- The latest Masterpiece from Ministry Of Sound is a three-CD compilation that basically tells the story of David Rodigan's life in music. If you know anything about Roddy, you've probably already guessed that this is worth your time. Rodigan is one of the greatest-ever reggae selectors. He's been challenging and beating the world's best reggae DJs in sound clashes since the '80s. Legendary Jamaican selectors such as Barry G and Bass Odyssey have been slain by his unparalleled collection of dubplates. He even won the World Cup Clash in 2012. If that wasn't enough, he's also a hugely respected broadcaster. He's been playing reggae on the radio since the '70s, earned an MBE for "services to broadcasting" and was inducted into the Sony Radio Academy Hall Of Fame. He's worked with almost every major reggae star in history—if I had to pick a highlight, it would be the time he interviewed Bob Marley on his Capital Radio show, then aired the world exclusive of "Could You Be Loved." Put simply, the man's a don.
Given Rodigan's inextricable link with the West Indies, it's surprising to hear Masterpiece kick off with classic rock and soul records. The Yardbirds, Kinks and Marvin Gaye all reflect his years as a teenage mod in the late '60s. There's even the oddball instrumental rock of "Telstar," a favorite of both DJ Harvey and Margret Thatcher. It's only late in the first disc that expected service starts with early ska from Justin Hinds And The Dominoes. From there comes a selection of wonderful Jamaican music that covers just about the genre's entire narrative. Naturally, there are classics from the likes of Desmond Decker, Bob Marley and Augustus Pablo, but also newer tracks from Busy Signal and Riva Starr.
The best stuff on Masterpiece is the conscious reggae from The Abyssinians and Alton Elis. The former's "Black Man's Pride" is one the greatest records ever written about racial strife. As Rodigan said in an interview with Gilles Peterson, "The songs that made reggae music truly great, internationally recognized and deeply loved were the songs that spoke out against injustice." Another standout track is the mega-rare "Knock Out Punch" by King Tubby and Johnny Clarke, a perfect study in minimalistic dub.
Not all of Masterpiece is up to this standard, but to be fair, not much music is. That's not too much of a problem though. David Rodigan is a traditional selector, which means he doesn't mix—if you want to skip the odd track, you're not losing out. You have to give Ministry Of Sound credit for the Masterpiece series, which has drawn great results from Rodigan as well as Andrew Weatherall and Gilles Peterson. Perhaps they're finally seeking atonement for The Very Best Of Euphoric Funky House Breakdown.
TracklistCD1: Hey Youthman Track
01. The Kinks - You Really Got Me
02. The Yardbirds - For Your Love
03. Marvin Gaye - Ain't That Peculiar
04. The Impressions - Gypsy Woman
05. James Brown & The Famous Flames - I Loves You Porgy
06. Etta James - At Last
07. The Tornadoes - Telstar
08. Small Faces - Itchycoo Park
09. Dusty Springfield - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
10. Bessie Banks - Go Now
11. Aaron Neville - Tell It Like It Is
12. Jet Harris & Tony Meehan - Diamonds
13. Justin Hinds & The Dominos - Carry Go Bring Come
14. Desmond Dekker - Beautiful And Dangerous
15. Alton Ellis - Black Man's Pride
16. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Small Axe
17. Delroy Wilson - Love Uprising
18. Augustus Pablo - Java
CD2: Cool Out Son Track
01. Dennis Brown - My Time
02. Bob Andy - Life
03. The Heptones - Meaning Of Life
04. The Abyssinians - Poor Jason Whyte
05. Freddie McGregor - Big Ship
06. Johnny Osbourne & The Sensations - See And Blind
07. Brent Dowe - When The Sun Goes
08. Jackie Edwards & Julie Anne - In Paradise
09. Cornell Campbell - Harry Hippy
10. Lloyd Charmers - Colour Him Father
11. Tessanne Chin - You Got What I Need
12. Etana - Reggae
13. Tarrus Riley feat. Winston 'Mr Fix It' Francis - Hurt Me
14. Aswad - Back To Africa
15. Astrud Gilberto - (Take Me To) Aruanda
16. Arthur Prysock - Autumn In New York
17. Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters - A Quiet Place
18. Billy Stewart - Sitting In The Park
CD3: Stepping Out of Babylon Track
01. Lee "Scratch" Perry and The Upsetters - Black Panta
02. Marcia Griffiths - Stepping Out Of Babylon
03. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley - One Loaf Of Bread (Something For You)
04. Luciano - Deliverance
05. Exco Levi - Storms Of Life
06. Nadine Sutherland - Karma
07. Riva Starr feat. Bob Andy - The Care Song
08. Amy Winehouse - You're Wondering Now
09. Liam Bailey - When Will They Learn
10. Cate Ferris - Blaze Bright
11. Beres Hammond - No Candlelight
12. Ini Kamoze - England Be Nice
13. Raging Fyah - Nah Look Back
14. King Tubby & Johnny Clarke - Knock Out Punch
15. Busy Signal - Modern Day Slavery
16. Morgan Heritage - Stand Up
17. The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra feat. Bitty McLean - Fu Man Chu
18. Paul S.C.U.B.I Smith - Word Smith