Like the RAS label out of Washington, D.C., VP Records has found success as a stateside label specializing in modern dancehall reggae. Whereas RAS focuses on more roots-minded vocal and DJ cuts, VP keeps attuned almost exclusively to the digital ragga sounds that came to the fore during the '90s. The label certainly has one of the most impressive rosters in this respect, including the likes of
Buju Banton,
Beenie Man,
General Degree,
Lady Saw,
Beres Hammond, and
Bounty Killer, among many others. This fourth installment in VP's high-profile
Reggae Gold series offers up prime cuts from all these singers and DJs, along with some updated roots-ragga from
Luciano as well as a fine
Gregory Isaacs and
Lady Saw duet on an update of "Night Nurse." Other standout tracks include
Saw's ribald "No Long Talk" (her infamous vocal gymnastics taking on
Diamanda Galas proportions),
Bounty Killer's tight bit of robotic funk "Benz & the Bimma," and
General Degree's slinky rub-a-dub cut "When I Hold You Tonight." Those in need of more traditional vocalizing can look forward to
Beres Hammond's sunny "Love From a Distance" and
Mikey Spice's "Showers of Blessing." And after getting the cloying taste of
Junior Tucker's abysmal pop-lite side "Love Somebody" out of your mouth, be sure to also check out more prime sides by both
Shabba Ranks and
Banton. Also featuring the stellar production work of studio luminaries like
Steely & Clevie,
Sly & Robbie,
Bobby Digital, and Phillip Burell,
Reggae Gold '96 makes for a fine introduction to the world of digital reggae. ~ Stephen Cook