Reggae Hits Volume 28 (Jet Star, 2000)

At first listen, I didn't get into this edition of Reggae Hits as much as previous volumes -- due to the predominance of recycled rhythms and the inclusion of a couple of remakes of less-than-obscure tunes, Peter Tosh's "Legalize It" and Bob Marley's "Duppy Conqueror" (that is, Mikey's Spice's "Yes Mi Friend," made even less original by the fact that Lee Perry did a similarly titled -- i.e., taking the title from the classic opening line -- cover on his Dub Fire album) -- but the overall quality of the songs (even the 2 arguably unnecessary remakes) prevailed, as Volume 28 takes its rightful place in the long line of this outstanding series.  As is the norm with Reggae Hits, the music is distributed nicely between lovers rock, dancehall, and modern roots, with highlights including Sizzla's electrifying, aggressive jam "To the Point," Don Campbell's serene version of Gabrielle's "Rise," and from the cultural singer formerly known as Rolex, the newly named Alpha Rowen's "New Teacher" is hopefully a sign of things to come.  Predictably strong are new releases from Freddie McGregor, Bushman, Luciano, and Peter Hunnigale, whose main exposure in the U.S., sadly, seems to be limited to these Reggae Hits albums.