A key style in Jamaican music during the 70s – the mode of the DJ, which often featured a toaster speaking over more familiar tunes – adding spoken bits and
new lyrics in the process, in a mode that many claim was a key influence on the
birth of hip hop! The relationship between the two forms isn't exactly a straight line – but the approach is somewhat similar – a way sharing enthusiasm about the music and grooves, by adding in
new verbal aspects that take things in a whole
new direction. And given that toasting tracks were often not as played as straighter vocal numbers, there's plenty here that's
new and fresh – a very specific and unusual take on the 70s years of reggae, and one that takes you way past the hits. Titles include "Mava" by Dennis Alcapone, "Monkey Spanner" by Dave & Ansel Collins, "Fire Corner" by King Stitt, "Sunday Dish" by Early B, "We Hot" by Charlie Chaplin, "Tighten Up Skank" by Dillinger, "Blackman's Time" by I Roy, "Buttercup" by Winston Scotland, and "Home Guard" by Mikey Campbell.