100% dynamite!
various artists
Soul jazz records - 2001

by Josh the horn blower
02/02/2002

I came across these interesting little compilations when i saw them situated in front of me at my local CD store being advertised courtesy of ‘vibes on a hot summer’s day’. The Jamaican colours of one of the covers caught me and I had a look then had to have a listen. I felt betrayed in not having previously known of these CD’s as I ended up buying ‘500% dynamite’; the fifth of a series of five (so far!). The CD’s released on the label ‘soul jazz records’ which I know little about, (even after a quick scan on the net) and despite being bagged by the shop as an R&B label, they look to be doing some great stuff.

These CD’s are a compilation of ska, soul, rocksteady, funk, dancehall and dub numbers from as far back as the 60’s and all re-produced to get a better sound courtesy of the new millennium. It features artists from as far back as the 60’s with names like Red Rat, Augustus Pablo and to me an unknown soldier by the name of Tiger Ranks. Tiger has a song called ‘party with me’ and if someone out there could double check me by listening to this song, because it sounds like the ‘inspiration’ for our corporate hero Eminem’s famous number ‘slim shady’; don’t get me wrong tho, this Tiger Ranks goes off!!

Other artists that rear their heads on the previous releases off this series include; the great ‘king tubby’, lee perry, the aggravators, the skatellites and many many more! These CD’s all have a great choice of songs brilliant for any one willing to delve deeper into our ska roots. It's also of notable interest for anyone who thinks there pretty clued up on it all, cause god knows there are heaps of songs and artists on here who I’ve never heard of with some great music.

Go out and have a listen because these CD’s actually are dynamite!

-Josh