Ariwa Sounds Presents (RAS Portraits) (RAS, 1997)

A commendable tribute to the depth of good material released on the British label Ariwa.  Begun in 1980 by dubster Mad Professor, Ariwa had expanded to become a major source of UK-based reggae (acts based in the UK, not necessarily acts originating in the UK, as the inclusion of Lee Perry, U Roy, and Horace Andy attest).  This collection groups together several sub-genres of reggae -- dub, lover's rock, dancehall, roots, and even some hyper-kinetic jungle -- a testament to the comprehensive nature of the label.  Since it was started by Mad Professor, dub may be thought to be Ariwa's specialty, but this compilation shows that Mad Professor is quite adept at lover's rock as well.  Intense's "You Are the One" and particularly John McLean's "Never Risk" are definite mood-setters.  Kofi's unabashedly happy "We Play Reggae" and Pato Banton's energetic, funky "King Step" are other highlights.  Unfortunately, there are a couple of lowlights, in particular Thriller Jenna's "DJ Mama" and Papa Levi's "Speed Rap," two songs that try to blend elements of hip-hop to nauseating effect.  Not to sound biased or anything, but non-Americans should not rap.  All of the songs here are produced by Mad Professor and thus have a common, united feel --  especially since they were all recorded between 1990 and 1996 (save for Mad Professor's solid dub "Your Rights/My Rights") -- whose appeal reaches beyond the UK.