Crucial Reggae From Outside Jamaica (Skank, 2004)

*GUEST REVIEW*
This is the first of three compilations by Skank Productions; 13 tracks on this one, and not one is anything less than an excellent piece of work. Starting with a strong vocal performance from the band Maiman and the Mongoose band. Giving an almost spiritual feel to this one with a haunting Moroccan Hebrew chant rising in the middle from the album Third Ear . Track two is the bouncy catchy "Jah Lion" with its conscious lyrics. Another classic from Nasio follows in "Jah Won't Forsake I." Then moving into "Something More," a song with passionate and powerful lyrics from Groundation, who I think improves with every album they release. The next two from the same rhythm will blow your mind: "Soldier" by Danny I and then the strong and mesmerising "Heathen Rage" by Bobo Ites. "Pass It On" by Bambu Station hands out an excellent vibe while it reminds all of our responsibilities to Jah and mankind. "Apple" once more confirms Nasio's awareness of world and mankind's corruptive ways. "War" by Abja is a mix of strong conscious lyrics and a heavy base tune. On "Behold," Junior Daniel is a back to basics exaltation of Jah with a Tosh-like strength.in his vocal delivery. Next is "Out of Control" by Ankh Watep; this slow rhythm and crisp Rasta lyrics makes this a tune you can get lost in. "Downpressor Man" by Ossie Dellamore is my personal favourite. Ossie gives a deep and haunting delivery of these strong and powerful lyrics with clever backing from Soldiers of Justice. It's finished off with another Nasio masterpiece with the almost taunting lyrics of "Riding On."

- Steve Stokes