Reggae's Greatest Hits Volume 3 (Heartbeat, 1995)

This volume of the budget-priced Reggae's Greatest Hits series focuses on the productions of mad genius Lee "Scratch" Perry.  Taken from his work of the late '60s and early '70s, the tunes range from fast-paced rock steady to slower, more classically Perry-esque reggae.  The weaker first half of the album is dominated by rock steady, the best track being the great "Da Da," later re-recorded by Junior Byles.  The Dave Barker cuts here were popular, but they're an acquired taste that I have yet to acquire.  The second half features a better Barker tune, a version of "Runaway Child" done over the rhythm used for Bob Marley's "Duppy Conqueror."  "Kiss Me Neck" and the lively "Fu Man Version" by Linval Thompson are also strong, but the best track is easily Junior Byles' classic social commentary "The Thanks We Get."  Though sound, this volume provides only a smidgen (and not a great one at that) of Perry's brilliance.

Track Listing
1. People Funny Boy -- Lee "King" Perry
2. Da Da -- The Upsetters
3. Shocks of Mighty -- Dave Barker & The Upsetters
4. Set Me Free -- Dave Barker & The Upsetters
5. Live Injection -- The Upsetters
6. Freedom Train -- The Upsetters
7. Finger Mash -- Lee Perry & The Silvertones
8. Duppy Conqueror -- Bob Marley and The Wailers
9. Upsetting Station -- Dave Barker & The Upsetters
10. The Thanks We Get -- Junior Byles & The Upsetters
11. Fu Man Version -- Linval Thompson
12. Kiss Me Neck -- The Upsetters
13. Keep on Skanking -- The Upsetters