Various Artists - Total Reggae: Trench Town Rock (VP Records)

Of course, in a list of 40 songs chances are there's some chaff among the wheat (the absolute low point on this compilation being the dancehall version of 'Put It On' by a certain Elan), but luckily 'Trench Town Rock' also includes quite a few excellent interpretations. Dennis Brown wasn't called the Crown Prince of reggae for no reason, and his songs on 'Trench Town Rock' - 'Slave Driver', 'Rainbow Country', 'Concrete Jungle' - were the ones that could convince us most (followed closely by Freddie McGregor and Cocoa Tea). But also make sure to check the version of 'Crazy Baldhead' by Beenie Man and Luciano, the great 'Natural Mystic' - that xylophone - by The Heptones, or Leroy Smart's take on 'Waiting In Vain'. In any case with 'Trench Town Rock' you'll be spoilt for choice and at 10 € only, this is a real bargain!