Cool Ragga Mix (VP, 1996)

Actually, only the first half of this album is a mix, which is nice for those of us who aren't crazy about mixes. Still, even I must admit that the mix half is the better part of this compilation. The mix contains 10 songs, and 2 or 3 rhythms blended together almost seamlessly, beginning with a nice remake of "Johnny Too Bad" by Red Rose (who contributes the best song on the second half of the album, an even nicer cover of the Melodians' "Swing and Dine"). A couple more remakes, this time done by the original artists, invigorate the mix -- the gorgeous classic "Have Mercy" by the Mighty Diamonds and "I Shall Be Released" by Leroy Sibbles (of the Heptones). Mikey Spice helps round out the mix with a couple of his modern day hits, "Showers of Blessing" and "Alli Alli Oh." However, as I mentioned, of the second half, only "Swing and Dine" is really good, with the others being only listenable. One of the best elements of Cool Ragga Mix is that it remains true to its title; it has a laid-back, "cool" tone throughout. And that's how reggae should be, don't you think?