Record Label: Pop-A-Top Records
Genre: Ska/Reggae/Rocksteady
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com

With “Earth Scorchers” being the first time that I have ever heard anything from Pop-A-Top Records, I had to double check and make sure that I wasn’t stuck in a time warp listening to a lost disc to a Trojan box set.

“Earth Scorchers” is a ska/reggae/rocksteady compilation that contains 14 of the sweetest selections from the “Shocks Of Mighty” sound system. Most of the tracks on the compilation are instrumentals, which usually disappoint me, but I found most of the songs upbeat and full of energy. The Spearmint Rhino Horns are the perfect example of this. They’re an instrumental band but they play a ska sound that relies heavily on bouncy bass and soulful horns and is reminiscent of the Skatalites. On the other end of the spectrum is Preston Steel who puts forth a mellower ska sound that puts you in mind of a younger Roland Alphonso.

Out of all the artists on “Earth Scorchers” my personal favorite would have to be Sandra Bell. Coming from a soul background, she brings her beautiful harmonies to the world of reggae. Her sound is a throwback to the early Studio One days and will have you skankin in an instant. There are three of her tracks on this compilation as well as one duet with the title track, “Earth Scorcher” being the strongest with Sandra’s voice booming over a faster reggae track with heavenly horns and an almost tribal feel too it.

With a handful of lesser known ska, reggae and rocksteady artists on this compilation, those artists manage to provide a great soundtrack to anyone’s late summer afternoon. Whether you’re having a backyard barbeque or lounging by the pool, “Earth Scorchers” manages to introduce you to a handful of talented artists as well as provide you with a great listening experience. Here’s to many more “Earth Scorchers” in the future!

Bottom Line: A great compilation of the many forms of Jamaican music from a handful of up-and-coming artists.
Notable Tracks: Sandra Bell-“Earth Scorcher”, The Spearmint Rhino Horns-“The Monkey Club”, Nevil & Sandra-“I Said Yeah”
Overall Rating: