Greensleeves Sampler 2

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Established in 1975, Greensleeves Records quickly earned the respect of reggae fans through a series of classic roots releases. Dr. Alimantado's Best Dressed Chicken in Town, Black Uhuru's Black Sounds of Freedom, and Augustus Pablo's Original Rockers set were all licensed by the label for U.K. release. In the decade that followed, they aligned themselves with some of the most successful producers of the dancehall period, including Henry "Junjo" Lawes and Gussie Clarke. The second volume in Greensleeves' Sampler series draws from this period, offering a cross-section of dancehall hits, ragga cuts, and lovers rock from some of the biggest names of the period. Featured are dancehall divas J.C. Lodge and Deborah Glasgow, DJs Yellowman and Tippa Irie, and singer Ini Kamoze. Though this new generation of artists all scored hits for Greensleeves, the label also welcomed a number of reggae's originators into the digital age. The '80s found Gregory Isaacs continuing his long run of success with "Rumors." Though the track may have been just one of his many triumphs from the period, it was arguably his finest moment, successfully marrying the roots sensibility to a dancehall sheen. Elsewhere, "Fly Me to the Moon" proves that the new technology did little to change the approach of Burning Spear (and for good reason) and the great Augustus Pablo immerses himself in the new sounds on the instrumental "Dubbing the Oppressors." Adding substantial hits like Lodge's "Telephone Lover" and Irie's "Hello Darling," Greensleeves Sampler, Vol. 2 provides a nice overview of the music that ruled the dancehalls of the day.

k.A.