Reggae Gold 95 (VP, 1995)

The best of the Reggae Gold series thus far, this volume is the Beenie Man showcase, with three very nice tunes by the DJ of the Year for 1995: the dynamic duo of "Wicked Slam" and "Memories," along with a nice remake of Bob Marley's "Crazy Baldheads," featuring Luciano (or Luciana, or The Artist Formerly Known As Luciano).  Rival Bounty Killer takes no shorts by contributing the hit "Cellular Phone" alongside a remake of Marcia Griffiths' lovely "Tell Me Now."  Probably the best DJ track  here, though, is Buju Banton's energetic "Rampage," although "Kerry" by Daddy Screw & Donovan Steele is darn enjoyable.  The singers are overshadowed by sheer numbers on this compilation, but the best song on it is sung -- not chatted -- by Beres Hammond.  "No Disturb Sign" features a slow, sexy dancehall rhythm with an R&B edge, which when combined with Hammond's emotive vocals, creates a bumpin' and grindin' masterpiece.   Another really good song is provided by Junior Reid on the get-up-and-shake-your-groove-thing "Bubblers," which makes magnificent use of Sly Dunbar's "Unmetered Taxi" rhythm.  Only Garnett Silk and Richie Stephens' corny "Fight Back" falters on this great collection.