Strictly the Best, Vol. 39

Performer: Various Artists
Producer: S. McGregor; Kemar McGregor; Gareth Campbell; Kurt Riley; Garcia Campbell; Ernesto Mitchell; Linton "T.J." White; Dean Fraser; Stanley "Rellee" Hayden; Donovan Germain; Cecile Charlton; Shawn "SSMG" Scott; Mark Pinnock; Craig Parkes; Dave Brooks; Paul Mitchell; Shane Brown; Steven "Lenky" Marsden; Delmar Drummond; Joel Chin; Christopher Chin
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: The long-running reggae series SIMPLY THE BEST lives up to its name with volume 39, delivering another dazzling dose of non-stop good-time party grooves. Alternating between the modern R&B-ish roots reggae of Tessanne's "Broken Hearted Melody" and dancehall fare like Elephant Man's aggressive, club beat-heavy "Sweep," the compilation serves as a fine representation of the many faces of the 2008 reggae scene. VP's Strictly the Best series has proven to be a reliable, well-selected summation of what's happening in reggae and dancehall around whatever particular volume's release date. Vol. 39 is a particularly high-quality entry thanks to the abundance of great roots music that appeared in the summer of 2008 while meanwhile, on the dancehall side, superstars Elephant Man and Busy Signal were both keeping busy release schedules. This volume also sees the continuing evolution of Mr. Evil, going from novelty to serious artist, plus the rise of Serani, who sounds like a cross between Jah Cure and Usher on his great "Playing Games." The icing on the cake is Etana's empowering "I Am Not Afraid" plus Tony Rebel at his most organic on the moving poverty number "Another Bill Again." ~ David Jeffries

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