Grass Roots Volume 1 – L.a Records

Grass Roots Volume 1 feels a bit different from the cleaner, better-known roots packages L. A. Records is remembered for, with this one leaning into that early-’80s rough-hewn compilation style and spreading the heat across 12 different voices rather than chasing a single star turn. The best stretch comes from the way veteran names sit beside deeper cuts: Derrick Morgan’s “Ride The Rythm, ” Mike Brooks’ “It’s A Wonderful World, ” and Yellowman’s “Morning Ride” give the set its pull, while Lee Perry’s “The Zoic” adds a sly left-field touch. The sound is all earthy bass, lean drum work, and that slightly raw studio feel that suits the era, so the whole thing plays like a snapshot of reggae moving through the roots-to-dancehall transition. This volume runs 12 tracks deep, with Ansel Collins, Clive Tennors, Ras Dakarai, and the rest filling out the set.