Reggae Dance Hall Classics (Sleeping Bag, 1987)

Since this compilation was released relatively early in the digital dancehall era, I suppose there weren't many "classics" from which to choose; this would explain why there are only 8 tracks here.  Undoubtedly, at least 3 of these songs are bona fide classics: Wayne Smith's "Under Mi Sleng Teng" -- the song credited with starting the whole digital dancehall rhythm craze -- Johnny Osbourne's "Budy Bye" -- which utilizes the "Sleng Teng" rhythm to magnificent effect -- and Barrington Levy's "Under Mi Sensi."  These cuts were likely hard to find when this compilation was released, but now they're fairly prevalent.  The other songs -- which were underground hits -- are OK, but not sensational.  Personally, I would prefer to have Shelly Thunder's "Kuff" than "Small Horsewoman," but maybe that's just me.  These tunes have a nice sound if you're in the mood for old school dancehall, which is similar to old school hip-hop, with their simple beats and rhymes.  After listening to modern dancehall for a while, sometimes this old material sound new again.

Track Listing
1. Small Horsewoman -- Shelly Thunder
2. Budy Bye -- Johnny Osbourne
3. Boneman Connection -- Nicodemus
4. Money, Money -- Reverend Baddo
5. Under Mi Sleng Teng -- Wayne Smith
6. Roach Killer -- Super Chick
7. Under Mi Sensi -- Barrington Levy
8. Worries in the Dance -- Frankie Paul