This is another top draw selection by Soul Jazz records from the stable of Jamaican music; Studio One. Dedicated to legendary Studio One producer Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, who passed away in 2004, this CD is an excellant taster of the wide ranging talent that came out of the label.
Most of the big names feature here, the album kicks of with the swinging rocksteady style of The Skaatalites, "El Pussy Ska," and the beatiful summertime feel of,"love me forever." Instrumental group Sound Dimension deliver a couple of pounding rhythm tracks. My favourite tracks have to be the busy, bustling,"Automatic," by Lone Ranger and the wonderful bluesy lament from Jennifer Lara on,"Consider me." So many of the songs are tender and frankly romantic. Another track to look out for is Prince Jazzbo's,"School," the tune is so infectious.
It was always going to be difficult deciding which tracks to put on this album. There are literally hundreds of great tunes in the Studio One back catalogue and one CD can never be more than only a smattering of this hot-bed of Jamaican music's output. I recommend this and the other titles in the series such as,"Studio One Scorcher," and,"Studio One Roots."