100% Dynamite (Soul Jazz, 1998)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Broadly, the Soul Jazz imprint issues two sorts of reggae release.  Studio One albums concentrate on the output of Dodd's studio, and the Dynamite series are a broad brush compilation affair.  There have been six episodes in the Dynamite series to date and this is the first.  Three of the tracks here came from Trojan, and the rest are from the vaults at Studio One.  This is basically a nice album for reggae virgins.  Firstly, it's not just a rehash of overexposed Trojan tracks.  Secondly, Bob Marley is not included.  Thirdly, it's not too genre-specific.  Fourthly, it avoids trotting out any Two Tone.  Most of all, this is a straight up funky album that's packaged well and features a mix of artists. It's interesting, without venturing into chin-stroker land.  Trojan's triple box sets could learn a lot from this album. Package a compilation well, keep them to a single disc, and release them sparingly.  In other words, quality over quantity.  A nice package for the reggae newbie or the lazy party DJ. 

- ragudave