Trojan Roots

Trojan deliver the goods again , fantastic boxset in the usual Trojan high standard .

If Trojan keeps putting out these wonderful remastered boxsets, will they achieve some kind of world domination? As much as I like to support the little guy, this time I have to praise a true winner. Run, don't walk, to buy it!

top compilation. highly recommended

Of the three Trojan box sets with "roots" in the title, this is quite possibly the best. It is the first one released, and seemingly before Trojan entered into the "sound war" of everything-louder-than-everything else CD mastering that is going on these days. Played next to the "Roots Reggae" or "Roots & Culture" boxsets this sounds positively puny, but what it lacks in loud sonics, it makes up for in spirited performances, and a rare tracklisting. There are also no extended 12" discomixes on here,(apart from "Talk About It" by The Mighty Diamonds), like on the "Roots Reggae" one, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you feel about such things. This collection also dips into material from the early reggae era, with some jerky, scratchy rocksteady sounding tracks (Max Romeo's "The Coming Of Jah", The Ethiopians), but of the crucial roots period there are some delightfully heavy stompers present (Johnny Osbourne's "Purify Your Heart" and Lizzard's "Milk & Honey" especially).To clear things up and correct some mistakes, The Sons Of Selassie features Max Romeo on vocals; New Town Sound Ltd. is actually Prince Far I's publishing company name (the song "I And I Are The Chosen One" is from Prince Far I's "Free From Sin" album); and the track listed as The Black Shadows "Brother Noah" isn't that track at all...it is actually another Lee "Scratch" Perry production - a dub of Debra Keese's "Travelling" called "Nyambie Dub". You'll have to get the "Roots & Culture" box set to hear The Black Shadows track (and you should).All said, this is probably the most varied of these Trojan things with "roots" as it's theme; quality early reggae, fine DJ cuts, and deep, deep cultural material. And the best cut of Rupie Edwards' forever versioned "Ire Feelings" rhythm, "Rasta Dreadlocks" by the Heaven Singers too! Phew...

If you've been a collector of Trojan's seemingly inexhaustible flow of box sets, you'll know the quality can go down as well as up - the Dub and Tighten Up sets great, the Rare Groove and Rastafarian ones not so hot. This Roots box set, I'm delighted to report, is fantastic and the best I've bought so far. Focusing on the golden age (in my opinion!)of reggae - 1970-1980 - this set features Roots at its finest; from the honeyed harmonies of the Heptones and the Mighty Diamonds to the trench-deep basslines underpinning the likes of Mr Bojangles' 'Ten Dread Commandments' and Big Youth's 'Dread Is Best'. Any dread revelations? Well, Ras Michael and The Sons Of Negus contribute three stunning tracks studded with Nyahbinghi drumming, while the New Town Sound's stupendous 'I And I Are The Chosen One' - no, that's not an earthquake, it's the speaker-shredding bass - will leave you a quivering, beautiful mess. Jah Rastafari? With bells on, brethren...

If you have been a long term roots reggae fan like me, you will know the vast array of material available in the market place doesn't always match the billing. This box set however, does exactly what it says on the tin and more.If you like your reggae crackly and rare, this is the one for you. New Town Sound limited steal the show with the bassiest, gruffest tune you will ever hear, however, most tracks on each of the 3 cds are classic rarities.Buy it, and don't look back, this is the real deal for those like the revival style.

Being a footy fan good ska, rocksteady and general forms of reggae are vital to my Saturday and this Roots compilation from Trojan pure hits the spot! Roundabout track 5 on the first CD you'll be aching for some herbal relief to enhance your music pleasures even more. By this stage you'll already heard the exceptional "Cool Rasta," "Rise in the Strength Jah," and "Rise Jah Jah Children." Just when you thought it couldn't get any better up pops "History" by Carlton Jackson, my speakers clearly aren't big enough!The whole mood is one of mellow enlightenment; with the musical arrangements so clear you can almost touch the sandy beaches and clear blue skies of warmer climes. I can't believe some of these tracks are older than me!!!To be honest I would pay this price for just one CD let alone 3!Buy this and refuse to get distressed otherwise 'tings will go missing, Jah bless!