Trojan Presents Roots: 40 Roots & Culture Classics CD

Sanctuary's Trojan Records theme compilations, focusing on some aspect of the legendary reggae imprint's vast discography, have always offered great introductions to various sub-genres and historical movements. This latest volume is no exception. Over the course of two CDs, it delivers a perfect introduction to the "roots" sound via stone cold classics from Johnny Clarke, Junior Byles ("Curly Locks", based on the "Police & Thieves" riddim), Burning Spear, The Congas, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Junior Murvin (the superb "Roots Train Number One"), Max Romeo (the peerless "Chase The Devil") and Lee 'Scratch' Perry ("Dreadlocks in Moonlight"). Serious reggae heads will no doubt already own much of the material, but for newcomers this should be an essential purchase.