Strictly the Best Volume 19 (VP, 1997)

As the Strictly the Best volumes progress, they seem to be becoming habitually average -- particularly the DJ albums -- and Volume 17 is no exception.  Beenie Man contributes his seemingly requisite trio of songs, the best-known being "Who Am I," one of the most successful "true" dancehall tracks ever.  He adds the entertaining "Foundation," with the Taxi Gang (AKA Sly & Robbie), a nice old-fashioned ditty featuring ska-like horns mixed with a dancehall beat.  Tanya Stephens' "Goggle," Sizzla's "Praise Ye Jah," and Degree's "Limited Edition" are solid, energetic fare, while Anthony B expresses a refreshing cultural statement in "Raid the Barn," sort of a cross between Capleton and Tony Rebel.  Lady Saw even comes in with one of her better tunes, "Eh-Em," featuring a unique clearing-of-the-throat chorus.  But who in the hell thought that Josey Wales' "Bush Wacked" was a good idea?  I admire dancehall's willingness to go out on a limb and incorporate other musical styles, but this good ol' boy country tune is good for gimmick value at best, and it's not even that interesting.  "Wack" indeed.