Still One Drop [PA]

Performer: Various Artists/Irievibrations
Artist: Ward 21; Perfect; Anthony B.; Nelly; Jahcoustix
Producer: Professa; Syrix; Bassix
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Lorenz Spritzendorfer (saxophone); Dieter Stemmer (keyboards). Audio Mixer: Syrix. Audio Remasterer: Martin Scheer. Germanophone Europe continues to carry the roots reggae banner more proudly than any other world region, weird though that may seem -- Jamaica certainly dropped that flag long ago, and not even London or Birmingham seems particularly interested anymore. Berlin has long been a hotbed of traditional (and experimental) reggae, but Vienna is beginning to give that city a run for its money. The latest studio to emerge as a power in the area is Irievibrations, which is also the name of the production team of Professa and Syrix, who have gathered an all-star lineup of singers to voice their rhythms on this excellent collection. As the title indicates, the sound here is strictly roots-wise, with a focus on the "one drop" rhythmic structure that characterized much of Jamaica's reggae output between the rocksteady and rockers periods in the early 1970s. While the album includes a fairly limp rendition of the Police pop hit "Roxanne," there are no other real low points here: Konshens demonstrates an admirable singjay flow on the funky reggae workout "All About the Paper"; Anthony B explores reggaeton territory (and indulges the usual Bobo Dread pyromania) on "Throw It Pon Dem"; Burro Banton serves up some galloping ska on "Run the Streets Red"; and Ward 21 delivers dark lyrics over a brilliantly swinging, cheerful groove on "No Love." Almost every track here is noteworthy, and the whole thing makes one hope that we'll hear more very soon from this highly talented production crew. ~ Rick Anderson

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