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Rude Riddims: Massive Dance Hall (Empire, 2001) While I appreciate the appeal of the packaging job on Rude Riddims (and what a package it is!), the cover photo and name of this album might give the wrong impression as to what's contained inside, i.e., slackness. A quick perusal of the artist line-up, however, reveals that there's nothing slack to be found. This album's as tight as Richard Simmons' shorts. With acts like Capleton, Glen Washington, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, and Everton Blender, positivity is the name of the game on this distinctly "un-rude" compilation. As far as the "dancehall" designation goes, while most of the riddims here are digital dancehall, there are definite roots overtones throughout. The production -- predominantly courtesy of Ian Johnson -- is sound, although familiar; altogether, there are 9 or so "rude riddims" spread out amongst these 16 tracks. Although I'm not familiar with the Empire label, the ability to draw star power like this shouldn't be underrated, and the stars deliver, for the most part. A particular treat is the presence of two tunes from Apple Gabriel, who hasn't made much noise since his solo debut Another Moses in 1999. Other standouts include Capleton's "Cherish No Wrong," the romantic "All My Love" by Glen Washington, and Screwdriver's righteous "Bad News." The real star of Rude Riddims, though, turns out to be oft-overlooked veteran Admiral Tibet, who contributes 3 stellar tracks that lead one to wonder why he isn't generally included with Luciano and Everton Blender as one of the leading conscious dancehall singers. A final selling point that makes this a desirable set is that, remarkably, all of the tunes are exclusive to this album, some previously available only on promotional 12" vinyl. |
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