Psalms Of Drums

There are so many reggae compilations out there, and so many of them are awful that it's easy to just give up in despair. Here's a key, though: look for the Pressure Sounds label. This is the imprint used by On-U Sound (which normally focuses on modern and frequently avant-garde variants on the roots reggae sound) to release worthy albums from reggae's golden age. In this case, they've put out a collection of vocals, dubs, instrumentals, and DJ tracks originally released on Carlton Patterson's Black and White label (in mixes overseen by legendary producer King Tubby). Most of these tracks (and several of the artists) are very obscure, so reggae collectors should take special note. Highlights include Michael Scotland's "I Hold the Handle" (which is given a fine DJ treatment by Trinity on "Natty Contractor"), Dillinger's masterful "Healing Stream" (which benefits hugely from a reverb-drenched King Tubby mix), and an extended discomix of "Let Me Go Girl" that features Patterson himself in collaboration with Lloyd Parks and Trinity. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson|