Totally Wired in Dub (Hollywood, 1996)

It's always disappointing and disillusioning when an album starts off so great, only to tail off into mediocrity.  Totally Wired in Dub is an extreme case, as the first half of this compilation -- which contains not only dub tracks, but also strong roots -- is classic, but the second half is pretty bland and unimaginative.  Still, though, buoyed by the first 8 songs, Totally Wired in Dub is worth the money.   The two best tunes are instant classics of modern roots featuring two old veterans: Michael Prophet crooning over Dread Flimstone's funky bass on "Fight Jah Children" and Devon Russell adding an irresistible melody to Madrak's heavy bass and organ rhythm.  Also stellar are Napthali's Hugh Mundell-like "Ammunition Dub" and the old-fashioned mid-tempo instrumental "The Blazing Horns" by Tommy McCook and Bobby Ellis.  Of course, I can't forget Yabby U's "Deliver Me From Mine Enemies" and the modern dub of Emperors New Clothes' "Welcome to Your World" and Manasseh's "One Small Step."  Nothing after "Blazing Horns" is much to listen to, though, but that's what the Stop button is for, isn't it?