Strictly for Rockers (Reggae Greats) (Island, 1985)

Sibling of Strictly for Lovers, this collection has more landmark songs than that one, but Lovers is probably a bit more consistent.  Of course, though, it's impossible to dismiss the power of a quartet of great tunes like those on Strictly for Rockers: the classic Augustus Pablo dub "King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown," Ijahman's imperial "Moulding," the little-known Desi Roots' "Go Deh Right," and perhaps my favorite Freddie McGregor song of all time, "Joggin'."   While the first two of these tracks are readily available elsewhere, the latter two are not, making this compilation immediately valuable.  The triumphant horns and infectious melody of "Go Deh Right" and the slow, funky digital keyboards and prophetic lyrics of "Joggin'" are simply hypnotic.  Other strong -- and historic -- cuts include Culture's "Two Sevens Clash," the Wailing Souls' "Bredda Gravilicious," and Sugar Minott's bouncy "Rub-a-Dub Sound."