This is not only one of the best Johnny Clarke collections on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best roots reggae releases ever. Released by the late, lamented Blood & Fire label in 1998, it brings together a dozen of Clarke’s best recordings from Bunny Lee’s studio in the late 1970s, including the deathless “Every Knee Shall Bow” and the extremely dread “African Roots” (both in extended mixes, with dub versions appended seamless onto the ends of the regular vocal versions). Some tracks feature Lee’s trademark “flying cymbals” sound, and all of them nicely showcase Clarke’s light and gorgeous voice.

– Rick Anderson