Uptown Top Ranking: Joe Gibbs Reggae Productions 1970-1978. CD

Best known in some ways for his important work as rocksteady producer, Joe Gibbs' résumé also takes in the heady reggae years of the '70s and even the early days of dancehall. All told, he will go down as one of the most important figures in the music's history. Complementing his many rocksteady and early reggae compilations already on Trojan, Uptown Top Ranking takes in several of Gibbs popular and critical successes from 1970-1978. The 23 tracks feature such smashes as Nicky Thomas' "Love of the Common People," Dennis Brown's "Money in My Pocket," Prince Far I's "Heavy Manners," and the title hit by Althea and Donna. With engineer Errol Thompson at the controls, Gibbs turned out a slew of hits during the period, including dub, DJ, vocal, and instrumental sides. And while some of Gibbs' finest moments can be heard on his and Thompson's African Dub All-Mighty volumes, this collection certainly will please fans, especially considering additional highlights from the likes of Max Romeo, the Mighty Diamonds, Peter Tosh, the Heptones, Big Youth, and Junior Byles. A must for all reggae fans. ~ Stephen Cook

Full title: Uptown Top Ranking: Joe Gibbs Reggae Productions 1970-1978.