The Linval Tompson Trojan Roots Album Collection

He may not be a huge name in the world of reggae, but Linval Tompson is much more than a footnote in the genre's history, having played an important role in establishing ‘conscious reggae’ and then dancehall in the late 70s and 80s. Tompson was a singer and producer, and this collection brings together his first full-length album, I Love Marijuana, released in 1978, as well as albums he produced for Big Joe and Trinity, and various bonuses. On his own release Tompson paints a vivid picture of life in Kingston, with serenades for a number of loves, including marijuana (clearly), and tracks that speak of social issues and the need for brotherly love. Lyrically it's dynamite, with Tompson's voice strong and staunch drums and bass grooves throughout, but the production lacks the variety and detail needed for essential status.

Trinit's Rock in the Ghetto builds on the sound, with dub effects and sweet counterpoints between Trinit's characterful deejay vocals and the backing tracks – this is the proto-dancehall sound that Tompson was influential in creating. ‘Follow My Heart’ and ‘Easy Does It’ are joyful tracks, adding experimentation to the roots reggae sound, finding a sweet spot where the heart, mind and soul can acquiesce. Big Joe's effort is not as compelling, his vocals and the rawer production holding it back, though there are moments of fire (‘Tubby at the Controls’ has a sweet flow), as is the case with the bonus tracks, including a couple of Tompson's sparse dub workouts for Scientist.