Level the Vibes Volume 2 (Pow Wow, 1995)

More impressive "conscious lyrics" from Pow Wow -- although, strangely, the lead song, "Shake It Up Tonight," doesn't really contain much knowledge-dropping. It's more of a party jam -- and a great one at that -- despite coming from the spiritual Luciano.  Freddie McGregor puts forth a more Luciano-esque message with his wonderfully smooth tribute to Jah, "Satisfy My Soul" (not the Bob Marley song).  A couple of nice surprises from artists not often included on such compilations come in the form of Judy Mowatt's provoking "Mad Mad World" and Dean Frazer's "Snacking."  The latter of these tunes, like "Shake It Up Tonight," is hardly "conscious" -- in fact, it contains no lyrics at all (although I suppose you can insert whatever uplifting lyrics you like) -- but it harkens back to a time in the late '60s and early '70s when instrumental reggae (as opposed to dub) was a viable and often outstanding option.  Of the rest of the tracks, only Everton Blender's "Blend Dem" and Half Pint's good use of the "Baltimore" rhythm, "Bully You a Bully," impress, but overall, 6 out of 10 ain't bad.