Hi Fashion Riddim – Stingray Records

Freddie McGregor and Gappy Ranks give Hi Fashion Riddim its sharpest opening shot with “Standing Strong, ” and that set the tone for Stingray Records’ 2013 reggae juggling: a mix of roots-minded singers, veteran voices and a few harder-edged deejay cuts moving over the same clean, modern step. The sequence keeps the energy shifting nicely, from Raymond Wright’s smooth “Show Some Luv” and Brigadier Jerry’s “Evil Plan” to Suga Roy and Conrad Crystal on “Let Them Talk, ” then into Freddie McGregor’s solo “Bobby Babylon, ” a title that ties back to the classic Bobby Babylon riddim lineage. Fifteen tracks and sixteen artists are listed on the release, with the final stretch bringing in Bunny Lye Lye, Jon Pecus and Poppa Biggie before closing on “Maffe Fashion” from Leroy Mafia.