, backed by a soulful organ and floating tempo. This track is a good example of his sound and a true classic.

The Skatellites use a lot of horns and are largely instrumental. But classic. More of a choogling, ska-type beat (ie faster) than Osbourne. The Phoenix City song on this album has got to be my favorite Skatalites song - and that's really saying something, because they have made a lot of classic tracks.

Similar for Horace Andy - probably my new favorite Horace Andy song. This track does not have much of his trademark screeching and instead has him singing much more like an early Jimmy Cliff style (circa the harder they come).

Dawn Penn's track is smooth, sultry and a godsend. I played this at a bar and most of the patrons asked who it was. Almost recalls something by the Cowboy Junkies or Mazzy Star in terms of the vocal style. Just beautiful.

Other high points are the Freddie MacGregor & Lennie Hibbert tracks. All in all, the only track I'm not completely sold on is the crabwalking track by Prince Jazzbo, simply because its just rapping over the Horace Andy track and the cuts aren't all that crisp. But a lot of other people would probably like it.

So, I'm in the record store a while back picking through the same ol' stuff. I was getting frustrated because I felt like all I ever do is look at the same thing over and over without new results. Since I practically live for music, you can imagine how frustrating it is to come to a dead end with music experiences. Especially knowing there is more out there than you've been exposed to so far.

On my honeymoon to the islands I became fairly familiar with reggae. Mind you, I'm not an expert by any means. Every cab driver there listened to reggae. I couldn't believe how nice the cabs were and how much money they put into their stereos. Anyway, they all listened to reggae. It was my first real exposure to the music, but it really gave me something to associate it with. Since that time I have been a huge fan.

This collection of artists is a great one. The first time I ever heard it, it took me back to the islands immediately. It was everything I was looking for. I needed it, too. I had hit a dead end with the music I was listening to. I had been begging for a new genre to experience. Reggae seemed perfect.

Needless to say, as I was in the store, a friend of mine recommended this album and proceeded to give me some of the history behind it. As I listened, I briefly perused the back cover to see how many songs and artists were on the compilation. Enough to keep me busy for a while. I have since searched for many of the artists on this album with great results. I really owe a lot to this album. I really owe a lot to reggae. It showed me a new side to music when I really needed it.

The album starts off with "Real Rock" by Soul Dimension. This song has one of the thickest reggae sounds I've heard. Immediately you know that this album is going to take a lot of stress away. Next is the wonderful song by Marcia Griffiths titled "Feeling Like Jumping." There is also an appearance by the great Horace Andy. I have been familiar with some of his dub work. "Truth and Rights" by Johnny Osborne is one of my favorites on the album. Probably my favorite. For a moment you might think it's The Fugees.

If you are into reggae or are looking for something that might get you into it, I would recommed this compilation. It has some of the greatest songs. Put this on after school or work on Friday afternoon and enjoy life. You could put it on anytime and get the same feeling. Friday afternoon just happens to be my favorite time of the week.

...also get the Soul Jazz compilations of Studio One Roots 1 & 2, Lovers and Rockers and you will truely be happy.

The Saints track "Sleeping Trees" on Roots 2 will drive you nuts! Can't stop listening to it! ..."Let's take another waaaaaaaaaalk"

Bless

Khader