Search - 500 Percent Dynamite :: 500 & Dynamite

Running out of classics

max fraser | uk | 11/08/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Soul Jazz records latest release, 500% dynamite, concludes the dynamite dynasty so far.It has unfortunately fallen short of the rockin' standards that have been the key to success of the previous compilations.It's focus has turned towards a more modern dancehall ragga, that somehow isn't as melodic or liberating as previous ska, reggae, soul, and funk that compiles these albums.400% dynamite featured a few inclinations toward a ragga style content,with tunes such as Buju Banton's remix of "ring the alarm".This is a top tune, with a ranging beat, of great originality and very stirring.Unlike the ragga that ranges on 500% dynamite, which lacks inherent jamaican soul.The majority of this compilation is ragga and i think this reflects the record label's desire to captivate music of a more modern era.Soul jazz records have perhaps reached the capacity of their music vaults, when it comes to the old, traditional music that made the dynamite series become "dynamite", with soothing rocksteady, funky, soulful reggae and storming, hip-moving ska.Let's hope that the next album rediscovers its classical touch.When passion ignites: "dynamite"...Explodes!"

500% more info, please

Laurence Upton | Wilts, UK | 12/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have to take issue with the Soul Jazz label for the very limited amount of label information on offer, which is pared to the minimum. What year did this track originally come out? What label was it on? What won it its inclusion on this selection? No answers to be found here, though it seems to scan a period from the 1960s to the present time.

However, no quarrel with the musical contents; as it says on the jacket: "Super Funky Ska from Byron Lee, Dub from Augustus Pablo and Joe Gibbs, Calypso Style from Toots, Dancehall Kings and Queens Red Rat and Sister Charmaine, Roots classics from Freddie McGregor and Jacob Miller. Yes it's all here! This record is Dynamite!" And so it is"

Red Hot Reggae !

P. D. Laffey | Hitchin | 11/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the fifth installment of the awesome " Dynamite " reggae compilations , and the quality still remains unbelievably high . All sorts of styles are represented on these discs in no particular order , it seems to me that the only requirement needed is that the tracks have to be genuine Jamaican classics , that are as vital today as they were when first released . The reputation of these compilations is such , that people in the know buy each new release without bothering to read it`s reviews , such is their confidence in the compilers at Soul Jazz Records . The biggest compliment I can give to these compilations is that they`ll be talked about , and danced to , long after they`ve been deleted ."