54-46 Was My Number : Anthology 1965-2000

When you're faced with another Toots & the Maytals compilation, the question isn't whether it's good. Of course it's good, and as long as it includes all of the really essential material ("54-46 Was My Number," " Monkey Man," "Do the Reggay," "Pomps and Pride," "Pressure Drop," etc.), it will probably be about as good as any other. The question is, what sets this compilation apart from its numerous competitors? In this case, the answer is sheer, glorious quantity. Also voluminous liner notes and a nice midline price. All the necessary favorites are here, of course, but with a track listing totalling 48, there's also plenty of room for such relatively obscure gems as the rocksteady number "It Was Written Down," the charmingly gospel-flavored "In the Dark," and a horn-heavy Motown tribute titled "Fever." If this all sounds like more than you really need, start with the Music Club collection aptly titled The Very Best of Toots and the Maytals (all of which was licensed from the Trojan vaults). But if you just can't get enough of that funky Kingston stuff, don't hesitate to dive into this generous collection. ~ Rick Anderson|