Reggae Anthology: Joe Gibbs - Scorchers from the Mighty Two

Joe Gibbs’ most famous production was unquestionably the thunderous Two Sevens Clash, an apocalyptic Old Testament-quoting anthem that reflected the social and political turmoil wracking Jamaica in the latter half of the ‘70s. The Mighty Diamonds clearly modeled their epochal Right Time on that album's incendiary blend of harmony and politics, while British punk outfit the Clash, named themselves after it. It’s hardly surprising that this well-assembled if less than comprehensive collection of Gibbs’ best work should open with this deathless tune, but the variety of rarities and classics contained herein comes as a pleasant surprise. While era-defining tunes like George Nooks’ slow burning “Tribal War” and Althea and Donna’s dancehall-wrecking “Uptown Top Ranking” make their expected appearances, it’s the inclusion of relatively obscure tunes like Gregory Isaacs overlooked “Babylon Too Tough,” Cornell Campbell’s heart-stopping “Rope In” and DJ Trinity’s take on the classic “Loving Pauper” that make this set a truly essential reminder of Gibbs incomparable talents as a producer.