If you haven't kept up with the Honest Jon's / Basic Channel / Rhythm & Sound co-curated reggae & dancehall reissue label since its inception in 2004, this unmixed sampler will help get you up to speed with rare sides from the likes of Jackie Mittoo, Gregory Isaacs, Courtney Melody, Prince Jazzbo, White Mice and more. The label doesn't concern itself with just one style, instead choosing to reissue everything from 70s roots burners(1) to obscure 80s digital dancehall hits(2) and even great 90s almost-were's(3). More samples from the sampler: White Mice's "Nothing Never Done Before The Time(4)," Jackie Mittoo's cosmic "Ayatollah(5)" and "Dealing(6)" from Mr. Isaacs. 16 tracks; 60 minutes.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red