Despite its title, the first of Dub Syndicate’s two Classic Selection compilations actually pulls together a fair amount of material that isn’t available elsewhere: 11 of the 17 tracks are previously unreleased, while one was from an obscure 12" single and one was a radio theme. There are the usual cameos from the likes of Andy Fairley and Bim Sherman, and adaptations of songs by the likes of Horace Andy (“See a Man’s Face”) and Keith Hudson (“Satan Side”). And of course there are oddities, like an arrangement of the Dr. Who theme. Throughout, Style Scott’s drums and Adrian Sherwood’s production provide a consistent foundation for one of the most inventive sounds in reggae music.

– Rick Anderson