Talkin' Roots II (Mt. Nebo, 2005)

Talkin' Roots II had a lot to live up to by following one of the best albums of 2002, the original Talkin' Roots showcase of Virgin Island talent, but if there's any drop in quality on the second volume, it's negligible.  Just as the first edition was one of the top albums in 2002, so was the second one of the best of 2005.  The only holdovers from the first are Anhk (or Ankh?) Watep and the Star Lion Family, although the Bambu Station sound (the group wrote and produced most of the music, while Jalani Horton recorded and mixed the album at Bambu Station Studio) is all over, lending a lush, almost lovers hue to this roots reggae bounty.  As with the first, you can basically set your CD player to "random" and feel safe that you'll end up with a quality roots cut.  The biggest name on Volume II -- probably Army -- is still not very well-known, but hopefully "I Don't Know," a strong example of the quality work he's performed for years, will help expand his popularity Virgin Islands reggae-heads.  Ditto for the Star Lion Family, who remain popular in their homeland, but would provide a refreshingly cultural take on the vocal DJ/singjay group concept that's dominated by more lascivious groups like T.O.K. and Ward 21.  Star Lion Family member Pressure, whom you could easily confuse for Sizzla, likewise gives a memorable performance on "My Powaz."  Tuff Lion, known primarily as an iconic guitar player, surprisingly takes center stage on "Good Works" (Mt. Nebo Records' self-proclaimed anthem) with a smooth, laid-back delivery not unlike Bambu Station's Horton.  Another guitarist, Ibednego, contributes perhaps the best tune on the album in "Battle Goes On," an atmospheric, socially conscious jam that makes you wonder why we all of these guitarists don't sing more often.  Some of you may recognize DJ Ijah Menelik, who released an album in 2005, and the fiery "Baggawire" is as good as anything I've heard from him.  One of the lesser-known of these lesser-known acts, Lady Passion, nonetheless delivers one of the most memorable performances in the sultry "Never Change My Mind," which harkens back to Tanya Stephens' modern classic "It's a Pity" from a few years back.  The energetic and charismatic Jahman fuels "Trod On," while Danny I, Bashan, and Ras Bumpa take more somber, soulful approaches to "Dem No Tired," "Be With Me," and "Do Good," respectively.  Even if you've never heard any of these acts, if you're a fan of rich roots reggae and cultural statements, take a leap of faith and give Talkin' Roots II a listen.