Greensleeves Rhythm Album Vol. 2: Virus CD - Import

The second in the Greensleeves series of single-riddim records, Virus was produced by the Madd Dawgz production team, and laid down by drummer Mikey Williamson and keyboardists Tony Thomas and Christopher Meredith. Stripped back but bristling with menace, this riddim infected a slew of DJs, old hands succumbing alongside such newcomers as Lexxus, Kiprich, Madd Anju, Egg Nog, and Frassman. The sweet, romantic Delon help listeners identify the riddim's antecedents, Britney Spears' "One More Time," but few others will nod in that direction. Instead, the mighty Capleton sets the standard with his ferocious "Caan Hold We Dung." Mad Cobra lays down the law to women, while Degree is surrounded by "pure sexy bodies," Elephant Man by women troubles, but there's only one woman for Red Rat. Madd Anju is mad about them all, and can't comprehend why other men don't all feel the same. Mr. Vegas, meanwhile, will have all the girls down to their "Itsy Bitsy"s in no time, except the girls who like the girls whom Foxy Cat complains about. It's still early days yet, but this kind of gay bashing will come back to haunt the whole dancehall scene. But at the time, it was the calls of "fire bun" that was exciting condemnations, even so Hawkeye adds to the flames; there's no stopping him, nor an equally powerful Goofy. One could try dousing a particularly belligerent Alley Cat, but it's doubtful you could put out his incendiary toast either. With a fiery riddim and storming performances, Virus is the standard for this series; it should run for years. ~ Jo-Ann Greene

Recording information: 321 Strong; Anchor Recording Studio; Main Street Recording Studio; Studio 2000.

Personnel: Tony Thomas, Tony Thomas , Christopher Meredith (keyboards); Mikey Williamson (drums); Cleveland "Clevie" Browne, Delroy Reid (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Mikey Williamson.