Channel 1 Story Chapter Two

Performer: Various Artists
Engineer: Ernest Hoo Kim; Soljie
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Audio Mixers: Ernest Hoo Kim; Soljie. Audio Remasterers: Paul Shields; Donald Clive Davidson; Fidel Luna "Twice". Liner Note Author: Daddy Lion Chandell. Recording information: Channel One Recording Studio, Kingston, Jamaica. Editors: Paul Shields; Donald Clive Davidson; Fidel Luna "Twice". Photographers: Roy Sweetland; Brian Jahn; Peter Simon. Several things are striking about this, the second installment in the VP label's ongoing showcase of gems from the vaults of the mighty Channel One studio and label. First is the astonishing consistency of this material: even allowing for the likelihood that the best songs and performances are cherry-picked for collections such as this, there are many, many reggae label compilations on the market that are similarly selective and yet could never come up with this many great tracks. Second is the sound quality of the productions: even taking into account the fact that a good number of these songs were "mastered" for this collection from vinyl singles (some of which are audibly scratchy and poppy), the richness and clarity of the recorded sound coming out of this studio, and the solidity of the Revolutionaries' rhythms, are consistently impressive. Almost every track featured here would count as a highlight on any other reggae compilation, but particularly fine entries include the showcase version (with dub mix appended) of the Heptones' "Every Day Every Night," the Mighty Diamonds' brilliant and melancholy "Have Mercy," and the underrated Earth & Stone's minor-key classic "Three Wise Men"." And those who know John Holt only as a baldhead commercial loverman will find an excellent example here of his earlier roots-and-culture material along with the requisite lovers tracks. The two-for-one pricing doesn't hurt, either. All in all, this adds up to both exceptional value and exceptional quality. ~ Rick Anderson

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