Reality Shock Volume 1 (Reality Shock, 2008)

The cover art for this compiliation might look like a throwaway homemade mix tape, but it's actually a striking collection of modern (mildly digital) roots from British producer Kris Kemist, weighty evidence that there's more to the British reggae scene than lovers rock. There are a few internationally recognizable names -- Prince Alla, Earl 16, Macka B -- but for the most part, Reality Shock Volume 1 features relatively obscure talent, making the quality of the final output all the more impressive. With the title track -- an engaging morality tale from singer Errol Bellot that advises that "positity attracts positivity, negativity attracts negativity" -- leading off the set, I was apprehensive that this would be a one-riddim album, but to my pleasant surprise, each song has its own wonderful music. Some of the riddims are adapted, but that only attests to the throwback sound of the album. These simple, straightforward roots tunes, delivered with unbounded energy by a mix of talented singers, DJs and singjays, score one after another in an amazing display of consistency and cohesion. "Reality Shock," "One Way System," "Roots Rock Reggae," "Better Way" and "Free Up the Herb" make the biggest splashes, but you really can't go wrong with any track on this album.