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A killer debut from Black Slate – one of the leading lights in British reggae at the start of the 80s – and a group with a warmly soulful sound! Black Slate have a great way of sounding smooth, but never too slick – a balance between their laidback energy and the mellow production modes of the set – all of which give them a vibe that's a bit like the best of Third World in the late 70s, although less commercial overall. The album's got a wonderfully warm appeal – and were it on Island Records, would have undoubtedly cracked the charts on this side of the Atlantic too. But it's also that overseas obscurity that makes it a bit more of a gem overall. Titles include "Amigo", "Sticks Man 80", "Boom Boom", "Romans", "Thin Line Between Love & Hate", and "Freedom Time". CD also features bonus tracks – "Black Slate Rock (12" version)", "Amigo (single)", and "Boom Boom (single)".

Tracks includes "Chaos (7" Mix)", "Alcohol", "Charlton Heston", and "Living It Down".

Great group gospel work from The Stars Of Bethlehem – one of those great old-style harmony combos who had many of the same elements as doo wop in their music! The vocal interplay here is really wonderful – joyous, but also with a wickedly secular undercurrent too – surprisingly unbridled on some of the livelier cuts, which almost come across like rockers. Titles include "Nobody Knows", "Above My Head", "The Minister", "Stranger", "Every Once In Awhile", "Family Prayer", and "I Know Somebody".