VP's
Strictly the Best series has proven to be a reliable, well-selected summation of what's happening in reggae and dancehall around whatever particular volume's release date.
Vol. 39 is a particularly high-quality entry thanks to the abundance of great roots music that appeared in the summer of 2008 while meanwhile, on the dancehall side, superstars
Elephant Man and
Busy Signal were both keeping busy release schedules. This volume also sees the continuing evolution of
Mr. Evil, going from novelty to serious artist, plus the rise of
Serani, who sounds like a cross between
Jah Cure and
Usher on his great "Playing Games." The icing on the cake is
Etana's empowering "I Am Not Afraid" plus
Tony Rebel at his most organic on the moving poverty number "Another Bill Again." ~ David Jeffries