Finally Trojan Records returns with another hefty and well-compiled compilation. The Treasure Isle Story comes with four discs and a whopping 115 tracks, of which 29 (!) are new to CD, including unreleased versions and alternate cuts.
Duke Reid and his label Treasure Isle have been compiled many, many times over the years, but this compilation is the first comprehensive anthology and includes a deep look at reggae – from mento and ska to reggae and of course rocksteady; this is what made Treasure Isle famous. Duke Reid certainly had a keen ear for melody.
The hits here are way too many to mention, but standout cuts include Justin Hinds & The Dominoes’ raw Carry Go Bring Home, The Techniques’ beautiful You Don’t Care and Jaya Landis’ pulsating Moonlight Lover.
Gems from the deeper side of the vaults include The Silvertones’ lively Don’t Run For A Hiding Place and Pat Kelly’s a cappella version of the gorgeous I Wish It Would Rain.
This album is well-balanced and comes at a bargain price. Essential to any music collection.
Reggaemani 