In modern dancehall music, all the songs are built off rhythms or riddims as they are really known. A producer/group come up with a riddim and then record as many tracks with singers and djs as they want. A lot of times the riddims are versions or updates of older riddims (sampling, covering and recycling are huge factors). This is a popular compilation of tracks on the Stalag riddim (rumored to be the base for over 200 songs). These tunes are built off the original Stalag under Techniques head Winston Riley's production. Big tunes include the world-huge "Ring The Alarm(1)" by the late great Tenor Saw, Lloyd Hemming's "Ragamufin Soldier(2)" and one of Yami Bolo's first big hits "When A Man in Love,(3)" which was later sampled by Mad Lion for the high pitched "why not take it easy" chorus. There's a few other big songs on here and the wicked original rhythm is also included. The cover of this record is worth it alone with the crazy Limonious cartoon characters and sayings. "Bubble under it Bredah Rat". If you are interested in riddims check out www.reggae-riddims.com and it's links. Good stuff.

reviewed by the mgmnt