Power House Selectors Choice, Vol. 3

Performer: Various Artists/George Phang
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: The third installment in the 17 North Parade label's four-volume set of the collected works of producer George Phang, this two-disc package is much like the other three: Sly & Robbie and Steely & Clevie take turns updating vintage roots reggae rhythms from the late 1960s and early '70s, gussying them up with an electronic sheen and using them as the foundation for new lyrics and new melodies performed by the likes of Leroy Smart, Sugar Minott, Barrington Levy, and Josey Wales. The two discs consist of only 12 instrumental tracks, but each is given anywhere from two to five separate interpretations by the featured singers and toasters. Disc one opens powerfully with two brilliant takes on the "Love Won't Come Easy" rhythm: Frankie Paul's "You Too Greedy" and the generally inconsistent DJ Toyan's equally incisive "Dread." The "Mojo Rock" rhythm fails to generate much heat from its three interpreters, perhaps because it's a rather monotonous, one-chord affair, but Admiral Bailey and Josey Wales both do themselves proud chatting over the "Please Be True" rhythm. On disc two Sugar Minott, Yellowman, and Charlie Chaplin all make excellent use of the "Pretty Looks Isn't All" rhythm, but no one is able to breathe any new life into the tired "Queen Majesty." However, Yellowman's "Galong Galong Galong" is a righteous classic and the relatively obscure Frankie Jones turns in a startlingly fine performance on "Ghostbuster," both based on the "Rocking Time" rhythm. Very nice overall. ~ Rick Anderson

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