Search - Various Artists :: This Is Reggae 1

Great Tunes

Dana C. Spencer | Winter Park (Orlando), FL | 07/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with Jeffrey. This is a fantastic album (cd, whatever). I originally bought it at a used record store in Monterey, CA (Recycled Records, which I think is still there). I recorded it on cassette and carried it with me for the past 20 years or more. I still have the cassette (somewhere) but its good to know the cd is avaiable now. I've seen ALOT of mediocre to BAD reggae collections, but this is a very good sample of the early days. Some songs seem a little quaint, but they grow on you. I especially like Guava Jelly, The World is Upside Down and The Book of Rules, but all the songs are good, though some are better known than others."

The Definitive Collection of Early Reggae

Jeffrey Miller | Clayton, Ca United States | 06/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW - I can't believe I found this on CD! I am a HUGE music collector, and purchased this album new when it came out. It has disappeared over the years, along with my hairline and eyesight, but when I saw it available, I snapped it right up.
Every track is a classic. Organic, tasty as a mango and even somewhat tribal, this is the sound of the making of a culture. The collection went somewhat downhill from here, but, my friends, get this while it is still available. From the atmospheric "This is Reggae Music" by Zap Pow, "I Shot the Sheriff" credited to the Wailers (before Bob was an international legend), the standout "Breakfast in Bed" by the alluring Lorna Bennett, the Doo Wop inspired "Book of Rules" by the Heptones, Toots, Jimmy Cliff, Brother Bob - believe me, a classic and one of the top recordings of all time. Enjoy !"