Easy Star Volume Two: Dancehall Culture (Easy Star, 2002)

Some listeners might be miffed that Easy Star has, for its 10th album and as a sequel to its Easy Star Volume 1, seemingly abandoned its dedication to quality throwback roots reggae (which made Volume 1 so appealing) by jumping head-first into the "dancehall culture."  Surprisingly, though, producer (and label co-founder) Michael G seems comfortable and adept in the more modern sound -- and, like the roots fan he assuredly is, he doesn't fully neglect the more traditional style.  Three riddims carry the 18 tracks here: 1) the Thai Stick, a slow, rumbling dancehall bass with sparse tinkling digital keys, which I first heard on Triston Palma's Two Roads;  2) the Pick Up, a more conventional, more generic up-tempo dancehall rhythm;  and 3) the Cool Down, the most enjoyable of the three, due to its sultry '80s lovers rock resemblance to Gregory Isaacs' "Night Nurse."  All of the5 tunes riding the Cool Down riddim -- "Just One Moment Away," "Wanty Wanty," "A Fool Say in His Heart," "Jah Breathe Life inna Me," and the instrumental version -- excel, particularly the Sister Nancy and Minx tunes, which make a strong statement for female reggae.  Of the Thai Stick tracks, Luciano's lush "Hopes on High" shines brightest, while Easy Star stalwart Rob Symeonn's "Keep on Trying" proves enlivening also.  The Pick Up riddim, though, turns out to be the real weak spot here.  Although Mojah's "Search" is a catchy Capleton-esque romp, the two easily most irritating songs utilize this beat: "God Love," a sappy, gospel-tinged effort delivered by a "We Are the World"-esque collection of stars, and Half Pint's "Love Potion Number 9," which is as corny as the title implies.  All in all, given the choice between Easy Star's roots and Easy Star's dancehall, I'd go with the former, but Dancehall Culture shows promise of an impressive versatility.