CD Review

By CLINTON LINDSAY

TITLE                                      ARTIST                                   LABEL

The Ultimate 2009                 Various Artists                       Tad’s

Rating: ****

Back in 1989 VP Records, started a compilation series of some of the year’s hottest and best hit songs. Being Reggae’s main distributor in the United States, VP Records has access to many of the independent producers’ vault of hits. So it was a very good idea to offer these many hits on a single album. For collectors, and the record-buying public alike, it was a God-sent idea. And over the years, many others distributors have adapted the idea of this hit-laden compilation.

Since the return of Tad’s Records a couple years ago, they have also embarked on releasing their own hit-laden compilation, namely The Hit List, Reggae Jammin’, and this, the third installation of The Ultimate (previously named The Ultimate Dancehall Xperience). And what a compilation this is!  This time, Tad’s Records seems to outdid itself. All twenty-three tracks are major hits (or in the process of becoming such).

 It opens with Gramps Morgan “Wash The Tears” follows by Buju Banton’s “Time And A Place” -which is now making its way up both the NY and SF charts. One of my favorite young and upcoming artists today is Romain Virgo, his “Wanna Go Home” is included. “A Thousand Miles Away” by Ras Penco, “Life” by G Whizz, “Good Life” from Wayne Marshall, “Mama You Alone” by I-Octane, and “Completely” by Vybz Kartel and Gaza Hindu, are among the tracks that are making their presence felt on the New York and South Florida Reggae charts.

Again, this is major economic deal for the record-buying public. There are other outstanding tracks on The Ultimate 2009. Queen Ifrica’s “Nine Out Of Ten” will no doubt be a big hit, it is already garnering massive airplay. “Holiday Inn” by Terry Linen was a recent No.1 in SF. Mr. Vegas with “I’m Blessed” is a major tune, so is the combination of Jah Cure and Jahranimo on “I’m Free.” I especially like “You Nuh See It” by Richie Spice, and “Forever Yours” by Tami Chin. Only disappointment is the inclusion of Beenie Man’s “Stack And Pile” – they could have found a better track from The Doctor, and there is no Beres Hammond on this volume!

However, with a nice liner note from Richard “Richie B” Burgess of Hot 102FM, in Jamaica, The Ultimate 2009 may eventually be Tad’s biggest selling album since coming back in the business. Congratulations to Tad Dawkins and crew, nice collection of hits. Fans around the world are thanking you too. This is truly what a strictly the best compilation should be, the best. Keep them coming!